The more serene and calm we are, the more effective we can be in offering Reiki to our animal companions or to shelter animals. In the space of gentle and soothing tranquility, we are clearer conduits for this radiant, healing energy and the easier it is to establish a “heart connection” with our animal.

To be in that tranquil, peaceful Reiki space is always our goal, yet our surroundings wherever we are working with an animal can be full of distractions.

I am always reminded of this when I volunteer at my animal rescue center. There are phones ringing, cats and dogs meowing/barking, other volunteers coming and going. Sometimes other volunteers are speaking in very raised and busy voices and they are not even aware that I am nearby doing Reiki.

A shelter or rescue is not exactly a quiet, peaceful Reiki environment that a Practitioner might consider optimal. Yet animals housed here are the ones that so are in need of healing!

It is helpful to do some deep “hara” breathing to keep grounded and centered and just let the Reiki energy flow. (“Hara” is the Japanese word for belly and these deep belly breaths help keep you connected to the Earth.) You can also do the technique of Joshin Kokyo Ho to keep yourself focused in the Reiki space and to create a beautiful “healing bubble” surrounding you and the animal(s) with which you are working.

I have been fortunate at times that I have been either the only one present at the rescue, or one of a few and there was a much quieter atmosphere. However, there are always those times that the noise level is high, so one must always be flexible in coping with these normal distractions, and just focusing in on connecting with your animal.

This busy scenario could even be your own house when you are offering Reiki to your own pet. There may be other family members around or there may be much noise inside and/or outside where you live. Just make the choice to tune out these distractions. And do not let the busy-ness level hinder you from offering a Reiki session to an animal.

Focusing on your breathing, and breathing slowly and very calmly is always a good step. Imagining that you have roots reaching down from the base of your spine and your feet, will help you stay grounded and rooted into the powerful, stable energy of the Earth.

As the Universal Life Force energy flows within you, you will be even more balanced and centered. Strive to be present in the Reiki space with your animal. Let distractions brush off and tune them out as best as possible.  Simply enjoy that beautiful, energetic connection and bond that Reiki creates between you and your animal…