During my weekly volunteer time at a New Hampshire shelter, the most unexpected animal was brought in to receive support. My passion to offer Reiki to animals expanded into local shelters and since 2008 this has brought incredible personal teachings in partnership with these animals. This is a very different environment to share Reiki and the experiences have brought new insights into how Reiki brings undeniable emotional and physical healing to animals who were either untouchable or highly traumatized. The biggest gift has been the staff’s reactions to the sometimes immediate shifts in the animals they care for and know so well. Reiki rippling out to those around the energy.
Animals are the most amazing teachers, especially with Reiki. They have taught me to release my desire to heal them; sometimes they are in transition, and Reiki brings a sense of peace and support during this time when they are ready to complete their life. They have responded well when I remember to be a grounded and neutral channel for the energy, trusting that each animal will know exactly how to receive it and when they have had enough.
Their innate sensitivity to blending energy through a human conduit brings an importance to release agenda, be respectful of boundaries, offer Reiki without expectation, and open to a most beautiful and profound heart and soul connection.
Back to the Shelter, when a local person found a white mouse lying on the ground outside his home, the mouse was struggling and presumed to be dying. He brought the mouse to the shelter. They recognized this creature as likely to be a feeder mouse; these mice are bred as food for snakes. It had a bloated belly and was lying on its side, not moving. They had given it time to potentially recover, but it was fading fast. A staff member had made an appointment to have the mouse humanely euthanized to prevent any further suffering.
We were preparing the list of dogs and cats who would receive a Reiki session. I felt a clear and compelling desire to help the mouse in some way. Bringing unconditional energy helps the animal decide whether it wants to choose life or death. It is a wonderful lesson in remembering that animals know the cycle of life, and with Reiki, we can support their choices. Some staff at the shelter believed in Reiki, some knew a little, and others did not resonate with it at all.
I gently cradled the mouse in my hands and began to create a blanket of energy, without an agenda of the outcome. As we all continued to chat, I simply held the mouse in the warmth of Reiki in my hands. No matter the mouse’s choice, it was being supported with unconditional love, free to make its own decisions.
As time went by, I could feel movement from the mouse, I squealed with excitement as it was becoming clear this mouse was choosing to live. Then, in absolute amazement to all the people who had gathered around us, the mouse began to move more actively! It was astounding to witness this tiny creature choosing life and the expression on the faces of staff who had seen the mouse first arrive and in a dire condition! There was an incredible uplifted feeling amongst the staff who, on that particular day, had been dealing with challenges and upset around some of the animals in their care. There was a ripple of conversation, and I witnessed the mouse’s recovery bringing joy and smiles on the faces around us.
The word began to spread around the shelter, that this seemingly dead mouse was very much alive! And then I squealed again, this time because the mouse had peed on my hand. Clearly this was a great sign; its body was beginning to become active again. The excitement was rising; this was an unexpected example of how Reiki can create unbelievable changes. It was decided to cancel the appointment for euthanasia!
The mouse was given a tiny piece of cucumber, it was the cutest experience to witness up close its little ‘hands’ holding the cucumber and sitting in my palms, munching ravenously. I learned that its swollen belly was a sign of being malnourished, and it was HUNGRY! Other shelter staff were coming to visit, some who were curious as to the magic of Reiki, how it transformed the mouse, and it was clear that this lovely creature was bringing a sense of joy and amazement to those witnessing the shift, when just moments before it was deemed dying and lifeless.
Then it began to move around my palms with more gusto…… and took ANOTHER piece of cucumber. In the best interest of this little creature’s ongoing recovery it was decided to create a space with a place to burrow and to be able to move around more freely. A shelter staff brought in a cage and made up a comfy spot for the mouse to settle into. The mouse decided to burrow into the bedding and then completely redesigned the enclosure. Everyone was filled with love for the mouse, and the thrill of witnessing this change.
We were so amazed at such a miraculous recovery. And the story was to get even better. One of the staff members had an affinity for mice. A call was made, the story was shared and she volunteered to take this very special creature home. Later that evening, I was sent a picture of the mouse’s beautiful new enclosure, and the woman’s son looking lovingly at this tiny creature who brought immense joy to all who had witnessed the recovery.
Article by Michele Lowry
Michele Lowry is a Reiki Master/Teacher, Animal Communicator/Clairvoyant, Earth Magic Practitioner, and Shamanic Practitioner. In 2003, Michele created Nikoe Natural Therapies, which is dedicated to deeply understanding our animal companions, their needs, and how to see life through their eyes. In this quest, she has studied Reiki (and become a Master/Teacher), Animal Communication, Shamanism, and holistic options for health care. Her horse Echoe, her two dogs Nira and Kobo (both dogs since passed on) guided her in this journey of discovery when conventional medicine did not work and she was left to seek alternative options. She works closely with her animal clients through Reiki and Animal Communication to understand their physical, emotional, and behavioral needs and form a plan for healing. Her book Hindsight is 20/20, was published last year with the intent of helping people find peace following the transition of their animal companion. Michele also created the PHUR (Provide Healing Using Reiki) program 8 years ago and brings Reiki to shelter animals in NH and ME as a volunteer and also facilitates a monthly healing circle with other Reiki Level I volunteers.
Website: www.nikoenaturaltherapies.com