By Kathleen Prasad

Originally published in the International House of Reiki newsletter.

"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert's mind there are few."

This quote by Shunryu Suzuki illustrates what I believe is an important fact that all Reiki practitioners and teachers should remember. To me, one of the most of the most important qualities we can nurture within ourselves is that of receptivity-the quality of a beginner's mind. When we are receptive, we are open, and when we are open, the flow of the universe is easy to access and clear in its message to the heart.

By Kathleen Prasad

Bringing Reiki to your local shelter, rescue or sanctuary is not always easy. Sometimes staff may not understand what Reiki is and because of this may be a bit circumspect about allowing it to be used with their animals. And on the other hand, what if Reiki is easily welcomed at your facility? How can Reiki volunteers succeed in building a solid program that will stand the test of time? In reality all animal Reiki practitioners working in shelters are educators simply by the nature of the work they do. People want to know what Reiki is and why it might be helpful to use with the animals. And so a dialogue must begin. Following are some ideas for how Reiki Practitioners (and Teachers too) can create a solid Reiki program at the animal facility where they volunteer.

By Kathleen Prasad

By Kathleen Prasad

Animals. It's always been about the animals for me. As long as I can remember, there has been an animal in my life, at my side, walking with me through thick and thin. Animals have always been my best friends, and since I was a little girl, I have understood them well, in fact, often better than my fellow humans.

By Kathleen Prasad

Reiki News Magazine, Spring 2006 Issue

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened."

This quote, by celebrated French author Anatole France, captures in a nutshell the power and beauty of animals and the gifts they bring to our lives.  In working with animals and Reiki, we open a window to this relationship; by connecting to animals energetically and being a part of their healing process, we are able to deepen our connection to the universe and our understanding of our place within it.

By Kathleen Prasad

Just a few years ago, it was nearly unheard of to find a Reiki practitioner whose practice was dedicated solely to animal clients. Today, there are hundreds of animal Reiki practitioners starting their businesses all over the world. In teaching so many of these enthusiastic and dedicated practitioners, I found myself motivated to bring together the Animal Reiki Community. Many of us have felt isolated, not only from the animal health field (as Reiki is just on the cusp of becoming well-known in holistic veterinary circles), but also from other Reiki practitioners, who often may ask us, "Working with animals is the same as working with people, isn't it?"