By Deborah Derr, D.C.

Never would I have thought then, when I became a Reiki Master (in
1998), what I would be doing with Reiki now.

My journey started as I found my Reiki teachings had help so much
within my Chiropractic practice, mostly with me staying with my energy. It is like most healers that we have the old behavior of sacrificing our own energy to heal others, which always seem to end in some large lesson learned to find other ways of healing by not hurting ourselves. The greatest healing comes from within. Since that time, I had sold my practice to the calling of a draft horse named Knight of Dreams. The call was simple, "It was time for the animals". I started the Nation's own rescue and retirement sanctuary for mature draft horse breeds that would otherwise be sent to slaughter, called United In Light, Inc., currently located outside the mountains in Livingston, Montana.

All of the draft horses here have been rescued from slaughter having
had one form or another of abuse and neglect. Reiki, Chiropractic,
Massage and Shamanic teachings all go to work in their rehabilitation
and care, yet I believe the biggest factor in their healing is in
allowing them the choice to heal themselves. In the beginning of
United In Light, Inc., the thought was to have a sanctuary where humans could come and help the horses heal. That was quick to change as another awareness evolved.

This is where my Reiki teachings opened up another world for me, and for the horses. Many people come from all over to visit these gentle giants. Most explain they do not know why they have come to the sanctuary, only that they heard about us and something inside them guided them forward. Most have never had any significant encounters with horses before so I would guide them through introductions and greetings to these amazing horses. I have always allowed the horses to choose whom they wanted to work with. The awareness grew within me, that there was something more going on that I had not been conscious of; therefore I chose to allow the evolvement and to be gently guided further.

I first noticed possible problems after some visitors had left the
sanctuary. Some of the horses were acting differently, limping and even depressed. With my teachings I started clearing and guiding them to heal themselves, finding that they (as all animals) are a pure
reflection of ourselves and willingly take those energies, aliments
from us to help us heal. Well, over the next couple of weeks I was
growing weary of the constant clearings and balances. I knew there must be another way. Then a whisper in the wind came from my guide to attune the horses to Reiki. Wonderful idea!!

"How am I going to do this?!!" I asked.

I heard with a calming peace, "You will be guided."

I walked outside connected to God Source and asked the horses, “Who wants an attunement?” To my surprise they all did very willingly, almost like they had been waiting for me. Every moment since that time, the horses have astounded me with their gifts. It has become a regular protocol to these hardworking horses, that once they arrive at the Sanctuary, they start their process with Reiki I, II and III. Some have been attuned more then that (Knight of Dreams), only by their request.

Now I only have to remind the gentle giants every once in a while, to
heal and clear themselves. The effects on the Sanctuary have been
astonishing. Now people come and walk amongst the gentle giant Masters with little conscious guidance. Visitors tend to cry or tear with a glow of childlike innocence surrounding them as an amazing release, gentle and pure. For the most part, it is not even known to them consciously of this release. Most visitors leave the sanctuary with a more grounded feeling of self and of oneness, which we here at the sanctuary only hope will help them to create and fullfill their dreams.

I giggle with gratitude that I have been guided to create such a space
and that the horses and other animals have been guided here to
facilitate this space and aid in a greater healing: a greater healing
for all.

About the Author:  Deborah Derr, D.C. founded United In Light, Inc.
Deborah continues her work with Chiropractic, Shamanism, Reiki and
allowing herself to be guided with her work. Deborah is also a
published Author and Photographer that she willingly utilizes to aid in
funding of the Sanctuary. United In Light, Inc. is known throughout thecountry as a one of a kind rescue and sanctuary, specializing in themature draft horse breeds. The horses have been rescued from CA, AZ, NY, TN, MD and Canada. For more information on United In Light, Inc. www.draftrescue.com or contact the Sanctuary in Montana at 406-222-7982. United In Light, Inc. is a 501c3, nonprofit and fully
funded by the public. All donations are gifted with blessings.

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