SARA Goes to Kentucky for the Annual 2010 Conference of the AHVMA!

October, November, December 2010 

Thanks to all of our SARA supporters who sent us to Kentucky to educate veterinarians and vet techs about Reiki for animals! I'd love to share a bit about our experiences during the weekend.

This was my second invitation to speak at the annual holistic veterinary conference. Needless to say, I was very honored to be asked back! Something I experienced both times was the wonderful openness of these scientists-these veterinary doctors-to the potential of energy to heal. One might think that being among tons of DVM's and PhD's might be a bit intimidating when broaching the subject of Reiki, but in fact I found that the vets and vet techs I spoke with were already very aware of the amazing power of healing energy, and in fact were completely open to learning more to help themselves in their daily interactions with their animal patients.

Most of these veterinarians have discovered holistic modalities as a way to bridge the gap with conventional medicine-to be able to offer their clients more options and to find a better way to heal. I listened to some vets talk about how they felt holistic medicine allowed them to go much deeper and actually heal the source of the health issues their animal patients faced. Some of them were disillusioned by conventional medicine, others simply wanted to add to their toolbox. It was truly enlightening to learn more about these wonderful veterinarians-the best and brightest I believe, because they understand the possibilities that complementary modalities offer.

So in teaching my three 1-hour seminars to the participants of this conference, I felt an incredible openness of heart and mind and a willingness to go deeper into themselves to find a way to reach out more effectively to the animals. And the amount of love for the animals was truly palpable. I could literally feel the energy that all these amazing people are putting into healing animals-all across the country. During the 3rd seminar I taught, I led a meditation with participants where I asked everyone to bring to mind an animal they'd like to offer healing to. The heart energy was so beautiful, the animals were so present, and there were many tears of healing. One participant said she was truly surprised at the power of the meditations and hoped that Kleenex boxes would be available next time: It was truly inspiring and an honor to be among them, and even more, to be able to teach them more about how Reiki might fit into the amazing work they already do!

And being there with my fellow SARA teachers: Leah D'Ambrosio, Bernie Fischer, Carrie Higdon, Julie Keefe, Kelly McDermott-Burns and Bill Stevens, was quite empowering. For me, I felt so strong as a group--we were all supporting each other to radiate Reiki's light for all to see. It was great to see so many people drawn to the SARA booth. Over 100 treatments were given over the weekend!  Here are a few quotes from the other SARA participants about what they experienced from the weekend. As you read them I hope you will look through a little window into the heart of SARA-our wonderful members!

Leah D'Ambrosio, SARA Vice President: "I came away from this event with an overwhelming since of gratitude and appreciation for the support of everyone we encountered from the time we decided to embark upon this adventure to the time we left the conference.  Attending the AHVMA conference was a huge milestone for SARA.  Although it seemed like an impossible dream to raise $3,500 to attend, with the help of our friends and supporters we did it in just a few short months! During the planning process everyone at the AHVMA was very supportive and welcoming. Even though we were new and unknown to them, they always made us feel like we were part of their intimate group.  When we arrived at the conference, it was no different. Conference organizers would drop by to say hi and let us know how glad they were that we were there.  The positive response we received from veterinarians, their staff, veterinarian students and other vendors was overwhelming.  We talked to hundreds of people and received only positive encouraging comments.  Many people told us how glad they were to see us there and some even left generous donations to thank us for the Reiki treatments. We all left feeling so much love and support from all we encountered.  It was truly one of SARA's best moments - so far!  But I would be remiss if I didn't say a special word of gratitude and thanks to Bill, Bernie, Kellie, Carrie and Julie.  They worked tirelessly to make this event a huge success.  In addition to the countless Reiki treatments they offered, they also went out and made valuable connections for SARA.  We are truly blessed to have such a wonderful team of people behind SARA!"

Bernie Fischer, DVM, PhD, SARA Practitioner and Vet Consultant: "Imagine a gathering of almost 400 people that are all energetically minded.  Each day started, in a lecture hall or business meeting or even at the banquet, with a prayer - a meditation, a reading, a song - led by a member of the Council of Elders (their charge is to help build community within the organization).  A call to start the lectures was signaled by a drumbeat in the hall.  I was a newcomer so I had a ribbon attached to my name badge that said 'First Time Attendee.'  People saw this ribbon and made an effort to welcome me, with one person even giving me a hug.  This demonstrates the spirit of the meeting--everyone there to support each other and learn from each other while building a community to support the animals. In addition to the meeting, we as SARA practitioners/teachers attending the meeting built our own sense of community -  a 'family,' supporting SARA and developing friendships."

Carrie Higdon, SARA Teacher: "Attending the AHVMA conference was such an amazing experience for me, I simply cannot say enough positive things about the entire weekend. First of all, it was a real honor for me to be there, not only to represent SARA as a teacher but also to support Kathleen, my wonderful Reiki teacher, as she spoke to and led meditations for the veterinarians attending her three lectures. It was truly a heartwarming experience to witness these animal healers experiencing Reiki and Reiki's unlimited potential for healing animals, for the first time or perhaps in a different light than they had experienced before. Several veterinarians and vet techs mentioned to me that animal Reiki seemed to be the missing link they had been looking for...an  experience that I, too, recall having after first meeting Kathleen. Our booth ran smoothly under the skillful guidance and direction of SARA's Vice President Leah D'Ambrosio, who educated the conference attendees stopping by our booth on SARA's mission and how Reiki practice and classes can be incorporated into any number of environments including shelters, veterinary clinics and veterinary student groups. It was a delight to give Reiki treatments to the vet techs, vet students, veterinarians and vendors there- some of them new to Reiki, some familiar with Reiki or even practitioners in their own right...all of them drawn to our booth for a few moments of peace, relaxation and healing amidst the bustle of busy conference events. Many of them returned for additional Reiki treatments on the following days! Finally, it was so wonderful being able to meet and bond with the other SARA practitioners/teachers there! The experience of sharing that beautiful Reiki space with my new Reiki friends is something I will always treasure."

Julie Keefe, SARA Teacher: "What amazed me was watching the popularity of the SARA booth increase over the course of the weekend.  At first, those stopping by for treatments and information were already familiar with Reiki.  As the conference progressed, I think that those passing by the booth felt the peaceful energy which may have helped those who were curious to be more inclined to stop by for a treatment and/or ask questions.  By the end of the weekend, we had people lined up for an opportunity to experience hands-on Reiki for themselves and learn more about how Reiki could be incorporated into their practice.  Although clearly biased, I believe that we were the most popular booth at the conference and I feel honored to have assisted in sharing Reiki and SARA with so many people doing important work in support of animal care and well-being."

Kelly McDermott-Burns, SARA Teacher: "The most memorable moment came for me when a vet who received Reiki became very emotional and began to cry.  Everyone had headed off to lunch so we had a little privacy to talk about her reaction.  She shared with me that often times she saw clients for acupressure and other modalities that required frequent visits. Of course, spending so much more time with them led to a deeper connection. Many times these clients were at the end of their lives and when she had to euthanize them she was not processing her sadness.  We talked about some things she could do to honor the animals and help her move through her grief. She looked at me and said, "I feel better."  Three little heartfelt words.  A gift that summed up why I do what I do."

Bill Stevens, SARA Teacher: "For me it was a great opportunity to be with a group of SARA teachers who were very focused on sharing the value of using Reiki for animals to the veterinarians and giving them an experience of it as well.  I was impressed with the vets' eagerness to learn something about the modality. Once we got started, very little encouragement was needed for them to take advantage of a treatment.  It also helped me to lessen my fears about approaching vets about Reiki, as it was obvious to me that many were very familiar with energy work and its benefits."

Julie Keefe, Bill Stevens, Kelly McDermott-Burns, Carrie Higdon, Leah D'Ambrosio, Kathleen Prasad © 2010

As a result of attending this weekend, we have made many wonderful connections with vets all over the country, and have already had several requests for SARA teachers to travel to teach these vets and their staff-some classes have already been calendared! So I can see as we move into 2011, being able to fundraise to be able to send our SARA teachers out farther and farther to educate will be one of our goals!