January February March 2010

This is the story of how two of Kathleen's UK students met in the middle of nowhere! Chrissie Slade and Caroline Thomas tell their story.

Chrissie:

In April 2009 I was very excited to be spending a whole week on an Animal Psych-Aromatica Course run by Nayana Morag learning all about Animal Aromatics. I had already had a Human Aromatherapy qualification, developed my own range of products specifically for guinea pigs and had been waiting several years for the right Animal Aromatics course to come along, and here it was.

The course was being held on an Organic Farm in the Cotswold Hills here in the UK – right in the middle of nowhere. I had learned Reiki 2 and Animal Reiki on the same farm with Pauhla Whitaker (who is a Reiki Master / Teacher and also qualified in Human and Animal Aromatics) at lambing time a few years ago, which was really magical. After that, I did my Reiki Master/Teacher Course, as well as studying Animal Reiki with Kathleen.

There were three students on the course, plus another three who were already qualified and attending for CPD and a different view of things. After a couple of days we were all getting to know each other, and there was an amazing atmosphere on the course with a lovely energy. 

We were lucky enough to have a fantastic bright and sunny spring week, and after lunch each day we sat in the garden or wandered around taking in the sun and enjoying the peace and quiet. One lunchtime I was chatting to Caroline and we got onto the subject of “what else do you do?” and Animal Reiki came up. In the UK there aren't many people offering Animal Reiki, let alone teaching it, so to meet up with a fellow practitioner was really exciting. We then discovered that we both knew and had studied with Kathleen, and Caroline was one of the founding members of SARA. During the rest of the week we had some fascinating Reiki conversations and exchanged experiences of working with rescue animals.

After the course finished we stayed in touch, helping each other with our Case Studies and sharing experiences. We decided that the Universe had a hand in our meeting in the middle of nowhere, otherwise our paths may never have crossed, but we are exceptionally grateful that they have:)

Caroline:

 

I have to say that I have very fond memories of meeting Chrissie. I had decided to stay in the beautiful Cotswolds for this course. I had arrived the night before, staying at the nearest Bed and Breakfast Cottage to the course venue. I remember being awake all the night before, except falling asleep just before I was supposed to get up. I had to race down the stairs all in a muddle, to quickly eat my breakfast.

 

The Bed and Breakfast owner gave me clear instructions on how to get to the farmhouse. The problem with information is that I have no sense of direction. As much as I tried to focus on what she was saying, it went in one ear and out the other! I was too polite to ask her again. Although the venue was around the corner I got lost, driving up and down the same road getting frustrated and upset. It was only through a miracle (or I would like to think, a bit of Angelic help) that I saw the signpost. Arriving at this beautiful farmhouse I felt very embarrassed as I was half an hour later than everyone else. I remember meeting Chrissie amongst a group of like-minded people who made me feel very much at ease. My biggest impression was that they were all very genuine and kind. (I have to say that every single day after that, I still got lost!)
I found the course very challenging and at times overwhelming. There was a lot of information to take in and process. It was during the lunch breaks that we all really got to know each other. I too remember spending time outside in the beautiful Cotswold countryside, chatting to Chrissie and being amazed at all the things she did. I have to say I was quite shocked when she said that she had studied Animal Reiki with Kathleen. I had not long started my wonderful journey with SARA. At that time Remus Rescue Sanctuary where I volunteered had just become the first International member of SARA (www.remussanctuary.co.uk) and I was very proud of them. I was so excited to be able to express my thoughts and feelings on the subject of Animal Reiki to someone who had also been taught by Kathleen.

About The Authors:
Chrissie Slade lives in Reading, England with her 5 Gorgeous Guineas and partner Sam. She came into contact with Kathleen after discovering her wonderful website. In the UK there is not nearly as much information about Animal Reiki as Chrissie would like, so she has been spreading the word with her own courses since 2006. Students are introduced to the Animal Reiki Practitioner Code Of Ethics and encouraged to read Kathleen's books to expand their knowledge. In 2009 Chrissie qualified as an Animal Aromatics Practitioner and now has two therapies to offer animals. She works closely with her vet Jenny, who is very supportive and open-minded:) Visit her website at http://www.gorgeousguineas.com.

 Caroline Thomas is a Reiki Master Teacher, registered Animal Bach Flower Practitioner, and is studying animal aromatherapy. She lives in Essex with her husband, two sons, and two dogs Megan and Tara (both spaniels). She is a Founding Member and Teacher with the Shelter Animal Reiki Association (SARA), serving as SARA's Regional Manager for Europe and Blog Writer. Visit her website at http://www.emotionalhealing4animals.co.uk/.

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