Finding Your Voice for Animals Using Animal Reiki

Do you feel called to begin finding your voice for animals? Have you ever felt something stir inside you when an animal looked into your eyes—a quiet knowing, a shared understanding beyond words? 

If you’ve experienced this, you already know the truth: animals do speak. They speak through energy, presence, and connection. As Animal Reiki practitioners following the Let Animals Lead® method, we’re attuned to this silent wisdom. 

But what happens when we are called to speak on their behalf? This month, let’s explore what it means to find our voice for the good of animals—how to move past fear and doubt, and begin speaking with love, clarity, and intention. 

“Do not be silent; there is no limit to the power that may be released through you.” ― Howard Thurman

Finding Your Voice for Animals: My Experience

Some little girls played with dolls. I played with model horses. In fact, I still have a few of my favorites on my bookshelf in my office. It makes me smile to see them. For hours and hours in my childhood, I created great and thrilling adventures for these horses, whom I put into wild families and herds. And through it all, they spoke.

It made perfect sense to my childhood brain that these horses would express everything with words, from the alpha horse’s warning, “Be careful, herd, there’s a mountain lion near,” to a stallion’s call,  “The new foal is born, everyone celebrate!”  

When I began to meet horses in person, perhaps I couldn’t hear them speak in English words, but I heard them as clearly as if they did. I remember the very first horse I ever met in person was a calm, chestnut gelding who visited the house across the street when I was about five. I sat on the grass with the neighbors, as he grazed calmly on the front lawn, sniffing my feet now and again. “This grass is good, and nice to meet you,” he might as well have said aloud to me.  

Horses weren’t the only ones. My dog told me, "I want to play,” and “I’m hungry” or “I hate baths, but love ice cream.” Maybe not with words, but just as clearly.  

But as I grew older, I realized that most people couldn’t seem to hear the animals the way I could. It was as if, without a clear verbal expression—or what we might call a “voice,” people assumed they had no thoughts or feelings. Or, perhaps could they hear them but chose to ignore them? 

Either way, wouldn’t the world be different for animals if only they could speak the way humans could! Having a human voice and speaking one's truth is a power I wish all "more-than-human" (a term coined by one of my favorite authors, David Abram) animals could have and express. 

Our human voices can be used to cultivate and deepen our healing, as we do when chanting or reciting mantras or affirmations with heartfelt and mindful intention. And it’s possible to use the words that we speak in this same way, by setting our intent to manifest love and light in this world for animals. 

Yet, although we humans have words to communicate with one another, not all of us use them intentionally for good. But imagine all the good we could do if we learned to intentionally use our voices in service of animals!

By tuning into the wisdom of our hearts and aligning the words we speak to our inner truth, we can uplift our vibration and increase the healing radiance and loving-kindness we bring to our world. By using our words wisely, we can create a deeper awareness in others and inspire more love and compassion for all beings. 

In this blog let’s explore the challenges of finding our voice, and how best to use it once we do! When we use love, compassion and kindness as our guides, the words we use to share our love for animals and our passion for Animal Reiki can create miracles in positive change and healing we never thought possible! 

Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission - to be of service to them whenever they require it. — Francis of Assisi 

Obstacles to Finding your Voice 

Fear of going against society’s norms.

“Animals are not property or ‘things,’ but rather living organisms, subjects of a life, who are worthy of our compassion, respect, friendship, and support.” — Marc Bekoff 

One of the challenges many of us animal lovers feel about being a voice for animals is that we are going up against societal norms. Most of us are raised to believe that some animals have feelings and are worthy of compassion (such as our dogs and cats) and others aren’t capable of feeling and are just products for food consumption (such as pigs, cows and chickens).  

As we gain more experience in animal connections through our Animal Reiki practice, we may find our circle of compassion widening through our deepened awareness and presence with animals of all kinds. And yes, how to speak about our insights to others who don’t share this perspective? It can feel very daunting!

But how can we change things if we don’t find ways to share the sacredness we are sensing and discovering in other species. Self-confidence and our own self-worth can affect our ability to share something when we know that others may disagree. But always remember that you deserve to have and express your own thoughts and feelings, even if they are unique.  

One of the most common statements non-vegans say to me is, “I love animals too, but it must be so hard to be vegan! I would probably starve!” I find that sharing vegan recipes or cooking vegan meals for them is a great way to share my joy and enthusiasm for a plant-based diet in a way that meets people where they are but also shows them a different way. Everyone loves delicious food, right? This recipe from one of my favorite blogs for “the best lasagna soup” is sure to have everyone coming back for seconds! 

Breaking bread over a scrumptious meal is a wonderful way to start the conversation of finding a kinder way forward for animals.  

Fear of saying it “wrong”.

“The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” – Ida B. Wells-Barnett 

Sometimes, saying nothing feels like saying you agree. For example, if you were to see an animal being mistreated and sat silently by, how would you feel about yourself afterwards? I know I would wish I had said something. 

So maybe it’s worth the risk to voice your concerns, because even if you are met with a harsh response, you’ll know inside that at least you spoke out. For me, these kinds of situations are a great (and challenging) way to practice compassionate communication! 

Sometimes it could be possible that people just don’t know a better way. I remember once noticing a person yelling and yanking very hard on their dog’s neck as he lunged at dogs who walked by. I took a moment and shared with a smile, “You know what works for me? I bring really yummy treats and distract my dog with them while other dogs walk by. It really works, and they begin to associate other dogs with getting treats!” 

Did it work or did I say it perfectly? Who knows, but at least I said something and planted a seed for possible change.  

Fear of the disapproval of others.

“If you tap into your true story, and share that truth, it resonates with people.” ― Michelle Obama 

Let’s talk for a minute about the elephant in the room: Maybe it’s easy for you to speak up for animals, but not as easy to share with others that you are an Animal Reiki practitioner. I get it: Some people don’t understand what Reiki is, so explaining that you are an Animal Reiki practitioner may seem almost impossible in some situations! It’s okay to acknowledge these fears and the uncertainty that comes with bringing up the topic of Animal Reiki.  

But this is also a good time to remember why Animal Reiki is so important to you. Maybe it’s put you on a path of self-healing. Maybe it’s helped you bond more deeply with your animals. 

Perhaps it’s healed you of compassion fatigue as you work with shelter animals. Maybe it’s been your anchor in the toughest time in your life as your animal passed away. Whatever your reason, take the time to tune into the "whys” around Animal Reiki, and you’ll discover a new and beautiful path to align your inner truth and heart with your voice. 

The energy that is created when we speak from our hearts is felt as a positive and meaningful vibration by all those around us. I’ve had experiences where total skeptics have softened and become curious when touched by my heart-infused speech.  

Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come without leaving happier. -Mother Teresa 

Being true to our way of being in the world, for the good of animals, is supportive to our happiness. To live happily means to live authentically and in alignment with our core values. We’ll never be happy if we’re always trying to live up to what others expect us to do, or by the values and opinions of others. If we are living and speaking our truth, our happy vibration will radiate from us effortlessly–and honestly, it’s hard to argue with happiness! 

The techniques we learn in Animal Reiki, such as the Healing Space Meditation, are very helpful not only in supporting animals, but also in helping us ground and center ourselves so that we can stand more fully in our truth and begin to find our voice.  

Compassionate Communication Tips 

• Use “I” statements and share your personal experiences. Look for common ground in what you’ve experienced and what others have been through.  

• Meet people where they are by acknowledging their feelings and being curious about their lived experience. Ask questions and truly listen to the answers.  

• Reflect back or paraphrase to people what they have told you. Find ways to use compassionate language such as, “I hear what you’re saying,” even if you don’t agree.  

• Recognize and acknowledge the emotions you sense in others.  

• Choose your words carefully to avoid causing hurt feelings. 

• Keep in mind the higher goal of building bridges with the person; there’s no need to “win” the argument just because you don't agree. 

• Practice gratitude when people open up and share with you. 

• Offer positive tips and encouragement when education seems possible. Be the light in the conversation and just let go after that; realize that everyone makes their own decisions in the end.  

  
  

  

  
  

The Power of Animal Reiki Practice to Help You Find Your Voice 

“Center yourself in your competency first. When you step into a conversation around your competency it’s a risk but it’s less risky than you think because you’ll retreat to the knowledge you’ve gained from past experiences.” – Maya Mendoza-Exstrom 

I can’t think of a more compassionate way of being with animals than Animal Reiki practice! If we can find the courage to share with others what we do and why it’s so wonderful, I truly believe we can touch many hearts.  

One of the biggest pieces of advice I always offer my students is: practice, practice, practice! Gaining experience in our Animal Reiki practice will help us find our voice: from the inside out! Practice will help us ground, center and realign with our inner values. It helps us find clarity in our truth and the words we choose to speak.  

Practice also gives us experiences that we can use when speaking up for animals. Sharing personal stories of how we’ve witnessed the wisdom and sacred nature of animals can inspire others, open minds, touch hearts, and perhaps even motivate someone to be kind to an animal they hadn't considered before! 

By sharing our love for animals and how our Animal Reiki practice has made this deeper and more empowered, we are spreading awareness and helping bring new points of view to others. The energetic vibration of love and compassion is contagious! Spread your joy and watch the healing expand even more.  

A great way to deepen your competency and experience is to volunteer your time at shelters or sanctuaries. A great plus too is that you can meet many like-minded animal lovers there! 

Whatever you choose to do to advocate for animals, the most important thing our practice reminds us of is being a kind and compassionate person. In this way we shine that light as an example for other humans and a beacon of hope for our animal friends. 

Finding your voice for animals doesn’t require perfection. It requires heart. Every time you choose to speak with love, share a story from your practice, or offer a kind word in support of animals, you’re making a difference. 

Let your voice reflect the peace, compassion, and presence you cultivate in your Animal Reiki practice. When we align our words with our hearts, we don’t just advocate—we inspire. So keep speaking, keep practicing, and trust that your voice is a light the world truly needs.