The Challenges and Gifts of Spiritual Surrender in Animal Reiki

In our journey as Animal Reiki practitioners, there is a deep wisdom we are often invited into—the practice of spiritual surrender. How? By being called to witness the suffering of animals with open hearts and steady presence. 

What does it mean to let go with love, to soften our grip on outcomes, and to trust in something greater than ourselves? In this month’s reflection, we’ll explore how the Let Animals Lead® method helps us embody this sacred letting go—not as weakness, but as deep spiritual strength.

“Surrender to what is, let go of what was, have faith in what will be.” -Sonia Ricotti 

Through spiritual surrender, we create space for healing, connection, and the compassionate support animals truly need from us. May this teaching be a balm for your spirit and a guide as you walk with animals through the ever-changing rhythms of life. 

The dictionary defines surrender as: to give in, to give oneself up, give way or relent. In some contexts, this might be seen as a negative thing that can lead to regret. Surrendering to a controlling person or situation is not a positive or healthy thing to do. We also wouldn’t want to stop persevering through difficult times! 

However, letting go of expectations and outcomes, as well as learning how to soften our ego, our judgments and even our perceptions of situations can be very helpful, especially when we want to work with Animal Reiki. Surrendering in this way can help us build healing qualities of humility, flexibility, compassion and peace of mind, all of which will enhance our relationships with animals! 

What is Spiritual Surrender in the Context of Animal Reiki? 

Our Animal Reiki practice is actually a great way to train in spiritual surrender. Because with our Let Animals Lead method, we are already learning how to surrender control of each Reiki session to the animal’s wisdom and preferences. We learn to take a step back and hold space with peace and positivity, which I call “being” Reiki “with” animals. 

The alternative is to “do “ Reiki “to” our animals, where we just run the session from our own perspective about what the animal needs and how to approach them with hand positions and so on, which is a sure way to get them to run away from us! So already, as you can see, your training in the Let Animals Lead method has helped you to let go of hands, touch, proximity to the animal, and so on to help develop a relationship of trust and peace with them.  

Secondly, our Animal Reiki practice teaches us to let go of our focus on what’s wrong with our animal as well as our expectations about what the outcome of the situation will be. When we cling to our thoughts about fixing and outcomes, animals will not feel safe and comfortable to connect with us. They may even be aggravated by our presence or even leave the space to get away from us.   

Third, our Animal Reiki practice helps us to look through a different lens when we view an animal facing difficulty, seeing them as perfect and whole in this moment, no matter what difficulties they may be facing. I call this “seeing with our Reiki eyes.” It’s really about being able to acknowledge their illness, diagnosis or emotional issue, but not getting stuck there. 

Our meditation practice trains us to keep looking deeper, into the heart and soul of the animal. That inner light is always bright and perfect, no matter what an animal may be facing. And if we can see it, we can be a mirror to reflect that beauty, strength and resilience back to them. This can assist them in their healing process and deepen our bond with one another! 

Ways to Walk the Path of Spiritual Surrender in Your Animal Reiki Practice

1. When you meditate, set your intention for the highest good. 

“Surrender to grace. The ocean cares for each wave until it reaches the shore. You are given more help than you will ever know.” -Rumi 

Our Animal Reiki practice helps us slow down, breathe, ground ourselves and calm our mind and emotions so that we can be present in this moment. When we are truly present in this peaceful energy, we begin to sense and feel energetically, as well as see reflected in animal behavior around us, that we are deeply connected to one another and that there is something bigger than ourselves that we are a part of: a spiritual fabric of compassion and soul power that unites us. 

By following the peaceful stillness of our meditation and letting our animals lead sessions, we can quietly soften our ego and lean into humility, listening and clarity. 

All of these lessons through practice help us realize that we are not completely in control of life. Once we realize this, we can practice letting go, or surrendering. 

Surrendering doesn’t mean we don’t care or don’t try our best—it means we make peace with the flow of life. It means we slow down and be present with animals, cherishing each moment with them. It’s about finding a deeper sense of wisdom beyond our own understanding and using the life we have been given to be of a higher purpose: being of service to animals. When we surrender to those things which we cannot control, our energy rests peacefully. This creates a safe space for animals to truly be with us as they go through life’s challenges. 

For example: Try as much as possible to let go of trying to control the outcome of this health situation, or worrying about it (For today only, do not worry). Set your intention at the beginning of your meditation for “the highest good.” Know that in practicing your Animal Reiki meditation, you are stepping into a transcendent space of consciousness, connectedness, compassion and balance – a space where infinite healing potential exists. But what does this healing look like? 

We can only see our human perception of the situation. By keeping our intention open to the highest good, rather than our own ideas about what needs to happen or be fixed, we are communicating to the universe that we trust something bigger than ourselves to find a way through this difficulty.  

Some affirmations to use that acknowledge a higher power, plan and transcendent Reiki healing space are, “All is Well,” “I am embraced by divine love and compassion,” “I trust in the divine plan and highest good for this situation.”  

Say to yourself, “I already trust the animal’s wisdom in this moment, it is just one more step to acknowledge a higher purpose that I am perhaps unaware of!”  

2. Don’t forget that every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow and heal.

"Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom." - Victor Frankl 

Very often when we find ourselves facing a difficult healing situation with an animal we love, it’s easy to be clouded by anger and worry. Our Reiki precepts help to keep us mindful of this. Choosing to simply react emotionally to these challenges creates a lot of negative energy and makes it more difficult for animals to be with us, feel safe in our energy and connect for support. If instead we can practice mindfulness and take just a moment to breathe, we can then choose our response with clarity. 

No matter how bad a situation may seem, or how helpless you may feel, by thinking first about our reactions to situations, rather than focusing on the situations themselves, we can actually empower ourselves! 

Some affirmations to support thoughtful responses are, “I choose my path forward with courage and confidence.” “I choose to speak with words of compassion and gentleness.” “I choose peaceful, positive and loving thoughts.”  

Ask yourself, how can you embody the Reiki Precepts in this moment? 

3. Empower Yourself with Positive Action 

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude." - Maya Angelou 

Here are some ways to practice positive action in difficult moments.  

First, take time for self-care to help you make time for reflections and a shift into peacefulness. Try nurturing yourself with a barefoot stroll through the grass, a walk with your dog in nature, or time spent observing wildlife in your backyard or a local park.  

When you can, allow animals to guide your way as you do this – they will show you when you are on the peaceful path by reflecting the energy you are putting out. Negative energy = animals leaving your space or avoiding your presence. Positive energy = animals staying closer to you, showing interest or relaxing in your presence.  

Second, choose a positive action that allows you to flow with the situation, rather than fighting against it. Try creating a positive plan, such as, “I accept this is the diagnosis. This is how I can make things better as we walk through this together ...” 

Third, make room for more than “what’s wrong” by appreciating and acknowledging the blessings that exist side by side with the difficulties. Emphasize these inside your mind and heart with Animal Reiki affirmations such as, “I am so grateful to be with my cat right now.” “I love the way we understand each other.” “There is so much love in this room right now.” “I appreciate you so much, thank you for being my teacher and friend.”  

Ask yourself, “What can I do to expand the positive energy and healing vibrations of my meditation practice?”  

Embrace the Strength of Surrender in Your Animal Reiki Practice

As we learn to surrender with grace, we align ourselves more fully with the heart of Animal Reiki: to be present, to listen, and to trust. Animals are always showing us the way—reminding us that love, peace, and healing exist in the now. When we can meet each moment with humility and an open heart, we become a safe harbor in their storms. 

Let us remember: we are never alone on this journey. The animals are with us, the energy of Reiki surrounds us, and the light of compassion guides us forward. May this month’s practice deepen your trust in yourself, in your animal teachers, and in the mysterious, beautiful unfolding of life.