April 27, 2020 - Honored to take part in an E.P.I.C. Inner - vIew with Samantha Dennison from EPIC TricountyCT EPIC TricountyCT
Animal Reiki: Spiritual Compassion For All Creatures
Apr 23, 2020 by Renee Gregory Malo
As natural disasters and environmental damage unfold around the world, awareness and acceptance of animal Reiki as a spiritual and healing modality is growing. Global concern continues to mount for the well-being of fellow humans, animal populations, and the planet.
There is a movement toward building a greater connection with household pets and a desire to help animals in difficult circumstances. Reiki’s compassionate spirit and self-healing benefits meet a need for people who want to help in a positive way.
The Reiki modality was founded in Japan by Mikao Usui in the 1920s. The philosophy of the original Usui Reiki method was based on the simple, traditional Japanese techniques of meditation and mindfulness. By practicing Reiki, one learns how to intentionally create a gentle, open space of balance to invite healing, spiritual cultivation and enlightenment. When Reiki arrived in the U.S. in the 1930s, an element of human touch was added to the teachings and it became what we know today as human Reiki.
In 2006, Kathleen Prasad, the founder of Animal Reiki Source, learned of the original Usui philosophy. She found that animals were highly sensitive to energy work and realized how the no-touch techniques supported the healing experience on their terms. She developed the Let Animals Lead method and began teaching its simple meditative and hands-off techniques. Today in Connecticut, the Let Animals Lead method of animal Reiki is being practiced in homes, farms and shelters.
Animal Reiki Training
Kelly McCarthy is an animal Reiki practitioner, educator and speaker. She has taught dozens of classes, provided hundreds of animal Reiki sessions to clients and spoken at numerous public events throughout Connecticut.
With her Native American heritage, McCarthy was raised with a deep connection to Mother Earth and a desire to work with animals. Animal Reiki fit in perfectly. She first learned about animal Reiki from a friend who completed his certification and suggested that she do it, too. “After having a conversation with Kathleen Prasad,” she says, “everything lit up for me. I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
McCarthy says the animals’ human companions also benefit from the animal Reiki experience. “People allow themselves to become vulnerable, relax and open up when they are with their animals. In this moment, they give themselves permission to heal and grow. Through animal Reiki, I help humans and their pets tap into their inner light and their self-healing journey together.”
Practices at Flamig Farm
Nevin Christensen was born and raised on Flamig Farm in Simsbury, owned by his family for generations. He grew up playing and working outside. A few years after returning home with a Master’s degree in environmental science, the family began a summer camp program for children to experience caring for farm animals and taking care of the land. The farm became a place of beloved memories for thousands of children.
One day, Christensen’s wife Julie brought home two sheep that needed a new home. They enjoyed having them so much, Julie continued to adopt more animals to live out their days on the joyful farm. Today the farm is home to goats, pigs, horses, cows, alpacas, emus, donkeys, peacocks, guinea pigs and more. The Christensens strongly believe in the healthful effects of positivity and optimism, and they invite the public to visit the farm animals to relax and relieve stress.
In the fall of 2019, Kelly McCarthy reached out to Julie, her childhood neighbor. McCarthy told her about animal Reiki and how it could benefit their animals; the Christensens agreed to host an animal Reiki certification class at their farm. Initially, they weren’t going to take the class themselves, but their curiosity led the couple to sign up for Animal Reiki Level I Certification, and they have been pleased with the results.
Nevin and Julie promote animal Reiki on their farm to the public through their website. They like the idea of students offering Reiki to their animals and allowing the public to observe and ask questions. “I like to have people see alternatives. We need more people to see that they can be healed with universal energy,” says Nevin.
They also incorporate this healing modality into daily life behind the scenes. A lamb was recently born and unable to move his legs. Previously in a situation like this, the Christensens would feel there was nothing they could do. Nevin says that with his Reiki training, “just knowing that if I’m nearby, I can project energy out to the animal. There’s a sense of peace with the animal. There are good vibrations and they are healing.” The lamb was able to stand and walk after a few days and continues to be in good health.
McCarthy currently holds all of her certification classes there, with the farm animals benefiting the most from the Reiki. Nevin says, “Kelly has a standing invitation to come to the farm along with her students.”
The Connecticut Humane Society Brings Reiki in
In July 2019, McCarthy was invited to the Connecticut Humane Society headquarters in Newington to give a “Pet Talk” about the benefits of animal Reiki to the employees and volunteers. Theresa Geary, director of operations, says, “We are always looking for things that are new and less mainstream, as long as it fits with our mission.” The Connecticut Humane Society’s veterinary services have included flower and herbal essences for a number of years.
McCarthy’s event was well-attended, and 18 employees and volunteers signed up for her Animal Reiki I class in the fall of 2019. Since their training, the students have been practicing the Reiki precepts and offering Reiki to their own animals to improve their skills. Geary says, “I’m familiar with human Reiki, and I wanted to go to this class. I have a cat at home, and whenever I do the animal Reiki meditations, she is all over me and won’t leave
me alone.”
Geary says the safety of the animals, employees and volunteers is paramount at all times. Before anyone offers Reiki at any of their three shelters, they create a formal program to ensure that best safety practices are in place.
“These animals are under a constant state of underlying stress,” says Geary. “We’re always looking for new tools to help animals through our environment. We’re excited about it.”
Animal Reiki Restores Universal Connections
When asked what she enjoys most about animal Reiki, McCarthy says she loves it because of its simplicity. “It’s a beautiful experience,” she says. “Every animal is different, but they all connect the same way on a deeper level. They all feel seen and feel love in that Reiki space. Animals see their person as they are and have pure love for them anyway. In that space, they connect on a deeper level that allows them to learn, grow and heal.”
Renee Gregory Malo is a freelance writer, Human Resources consultant, and Animal Reiki Level II practitioner. She can be reached at ReneeGregoryMalo@gmail.com.
There is a movement toward building a greater connection with household pets and a desire to help animals in difficult circumstances. Reiki’s compassionate spirit and self-healing benefits meet a need for people who want to help in a positive way.
The Reiki modality was founded in Japan by Mikao Usui in the 1920s. The philosophy of the original Usui Reiki method was based on the simple, traditional Japanese techniques of meditation and mindfulness. By practicing Reiki, one learns how to intentionally create a gentle, open space of balance to invite healing, spiritual cultivation and enlightenment. When Reiki arrived in the U.S. in the 1930s, an element of human touch was added to the teachings and it became what we know today as human Reiki.
In 2006, Kathleen Prasad, the founder of Animal Reiki Source, learned of the original Usui philosophy. She found that animals were highly sensitive to energy work and realized how the no-touch techniques supported the healing experience on their terms. She developed the Let Animals Lead method and began teaching its simple meditative and hands-off techniques. Today in Connecticut, the Let Animals Lead method of animal Reiki is being practiced in homes, farms and shelters.
Animal Reiki Training
Kelly McCarthy is an animal Reiki practitioner, educator and speaker. She has taught dozens of classes, provided hundreds of animal Reiki sessions to clients and spoken at numerous public events throughout Connecticut.
With her Native American heritage, McCarthy was raised with a deep connection to Mother Earth and a desire to work with animals. Animal Reiki fit in perfectly. She first learned about animal Reiki from a friend who completed his certification and suggested that she do it, too. “After having a conversation with Kathleen Prasad,” she says, “everything lit up for me. I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.”
McCarthy says the animals’ human companions also benefit from the animal Reiki experience. “People allow themselves to become vulnerable, relax and open up when they are with their animals. In this moment, they give themselves permission to heal and grow. Through animal Reiki, I help humans and their pets tap into their inner light and their self-healing journey together.”
Practices at Flamig Farm
Nevin Christensen was born and raised on Flamig Farm in Simsbury, owned by his family for generations. He grew up playing and working outside. A few years after returning home with a Master’s degree in environmental science, the family began a summer camp program for children to experience caring for farm animals and taking care of the land. The farm became a place of beloved memories for thousands of children.
One day, Christensen’s wife Julie brought home two sheep that needed a new home. They enjoyed having them so much, Julie continued to adopt more animals to live out their days on the joyful farm. Today the farm is home to goats, pigs, horses, cows, alpacas, emus, donkeys, peacocks, guinea pigs and more. The Christensens strongly believe in the healthful effects of positivity and optimism, and they invite the public to visit the farm animals to relax and relieve stress.
In the fall of 2019, Kelly McCarthy reached out to Julie, her childhood neighbor. McCarthy told her about animal Reiki and how it could benefit their animals; the Christensens agreed to host an animal Reiki certification class at their farm. Initially, they weren’t going to take the class themselves, but their curiosity led the couple to sign up for Animal Reiki Level I Certification, and they have been pleased with the results.
Nevin and Julie promote animal Reiki on their farm to the public through their website. They like the idea of students offering Reiki to their animals and allowing the public to observe and ask questions. “I like to have people see alternatives. We need more people to see that they can be healed with universal energy,” says Nevin.
They also incorporate this healing modality into daily life behind the scenes. A lamb was recently born and unable to move his legs. Previously in a situation like this, the Christensens would feel there was nothing they could do. Nevin says that with his Reiki training, “just knowing that if I’m nearby, I can project energy out to the animal. There’s a sense of peace with the animal. There are good vibrations and they are healing.” The lamb was able to stand and walk after a few days and continues to be in good health.
McCarthy currently holds all of her certification classes there, with the farm animals benefiting the most from the Reiki. Nevin says, “Kelly has a standing invitation to come to the farm along with her students.”
The Connecticut Humane Society Brings Reiki in
In July 2019, McCarthy was invited to the Connecticut Humane Society headquarters in Newington to give a “Pet Talk” about the benefits of animal Reiki to the employees and volunteers. Theresa Geary, director of operations, says, “We are always looking for things that are new and less mainstream, as long as it fits with our mission.” The Connecticut Humane Society’s veterinary services have included flower and herbal essences for a number of years.
McCarthy’s event was well-attended, and 18 employees and volunteers signed up for her Animal Reiki I class in the fall of 2019. Since their training, the students have been practicing the Reiki precepts and offering Reiki to their own animals to improve their skills. Geary says, “I’m familiar with human Reiki, and I wanted to go to this class. I have a cat at home, and whenever I do the animal Reiki meditations, she is all over me and won’t leave
me alone.”
Geary says the safety of the animals, employees and volunteers is paramount at all times. Before anyone offers Reiki at any of their three shelters, they create a formal program to ensure that best safety practices are in place.
“These animals are under a constant state of underlying stress,” says Geary. “We’re always looking for new tools to help animals through our environment. We’re excited about it.”
Animal Reiki Restores Universal Connections
When asked what she enjoys most about animal Reiki, McCarthy says she loves it because of its simplicity. “It’s a beautiful experience,” she says. “Every animal is different, but they all connect the same way on a deeper level. They all feel seen and feel love in that Reiki space. Animals see their person as they are and have pure love for them anyway. In that space, they connect on a deeper level that allows them to learn, grow and heal.”
Renee Gregory Malo is a freelance writer, Human Resources consultant, and Animal Reiki Level II practitioner. She can be reached at ReneeGregoryMalo@gmail.com.
The Benefits of Reiki for Animals Reduce Stress,
Heal Trauma, Ease Transitions
November 25, 2019by Kelly L. McCarthy
ANIMAL REIKI- Reiki itself as a healing modality has been used with people for over a century but the use of Reiki with animals has just recently become more prevalent. Some practitioners have been offering Reiki to their own animals over the years, but now we are starting to see practitioners specializing in Animal Reiki as their desired profession. Because of its gentle nature, Reiki is a beneficial practice able to be used with all animals, no matter their size or species.
Reiki in Japanese simply means “Spirit Energy”. It is an energetic healing technique that involves the transfer of “chi”, the energy life force within all things to help people, animals and even nature maintain inner balance. This noninvasive, pain-free technique is ideally practiced in a completely stress-free environment.
Since animals are highly sensitive to energy, one cannot “give” an animal Reiki. For this reason, the “Let Animals Lead®"approach was created by Kathleen Prasad, founder of The Animal Reiki Source. This approach allows animals to take part in their own treatments at their own pace, taking what they need as they need it, perhaps even for an issue the practitioner may not even be aware of.
Reiki can be performed hands-on or from a distance. While some animals enjoy human touch during treatments, others prefer to be left to enjoy the energetic space from across the room. Reiki energy is limitless and knows no boundaries, so it is as effective overseas as it is in person. Depending on the issue, there are times where a distance session is a better option for both animal and practitioner.
One example of this is when an animal has suffered a severe trauma or has aggressive tendencies. Reiki can help animals heal from past mental and physical traumas as well as reduce behavioral issues and aggression in animals. Reiki is also extremely supportive in the dying process of animals, allowing them to pass in peace while being held in love as they cross over. This also helps with the loss felt by their humans and can assist in the grieving process. Most importantly, Reiki is a complimentary practice for all other treatments—whether conventional or alternative. It should not be used in place of licensed veterinary care for any reason. Reiki practitioners are non-medical professionals and cannot at any time diagnose or prescribe anything for your pets. Practitioners may offer suggestions, however it is the responsibility of the pet owner to always seek the professional advice and treatment from a licensed veterinarian when needed.
Lastly, if you are ready to invite Reiki into your animal’s life, do not be afraid to ask questions of the practitioner, as not every practitioner will be the right fit for you and your pet. There are different practicing styles of Reiki, just as there are different teaching styles. Some are derived from Japan, while others have found the western style of Reiki to better suit their personal beliefs. Much like an interview, it’s always good to know the practitioner’s lineage (who they trained with), their daily self-practice, what Reiki means to them and any expectations you may have of your pets’ sessions, as well as policies, payments and length of treatment.
Being able to have an open conversation prior to your animal’s treatment is the best way to create the energetic space you want and need between you, the practitioner and your pets, to feel safe and connected along your Reiki journey together.
Kelly L. McCarthy is an animal Reiki practitioner, communicator and educator who travels throughout Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts, and offers distance Reiki from her home in Litchfield County. She is a foster mom for “For The Love of Lab Rescue” and volunteers her services to licensed rescues for animals awaiting their forever homes. Connect at www.beyondwordsnwisdom.com
Farmer Nevin and Julie Christensen, owners of Flamig Farm in West Simsbury, CT., were introduced to the holistic healing modality of Animal Reiki and have experienced first hand the amazing benefits of sharing this with their animals on the Farm. Kelly McCarthy, their in-house animal reiki practitioner and teacher, can be seen on the farm at times with her students in meditation working with the animals. Please feel free to ask them questions about Animal Reiki and how it helps. They are happy to answer all your questions.
Here are some benefits of animal reiki using the Let Animals Lead® method created by Kathleen Prasad and facilitated by Kelly McCarthy owner of BeyondWordsNWisdom
Benefits of Animal Reiki
Induces a deep relaxation for your animal
Accelerates the healing process from sickness, injuries and/or surgeries
Reduces pain and inflammation
Assists in reducing behavioral problems as well as aggression
Helps with anxiety or separation issues
Helps animals heal from and move past mental and physical traumas
Helps to maintain overall well being of the animal physically, emotionally and mentally
Compliments veterinarian care and all other conventional or alternative therapies
Lessons side effects of other medical treatments
Supports Humans and their animals in the dying process
As a Proud Teacher for SARA, Kelly teamed up with the CT Humane Society in Newington, CT to offer a Facebook LIVE talk sharing the benefits of animal reiki and ended with a guided meditation to celebrate World Animal Reiki Day with their staff, volunteers, and Facebook community On February 5th, 2020
Kelly McCarthy, of Beyond Words N Wisdom, has partnered with the CT Humane Society to present a Pet Talk on the Benefits of Reiki for Animals on July 16 from 6:30 to 8pm at the CT Humane Society in Newington.
McCarthy will speak on how Reiki for animals can: be an ideal holistic therapy; maintain health and well-being, physically, mentally and emotionally; induce deep relaxation; help reduce pain and inflammation; and help reduce behavior problems and aggression.
Limited seats are available, and donations are welcome.
For more information and to register, visit ReikiForAnimals.eventbrite.com and BeyondWordsNWisdom.com. Location: CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd, Newington.
McCarthy will speak on how Reiki for animals can: be an ideal holistic therapy; maintain health and well-being, physically, mentally and emotionally; induce deep relaxation; help reduce pain and inflammation; and help reduce behavior problems and aggression.
Limited seats are available, and donations are welcome.
For more information and to register, visit ReikiForAnimals.eventbrite.com and BeyondWordsNWisdom.com. Location: CT Humane Society, 701 Russell Rd, Newington.