The morning started out very foggy and yet it was a beautiful and very warm day for November. TREES is about one hour south of Washington, DC.
I always love turning off of the main road onto the drive or lane going to the main house. It always feels to me like I have entered a totally different place and time. I love to take my time driving up to the main gate.
As I drive up the hill you are in a fairyland. The trees on either side seem to embrace you and protect you. At different times of the year there are different flowers, mushrooms and other wonderful plants that ask you to stop and greet them. Most people just drive by without acknowledging them, but they are there. Even the air seems to change in that place. I like to stop and breathe it all in and let go of my drive down. Ah, I have arrived. Thank you.
Just before I get to the main gate I like to stop and look to the left and say hello to Forrest. His final resting place is over in that direction. Sometimes I see foxes playing in that field. I always smile, as I feel welcomed. I always like pulling up to the gate, getting out of the car, opening the gate, get back in the car, pull through the gate, get out of the car, close and lock the gate and get back in the car to continue driving down the lane toward the house. It is a ritual that I look forward to as I feel that I leave behind everything from the world that I came from and transform myself feeling my connection to the earth and the animals at that point in time.
There is always a wonderful welcoming committee as you drive to the place that you park your car. In the front pasture there are always many greeters.
Sonny
Wade about to take a drink of water
I believe this is Mona on the other side of the lane eating breakfast.
Back on the right side of the lane is Freddy, other wise known as Fred Astaire. He was a bit dirty as the mud was fresh due to the recent rain.
The morning was spent completing the human part of Reiki I. Everyone was able to experience a group Reiki session both giving and receiving. That is one of my favorite things to do.
Hannah never has trouble showing students the correct way to work with Reiki. She is never shy when it comes to healing energy work. Thank you Hannah.
After lunch we begin working with the animals. Many people will tell you that there is no difference when working with animals or humans but the animals will show you that the statement is not true. There are many differences.
(photo by Chris Smith)
The first thing that you need to do is introduce yourself to the animal and ask them if they would like some Reiki or "love" now. Next you begin to "offer" the Reiki energy hands off allowing the animal to choose if they want to come closer to you or not. Above Mona was trying to figure out what we were doing in her field as this was her very first group Reiki session.
(photo by Chris Smith)
She came closer to see what was going on and did not quite understand the situation, but was alright with all of us being there. She walked on and away from the circle but we all stayed where we were holding the space and offering the energy.
(photo by Chris Smith)
The students could not see that the horses in the pasture across the lane from us were all coming to the fence. Some began lower their heads, yawning and licking and chewing, all signs that an animal is taking the energy.
On the other side of the pasture both Henry and Josh came to the fence and were taking in the energy. The two of them are old pros with this energy. It was such a delight for me to see that Henry had company now. The long time loner has a dear friend now.
(photo by Chris Smith)
Fitz and Mona decided to come back into the circle and went to several students for Reiki. They were ready now. About 20 minutes had passed. If we had given up on them, as most people would do, we would have missed this wonderful opportunity.
(photo by Chris Smith)
The horses at TREES all come to understand the "Reiki circle" and how it works. It was quite a success as we realized that not only had the horses in that pasture taken the energy on their own terms but also horses on both sides did the same.
The group thanked the horses and we went to meet TREES newest resident, Sherman. He was shy at first and stayed inside his "hospital" building but he was curious and kept peeking out.
(photo by Chris Smith)
He began licking and chewing right away. Doesn't he have the sweetest face?
We were all delighted when he came out to greet us and to get a closer look-see for himself. He stayed with Melanie for quite a long time and eventually went to everyone, one at a time.
The day ended inside as we had time for questions and answers and of course the handing out of the Reiki I practitioner certificates. Congratulations to everyone.
Of course I cannot leave without thanking the amazing and very wise Hannah. She always keeps me on track.
And finally I must thank Traveller the amazing teacher he as become. Traveller prefers animal communication to Reiki but does love to take all of the energy in. He reminds us to journal and write down all of our experiences with the animals for there are many lessons to be learned and they are our greatest teachers.
We all left Traveller's Rest different people that we were when we arrived. I thank Chris and Mike for making it possible for us to be there and I thank all of the animals for teaching us and sharing their wonderful home with us.
