09/21/2026
✨ When Trust Is Given a Choice ✨
Meet Lilly—a beautiful senior mare, estimated to be 22 or 23 years old, whose early history is mostly unknown. Lilly was the receiver of Holy Fire Usui Reiki thanks to her human whom I met at Bragg Creek "Day of The Horse Festival"
Lilly is highly aware of everything happening around her. A passing vehicle, an unexpected sound or a sudden movement can put her instantly “on,” sometimes causing her to jump or sidestep. She is also deeply bonded to Reverend, her gelding boyfriend, and watches closely for him whenever he moves out of sight. 🐴💞🐴
For our Reiki session, Reverend stayed nearby on the other side of the fence, where Lilly could see him. We chose a grass-free paddock so I might have a fighting chance of holding her attention—because this girl would happily eat ALL day. 😂
I began by spraying liquid smudge onto my hands and inviting Lilly to smell it. Then I played my recorded invocation, calling in our helpers and guides and setting the intention for gentle, heart-led healing.
We began with a heart-connection exercise, sending soft pink energy toward Lilly’s brachial plexus. Within seconds, she walked away.
And that was okay.
My sense was that the focused energy and closeness felt like too much for her. She was still very “on” and not ready to fully relax. So instead of asking her to stay, we listened.
Lilly was given the freedom to walk, circle the paddock, create distance and return whenever she chose. I didn’t need to keep my hands on her for Reiki to continue. Using the distance Reiki symbol, I could remain present within her energetic field without crowding her.
When she allowed me closer, I gently ran my hands along her back and legs so she could learn what my touch felt like—without expectation.
The session unfolded like peeling back layers.
As Lilly’s person and I spoke about her experiences over the past year—including the loss of an older herd mate and changes within her home—Lilly began licking and chewing. She moved her lips, passed gas and released through her body as she continued walking and processing.
Then an emotion rose strongly within me: abandonment.
I began to cry.
I didn’t need to know exactly where that feeling began or attach it to one particular event. It was simply what I intuitively felt in that moment—something old that no longer needed to serve her.
I would walk toward Lilly, then turn around and return to where her person was standing.
And Lilly began to follow me.
No pulling.
No forcing.
No asking her to tolerate more than she was ready for.
She chose to come with me. 💗
That felt like a tender moment of trust.
By the end of the session, Lilly stood between us. Her eyes had softened. Her lips and muzzle looked quieter. And then came the moment we had been waiting for…
One enormous yawn.
Then another.
And another.
Three huge yawns!!! I wished I could have caught that on video!! Her person and I were both absolutely delighted. 🥹✨
When something nearby caught Lilly’s attention, her head lifted and her ears became alert—but the intensity was different. She noticed what was happening without reacting as strongly as she had before. She was still aware of her surroundings, but seemed better able to remain present within herself.
She was more relaxed, although still a little hesitant about staying close. Healing doesn’t require an animal to become someone entirely different in a single session. Sometimes the shift is quieter: a softened eye, a lowered head, a deep yawn—or the decision to take one step closer.
Lilly may have an unknown past, but she now has something profoundly healing: a person who has promised she will never need another home. She is safe. She is loved. And she will remain there for the rest of her life. 🏡💞
Lilly reminded me that trust isn’t created by asking an animal to tolerate more.
It grows when we listen.
When we honour the “not yet.”
When we leave room for choice.
And when they are ready, they step toward us.
This is the heart of the work I do.
✨ Restoring Harmony Between Animals & Their Humans ✨
Willow
A Little Touch From Heaven
