Over the weekend I got this photo of Joie while holding her in my lap sitting in my adirondack chair. I reversed the camera on my ipad to snap this shot. I love this photo of her.
I realized over the weekend, holding her often, that she seems more relaxed in my arms lately. I thought back to when she first arrived last October and how rigid she would be when I tried to cuddle with her. As we sat around the chiminea Friday and Saturday night she seemed to melt more into my arms. It felt wonderful.
She has also started something new when I snuggle with her each morning. She lays on our bed while I put my make up on and curl my hair. When I’m done I sit with her for a moment and pet her, telling her how much I love her. As I did this the last few times, she has now begun to roll onto her side with her little front leg in the air. I feel like it is a sign of trust and she is opening herself more to me.
To date I’ve done seven Reiki sessions with her. Letting go of any expectations. This is what Reiki teaches. To allow yourself to be open to the energy and to let it work for the good of not only me, but for Joie as well.
As I did Reiki today, I sat in my wicker chair in my writing cottage. I have a harder time sitting on the hardwood floor with my legs crossed for the twenty minutes without my knees hurting. Joie was curled under her blanket on the rug by the door. When the session was done I opened my eyes to see her snuggled in her bed, fast asleep. I smiled and was deeply moved as this is a good sign that she was completely relaxed.
I am reminded each time I do Reiki to let it do whatever it is meant to do. I have no control. Letting go of that is not always easy. I find my mind racing, wanting answers and wanting Joie to feel the best she can feel— now. But it does not work that way. Just as in life, we have to let go and be open. I am a work in progress.