I have always had wonderful animal companions who taught me a lot about life and about myself. As a child who was often sick and bed-ridden, I learned about patience and contentment from our dachshund who wanted nothing more than to cuddle in bed with me till I got better. My Arab horse taught me the joy of being curious about everything unknown that crossed our path. My spectacular cat, nicknamed “The Queen of Everything” taught me about showering those you love with undivided attention. She also demonstrates how to be totally serene in peaceful solitude. The Bolivian author, Ben Mikaelsen wrote “Animals can teach us more about ourselves than any teacher.” I have found that animals are also gifted in helping me de-code and understand the Safety Energy Locks and flows of Jin Shin Jyutsu… and I believe Mary Burmeister gave us clues, encouraging us to share the Art with the animals and look to them for deeper understanding of the work. Let me show you what I mean. In Self Help Book Two, on page 14 Mary introduces us to SEL #2. She writes that “2 came into the universe meaning Life Force for all creatures (wisdom)”. As far as I have found in all my classes and studies, this is the only time Mary uses that phrase, “for all creatures”. We know that Mary was a true wordsmith, never using a word randomly or carelessly. “For all creatures”… I meditated on this phrase over and over. I held the 2’s on myself, on human clients, on dogs, cats, horses and barnyard animals. I finally got my “Aha” one day when sharing a session with a very pregnant human client who was experiencing high blood pressure and low back pain. I realized that her 2’s were nearly pinched closed. The baby in the front was causing her back to shorten and arch. Her 2’s were being constricted in order for her belly to protrude. I was still reflecting on this later that day when I was sharing a session with my big Percheron horse. I noticed that her 2’s were expansive, relatively flat and open because she stood on 4 feet. This posture, in turn, worked with her ability to have much greater peripheral vision because of the angle of her head and the placement of her eyes. Suddenly I got goose pimples as I reflected that this may be what Mary meant by the “wisdom of all creatures”. Wisdom comes from quite literally how we look out at the world! Do you want to feel this right now? OK. Stand up, notice your natural posture and place your hands at the crest of the pelvic girdle in the back. That is your Safety Energy Lock #2. Allow yourself to receive a few deep centered breaths. Feel the exquisite “Inhale from the Abundance” come up your back. Feel the inhale press your hands away from each other as you fill up with breath. Lucious, right? Now, keeping your hands on your 2’s, allow your belly to press forward and expand… like you are suddenly very pregnant or pushing a heavy load forward using only your belly. Do you feel how the 2’s shorten and constrict? See how much more difficult it is to inhale deeply? Now, slowly and gently, allow your focus to change. Lean way forward, till your upper body is parallel to the floor. Pretend you are a Be-ing who walks on all fours. Reach back and feel the expansiveness of the area where SEL 2 lives. While enjoying this open feeling, move your head from left to right and see what a wide and different view of life you get! If you expand your JSJ practice to include the animals around you, you will find it even more FUN and rewarding, and your understanding will naturally deepen!

I am writing to you from the train between Zurich and Munich but I feel like I am floating on a cloud! Last night we finished up the 5-day class in Switzerland at a sanctuary called Gnadenhof Hodel, an animal home. ( https://www.gnadenhof-hodel.com/ ) It was a really magical experience. It was fantastic to have a reunion with quite a few of my long-time students. (Janine even flew from Oregon to take her 19th class!) But it was the combination of the students, the animals and the energy of the place that created the real magic. Gnadenhof Hodel is a small humble home for animals who were unwanted or did not fit into the bigger world. This is how the founder of Gnadenhof Hodel , Ivo Zürcher, describes this special place, “Wir sind ein kleiner, privater Gnadenhof in Aeugst am Albis. Bei uns finden alte, kranke und abgeschobene Tiere Zuflucht. Sie werden bei uns mit viel Liebe gepflegt und aufgepäppelt und dürfen auch ihren Lebensabend bei uns verbringen. Auch verletzte oder junge Wildvögel kommen zu uns in die Pflege und werden anschliessend wieder ausgewildert. Die Tiere gehören bei uns zur Familie und werden dem entsprechend versorgt und gehalten, und wir sind stehts bemüht jedem Tier gerecht zu werden.” “We are a small, private animal sanctuary in Aeugst am Albis. We provide shelter for elderly, sick, and abandoned animals. They are lovingly cared for and nursed back to health, and are allowed to spend their final years with us. We also care for injured or young wild birds and then release them back into the wild. The animals are considered part of our family and are cared for and kept accordingly, and we always strive to do our best to meet the needs of each animal.” Zürcher initially opened his home to a few animals he found that had no place else to go. That is how it happens, isn't it? In this modest setting with love, care and security, these animals flourish. I am thankful to witness this transformation occur at most of the refuges, shelters and sanctuaries where I teach. But what is extraordinary about this place is that everybody does it together… the cats relax next to the chickens, alongside the pigs, as peacocks lounge overhead with dogs who walk underneath the horses who slumber by the donkeys! I watched in awe as a husky/wolf mix took a morning nap in the chicken house! Sonja Müller is a longtime JSJ practioner and self help instructor who translates and organizes my classes and has made my classes possible in Switzerland for over 20 years. She found this tiny gem and approached them about having a class there. Let’s face it… many places cannot understand what this work is or how it would work at their shelters. Zürcher, on the other hand, said yes immediately. I was thrilled to visit the place for the first time the day before class was to begin and yet, upon departing, it was me who had a few concerns. Usually, my students go into a stall or a run, or there is one animal for each person to work with. Very often it takes about twenty minutes for an animal to become relaxed with a new human who may be touching them in a way different from anything they have experienced. While all the animals seemed very open upon our initial meeting, I could not quite figure out how the animals would settle in for really deep sessions, while in the midst of so many separate species and Be-ings. Not to worry! (Doesn’t Mary tell us that time and time again?) By Day 2 of our 5-day class, as the animals became a bit more familiar with my students and how good the Jin Shin Jyutsu made them feel, they would patiently line up for sessions. The “demand” was so great at one point that most of the students held one hand on one dog, while the other hand held a Safety Energy Lock on another dog. Within this safe atmosphere, the silent work could go very deep. Pigs slumbered among the chickens while in a JSJ-kind of trance. The chickens seemed to want to understand how the pig could be so relaxed, so they hopped up on him, to examine him more closely. Shortly thereafter, the chickens opened up to sessions as well. In this simple and safe place, there was no reason for the animals to hold onto attitudes of Worry, Fear, Anger, Sadness or Trying to’s that might have dominated their earlier lives. Thus, they were remarkably receptive to energetic harmonizing only moments after students started offering the initial Centering hold of SEL center 10 and 13. Mary tells us that, “Attitudes feed labels”;“Attitudes support the illusion of separateness.” It was truly inspirational to be welcomed into this place of Abundance where one could not only see but feel what life lived in the absence of attitudes feels like. When I asked the founder, Ivo Zürcher, how he managed to have all the animals co-exist so beautifully, even natural predators and prey, he answered that when a new animal arrived, he simply explained that the new one was “Joining the family”, as he held the new arrival amongst all the animals. Some needed to be fed separately for a bit till they integrated, but it never took long. This level of intuitive communication flourishes here. The depth of the peace here is a true demonstration of what both a lack of fear and an abundance of unconditional love really look like in action! The days flew by and it was sad to say goodbye to these sweet souls who had taught us all so much. I was happy to realize that some of my students do not live far away and will go back and keep the work flowing throughout the year. I was equally thankful to be invited back for another 5-day class there from July 15th - 19th of 2026. Sound like a class you do not want to miss? Please contact Sonja Müller at: mail@sonjamueller.ch / +41 79 716 72 86 for details. Rarely have I had the opportunity to be both the teacher and to learn such beautiful lessons at the same time.

Restoring a starved horse to health is a profound and delicate process, requiring patience, expertise, and a compassionate heart. While veterinary care and proper nutrition lay the foundation for physical healing, the gentle practice of Jin Shin Jyutsu can play a vital complementary role—supporting not only the body but also the emotional and energetic well-being of the animal. Today, we delve into how Jin Shin Jyutsu—an ancient Japanese art of harmonizing life energy—can be integrated into the care of a starved horse. The below video's demonstration, "Spleen Flow Variations for a Starved Rescue Horse," beautifully illustrates how this gentle touch can promote natural healing and restore vital energy. Combining Veterinary Care with Jin Shin Jyutsu Caring for a starved horse involves more than reintroducing food; it’s about reconnecting and revitalizing their entire energetic system. While veterinary oversight is essential, Jin Shin Jyutsu offers a subtle yet powerful way to support internal balance. Why Jin Shin Jyutsu is a Vital Part of Healing Energetic Balance: Jin Shin Jyutsu works to release energetic blockages—creatures like horses store stress, trauma, and physical depletion in their energy fields. Gentle holds help to restore the smooth flow of life energy. Emotional and Mental Well-Being: Starvation often leads to anxiety, fear, and trauma. Jin Shin Jyutsu helps to soothe the nervous system, bring emotional calm, and foster a sense of safety and grounding. Supporting Physical Healing: Specific "Safety Energy Locks" (SELs) correspond to various organs and systems. Addressing these can enhance digestion, strengthen tissues, and promote overall resilience—crucial for a starved horse rebuilding their strength. Focus on Spleen Energy: A Heart of the Healing Process In the video demonstration, Adele applies Jin Shin Jyutsu holds targeting the Spleen Flow, which plays an essential role in the horse’s recovery: Beyond the Physical Organ: The spleen in Jin Shin Jyutsu is associated with digestion, assimilation of nutrients and experiences, blood production, and tissue regeneration. Grounding and Security: The spleen energy fosters a sense of stability—something a rescue horse desperately needs after trauma or deprivation. Emotional Balance: By harmonizing spleen energy, we help alleviate worry and overthinking, supporting emotional resilience and inner peace. Application of Spleen Flow Variations Adele’s gentle holds focus on key SELs like Safety Energy Lock 1 (inner thigh), the coccyx, and Safety Lock 14 (base of ribs), moving to SL22 (below the collarbone). These holds promote digestion, energy distribution, and emotional calm, as indicated by signs like gurgling gut activity—positive symptoms of energy flow returning. An Integral Approach: The Synergy of Healing Modalities Combining Jin Shin Jyutsu with veterinary care creates a holistic approach to recovery. The practitioner’s attentive observation and intuitive response—adapting holds to the horse’s comfort—are central to unlocking their innate healing capacity.
 Empowering the Spirit
 More than just physical healing, Jin Shin Jyutsu supports the horse’s spirit—re-establishing trust, inner safety, and vitality. As they regain energetic balance, the horse begins to flourish, embracing life with renewed strength and serenity. Click the play button on the video box below to watch Adele provide Mariah with a loving JSJ Spleen Flow.

Hello sweet friends! I hope the summer is finding you enjoying some time outside….especially with the animals you care about! I am getting ready to head to Europe to teach a few classes. I will teach a 5-day class Switzerland from June 25-June 29. Want to join? Please contact: Sonja J. Müller Mobile: +41 (0)79 716 86 mail@sonjamueller.ch. From there, I head to the south of the Netherlands for a 4-day class, July 3-6. For info and to register, please contact: Lidi Pijfers Mobile: +0 031 6 428 12855 lidipijfers1966@gmail.com. We recently had a fun class at Alaqua Animal Refuge, where I have worked and taught for 14 years. It was a first-of-its-kind class, focused on helping volunteers who are facing transitions and changes in life. I wrote a grant for it and was happy to offer it for free to the dedicated volunteers. Below is a clip of what one of the participants thought about the class: Do you work with an animals shelter/ rescue/ refuge? Would you like to bring some gentle energy work to this place? We can make that happen by organizing an in-person class taught by me or one of my gifted faculty members. Or perhaps a short on-line intro class? I am open to hearing what your ideas are about reaching the places where you work or volunteer. As this work spreads, more and more animals will become ever more adoptable and have happy lives. As we move towards the longest days of the year, exhale the unneeded and receive from the universe!

One of the things that makes my soul sing the most is when I have unscheduled time at Alaqua Animal Refuge to just BE with the animals and see who is open to - calling for - some loving Jin Shin Jyutsu. This last Friday I was given one of those gifts. Alaqua Animal Refuge is a beautiful no-kill facility founded in 2007. Located on 100-acres in Freeport, FL, it offers second chances for abused, neglected and abandoned animals from the Emerald Coast and beyond. I have worked there, sharing and teaching Jin Shin Jyutsu for over 15 years. Tens of thousands of animals have passed through this loving place and I have been privileged to work with so many. Each one carves out a little place in my heart. Sometimes we get large numbers of animals from a severe abuse case. Sweet Aries was from one of those cases. Most of the other dogs who came in with him last year have found their people, but this sweet - and in his own way - perfect guy is still waiting. On Friday, while I was working in the Dog Adoption Center, a really big storm came up with crazy winds, and driving rain. I knew it was time to settle in with Aries. I made sure to be calm and centered before going into his run. He greeted me with a full body wag but he was also visibly shaking and in distress. Dogs have heightened senses of smell and hearing, allowing them to detect changes in barometric pressure and the way odors travel when that happens. Dogs may show signs of anxiety and panic by cowering, panting, howling, pacing and sniffing the air. You may see them exhibit sinus issues and joint pain when a storm comes up. Jin Shin Jyutsu to the rescue! It is a perfect, usable and immediate aid for this situation. I sat down on the side of the dog bed as he quickly cuddled into my side. He made it so easy to naturally share the work. Not all dogs can handle this level of contact immediately, but he was eager for me to wrap my arms around him and tuck him in with the opposite side Safety Energy Lock 26, up where the front leg attaches to the body. My other hand naturally could reach under his body and hold his Safety Energy Lock 13, at the center of the breast bone. This hold is all about our “feeling” nature, our respiration and unconditional love. We stayed this way for about 20 minutes, while he stretched out on his bed and felt safety. Whenever I get to BE like this, at just the right moment with a rescue animal, I feel like my life is really on purpose. It is so easy to start to learn to share, so life-changing when offered. And brings so much joy to all involved! ** If Aries looks like he is right for you, please reach out to me! I would happily do all I can to make that happen. Remember, I deliver! Here is what is written on his chart: Aries is a mixed breed, 4 year old male. House trained, selective with other dogs, (no cats). Aries, once timid and scared, has transformed into a beacon of hope and determination. Despite missing all of his teeth and an unimaginable past, he has learned to love and be a dog. He is a true example of Resilience. He is a loving boy who deserves a second chance!