As seen in the print Nutley Journal

Energy and healing is NOT just for humans - just ask Reiki master Shirl Knobloch

Lilli
Shirl Knobloch with a copy of her latest book.
Diane Lilli
Posted

Nutley artist, author and long-time Reiki master Shirl Knobloch has spent many years in town, working with pet owners, their pets and also residents. Knobloch, who just published her book, said she enjoys working with clients in Nutley, though now she visits them in their homes, since she closed her office after many years.

“I enjoy going to people’s offices or homes,” she noted. “I work with many pet owners in Nutley.”

Knobloch said her new book, called “Birdsong, Barks and Banter” truly connects the dots between her deep love of all animals and her work as a Reiki master.

“In my book, you laugh, and you will cry,” she noted. “I tell all different stories about animals, and also about the communication sessions and what they've told me during those sessions.”

In these Reiki sessions, Knobloch works with pets. Reiki is a popular Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that is also believed to promotes healing.

The method is non-traditional, and is based on the idea that energy is in every life force, and that if a human - or animal - has a low life force, this energy can be assisted by a “laying on of the hands”.

“This book is filled with memories of my work as a Reiki master,” she noted. “As a Reiki master, I believe we are all energy - people and animals. That energy can be recharged and can boost the immune system. We can help heal ourselves; can even balance our emotions and our physical problems intertwined in our bodies. Since I have always been connected with animals wanted to focus doing it with them.”

As per her healing via Reiki, Knobloch said she is used to skeptics.

“I know many people are skeptical about what I do,” she noted. “But let me tell you a true story. A local veterinarian came to my office and had adopted a puppy mill dog who was just traumatized from being a puppy mill. When we started out doing Reiki sessions the dog would hide under the chair in my office. Gradually she would come out and one day I said let me do a communication session with her. The vet was open but skeptical too.”

Knobloch said she asked the dog what her favorite food was, and heard “hot dogs”.

“When I told her, and I looked at vet’s face her mouth was hanging open,” added Knobloch. “She said “Oh My God! I buy the little baby jars of hot dogs and she loves them.”

Then, on a roll, Knobloch decided to ask the vet what her dog’s favorite toy might be, and then told the vet, after working with the dog, that it was a blue elephant.

“She said I have a statue of a grey one, but I said no, this is blue,” said Knobloch. “So she he left the office, and I was on the 2nd floor. She went into the parking lot, but

a few minutes later I hear someone running up the stairs and its the vet. She is out of breath said “Shirl, I take her to my office every day and keep her in a crate. In it there is a toy hanging - a blue elephant.” I was happy to hear that.”

After working in Nutley for almost 40 years, and now spending some time in Pennsylvania as well, this Reiki master, author and artist said she looks forward to helping more people and their four-legged friends.

If you would like to learn more about Knobloch’s work with Reiki or buy her book, visit her website at www.briarrosereiki.com.

Shirl Knobloch

Author, Reiki Master

Nutley (will visit your home or office)

www.briarrosereiki.com

Hours: By appointment only