Category Archives: Reiki

My Journey Thru Reiki

I am frequently asked how I got started in my spiritual-based business – was I always able to do what I do?  How did I know it was the right path for me?  The answer is always the same – it all started with Reiki.  I stumbled onto the healers path after being intrigued with conversations friends would have about how incredible Reiki energy felt surging through their bodies.  At the time, I had also newly embarked on a path to spiritual self-discovery.  I had no idea what THAT even meant much less what impact Reiki would have on my life.

In the haziness of a true newbie, I completed the first two levels of Usui Reiki.  Because I was such a baby on my spiritual path & didn’t know a thing about Reiki, I did not fully understood the concepts I was taught, I had little to no experiences during the attunment processes but, MAN, I sure felt that energy flowing within and out of me as I performed my first few treatments.  My hands vibrated and I dripped sweat from the intensity of the energy coursing through my body.  I was a believer & these were my clues that Reiki flowed freely & easily through me.  I sporadically used Reiki on myself, friends and immediate family but did not feel the need to pursue further classes.

A few years passed and I found I had stumbled my way into massage therapy school.  I discussed with an instructor my wishes to advance my Reiki practice & explained personal struggles were making me question that decision.  She suggested a “Reiki redo” to reset the energy & to experience the upgraded energy Holy Fire Reiki would provide.  She explained Holy Fire Reiki consisted of a higher vibrating energy than the Usui Reiki I had originally taken.  I eagerly took her advice and took Holy Fire Reiki I, II & Advanced Reiki Training (ART) classes through her.  In Usui Reiki courses, the instructor interacts with the students directly to ignite and open the flow of Reiki energy in each student.  During the course of the Holy Fire Reiki I & II weekend, I came to find out that this was a major difference between Usui & Holy Fire Reiki.  In Holy Fire Reiki, the instructor begins Experiences, Placements and Ignitions with a semi-guided meditation but backs away and allows the spirit of Holy Fire to direct and lead the experience that is necessary for the individual.  It is incredible to hear others tell about their experiences and realize everyone gets exactly what they need to heal.

My Holy Fire Reiki I & II weekend was magical.  I had a very profound and healing dream the night before the first class.  I think I would have been happy if that was all that I experienced.  During the Holy Love Experience divine love is installed into each person’s soul more deeply and clearly.  It is said to induce great love and feelings of being deeply cared for and nurtured.  During this experience, two beloved friends, who had each passed away too young, came to guide me on a path along the river.  We wandered the river’s edge until we broke through a tree-lined path to a wide open prairie at the top of a bluff.  Situated in this secure location was a small rustic cabin.  Warmth emanated through the lights shining behind curtained windows and the billows of smoke escaping the chimney.  As we approached, a man casually stood on the covered front porch.  He smiled a kind greeting and ushered my friends & I through the door.  As we entered we were greeted by the warmth of all those crowded inside, each present to offer their support, love and guidance on my path.  Herbs hung drying from the rafters, mortar and pestles in mid-use were on the table and a concoction brewed on the stove.  The intense and pure love that emanated from this place was breathtaking, confirming and soothing.  I had found my home – my soul – my safe haven.

A few months passed before I was able to take the Advanced Reiki Training class.  Diving timing is a funny thing you don’t recognize until the moment you are in it…or later – it will never cease to amaze and delight me when I recognize these moments.  The ART class was held less than a week after I had completed my vision quest.  I was still swirling with the new energy, messages and visions I had collected during this quest – many of which made no sense.  The experiences during the ART class caused many of the floating pieces to fit together & connected dots.  The Healing in the River of Life Experience was conducted to release all that needed to be released through the Holy Fire.  The flames of the Holy Fire do not burn, but sooth, purify, heal, guide and empower the individual.  During this experience the spirit of one of my newly discovered animal guides merged into my being and we became one.  At another point, I saw the heavens and Universal knowledge open to me.  I reached my hand up into the starry knowledge filled sky and saw a funnel implanted into my being.  The funnel extended from the heavens into my Crown chakra, through my core and out thru my hands and feet.  As this was happening, I felt the Universe fill and flow through me as I was laid upon the Earth.  When I was comfortable with my body pressed upon the warm Earth, my hands were gently lifted and Amethyst crystals were inserted into my palms.  The ART class was one of the most empowering, fulfilling and inspiring classes I have yet to take.

At this point I was still not convinced I wanted to be a Reiki Master. I had been told early on that the only reason to go onto this step would be to teach.  And I was NOT into that idea…at all.  I opened my massage therapy & spiritual healing practice and was content with the growth of my personal Reiki practice & the frequency with which this service was used.  At some point I came to realize I was ready for my energy practice to advance.  A thriving Reiki Center in another city had been catching my attention.  I was intrigued by the idea of a full-time Reiki center and wanted to meet the owner & hear how she was creating a community around this modality.  I reached out and was invited to visit for a day.  The night before this meeting I had a vision dream in which the ancestors were connecting and discussing my life path with me.  I woke up foggy but excited by possibility.  At my chiropractic visit that morning, the doctor asked about the woman in green.  I laughed and said I didn’t know what he was talking about. He went on to explain that she was there that day helping him with the adjustment & that she was definitely there for me.  Whoa!

At the Reiki Center, the owner, Mary, and I visited for quite a while before she offered  to do a Reiki treatment.  I snagged the opportunity.  Mind you, while I had always been able to feel the Reiki coursing through my body as I treated another, I had never received a Reiki session in which I felt or experienced much.  (*This is a reflection of how closed I had been prior to this day & in no way a reflection of the abilities of the practitioners I had received from.)  During the course of the session, a guide presented himself to me & showed me a sacred object I was to create.  I was blown away by the images, colors and sensations I felt all throughout the hour-long treatment.  When the session was complete, the owner looked at me with wide eyes and said “Thank you so much for allowing me to share this session with you”.  I inquired what she had seen and she explained she rarely saw anything but in this session she had been overwhelmed with the beautiful deep emerald-green of my heart and the expansiveness of it.  In addition, she felt a warm & loving female presence associated with the color.  My lady in green had made her presence known in a most magical way.  I knew in that moment I had found my Reiki Master.

I blindly signed up for the next Reiki Master class Mary was offering.  At this time, I was not aware that the Holy Fire energy had recently experienced an upgrade to its intensity & purity.  This newest upgrade was called Holy Fire Reiki II.  At the beginning of the first day of class, our instructor let us know she had just received this newest upgrade and would be passing to us the highest & purest form of Reiki available.  I felt fortunate to have bumbled my way into another Reiki upgrade situation – we are so guided and taken care of when we are following our soul’s purpose!!  During Day 1 of the Master class, the Pre-Ignition experience is conducted to get the student ready for the Reiki Master Ignition.  It works by removing any energies that are incompatible with the Holy Fire energy and opens the space where the Holy Fire energy will be located.  During this exercise, I found myself floating on my back in a river being washed and cleansed.  A female guide stood on the shore beckoning me to come forward.  Upon leaving the water, I sat with her on the riverbank and felt the sand sifting through our fingers and toes – scrubbing the last of what no longer belonged away from my being.  At this time, I became aware of the sky opening up and God’s hands coming down to offer me a healing.  As I looked up, I saw God’s face and recognized the source of all love, compassion and empathy.  It was powerfully humbling.

In the almost two years since I received my Reiki Master designation, I have experienced varying degrees of shifts and growth in my Reiki practice.  While they feel like subtle shifts, they have a huge impact on my clients and me.  Reiki sessions don’t take as long, my body temperature is regulated, my sight and intuition has opened to allow me to follow instructions of the guides that come through, the flow of the Reiki is even, consistent and strong, and my clients are experiencing amazing sensations and seeing amazing things themselves.  I attribute this to the upgraded Holy Fire Reiki II energy – it is truly amazing.

In October 2017 I taught my first group of Holy Fire II Reiki students.  I never in my wildest dreams thought I would end up teaching.  In total transparency, my reason for advancing to Reiki Master was the allow me access to Karuna Reiki training.  However, the Universe is always trying to lead us to the opportunities that align with our soul’s purpose.  There is the saying, “When the student is ready, the teachers will come”.  This works in reverse also – “When the teacher is ready, the students will come”.  I had several people inquire about the possibility of me teaching them Reiki and I knew if they were asking it was time to teach.  I told myself it only had to be for one group of students and stepped out of my comfort zone and planned a class.  I was totally shocked with the joy & ease I felt in the space of teacher.  The pride I felt in witnessing the learning, connections and successes of those students.  I, again, stumbled into the right opportunity.

This past December (2017), I received attunement & certification in Violet Flame Reiki. This certification intrigued me because I had only heard about the Violet Flame through clients who work with it.  History purports healers in the time of Atlantis worked with this energy but their egos grew large and they abused the knowledge of the Violet Flame for self gain.  For this reason the Violet Flame was taken away until it was reintroduced in 2012.  The purpose of its reintroduction & use is to increase the power of traditional Reiki in preparation for the higher Universal vibratory levels we are now experiencing.  As the protector of the Violet Flame here on Earth, St. Germaine works in conjunction with Ascended Master Kuan Yin to oversee the healers who channel this energy – safeguards to ensure proper use and handling of this energy.  This unique energy is meant to be used in removing, transmuting and cleansing negative energy from the physical, mental and spiritual bodies and prepare those stuck in negative patterns for ascension.

We now come to the present and what might be coming next in my Reiki practice & services.  Several months ago, I awoke from a dream vision in which I was told to seek out Holy Fire Karuna Reiki certification.  I have been in contact with my Reiki Master and this class is coming soon.  I am super excited!  There are plans to teach more beginner classes & schedule my first Advanced & Master Reiki classes in 2018.  I have had persistent thoughts about a few other classes that have not yet been mapped out.  I have ideas for shares and a few unique opportunities for those who already practice Reiki but I am not rushing any of this.  2017 was a year of intense activity and doing – I am determined to allow 2018 to be the year of rest and allowing divine timing to guide my actions and decisions.  

It took years for me to recognize my path as a healer – I did not have the confidence or belief that I was worthy of this gift for quite a long time.  I questioned how it was that I could be so incredibly broken and have the ability to help others put themselves back together.  The confidence came after the disbelief was washed away during a nervous breakdown.  This fissure in my being absolutely debilitated me for a solid month.  The raw emotion was horrible but the outcome has been incredible.  I am deeply and honestly grateful to have gone through this experience and come out on the side of light.  It was this experience that cracked me open & drained me of massive amounts of self-doubt, negative self-worth, anger and the hatred I directed back toward myself.  It pushed me from being who I thought I was supposed to be into the light of who I am.  I did not recognize the person that was born of this experience but I felt at ease & joyful.  To get to that point, I HAD to cry.  I HAD to heal.  Without Reiki, I don’t know what would have happened.  Reiki not only aided in my personal healing, it helped forge a personal connection with the Creator & my true self, healing gifts and life purpose.

Learning & receiving Reiki has been a life-changing experience — each class and session has added something to my practice – extra layers, greater understanding, and new depths to be shared & experienced.  Reiki has been about much more than broadening my education and awareness – it has been a healing journey.  I no longer find it ironic that my clients and I share similar family histories, core wounds and spiritual gifts.  I have trust in God, the Universe, the Source of all that is – I recognize those who need what we have are lead to us on their own journeys to self-discovery.  In this understanding, I can be truly appreciative of the struggles of the past, in the present and those yet to come.  Because of these struggles I grow personally.  Because of these, I expand the group of those I can help.  And, in that small way, I am helping others heal and grow.

Do no harm

I have been composing this post for well over a week – both in my head, and pen to paper via the keyboard.  I have a multitude of words..yet, none feel right.  As a newer massage therapist, I am developing my philosophy of care and really learning about the broken healthcare system through experiences my clients have shared.  I have never doubted the atrocious care my friends or clients have received though; it has been hard to visualize the experiences.  Hard because a small part of me still bought into the myth that the healthcare system should make us well.  That healthcare providers are compassionate listeners without bias or judgment who will doggedly search for a diagnosis and treatment. That we, as patients – needers of care – could discuss our needs and feel safe, trusted and believed.  While I KNOW this isn’t the norm, I still hoped and believed it could be true. That is, until I witnessed the broken system in action…and continue to. I have journeyed beside one of my dearest friends as she has experienced all the brokenness our healthcare systems has to offer.  And I am angry.

I would love to share the details of these horrific experiences, but they are not mine to share.  I would love to present a timeline of the appointments, tests and condescending commentary of the healthcare workers that have “helped” her during her illness.  If I could share, you would not read about a single healthcare worker who listened to her, their patient – a patient who, by the way, has had an extensive patient care, research and health education career.  You would not find evidence of a single test run for the diagnosis she has handed them over and over and over again.  You would not see a treatment plan. Ultimately, you would see only judgment, neglect and abuse where care should have been. I am disgusted.

And, I am sickened.  Sickened that the healthcare system we, as Americans, are mandated to carry health insurance for has done nothing but ignore a visible illness or injury.  Has literally danced around the source of illness and skipped right to expensive treatment options that will absolutely not work until the problem is addressed.  Sickened that the healthcare system that is in place to take care of us when we are ill, injured or otherwise NOT healthy has created psychological trauma and depression because they refuse to listen, examine or investigate.  Sickened that each of the Hippocratic Oaths has been so shamelessly dishonored by the very people who vowed to uphold these ideals.

But, I am also saddened.  Saddened for the doctors and nurses who did care once upon a time.  Who saw each new patient with excitement and were ready for a challenge and a new learning opportunity.  Saddened that egos grew, spirits were broken, and apathy set in.  Egos grew to the point that the possibility that a patient knows THEIR BODY better than a “professional” sounds absurd!  Spirits shattered to the point that compassion for self and others has been driven out and replaced with apathy.  Apathy, the occupier of these now empty shells of caregivers.

Even through the anger, disgust and sadness, I pray for these providers.  I pray they rediscover what originally called them into the healing profession.  For courage to walk a new path if this one no longer calls or feeds their soul.  For humility, ears that hear and hearts that feel & lead.  But mostly, I pray for their patients to experience no harm at their hand or mouth.  I pray for the ability of patients and their partners to advocate for proper care and the confidence to squash neglect and abusive treatment in its tracks.  I am hopeful.

I will not forget my friend’s horrific ordeal.  As much as I can’t stand to witness the effects of this illness or the psychological abuse she has endured, I am infinitely more thankful I can be here for her.  I am meant to witness this and, in an odd way, I am grateful for the front row seat & all I have learned.  I have made the following vows to myself for the benefit of all current and future clients.  If I find myself in the position of not believing a client, I pray my friend’s face will appear in my mind’s eye to interrupt the judgment and push me back into my place as compassionate caregiver.  If I find myself in a position where I can’t understand or treat an issue, I pray my ego quickly steps aside so I may research or make a referral – because the care I offer isn’t about ME but those who seek it. If I discover apathy living where compassion once resided, I pray I recognize it before I cause harm to another.  I pray and strive to ensure compassion and love remains at the center of my philosophy of care.  I am prepared.

Reiki FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

If you are like most people you are drawn to Reiki and you may not understand why.  It is not uncommon for people to book their first session out of pure curiosity.  As the first session begins and hands are placed on or above the body the mind begins to race.  “What is she doing?”  “Why is she doing that?”  “Her hands aren’t on me – is she just sitting in the corner looking at me?”

Next, the doubt creeps in.  “Does this really work?” “How can this be possible?”  “Did I just feel something?  No, must have imagined it.  Wait!  I felt it again.”  This is the moment of surrender.  I can see it and feel it in the client’s body — the loosening of the facial muscles, a decrease in blinking and the telltale sign of heavy breathing or the slight snore….

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So, what is Reiki???

Reiki is an ancient Japanese technique used for relaxation, stress reduction and encourages the body to heal from within.  The word Reiki is actually two words – “rei”, meaning higher power and, “ki”, meaning “life force energy”.  The words together create “spiritually guided life force energy”.

Ok, but what does that REALLY mean? 

There is unseen energy called life force coursing through each of us – this is the reason we are alive.  When you are joyful or excited, your life force is very high & you may feel a strong sense of love or connection to other people, yourself or a higher power (God, Creator, etc.). On the other hand, when you are ill, injured, stressed or depressed, your life force is low.  It’s harder to feel gratitude or a connection to others, a higher power OR yourself – not to mention, pulling ourselves out of the funk we feel trapped in.

How does Reiki work?

Reiki energy is THE universal life force energy.  Some equate it to God, the Creator or simply refer to it as the “infinite wisdom of the universe”.  Because this is the very energy that flows through and all around us, we are able to tap into it to and use it to heal our emotional, spiritual and physical pain.  Have you ever prayed on an issue and felt a sense of relief after?  Do you meditate or practice yoga and feel a sense of peace and calm when you have completed a session?  If so, you have already worked in partnership with the higher power & accessed this energy!!

It is no secret we live in a hectic stressful world – not only are we stressed but the people around us are too.  Our own stress and worry is enough to lower our life force energy.  If you are sensitive to other people’s moods and emotions, you are also picking up other’s people’s “muck” which is lowering your life force even further.  This “yucky muck” is blocked energy – energy that cannot make its way up, around and through your body (think meridians) like it needs to in order to keep you healthy.  When this energy is blocked or stagnant it can lead to physical, emotional or spiritual discomfort or pain.

Reiki practitioners become channels or hollow bones for the Reiki energy to flow through to the receiver. For me, I see the top of my head (crown chakra) open to the universal energy above.  This energy flows in & through me and out through my hands to the person I’m working with.  Reiki energy is intelligent (remember? It is God-like!) and knows where the receiver needs healing.  The energy works on those areas to break up blockages and restore a smooth even flow of energy through the body.  If the receiver is open to the energy, the body graciously accepts this and attempts to restore health and balance.

How does Reiki feel?

It is typical to feel deeply relaxed during a session.  You may also feel tingling, pulsating or a change in temperature on the area of the body receiving the Reiki.  In addition, people have talked about seeing colors, having visions, or feeling watched over while in this relaxed state.  Many people state their body feels heavy while their spirit and emotions feel light, like they are floating.  It is not uncommon to fall asleep because Reiki instills feelings of deep peace.

Immediately after a session you may feel like you are floating, off-balance or light-headed.  This is due to all the heaviness that has been cleared.  This is YOU – this is how you feel when you are clear of stress and worry.  It may take a few minutes for you to come back into  your physical body.  Take your time getting off the table.  I will speak with you about the session while ensuring you are grounded and can safely go about your day.

In the days and weeks following a session, you may notice you are less irritable and able to see the positive side of life more easily.  People have told me these sessions give them the courage to make difficult decisions or face tough situations head-on.  Reiki often leaves you with a strengthened sense of well-being and security.  That’s not to say decisions are easier or less scary to make BUT the confusion around situations seem to clear up and answers to questions may be more clear.

Will Reiki affect my physical body?  How will that feel?

Reiki is great for temporary relief of pain, inflammation, spasms and other uncomfortable side effects of medical ailments or conditions.  I have helped many people find relief from headaches; inflammation from sprains, arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc.; liver conditions; and pre- and post-surgery anxiety or pain.  Don’t be confused that Reiki itself cures chronic pain, cancers or other medical conditions.  It does not.

Reiki is best used in combination with prescribed medical treatments you are currently receiving or seeking. While Reiki itself doesn’t cure, it DOES help the receiver learn how to live in greater harmony with their condition.  Reiki is empowering, it activates the body’s ability to heal itself and has the added benefit of helping to decrease pain and stress that often comes with the healing process.  Learning to live in better harmony and peace with a condition has the added benefit of helping necessary medications work more effectively, treatments are performed more eaily and healing sleep is easier to obtain.

What do you expect from me during a session???

The most important thing you can do is come with an open mind and the intention to receive.  Many first-timers have a whole lot of internal thoughts and questions at the start of a session.  Don’t keep those inside – ask me your questions & tell me what you are experiencing!  I have found that getting the thoughts out and the questions answered early is key to a relaxing, peaceful and productive session.  I don’t want this to seem like a mysterious or secretive process.  My goal is to help you find your center and then help you develop tools to maintain your personal center & balance.

Make your needs known.  If you are uncomfortable – too hot or cold, back is hurting, music is too loud, lights too bright, etc. – please let me know.  Typically, I will ensure you are comfortable at the beginning of the session & again when I see you are relaxed and receiving well.  If I think you are receiving on a very deep level and look to be in a meditative state, I will not interrupt.

Another very important aspect to your healing and development is accountability.  You should be prepared to accept responsibility for your own healing and taking an active part in the process.  This could mean you need to work on anger, self-worth, self-love, meditation, etc. to prevent energy leaks.  Working on aspects of self that may need improvement helps to build and sustain personal energy centers – my primary goal in all Reiki sessions.  Because of past experiences with people who have just wanted the healing energy & did not want to work on themselves or take accountability, I reserve the right to refuse treatment if I feel we are not working on the same goal.

How long does the Reiki last???

I recommend 4-6 full treatments (60 minutes) to experience the full benefits and effects. These sessions may be held weekly or monthly depending on your needs and preferences.  Those with chronic conditions may need several weekly treatments over a 1-4 week time period before moving to a monthly schedule.  Generally, after your first few sessions, you will recognize when it is time for another session. Listen to your body – it knows what it wants and when it needs it!

Is it ok to receive Reiki if I have a strong religious practice???

This is a deeply personal question and one only you can answer.  Perhaps it would help to speak to a leader at your place of worship or pray on how receiving Reiki will affect the integrity of your personal faith according to the doctrines you adhere to.

While Reiki is not a religion, it is a spiritual practice.  In my own life I have found that my spiritual hunger is not fed by religious practice.  While I appreciate the tradition and ceremonies of religious practices and services, it is difficult for me to integrate teachings spiritually in a formal setting.  I have found practices like Reiki, meditation and yoga help me fully connect to and maintain a personal relationship and rapport with my Creator.  That is what I seek – are you looking for the same?