October 2021 Reflections

Happy October my little pumpkins! And happy anniversary to this newsletter! I wrote my first one exactly a year ago. Since then so much has happened and transformed both in me and in the world. So I thought I'd take this time to reflect on Reiki's role in my life over the past year... To say Reiki changed my life is an understatement. Reiki is my life. I say that with equal parts pride, humility, and awe. Learning the history, applications, and principles of Reiki has altered who I am and how I function. When I first learned the 5 Reiki Principles, I learned how I wanted to show up in the world. Each principle aligned with my personal values in a deep and meaningful way. I now whole-heartedly recite the principles each morning upon waking. What I've learned from teaching and practicing Reiki this past year is immeasurable. I have learned to let my walls down and be vulnerable in my relationships. I've learned to give love unconditionally and to accept love with open abandonment. I've learned to connect with the universe and trust in something greater than myself. I've learned that kindness costs nothing and can mean everything. I've learned to be grateful for both the things I have and they things I don't have, for they are of equal value. I've learned that our word, our truth, and our integrity are our greatest assets. I've learned that blame is easy, but forgiveness is freedom. I've learned that rest is not a luxury, rather a necessity. I've learned that all people are pure goodness at their core, and some may require an occasional reminder of that. I've learned to never stop learning...about myself, others, and the world around us. Since opening my practice 14 months ago, I have seen over 100 different clients in more than 300 total sessions. I have regular clients who come twice a week, some who come once a week, some twice a month, and some come once a month. There's no prescription for how often to receive Reiki, however I can say with confidence that the biggest breakthroughs have happened for clients who come on a regular basis. I've seen clients who range in age from 10 years old to 70. I've seen more women than men, more people than pets, and more 20-somethings than I anticipated. I've taught and certified 7 beautiful souls in Reiki level 1. I've cleared the energy of 5 homes and 1 car. I've led 5 Full Moon Circles and 10 group meditations. I've been interviewed on 3 podcasts and received 25+ five star reviews. Whew! I've met with people suffering from chronic pain, anxiety, grief, stress, insomnia, lack of focus, lack of direction, and heartbreak. I worked with people going through breakups, divorces, long-distance moves, career changes, job loss, death of a loved one, death of a pet, pre and post surgery, cancer treatments, porn addiction, drug addiction, family crisis, spiritual awakenings and more. I'm amazed by what draws people to Reiki, and even more amazed after a session when they say how much better they feel. The energetic transformation of receiving Reiki is nothing short of astounding. Thank you for indulging me in this reflection. It's been quite the year! If you have time and feel so inclined, perhaps you can reflect on your own life? There are lessons to be learned for us all. There always are. With gratitude, Kristen