Reiki as authenticity

Garden image with a small stone pathway and green shrubs and plants outlining the stones

I have lived a life that most likely parallels many, one of trials that came to me from an accumulation of negative thoughts and self concept. I can relate both of these factors to a childhood that wasn’t “all that bad” I used to say to myself. What I am recognizing now is that my childhood was difficult for my soul, and that comparing it to any one else’s journey only fills me with more thoughts of guilt or shame. And I am determined not to keep those emotions close any more. I will feel them and let them go. 

So why do we compare ourselves to others? I think it’s because there is often an inner voice that is a younger part of ourself, and this voice wants to know that they are okay, that they are accepted, and even loved. This part isn’t trying to make anything harder by comparing, it is often listening to protective parts that sprang forward when we weren’t truly seen, heard, held and known as children. After years of working as a licensed counselor and therapist, I can definitively say that is enough to shake self concept and to decide to live from a protective stance. We make a subconscious decision, “no one will hurt me like this again” and up go the walls.

And for those of us who were abused in some way –any way, including being bullied -by our caregivers, the split between the gentle, soft, childhood awe and love we had inside and who we become as adults can be stark. Maybe like me you were taught that your emotions were not okay, that you were “too much” or that your efforts were “not enough.” Although there is nothing inherently wrong with living from protection and a walled-off heart space, it can make life feel less vibrant and alive. It can make self judgement and criticism of ourselves and others prominent, which unfortunately makes our relationships more difficult to manage. I’ve also noticed that living from protection often includes feeling a lot of fear and making decisions from that place. And making decisions based on fear rarely brings satisfaction or joy with it. 

Reiki can help with that. I have sought all kinds of healing and therapy as a client myself, and have learned that nothing seems to be as gentle and as powerful as connecting with the universal life force energy of Reiki. Reiki meets us where we are and allows us to shift towards balance in our own timing. It never forces or makes us relive painful experiences, it simply lifts, and allows us to return to who we truly are. We may find solutions spontaneously, we may begin to have braver conversations, we may be more willing to open up to new experiences. Reiki is completely transforming my life, and in small steps, Reiki shows me how to move towards balance in my own mind, body and spirit. As I do that, balance in my relationships, career and environment happens, too.

“What changed was me. Eventually Reiki helped me to feel safe enough in my own skin to speak my truth, to hold my peace, and to let go of the victim mindset I held from childhood.” —Ren Oberhill, MA, LPC

An example of this from my own experience is that I was working as a therapist and trying to build my Reiki business on the side. It was not flourishing. I kept trying things that felt “exciting” or planning events that were inexpensive enough that I was hoping people would come. What happened instead, was…nothing. So I kept up my Reiki practice, my grounding practices, and my meditation. I kept journaling, I reviewed my dreams, I used my intuition and the tools I have. I didn’t give up, I kept shifting as I could and as life allowed.

What changed was me — eventually Reiki helped me to feel safe enough in my own skin and in speaking my own truth, that my Reiki offerings became simpler, more caring and nurturing, and importantly, they felt more like me. The me I think was there all along, but buried underneath an ego that was so fiercely protective that I was not able to hear the gentle whispers of this voice. I feel calmer, more alive and more excited about what is ahead of me and that feels like a momentous victory. 

If you can relate to my story and are curious about Reiki, I invite you to schedule a free consultation call with me. We can talk about where you are and what you might like to try, and see if my skills feel helpful.

Book a call now: 6rayhealing.com/services

Take care of yourself, you deserve it.

#Reiki #Counselor #empowerment