My Reiki journey began in 2008 while studying yoga at the Kripalu Yoga Institute. At the time, I noticed my peers often practicing Reiki. I would be walking through the forest with a friend, and they’d pause to "send Reiki to the tree." Or after a long day, I’d sit down for dinner, and someone would hover their palms over their food, eyes closed, “sending Reiki to their meal.” I didn’t quite understand it and honestly found it a little strange.

Years later, after moving to Seattle, Reiki resurfaced in my life. I remember going to my first session not knowing what to expect. Afterward, I felt that something inside me had shifted. It wasn’t necessarily good or bad—it just felt different. I walked to my car confused, thinking, "What just happened?" The practitioner hadn’t even touched me! My curiosity led me to explore more sessions, and eventually, I trained under that same teacher.

So, what is Reiki? Reiki is a form of healing that originated in Japan in the early 20th century by Mikao Usui, a Japanese spiritual teacher. Usui’s teachings drew from various spiritual and healing traditions, including Japanese Buddhism, Taoism, Shintoism, and traditional Japanese methods.

The word "Reiki" is composed of two Japanese words: "rei," meaning "universal," and "ki," meaning "life force energy" or "vital energy." As a practitioner, I believe this life force flows through all living things and can be harnessed for healing and balance.

Reiki involves a practitioner placing their hands on or near the recipient’s body to channel this energy. The goal is to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and support healing. The philosophy behind Reiki is that when life force energy is blocked or disrupted, it can lead to physical, emotional, and mental imbalances. By channeling Reiki, practitioners aim to clear these blockages, restoring the body’s natural energy flow and supporting its ability to heal.

Through Reiki, I’ve learned to be still, present, and attuned to both my energy and the energy of others. It has helped me recognize the subtle signals of my own system and understand what I need in any given moment. Most importantly, Reiki has allowed me to discover the deep inner heart within myself. It’s a journey to your true self—and yes, it’s real!

This training is for those who want to explore more about themselves. You don’t need to have aspirations of becoming a practitioner or offering Reiki to others. Just bring a curiosity to learn about who you are, how you move through the world, and how your body can respond differently with new insights and tools. If you do want to see clients and offer Reiki as a service, you’ll learn everything you need to get started. The sky’s the limit.

I highly recommend this training for those who teach restorative yoga, guide breathwork, or work in any therapeutic setting. Reiki can be a powerful complement to those practices, deepening your understanding of energy flow and supporting both your own well-being and that of your clients.

It’s an honor and privilege to share these teachings, feel free to reach out with any questions.