WRITTEN BY: Ashley O’Connell, Peaces Of You Manitoulin
People always ask- what is Reiki?? After 15 years of teaching- I can honestly say…I don’t know! Seriously- I do not know how to put it into words, and whenever I attempt to put it into words- it doesn’t feel right- words really will never capture the essence of what Reiki is. I can tell you what I DO know. I know it has changed me. I know it has changed the trajectory of my life. I know that after my first attunement- the whole world looked different to me. I was seeing nature in a vibrancy that is indescribable and I had a completely different awareness of the natural world around me- this I have come to know was from having an awakening, a truly heart opening transformative experience- a connection between myself and the Divine. It isn’t this way for everyone. I was having a conversation with my father about this the other day. He has been a Reiki Master for about 25 years and we are completely different with our approaches to Reiki. He isn’t an overly spiritual man, and has a completely different outlook on the world than I do. He wouldn’t talk to you about how Reiki is a heart opening experience. He would tell you- “ It works” or “ I can feel the energy moving through my hands- and it really seems to help people” . That’s all he would say. For him- that’s enough. That’s his connection, and it’s every bit as beautiful as mine – and I will likely write a book about it
The connection is personal. It is what you make it, it is how you see it, and it is how you use it. You can use Reiki for yourself only- giving yourself Reiki as you drive your car, when you first wake up in the morning, or before you fall asleep at night, you don’t need to set aside special time- in fact I suggest you don’t- make it a part of your daily life your daily routine. You can lay your hands on your child as you read them a bedtime story, place your hands on your partner’s sore back as you drift off to sleep at night or put your hands on your puppy as you snuggle together building a connection and trusting relationship. You can place your hands above your food, water or wine with the intention of blessing it- with love and gratitude. Once attuned with Reiki you have become a channel for this beautiful life force energy ( REI=Universal, KI=Life Energy) and you will get so much from it by channeling it every chance you get. My passion is in teaching Reiki- I have never had a class in the last 15 years that I didn’t enjoy. Not one. I have learned so much from my students and met so many beautiful souls among them. The heart opening process that happens in atunement is the most important part of Reiki and it has been an honor to have been a part of that process for people. I offer Private Classes, Refreshers and Group Trainings here on the island as well as monthly virtual Reiki shares. Reach out anytime for more information ~ I am happy to connect
~ In Light, Ashley