Reiki

Reiki is a handy tool for all sorts of things. Most people know it as an alternative healing modality, but it can also be used for cultivating ease, abundance, harmony, creativity, connection, and so much more! It’s not effective for creating that which is not aligned with the soul’s purpose or manipulating others, but all authentic needs and desires can be supported with this energy. Recently I used it as a form of travel insurance.

The moment I booked my airline tickets, I began applying Reiki for A Smooth and Easy Trip. It was a lot more productive than worrying about all the undesirable outcomes travelers have been experiencing lately. Using visual aids helps me to focus my attention, so I drew a map and created a crystal grid of sorts. I spent several minutes every day saturating it with Reiki.

I think what actually happens when using Reiki to support preferred outcomes is that it brings me into alignment with that which I desire and removes barriers within myself to receiving or experiencing it. Basically, it helped me become someone who is a vibrational match for smooth and easy travels, and enlists the universe’s aid in making it happen.

Every leg of my journey was simply perfect. I was guided to leave much earlier than logic suggested and took a Lyft to a train station based on a gut feeling, even though I could have walked to a closer station. Every other plan I considered for getting to the airport triggered a “meh” feeling that led me to keep trying out options. Eventually this particular idea felt like a “YES!” clicking into place internally.

I arrived at my first destination on time and easily retrieved my rental car. I spent two lovely days with a dear friend enjoying wonderful company, delightful weather, fantastic meals, and nature. I joked that perhaps my “smooth and easy” intention included the forecast even though I hadn’t specifically tuned into that. She smiled mischievously and confessed to working some weather magic herself. (It helps to have friends with Reiki skills!)

Happily, her efforts covered the next stage of my trip: a ferry across Lake Michigan. I really loved this journey! The temperature was ideal for spending a bit of time up on the deck, allowing the crazy wind to blow off all the outdated and stagnant energies that our visit had loosened. Just what I needed before navigating urban traffic in an unknown city. Not my favorite thing, but it went well enough.

The first day at my next destination was rainy, yet this was also perfect. It seemed like the weather was suggesting that we do all the indoor activities such as viewing art (even better when your friend is an enthusiastic curator!) and shopping for souvenirs and chocolate. That freed up the following days to check out a gigantic flea market, spend time in nature, and dunk myself in Lake Michigan. BRRR! It all worked out better than if we’d tried to plan the specifics.

Perhaps the most amazing factor was my return flight arriving 25 minutes early and walking to the train platform to find one ready to depart. I got home an hour earlier than expected! Funny, I’m just now realizing that I had left an hour earlier than necessary at the beginning of my trip. Somehow that hour got returned to me in the end when I was able to enjoy it rather than pacing the living room anxiously.

If I had set my intention for “flights being on time”, I might have missed out on this getting- home- early bonus. I chose “smooth and easy” because that allows for change without disruption or discomfort and the possibility of unforeseen upgrades. It didn’t matter to me if flights were on time if I got to where I was going with minimal stress. And I did!

If you’re interested in having Reiki super-powers that help you go with the flow and enjoy the optimal wellness, creativity, and joy available to you, consider taking a class. Anyone can learn Reiki in a short amount of time and have a lifetime full-access pass to spiritually guided life-force energy. It certainly comes in handy when traveling. Really, this stuff works!

Using Reiki as Travel Insurance

Reiki is a handy tool for all sorts of things. Most people know it as an…
Reiki helps to correct any type of imbalance, and it can be fun to think of choosing the goal of a session as if from options on a menu. A sense of humor can be very helpful in the healing process! Sometimes my clients come up with comical names for the type of treatment they desire. One asks repeatedly for The Reboot; a session devoted to resetting the nervous system and activating the relaxation response. She finds it incredibly recuperative given the intense demands of her career.

The Deactivator is also popular, especially for those recovering from trauma or dealing with chronic pain. It helps to break the uncomfortable cycle triggered by hyper-vigilance and near-constant sympathetic nervous system (AKA fight-flight-freeze) activation. Occasionally folks ask for The Activator when they’re feeling stuck or blocked and can’t seem to get motivated. Kinda like all-natural, energetic uppers and downers with no negative side-effects!

Over the past couple of years, most of my work has been centered around The Fill ‘er Up treatment. People who have become depleted energetically, physically, and emotionally seem to be developing bizarre symptoms such as rashes, digestive upset, or severe joint pain as the tank runs dry and there just isn’t enough energy for the body to do much more than survive. Physiological systems begin to break down and mysterious ailments pop up.

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For the past few months, there’s been an emerging trend that stems from The Fill ‘er Up. The Flush and Fill; the perfect remedy for those who have experienced the emotional equivalent of running a marathon in a toxic waste dump. So many of my clients are empathic and tend to pick up unwanted energies as they go about their days. When tanks are already low, there are few resources available for protecting personal boundaries or lugging around accumulated burdens, and eventually the body and the psyche begin to suffer. Burnout looms on the horizon.

Reiki can transform any and all energies that do not belong to us or that have worn out their welcome. Breaking free from the heavy loads that are outdated or not even ours to bear is incredibly invigorating. I don’t know of any other therapy that is so simple, so gentle and so powerful; certainly not any that can be received from the comfort of home or in a practitioner’s office; or learned in just a few hours for those who desire frequent application.

If you’d like to learn how to give yourself daily Flush and Fills, consider taking a Reiki 1 class. I am offering one online beginning in July, and others are teaching in-person classes. If you can’t stand the idea of adding one more task, no matter how wonderful the results, to your to-do list, that’s what we professionals are here for. If you’re already a practitioner, simply set your intention to transform anything that is not aligned with your highest good to that which is, and proceed with the hand positions you’ve been taught. Whatever your desired degree of participation (or lack thereof!) is, Reiki has a niche just for you.

Options on the Reiki Menu

Reiki helps to correct any type of imbalance, and it can be fun to think of…
Hands-on Reiki is a popular service in my practice. A lot of new clients are surprised to learn that it’s an option. Apparently many practitioners use a hands-off approach. That might be the protocol in their lineage, absurd state regulation or personal preference; I can’t say for sure. I don’t think I’ve ever met a Reiki practitioner who operated exclusively hands-off.

I find that resting my hands gently on a client during a session just feels right, but then again, I’m a massage therapist and quite comfortable touching people. Clients report that the connection provided by intentional touch adds an additional element of healing to the wonderful healing qualities of Reiki. I suspect that might be oxytocin, AKA the love hormone, at work. At least in part.

Of course there are times when touch is inappropriate- such as when working on the pelvic floor, sunburn or rashes, or a client’s aversion. These situations are easily accommodated and the practitioner can hover their hands above the body, or beam the energy from across the room (or globe, but that’s another story!).

For those who are touch-deprived, or merely find it comforting to feel the warmth and added reminder that a caring, nurturing person is nearby, hands may be gently placed on the body. You can always ask the practitioner what their policy is before scheduling a session. I primarily practice hands-on, unless the client prefers hands-off, or there’s another reason to avoid contact.

Let’s face it- we need all the healing benefits we can get these days, and if simple human contact is of benefit to you, please know that you can have your Reiki and touch too.

Reiki. Hands on or off?

Hands-on Reiki is a popular service in my practice. A lot of new clients are surprised…
My next online class begins on April 7. We meet for 5 consecutive Thursday evenings, 6-8pm EDT, to explore the sacred symbols and how to access their potent energies. A lot of students come to learn how to share healing energy remotely. I’ll admit, this is indeed a valuable skill! Many of my loved ones live elsewhere, and being able to offer Reiki to people who are unable to visit my office is a tremendous gift.

But what I especially enjoy doing with level 2 symbols is sending Reiki to my future. That’s right; Reiki can bridge time and space. When it comes to energy healing, there are no such limitations. So I deliver Reiki ”care packages” to moments when I know I’ll need some extra support or just a boost to get through a long day. I send Reiki ahead to smooth out any unexpected bumps in an ordinary day. Of course, there’s no way to compare what happens to what might have happened without the Reiki infusion, but I do seem to live a charmed life!

There’s still room in this upcoming class if you’d like to join us. Level 1 certification is a pre-requisite. but it matters not how long ago that might have happened or if you studied with another teacher. You can find more info here or contact me to apply.

In case you’re wondering, yes, I’ve been sending Reiki to the meetings times ever since they were entered on the calendar. 🙂

Reiki 2 Certification Class

My next online class begins on April 7. We meet for 5 consecutive Thursday evenings, 6-8pm…
This question comes up a lot. I get it; it’s an unusual situation. When people come into my office for a treatment, I guide them through a chat and then onto the table where they remain mostly still throughout the session, unless discomfort prompts some type of reconfiguration. It’s structured.

If you’re receiving a session at your own home, there can be some confusion about what you need to do as that structure is not in place.

Reiki does not go through the wires or the internet. It doesn’t need electronics to stay connected. It happens in the quantum field of infinite possibilities. There is no need for cameras or microphones. I find it distracting and it makes it difficult for recipients to relax, so I don’t use Zoom or any other video app.

Neither does Reiki require you to perform any special ritual or meditative state. It will meet you wherever, however you are.

So what do you need to do?

The short answer is: you don’t need to do anything. Well… you need to be willing to receive, but that seems a given if you’ve signed up and provided payment for a treatment.

Willingness? Check. End of the checklist.

But… what do you DO? Again, you don’t need to do anything. I trade sessions weekly with my Reiki buddy and we don’t schedule the timing. She does my session when it’s convenient for her and I usually don’t know when that is. I go about my day with my Reiki receptors open and my system receives and integrates the healing energy without my conscious awareness.

It’s like mobile banking. You don’t need to be there when a deposit is made.

If you have an actual appointment time and want to be engaged in the process, you might like to lay down and rest. Some of my clients like to set up a spa-like atmosphere and light candles, diffuse essential oils, pull out the fuzzy blankets, and/or surround themselves with crystals. This can be fun for some people, and the ritual of creating a healing space does speak to the subconscious. It’s like saying, “Hey, look at this environment I’ve created for myself. Obviously some deep healing is about to happen.” It can be very helpful to soothe the inner skeptic.

Now, if you’re getting a Reiki treatment because of anxiety or trauma, trying to force yourself to relax probably will not lead to a relaxing experience. If curling up on the couch in the middle of the day sounds excruciatingly painful to you, don’t do it. Perhaps you’d be better served by sitting in your favorite chair looking at the clouds. Or going for a walk. Or painting or gardening or playing with your dog. Restorative yoga might be a good choice if that’s in your repertoire.

Reiki is not a one-size-fits-all modality. There is limitless freedom to find a strategy that suits yourself and your own particular needs at the moment. If you love to meditate, but find it hard to carve out the time, you might like to take advantage of this appointment to do so. If attempting to meditate makes you feel like ants are crawling all over your skin, don’t torture yourself. Torturing yourself is unlikely to lead to healing. When I say it so bluntly, it makes sense, right? There is no “should” when it comes to Reiki.

Your nervous system is a unique entity that has been wired and rewired, connected, disconnected and rewired again based on your unique constitution and experiences. It will let you know what activities are within the safe and acceptable range for you at any moment. So if doing the laundry or reorganizing your desk helps you to feel at ease, that just might be the right choice for you. You get to decide. It’s YOUR session. Make it work for you.

Distance Reiki Treatments: What Should the Client Do?

This question comes up a lot. I get it; it’s an unusual situation. When people come…
Reiki Squares, an Online Self-Treatment Group

Come together with others on the Reiki journey. We will explore a variety of techniques to uncover worthiness and wholeness and promote optimal wellness. We join together to know that we’re not alone in following our healing paths and to witness one another’s challenges and successes.

We will begin by establishing Community Guidelines to provide an emotionally safe container. This is an essential foundational layer for these trauma-informed sessions. While we welcome all aspects of ourselves, including the wounded and traumatized bits, we leave the stories and specific experiences for individual sessions so as to not re-traumatize one another during the gathering. Given that most Reiki devotees are particularly empathic, it especially important to protect everyone’s sense of emotional safety.

Once the guidelines have been established, we’ll proceed to the practice. The format will vary based on a theme that Pamela intuits each month. Energetic hygiene, grounding, centering, shielding, and self-compassion will be common building blocks. We will often tap into cosmic energies based on the current astrological report for maximum potency and utilize a wide array of complementary modalities that support our efforts.

Reiki Squares is the result of nearly 30 years of spiritual and self-empowerment immersion and has been designed to enhance Reiki practitioners’ efforts in an affordable package. Doing our individual work together supports one another and helps to validate our efforts. Choosing a path of freedom, creativity, and dedication to the highest good of all is a noble journey that is made easier with companionship. Coming together online allows everyone to join from the comfort of their own spaces, surrounded by their favorite accessories.

Participants are encouraged to bring whatever tools they commonly use- journals, candles, crystals, herbal teas, essential oils, and fuzzy slippers are all welcome. However, no props are required; all you need is to show up with a willingness to participate. It doesn’t matter how long ago you received your Reiki attunement, nor how frequently or infrequently you’ve tapped into the healing energy. Once initiated, Reiki is always there for us. No matter your level of experience or devotion, you are welcome here.

Our next gathering in on the Equinox. Sunday, March 20, 2022, 5-6:15pm EDT. Zoom link will be provided upon registration. $17 fee.

Register

Sign up for my Reiki Tribe newsletter if you’d like to be informed of future Reiki Squares gatherings and other events designed to support Reiki practitioners.

Calling All Reiki People for an Online Equinox Practice

Reiki Squares, an Online Self-Treatment Group Come together with others on the Reiki journey. We will…
I’m sure my students get tired of me repeating the same answer to almost every question that begins with, “How do you…”. If you desire to heal psoriasis, increase abundance, find a new home that meets all your needs, or awaken you intuition, the process is the same.

State your intention and apply Reiki.

Really! It’s that simple. There’s no need to make it complicated.

“But… how?” Is generally the follow- up inquiry. Again, my reply rarely wavers. Use the hand positions you were taught in class. They were designed to cover all the glands, organs, and chakras. You need all of your team playing at an optimal level. I don’t usually suggest focusing on any one particular zone as we are seeking full system balance.

You might be tempted to soak your third eye center with daily Reiki treatments, knowing this is the chakra involved with seeing clearly. Over the years, I’ve come to recognize that having a wide open sixth chakra isn’t all that helpful when there isn’t a flow throughout the entire being. If there is unhealed trauma that stirs up fear of knowing, it might reside in your pelvis or your kidneys. It will actively inhibit your progress and needs to addressed before getting the desired results. Same with any limiting beliefs lurking in the shadows.

If your particular flavor of intercepting intuition is auditory, you’ll want to tend to the ears. If it’s a gut-knowing, treating the abdomen will be invaluable. In order to follow up on any messages, you’ll find it helpful to have a functional, fiery solar plexus, and clear communication abilities.

I could go on, but I think I’ve made my point! You’ll want all systems online, balanced, and connected with one another. (Same goes for psoriasis, abundance, and house hunting too.)

Any impediments in your system need to addressed to experience optimal benefits. Inviting powerful energy to enter in through one portal without clearing the way for it to circulate can be problematic. Think of an eight lane highway that suddenly narrows down to a single lane track. Havoc! A consistent two lane road is much more functional and can be built up steadily over time.

During your practice, you might be guided to stray from the traditional positions. Excellent! It could be your intuition awakening, and telling you exactly what you need to maximize its function. Otherwise, carry on with the series, and trust that Reiki always goes where it is needed most.

If there’s music, poetry or prose, or an image that symbolizes your abilities to access inner knowing, you might like to bring it into your practice. Sensory perception affects the subconscious, a powerful resource, and I consider such additions to be icing on the cake. The cake itself is setting the intention and applying Reiki. (Yes, I know that I sound like a broken record.)

This is a basic step in a series of recommended actions for connecting with intuition. Opening your willingness to prioritize these practices was the first post. Future posts will cover starting small, asking for guidance, listening attentively, keeping records, and taking action. It might seem like a lot of effort, but I can assure you that the benefits are well worth it. For now, start where you are and keep up your daily practice.

Intuition Chronicles: A Simple Reiki Practice to Awaken Inner Guidance

I’m sure my students get tired of me repeating the same answer to almost every question…
Welcome to the series detailing my personal journey of intuitive development. So many students ask me how they can learn to connect to their intuition that I decided to dive in to this complex and fascinating topic.

I keep track of the intuitive messages I receive in order to help strengthen my listening muscles. Hindsight is indeed 20/20.`One way that I learn is through contrast. When I ignore a nudge and experience unpleasant consequences, it highlights my desire to avoid future unpleasant consequences and activates my willingness to comply.

Intuition is constantly speaking to me. It’s my job to pay attention and take action. Free will allows me to override the messages I get, and sometimes stubbornness gets the best of me. When I record results, both positive and negative, I have a map that helps me move forward in the direction I wish to go. I think these particular episodes, as cringeworthy as they are, will be particularly effective at making my point.

Intuition: Bring your phone.

Me: I’m just going to the next room. I’ll be fine without it for now.

15 minutes later, entrenched in a project, my lap covered in layers of notes and books, thinking… I need my phone, why didn’t I just bring it?

This has literally happened dozens of times over the years! These incidents have been an annoyance, but hardly catastrophic, which is why it took so many repetitions for me to learn. Just take the darn thing when instructed to do so! Intuition can make my life easier, even in small ways; but only if I listen.

Intuition: Move your phone.

Me: No way! I’m going to need it any minute, I’ve learned my lesson. I’ll just let it charge while it sits on the table next to me.

30 minutes later, tripping over the cord, and praying the screen hasn’t cracked when it crashed to the floor. ARGH! Fewer applications of this lesson were needed. Intuition wants to help me avoid needless disasters, large and small.

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Intuition: Don’t use that pocket.

Me: Whatever. I know it’s not a secure pocket, but I’m in a rush. It will be fine.

2 hours later, where is my phone? Did it fall out in my friend’s car? What the … bleep… she’s gone on a silent meditation retreat for the weekend and is notoriously bad at responding to messages even in real life. I won’t even know for sure that it’s under her passenger seat for days upon endless days. GAH! A minor crisis, all things considered, but an inconvenience intuition tried to help me avoid.

Intuition: Don’t use that other pocket.

Me:

3 minutes later, whoops! The phone falls in the toilet and now I must purchase a new one. Pocket lesson learned after two applications. Minor crisis, major expense, could have been avoided.

Intuition: Put your phone in your pocket. (Seriously!)

Me: I’m just going to let it charge for a few more minutes.

45 minutes later on a train, dependent on my phone to connect to the world whilst traveling for 8 hours, realizing it’s still plugged into the socket at my friend’s house. Pocket lesson variation, learned immediately. Major inconvenience, could also have been avoided!

This is how it goes for me. My intuition is rather bossy. It tells me what to do to avoid pitfalls. It tries to guide me towards my highest good and frequently my ego argues with it. Ridiculous! Looking back, it’s obvious to me which voice I’d prefer to follow going forward.

It’s easy to overlook these nudges when I’m not paying attention. It’s impossible to overlook when I’m tuned in. When I start the day by activating an intention to receive and understand soul messages by applying Reiki, even for just a few minutes to anchor this goal, I’m much more likely to catch on. Keeping a record of messages, received and ignored, helps me to be more aware the next time a message comes through.

This is the equivalent of practicing scales for musicians or conjugating verbs for language learners. It provides the foundation necessary for a more nuanced experience in the future. In this case, I’m learning to recognize and trust my inner voice. It never steers me wrong and my life would be so much easier should I just follow instructions!

The Intuition Chronicles: Cell Phone Edition

Welcome to the series detailing my personal journey of intuitive development. So many students ask me…
Perhaps the most common question I hear from students is, “How do I connect with my intuition?” My answer is simple: set an intention to do so and apply Reiki.

I suspect they are looking for an answer more along the lines of signing up for email notifications.

“Dear Pamela. This is your intuition. Now that you have subscribed, I’ll be sending your clear and direct messages about how to proceed with the pivotal moments of your life. Just sit back and relax. I’ve got you.”

Or maybe a direct download, like in The Matrix when Neo learned Kung Fu simply from an inserted program. Poof! Instant mastery.

Wouldn’t that be nice!

In truth, it’s more like learning to play an instrument or speak another language. The Intuition Chronicles is a series of posts I’m being guided to write about accessing intuition. Connecting is the first step.

It takes practice. Consistent practice.

Reiki can help with each of the steps. The power is in the application. Just like buying the yoga mat does not yield the benefits of yoga, simply taking a Reiki class does not offer magical rewards unless we use it. Given that many of us have been conditioned to value the intellect over intuition, repetition is required to make a shift.

So we start by making a commitment to devoted practice. Set aside 10 minutes per day and an hour each week to do your intuition exercises and you’ll soon see progress. Make it a priority like brushing your teeth or bathing; otherwise it will easily get bumped for more immediate concerns. But really, what could be more important than receiving guidance from your soul?

This is where Reiki comes in. If you’re finding it difficult to make this first step, apply Reiki. “My intention is to release all resistance to developing my intuitive skills.” Activate the healing energy and any of the sacred symbols available to you and proceed with your Reiki practice. I don’t recommend focusing on any particular area as resistance is sneaky and can hide anywhere. Use the hand positions you were taught in class.

Sure, I get it. These are baby steps and you want to fly. Yet this is the starting point for most of us. We have to make an effort to undoing a lifetime’s (probably several lifetimes’!) worth of programming that if we can’t see and measure data, it doesn’t exist. Building new neural pathways and trust in the metaphysical world is a process.

Give it a try. Cultivate your willingness to practice.

Watch for upcoming posts. This is a complex issue and there are many facets. You’ll get there, I promise. We all have access to guidance and inner wisdom. It may have been covered by many layers of doubt or fear, but it is still there within us. Every journey begins with the first step. Why not begin today?

The Intuition Chronicles: Using Reiki to Connect

Perhaps the most common question I hear from students is, “How do I connect with my…