The Gift That Opened a Door I Didn’t Know Existed

My first experience with Reiki began with a gift.

At the end of 2015, my aunt gifted me a certificate for a Reiki session. I had heard of Reiki before. I knew it had something to do with energy and spirituality, but beyond that, I didn’t really know what it was or what it was supposed to do.

I remember feeling grateful when she gave it to me — and at the same time, uncertain.

Part of me wondered if I even belonged in a space like that.

Was I ready for something like this?

Was I spiritual enough?

Was I doing life “right” enough to benefit from a Reiki session like that?

Still, I scheduled the appointment.

When I arrived for the session, I remember feeling shy, a little guarded, and unsure of what to expect. I didn’t have any expectations of transformation or insight.

I was simply there, open enough to try.

The practitioner asked me how I was feeling and what I was experiencing. I didn’t know how to answer. I wasn’t there because I had clarity or intention.

Honestly, I just showed up.

It took me a few months to actually book the session — the certificate kept resurfacing in my life, like a nudge I couldn’t ignore.

She explained that Reiki could support stress reduction, balance, and overall well-being. I listened, nodded, and tried to take it in, even though I didn’t fully understand what that meant yet.

She guided me through a short meditation and invited me to take deep, cleansing breaths.

I remember thinking, I don’t even know how to do that.

I was convinced I was already doing it wrong.

As the session continued, unexpected things began to happen. One of my legs started to move on its own — small movements I wasn’t consciously controlling. I felt self-conscious and wondered if she could notice. Then my throat felt tight, like it wanted to clear itself repeatedly.

None of it made sense to me at the time.

My mind kept racing. I remember wanting the session to be over — not because it felt bad, but because it felt unfamiliar and out of my control.

I didn’t yet understand what was happening in my body.

(That experience later shaped how I hold space for others — making sure people feel informed, supported, and comfortable with what they may notice or feel during a session.)

When the session ended, the practitioner mentioned my throat chakra and root chakra. I had no idea what either of those were, but something about that conversation stayed with me and sparked curiosity.

What surprised me most happened after I left the room.

The moment I stepped outside, everything felt different.

Clear. Lighter.

As if a pressure I hadn’t realized I was carrying had been lifted.

I felt present in my body in a way I hadn’t before. My thoughts felt steadier.

There was a sense of connection — to myself, to others, to life around me — that I hadn’t experienced before.

I felt love.

Not emotional or personal, but expansive.

It stayed with me for the rest of the day, and into the days that followed.

I remember wanting everyone I knew to experience it.

At the time, I didn’t know Reiki could be learned. I thought it was something only certain people were born with.

I didn’t know that this experience would eventually become my path.

Once I learned that Reiki could be taught and practiced, I felt drawn to understand it more deeply. I trained with different Reiki masters, wanting to learn not just how to offer sessions, but how this energy worked and why it felt so supportive.

Through Reiki, I began offering sessions. Then I began teaching in 2020. Over the years, Reiki has carried me into the lives of hundreds of people — people navigating change, healing, and moments where they weren’t sure what their next step was.

I’ve watched people reconnect with themselves, release what they didn’t realize they were holding, and feel more supported in their own bodies and lives.

Every session continues to amaze me and reminds me how steady, intelligent, and supportive this energy is.

Looking back, I can see how Reiki opened more than one door — into teaching, into holding space for others, into working with crystals, sound healing, and breathwork.

But none of that was visible to me at the beginning.

It started with a gift I wasn’t sure I was ready to receive.

And in many ways, that’s what Reiki continues to offer —

deeper healing, awareness, trust, and connection with yourself.

If Reiki has ever sparked curiosity for you, you’re welcome to explore my upcoming classes and offerings:

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