It has been several months since my first blog post, and I readily admit having procrastinated regarding further submissions— although I had written them— for a variety of reasons including battles with perfectionism that I now set aside to share something near and dear to my heart: the gift of Reiki. In fact, I do believe that my recent return and increased dedication to Reiki self-care has facilitated my readiness to resume not only efforts to blog but actually, to coin a phrase, commit to submit.

My approach to the practice of Reiki reflects my utmost respect and gratitude for this gentle yet powerful healing energy. Having personally experienced it from other practitioners as well as myself plus witnessed in recipients such remarkable calming of mind, body, and spirit that frequently improves mood as well, I can best describe Reiki as indescribably incredible. Each individual response varies, even from encounter to encounter, leading me to believe what I’ve heard and read so often: Reiki goes where and does what is needed. This is indeed one of its most astonishing features.

Because of its ability to calm and focus, I increasingly Reiki myself, in addition to personal healing, prior to each Reiki treatment I give to others and also at the start of each clinical (therapy) day. The effect is greater receptivity to others, increased mental clarity, and a more creative approach to each session. Applying Reiki to myself to first “fill my own jar” before helping others fill theirs has become a priority both personally and professionally. My life is better with it and I deserve it as much as those to whom I provide it.

My approach to all services provided— clinical therapy, giving Reiki to others, as well as teaching Reiki students to treat themselves as well as others— reflects my belief that each opportunity to do so is a sacred honor bestowed upon me. Seeing recipients respond and grow, relaxing through Reiki in a way they never thought possible, and hearing that my students are successfully administering Reiki to themselves and others have been some of the most blessed and profound experiences of my life.

I am aware that, since my own Reiki I and Reiki II training, more recent genres of Reiki instruction no longer advocate the use of attunements and are mostly meditative processes. Simply stated, I cannot imagine doing otherwise and therefore remain true to my own calling, continuing the practice of conferring the Reiki symbols through hands on attunements shared in sacred space. To me, this practice best transmits the symbols plus concurrent Reiki energy from myself to my students in the powerful way in which I first received them. In Reiki Master class, the use of meditative processes seals the deal, so to speak, truly passing the torch from Master to aspiring soon-to-be Masters going forward to teach others.

Whether you are new to the experience of Reiki, already familiar with it, and/or an aspiring practitioner, I would be honored to share this phenomenal healing energy with you and/or teach you to give Reiki to yourself and others. Reiki is a truly a gift that keeps on giving—- to ourselves, each other, and The Universe.

And so it is. Blessed be.

Carol Wagner, LCSW, LCAC, Reiki Master/Teacher.

I am writing my first blog!

It is incredible, challenging, and inspiring, this opportunity to share helpful information about mental and substance abuse issues and recovery, life’s concerns in general, and hopefully some relevant humor along the way as well. My first challenge is the keen awareness that this blog spot may be quite different from others you may encounter, which initially creates some discomfort on my part. Isn’t it ironic to have the chance to say whatever I’d like to say and wonder 1) what other blogs look like in comparison and 2) do other blog posters go through the same uncertainty?

I do accept and affirm that 1) of course it will be and IS different: it HAS to be, because I am my own self with my own perspective, as are you and every other individual; 2) my practice is of course different: I designed it that way; and 3) a major focus of my work is honoring and embracing our own personhood, differences and imperfections included. Imperfections can be improved upon, and being anything less than who are deprives the world from all we have to offer it and those we might help along the way.

And, I’ve broken the ice! I hope you find the content to follow both helpful and enjoyable. I look forward to ongoing updates and welcome your replies requesting further information and topics to be explored.

Blessings,

Carol.