Reiki Shares

Reikishares BY

AMY ROWLAND

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LAURELLE SHANTI GAIA

Illustration by Tom Bowman

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n the community room of a church in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, a small group of Reiki practitioners and a few newcomers stand in a circle, holding hands alive with the charge of Reiki energy, eyes closed, taking slow, deep, relaxing breaths. The circle coordinator has welcomed everyone, said a prayer of thanksgiving for the healing all are about to receive, and asked for the names of those in need of distant healing. Now, he turns to the woman beside him, asks her first name, and then includes it in a blessing: “Joann, may healing extend from my hands to yours.” He smiles at her and invites her to greet the person who stands beside her and pass the blessing on so that it travels to everyone in the circle. Then, feeling the energy of Reiki and the warmth of unconditional love, they unclasp their hands and walk to the bodywork table already in place to do Reiki. The word “Reikishare” is probably not yet in any dictionary, but Reiki practitioners at all levels and of all lineages are quick to understand it as an opportunity to come together with others to share in the experience of Reiki energy through practice. This term is meaningful because it emphasizes the chance to share in the healing energy, to build community, and to keep Reiki-attuned hands “in practice” and strongly charged with healing energy.

ones. Caretakers also benefit from having their own healing needs recognized and addressed. Nothing can strip away the sense of emotional and physical fatigue and mental tension that accompanies 24/7 care like being on the bodywork table, basking in the warm flow of healing energy from five or six pairs of Reiki-charged hands. All Reikishares, whether open or closed to the public, offer community education, care for the sick, and care for the caretaker as well as the opportunity for practitioners to deepen Reiki practice. Such Reikishares also gently encourage those who are new to Reiki to learn it for themselves—for self-healing, for caretaking, or both. Reikishares that are not open to the public are usually restricted to the students of a particular Reiki Master; more rarely, they are offered to a particular client population (for example, terminally ill children and their parents at a Ronald McDonald House or HIV-positive men and women at a free health clinic). When teaching Reiki Masters sponsor Reikishares restricted to their own students, they can continue the students’ education long after the class certifying them as practitioners has concluded. This means that questions can be answered as they arise out of new experiences with Reiki, both at the table and during the intervals between Reikishares, and practitioners’ increasing sen-

For practitioners at all levels, Reikishares provide an opportunity to explore and express commitment to Reiki, to deepen practice, and to become aware of a desire or need for further training. Of course, most Reiki Masters and practitioners would say that what they most enjoy about attending a Reikishare is receiving Reiki themselves at the bodywork table. Sometimes, instead of Reikishare, practitioners will describe such a gathering as a “Reiki circle” (as does the Reiki Alliance) or as a “Reiki healing circle.” The latter term may more clearly convey the purpose of the gathering to the general public, who might discover it advertised in a magazine or on a bulletin board at a health-food store, holistic center, or church and who want to attend to learn more about Reiki. Reikishares are not always open to the public, but the ones that are attempt to provide a safe space for the curious to receive more information and to experience Reiki for the first time, usually free of charge. Such Reikishares also offer an initial opportunity for acutely or chronically ill individuals to experience the healing effects of Reiki. These people may decide to attend regularly to receive Reiki as an adjunct therapy to their physician-prescribed course of treatment to reduce stress or to provide pain relief. Such a choice is empowering to the seriously ill, for it enhances their quality of life, no matter what their diagnosis or prognosis. Family members who are caretakers for the chronically ill may also appreciate the value of a Reikishare open to the public. They feel the weight of their caretaking responsibilities lighten when they witness the positive effects of Reiki on their loved w w w. re i k i . o rg

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sitivity to subtle levels of the energy can be acknowledged and supported as it develops over time. Practitioners who sponsor a Reikishare for fellow students in the absence of a regularly attending Reiki Master have a similar opportunity to learn through experience, to share stories, and to become aware of their own expanding perceptions of the energy. Whether a Reikishare is sponsored by a teacher or by a practitioner, that individual has a chance to develop in a leadership role by coordinating the circle. For practitioners at all levels, Reikishares provide an opportunity to explore and express commitment to Reiki, to deepen practice, and to become aware of a desire or need for further training. Of course, most Reiki Masters and practitioners would say that what they most enjoy about attending a Reikishare is receiving Reiki themselves at the bodywork table: there’s nothing like that sense of deep relaxation, that gentle release from the tensions of the day, or—if needed—a more intense and accelerated healing. Reikishares create community and, within that community, the opportunity for enduring friendships with like-minded people. Such friendships are very special. Your fellow Reiki-practitioner friends are the ones you call when you have just learned © REIKI NEWS MAGAZINE

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that your daughter was in a car accident and is now in an ambulance on the way to a hospital; they will meet you in the ER, give you a comforting hug, and sit with you, sending Reiki to your daughter, while the surgery is performed. Or perhaps you need help moving from an apartment to a house. If you announce your need at a Reikishare, you may find that suddenly you have volunteers to pack and unpack boxes and the loan of a truck on moving day. Or you might be stressed out about a situation at work. The practitioner-friend across the table from you at a Reikishare may well sense it, take you aside, and offer sympathy and helpful insights. Reikishares offer us the opportunity to open our hearts in love, to use our hands in healing, to be fully present in a spirit of service to our community. Ideally, Reikishares are the work of committed volunteers who give freely of their time and energy while setting aside all private agendas and personality differences. For the duration of the Reikishare, practitioners at all levels are present simply to offer Reiki healing energy to each person who lies on the bodywork table, without prejudice and with reverence, knowing the divine healer within that individual will take and use the energy offered in whatever way is for the highest good. The primary reward for participation, besides feeling the healing flow of the energy itself, is the simple satisfaction of practicing Reiki and practicing kindness. Recently, a Reikishare in Sedona was blessed by the presence of a visitor, a woman named Helen, who is a spry 100 years old. Helen has a lovely personality, keen intellect, and sharp wit. She attended the Reikishare because she experiences severe pain from arthritis. Three practitioners shared Reiki with Helen in a group session for about twenty minutes. When she got off the table, she did so without any assistance, and she said “I was just laying there feeling soooo good that I just started loving all of you right back!” Her pain was greatly reduced, and she called a few days later to schedule a private Reiki session. Considering the many benefits, there are many reasons to create a Reikishare, whether it is to be a one-time event or a regularly scheduled meeting. If you are feeling excited about the idea of sponsoring a Reikishare, you will need to ground your inspiration in practicalities. You will have choices to make about the Reikishare’s purpose, participants, and policies. Rather than making these choices intellectually, learn from experiencing other Reikishares, if possible. Visit as many as you can, in your immediate area or outside of it. Experience and enjoy the flow of the energy and observe the group dynamics: What do you see that works? What doesn’t seem to work? From your initial hello to the moment you walk out the door, you may want to make mental notes—and record them for your own review and reflection later. If there is not a regularly scheduled group in your area, you’ll need to create your own without the benefit of seeing how others work. Sponsoring a one-time Reikishare in your home or center, or in a free public space, such as a church or library meeting room, is an excellent way to stimulate people’s interest and prac12

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tice the process. If you are a teaching Reiki Master, you might restrict this Reikishare to your students (who may have been requesting it). If you are a Reiki practitioner, invite some of your classmates from Reiki I or II and consider opening it to your untrained friends who are curious about Reiki. Whether you are a teacher or a practitioner, you might also consider sponsoring a one-time Reikishare for a needy client group: the homeless at a shelter, seniors in a retirement community, the chronically ill at a long-term care facility, staff members at a hospital’s employee day, volunteers at a hospice…. If you are already associated as a volunteer or employee with a facility or organization, you are more likely to find your idea welcomed and administrators eager to set a date. Here are some ideas to consider when designing your Reikishare: You’ll need to let people know about your Reikishare well in advance. This can be done through flyers posted at health-food stores, metaphysical bookstores, and other locations frequented by Reiki practitioners and other holistic-minded people. If your area has a holistic-health publication, you could consider taking out an ad to announce your Reikishare; you could also announce it by e-mail to your Reiki friends and clients, or post the news on your Webpage, if you have one. Make sure you include clear directions, the date and time of the meeting, and whether participants are to bring anything, such as an extra bodywork table or a potluck dish to share. Also, if you’ve decided to charge a fee or request a donation to defray your expenses, be sure to include this information in the announcement. Otherwise, readers will assume the Reikishare is free. As people arrive at your Reikishare, make an effort to greet and welcome them individually. Newcomers particularly appreciate a warm smile, an introduction, and some orientation. If you’re unable to do this, assign someone else this job. It’s also a good idea to have people sign a guest book and provide contact information, including an e-mail address, so you can notify them of future Reikishares or cancellations due to bad weather or for other reasons. Those who are at the Reikishare to experience Reiki for the first time will be glad to receive a handout explaining Reiki. Better yet, assign an experienced person the job of staying close to those without Reiki to answer their questions and educate them. You’ll also need to decide on the structure of your Reikishare. An opening circle, with members seated or standing, helps connect everyone to one another and to the Reiki energy. A group meditation or prayer can help create group rapport. If there are a lot of people new to Reiki, allow everyone to introduce themselves by name and introduce Reiki with a brief presentation or story. You may also invite those in the circle to make special or distant healing requests for those not present at this time. Then, if you have not already done so, set up the session tables. Be prepared to give special attention to those confined to wheelchairs, making sure there is adequate room for them to maneuver. Continued on page 14 •

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Reiki Circle Healing B Y B R I A N D A I L E Y , M . D . , F A C E P, F A C F E Helping Heal Cancer Our Reiki circle was initiated several years ago by two wonderful people, Joyce and Sam Attardo. Joyce had been battling breast cancer disease-free for fourteen years when it came back with a vengeance. Her left femur (thigh bone) fractured due to a tumor. She was shocked to find eight golf-ball-size metastatic (cancer) lesions in her liver and multiple mets in her lungs, spine, and pelvis. She was aggressively treated with chemotherapy, but her white blood cells (WBC), the ones that fight tumor and infection, had gone down to 0.0 (normal 12,000). This was a dire situation. Joyce was an accomplished seamstress and quilter. Unable to finish the quilts she had started for her grandchildren several months earlier, she had contacted my wife, Margie, and her quilt group, who assisted in completing the quilts. Margie, a Reiki practitioner, said, “Maybe Reiki might help.” Joyce was kept in Strong Memorial Hospital for five more days until her WBC went up to 3.5, which is low, but high enough to go home. They suggested stopping the aggressive chemotherapy since her cancer had rapidly progressed despite it. She was discharged on Saturday, and I stopped by her house on Sunday. We did a forty-five-minute Reiki and Hemi-Sync sound session. I asked what her visualization of her WBC was. She answered, “I want to raise them through the roof, through the sky, to the stars!” One week later her WBC was 45,000! They repeated it to confirm the WBC. I suggested at the next session to aim for a WBC of 12,000—and one week later it was 12,000. The woman who had requested help from Margie’s quilt group for assistance with her grandchildren’s quilts cut out an entire new quilt the day after her first Reiki session. And she has made many quilts since for babies born of mothers with AIDS. Several months later, off chemotherapy, her eight golf-ball-size lesions became three pea-size lesions. Her multiple lung metastases were no longer visible on CAT scan. She still had multiple bone mets, but no bone pain (unusual). She has been to Europe three times and travels around the country with her husband, Sam. She is an incredible cook of Italian food. Her collection of family Italian recipes is sold as a fundraiser for the Rochester Cancer Society.

More Cancer Healed Both Joyce and Sam became Reiki practitioners and share their healing abilities generously with others. During our weekly sessions, she “had an ill neighbor, would it be all right to invite w w w. re i k i . o rg

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her?” Sure, why not? She had a relative, Sue Spitale, just diagnosed with stage four Lymphoma, could she come? Sure, why not? Up to this time I had been making many individual house calls; not very efficient. We all agreed to meet at Joyce’s. The group quickly grew. Sue Spitale, who had already started chemotherapy, had lost all her hair when she first came. Her husband, David, and brother, Joey, had shaved their heads in solidarity. Much to David and Joey’s chagrin, two weeks after starting Reiki, Sue’s hair came back in, faster then their hair! She also set the intention for her hair to come back in curly, which it has. Several years later, she is still disease free. Sue went on to become a Reiki master and share her healing with others. Jackie Giunta was thirty years old and thirty-two weeks pregnant when she discovered she had breast cancer. Reiki helped her through her delivery of a healthy baby, Michael Anthony, through her seven-hour surgery, and her chemotherapy. She has been a member of our Reiki circle for more than two years and is a spokesperson for the American Cancer Society.

Heart Surgery A few hours after Sam Attardo, an original member of our Reiki circle, had cardiac bypass surgery, several of our group members were in surgical intensive care sharing Reiki with him. When the doctor and nurses entered his room on their rounds, and stared in wonderment at those of us around his bed, hands held above him, he informed them, “Come back in twenty minutes. We aren’t done with our Reiki session yet.” One week later at our next circle, held at Sam’s house, I winced as I watched him lift his massage table out of the closet with a one-week-young chest incision. “Don’t lift that,” I implored. “Why not? I feel fine,” replied Sam. He healed wonderfully. Our group has been featured on several news programs and features. Darren Mark, the Rochester AM live action reporter did a live feed over the two-hour news program. He reported his left elbow tendonitis had improved, and he felt “wonderful.” I am amazed how such a wonderful group of caring people can so profoundly impact so many lives in so many wonderful ways. All of us have enjoyed healing on some level. We all share in the camaraderie and festivity that each circle brings. And it has brought new hope and love into so many of our lives. I am grateful to the thousands of people who have blessed us with their participation in our Reikishare. n —Brian Dailey may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected] © REIKI NEWS MAGAZINE

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Continued from page 12 It’s important that people feel safe, and this can be accomplished in several ways: Make sure those new to Reiki have received an explanation of what Reiki is and what a session feels like. Encourage those who’ve never had a session before to go first, followed by those in greatest need. Ask the clients if they have special areas of need. Do your best to keep talking to a minimum while sessions are being given. Idle conversation about unrelated topics can be distracting and really lower the vibration of a Reikishare. This can easily drift into gossip and mundane subjects that take attention away from the person being treated and make them feel uncomfortable. It’s also nice to make water available to those who would like it after receiving a session. It is important to make sure everyone who attends gets a chance to receive Reiki. To do this, ask one practitioner to serve as timekeeper. If you have a two-hour meeting time available, six

people attending, and one table, the timekeeper might allow each client about fifteen minutes on the table and five minutes for transitions between clients. Of course, if one or more people are in greater need of Reiki, the group can decide to give them more time. At the conclusion of the Reikishare, a closing circle reinforces the sense of community and shared healing. It also offers an opportunity for announcements. It’s important to ask for help putting away the chairs and tables and cleaning up. A socializing time after sessions will also help create a closer bond between members and provide another level of enjoyment. “That was great! My headache is completely gone,” a practitioner says, as she folds a chair and stacks it against the wall. A middle-aged woman, waiting to stack a chair, answers, “This was my first time at a Reikishare—and I’m so glad that I came. I couldn’t imagine how relaxed I would feel….” The visiContinued on page 16

Healing at a Reiki Circle BY

M A R G A R E T L E E LY L E S

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n my ten years experience as a Reiki master, I have found that most people come to public Reiki Circles initially for themselves. If their first encounter with Reiki is good, they may repeat attendance at a particular circle, or visit around town to gather more energy, or simply try different places to see where they feel most comfortable. The paradox of Reiki is that when they realize the pulse and the power of the healing energy, many people join a Reiki class, not only for themselves but to bring this healing to their family and friends, including pets. Those who become practitioners seem to be among those who achieve the greatest personal healing. Since 1999, at a south Florida wellness center, we have consistently held monthly Reiki Circles, using straight chairs placed in a circle. Recently, we have added two tables for sessions, time permitting. The following are just a few of the cases that amaze me even as I write. All names are changed to protect the privacy of those involved.

Combating Chemotherapy A very rewarding case involved a young woman fighting ovarian cancer by conventional means. Lillian appeared at the circle wearing a red scarf tied tightly over her hairless head—an apt sign of chemotherapy. Petite though strong, Lillian said the chemo did not take her energy at first, but now it was draining her and she felt intuitively that Reiki could help even though she had never experienced it. She decided after her first circle visit that Reiki completely recharged her depleted energy for several days. Shortly afterwards, Lillian joined a Level One class so she could continue to 14

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bring the energy to herself several times each day. Her high energy, maintained by Reiki during her many months of chemotherapy, enabled her to continue her job as horticulturist, rolling wheelbarrows of soil and planting trees and shrubs. For the greater part of a year I saw her at the circles, always with the same dynamic smile and joyful spirit, wearing her now easily identifiable headscarf. Then I took leave for a summer. Upon my return that autumn, a person I did not recognize entered the circle—a beautiful woman with thick hair, very dark lashes and eyebrows. She began hugging me saying, “Thank you, thank you…for being here.” Noticing my puzzlement she called my name, exclaiming, “…It’s Lillian! I’ve got my hair back. I am well again.” Body now recovered, she returned to “work the circles” with us. Today she still serves at this center among our several faithful Reiki jewels.

A Child’s Severe Burn Another “jewel” came initially because of a cyst on her wrist. Betty claims I “Reikied” it that first day and the cyst disappeared overnight. Because of this, like Lillian, she became a fast believer. In this case, with no classes scheduled, I tutored her privately for six weeks, and was able to witness her growth weekly as the energy traveled within all levels of her being. At this wellness center, the Reiki Level One class is taught in twelve hours—two days/five hours each, plus two hours at a future Reiki Circle. On that day, initiates learn to “work the circle” and then receive their certificates. The circle affords a pleasant graduation ceremony and also encourages new guests to consider coming to future classes. •

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When Betty came to complete her Level One certificate at Reiki Circle, she invited a mother with three small children— two girls, ages four and five, and their little brother, age two. The boy, Tommy, had fallen into a bonfire, suffering severe burns on one hand. He cried and screamed at the mere mention of our “treating” him. There was a large group of circle healer-guests that day. Fortunately, there were four experienced practitioners to carry on conducting the circle while I took the family and two of my students into a small session room. Tommy sat on the floor encircled by his mother’s arms, as he would not go near the session table, fearing it was a doctor’s examining table. He continued sobbing and screaming, wondering what was ahead. In that moment, to comfort and distract, I composed a story of butterflies flying around him, kissing his face and body—kissing his hand—making it well. He soon quieted. Confident that the two new practitioners could continue beaming Reiki for him and improvising the visualization, I returned to the public circle. Subsequently, they told me that eventually they knelt beside him and his mother, until they were able to sit beside him. He fell asleep and they continued to treat him for a long time without ever touching the child. Fortunately, this family lived near Betty. She continued to visit Tommy at home for many weeks afterwards until his hand was healed and mobile. The doctors were amazed at his rapid recovery. His sisters now begged for sessions! The whole family loves Betty and of course, because of her, they all love Reiki.

Liver Transplant Anne had already received and rejected two liver transplants and had been given a third liver. Her body was also rejecting this new transplant despite her prescribed antirejection medication. When her mother convinced her to try Reiki, she agreed to come for one session. Having opened her mind and heart to me during session, I invited her to come for private initiation so that she could continue Reiki for herself at home as soon as possible. Because some close family members objected to alternatives she declined the offer, but considered coming to future Reiki Circles. When appropriate I included this family in distant Reiki. A few months after that first session, the duo appeared for the Reiki Circle, stating that the doctors were amazed that Anne’s body was still accepting the liver. The numbers in her tests were not good, yet the liver persisted. Naturally, Anne decided to come for more Reiki at the circle. On that day, about fifteen people were present; fortunately, two of my practitioners were there to treat the others in the public circle, while I set up an individual chair allowing prime time with Anne. My hands scanned her body, and as I hovered over her liver I felt a small leap inside! It felt much like the movement of a baby in the womb at the touch of the hand of a parent. Anne’s eyes grew large with excitement. To calm any fear she might be experiencing, I began to speak words I had never spoken to clients before. “Anne, your liver just greeted us! It says ‘Hello, I want to stay with you and be part of you... I want to help you live.’” Her face w w w. re i k i . o rg

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registered agreement, so I continued. “ Anne, you must give this liver a name and think of it as a new child in your body, speak a welcome to it, and continue to speak to it every day.” This evoked a smile, much like a youngster visiting Santa the first time, pensive but pleased. “Let’s call her Lucy Liver,” I continued, “Is that okay?” She nodded her yes. I continued to give names to all the organs in her digestive system, showing her locations. Anne wept soft tears of release and acceptance not only of the new liver but also of her desperate situation. With that acceptance she moved into the world of meditation, a practice to which she was just introduced. Neither Anne nor her mother ever consented to learn Reiki, nor ever came again for private sessions, even though the mother’s phone calls were full of hope that they would. At the least, I had hoped they might continue to visit the circles each month, but this was not to be. About eighteen months after they visited the circle, I received word that although Anne had done well, she was now in the hospital with pneumonia and wanted me to come to treat her. Before I could arrange to visit her bedside, her lungs gave up and she was gone. The doctors were amazed she had kept the liver for over eighteen months, the longest she had ever kept a transplant. They said her death was listed as pneumonia, caused by the weakening of her system from the antirejection medicine. Whether she might have lived without the medicine will never be known. However, the case of treating “Lucy Liver” was considered a success, since the patient expired from other causes. Often people return to Reiki Circles giving thanks for healings from their grief after the death of loved ones or other losses. Those suffering depression from causes they cannot determine often find peace and security in the shelter of the circle. Some eventually find the courage to seek professional counseling when needed. Many young adults, making career choices, find clarity while coming to Reiki Circles. Likewise, those encountering midlife changes find encouragement and confidence through the circles, returning to give witness, most often joining a class. These stories testify that, while the first enticement to Reiki may be for selfish reasons, Spirit has a sense of humor and inversion occurs. What we receive is what we end up giving—healing, peace, confidence, hope, love, and abundant joy. As a Reiki master, I find such joy in hearing these stories of affirmation. Added satisfaction comes when my students, many of whom began at a Reiki Circle, move on to become Reiki master/practitioners. I often think how helpful it would be if one day every family had its own Reiki master conducting circles of Reiki healing and love. The seeds of world peace first sprout within each of us, and then spring up into the community. Reiki, a great tool for peace, instinctively knows the time to sow and the time to reap. Public Reiki Circles and Reikishares for practitioners are a wonderful way to nurture and propagate these seeds of peace. n —Margaret Lee Lyles can be contacted by e-mail at [email protected]. © REIKI NEWS MAGAZINE

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Continued from page 14 tor wears a dreamy smile and sighs with contentment, “I think I would like to take a Reiki class. Do you know when the next one is scheduled?” From the doorway, another practitioner, with a session table in its case tucked under one arm, waves good night. “Thanks, everyone! See you all at our next share.”

Local Reiki Share Groups Here are some examples of how some ongoing Reikishares are organized: ICRT Reikishare, Southfield, MI: This free Reikishare is hosted by William Lee Rand—when he is in town. Otherwise, Jan Kendall is host. The meetings take place once a month from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and the date for each monthly meeting is sent to all those on the e-mail list. Otherwise, people can check for the date and get directions by phoning the Center or sending an e-mail. It is attended mainly by Reiki practitioners and teachers, but those without Reiki are also invited. People are asked to bring a healthy snack to share with others. The evening begins with introductions and shares about Reiki experiences since the last meeting. Special healing requests are shared at this time also. William sometimes shares about his latest trip or Reiki project, and there is also time for Reiki questions. An opening meditation and prayer precedes sessions. Tables are set up with three to six people at each table. The time is divided up, usually resulting in each person receiving ten to fifteen minutes of Reiki. Prayers of gratitude, a group shoulder massage, and hugs conclude the evening. E-mail: [email protected]. Phone: 1-248-948-5577. The Sedona, AZ, Reikishare: Michael Arthur Baird, Laurelle Shanti Gaia, and a core group of Reiki practitioners and teachers host this monthly Reikishare, which meets from 7–9 p.m. Attendance ranges from twelve to forty people. A donation is appreciated to help cover costs. This event begins with all participants introducing themselves. Depending on the level of experience of those in attendance, an impromptu talk about Reiki may be offered with time for questions and answers. Sometimes everyone is offered a healing attunement. Then those present form a circle and join hands. The group prays and invites the Reiki energy to flow through everyone for the highest good of all. This is followed with a ten- or fifteen-minute session for each participant, with two to four people sharing Reiki at each table. The evening concludes with a closing circle, giving thanks for the healings that have taken place and sending Reiki out for the planet and for all people who are open to receiving healing. For more information, e-mail www.reikiinsedona.com. The Pasadena, CA, Reikishare: The Reikishare in Pasadena is hosted one Monday each month from 6:30–9:30 p.m. by Jessica Miller and is open to all. Typically, seventy percent of those who attend are Reiki practitioners or teachers, and thirty percent are 16

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new to Reiki. There is a suggested donation of $5–$20 to help cover costs. This Reikishare begins with introductions and sharing of new Reiki adventures since the last gathering. There is a question-andanswer time and Reiki practice time. Attendance averages twenty people. For more information, e-mail www.reikimastery.com. The Overland Park, KS, Reikishare: The Reikishare in Overland Park, hosted by Karen Harrison, occurs on the second and fourth Mondays of each month and is open to all. This Reikishare is held at the Unity Church from 7–9 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $5–$10 to help cover costs. This Reikishare begins with personal introductions. Then there is a short talk. If there are new people attending, a fiveminute overview of Reiki is given, followed by a five-minute meditation. The coordinator goes over protocol for placing hands during the Reiki practice sessions. Each person receives a session of about ten minutes, with four to six practitioners working on them at once. Attendance normally ranges from fifteen to thirty people. For more information, e-mail [email protected]. The Columbia, MO, Reikishare: The Reikishare in Columbia, which takes place on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, is hosted by Linda Lohr and other members of the Reiki community. It is open to the public as well as Reiki practitioners. There is no fee for this Reikishare. This Reikishare is usually attended by about fifteen people. The gathering begins with an explanation of Reiki, and those who are not attuned to Reiki are given basic instruction and invited to participate in the healing sessions. For more information, e-mail [email protected]. The Haddonfield, NJ, Reikishare: This Reikishare in the Jersey suburbs of Philadelphia takes place on the third Tuesday of each month from 7–9 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church. Cheryl Beth Kuchler hosts the gathering, which is free of charge; any donations offered are given directly to the church. This Reikishare begins with attunements for certified practitioners, followed by a welcome circle and a blessing by Father Pat, the senior pastor and a Reiki practitioner, if he is present. Then basic information about Reiki is presented to visitors. The primary focus is on providing sessions for all who attend, which is easily accomplished, as the church has purchased two session tables. This Reikishare usually attracts six to twelve people, including practitioners, visitors from the congregation, and the general public. For more information, e-mail www.gracehaddon.org. The Merchantville, NJ, Reikishare: This Reikishare meets the first and third Fridays of each month from 7:30–9:30 p.m. at a holistic center. Albert Seaman, a practitioner of Kriya yoga and qi gong as well as a Reiki Master, hosts the group. A donation of $10 is suggested, although all are welcome, regardless of ability to pay. •

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This Reikishare begins with an informal, seated circle, during which regular members and first-time visitors introduce themselves, share Reiki stories, and learn more about Reiki. Then practitioners move to the session tables. Practitioners listen to the energy in their hands to determine when to end each session, rather than keeping time, so the gathering sometimes goes quite late. Attendance averages eight to twelve people. For more information, e-mail [email protected]. The Rochester, NY, Reikishare: The Reikishare in Rochester, NY is held weekly on Thursday, from 9:30 AM until 2 – 3 PM by Brian Dailey, a physician and Reiki Master. It is open to all, and is free. We meet in various locations each week. Information and directions to the Reiki circle are e-mailed the week before, along with information on pertinent healing events and courses occurring in the community. Reiki is the primary focus of healing, although we utilize multiple healing modalities. This includes crystals, sound (Hemi-Sync, crystal bowls, drumming, etc.), aromatherapy, reflexology, and massage. The goal is that everyone receives a session, and participates in giving sessions to others. Groups usually range from 20 to 40 people. For information, email Brian Dailey at [email protected]. The Skippack, PA, Reikishare: This Reikishare in the northern suburbs of Philadelphia meets the first Sunday of each month (with adjustments for holiday weekends) from 2–4 p.m. in the

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workshop space above a Native American gift shop. Amy Rowland hosts the group. A donation of $5–10 is requested to help cover costs. This Reikishare begins with a standing circle, requests for distant healing, and a blessing. Newcomers are provided with basic information about Reiki before being invited to experience Reiki on the bodywork table. The amount of time each person is treated is guided by the Reiki energy, when attendance allows. Attendance usually ranges from eight to fifteen people. For more information, e-mail [email protected]. There are many ways to create a Reikishare. By trying the ideas presented above, noticing how people respond, and making adjustments accordingly, you’ll develop a Reikishare that works well for your group. Also remember that by setting your goals and giving them Reiki, you will be guided in a loving and flexible way to create a valuable healing experience. When you have done all you can do to get ready, relax! Remember the Reiki principle: “Just for today, do not worry.” And on the day of your Reikishare, go early to prep the room, feel the energy arrive, and then just enjoy the experience of practicing Reiki and practicing kindness.

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—You can contact Laurelle directly through her Web sites www.reikiclasses.com and www.infinitelight.com or via e-mail at [email protected]. Amy can be contacted by e-mail at [email protected] or through her Web site www.traditionalreiki.com.

© REIKI NEWS MAGAZINE

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SPRING 2005

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