This weekend was the eighth and last class of my first Level I Reiki course, which is an eight lesson course. I developed the longer format for teaching after learning that Master Usui would train his students for years before attuning them to Level I. My intent was to infuse the discipline that comes from practising a new skill back into the format of the western style of teaching Reiki, which is typically taught in a weekend for Levels I and II.

At Level I, I was aiming for teaching my students the basics of energy work, an intro to meditation, and to be able to feel the flow of energy in their hands. By the second class it was overwhelmingly clear that the course would far surpass those goals. Everyone in the course, myself included, had profound and foundational shifts take place in their lives.

We concluded the class with a Reiki share, where one person lays on a massage table and the rest send Reiki healing energy to them. It was then that the sheer magnitude of joy and appreciation flooded through me. It is humbling to teach this work. And it is deeply satisfying to know that I have the opportunity to help others step more fully into their true, magnificent, Divine selves. Tears and laughter flowed in equal measure.

Reiki teaches us to step back from the process and allow the energy to flow through, unimpeded by ego. There is a deep surrendering to the natural healing process and a detachment from the results. Teaching Reiki is a similar, but significantly amped up, process. I got out of the way of what my students were supposed to gain from the course and they received far greater than I could have ever imagined.

I learned so much throughout this process as well. I learned that ego is not just being boastful, but it also plays a part in keeping us small. I had to face the reality that I have developed a life-changing and unique class that has the potential to reach the world. Yes, it is true, I am good at what I do. I had to learn to claim that for myself, because me playing small is not going to help anyone.

I had the opportunity to shift some major mental habits and create new powerful affirmations. I shifted the structure of my life to be more supportive of my purpose. I connected deeply to my spiritual essence and created daily contact with Master Usui, who is an ascended master. All in all, I rocked it!

I will forever be deeply grateful for my students who inspire me on so many levels. The courage and compassion they brought to every class really made it a tremendous experience for everyone. I am so incredibly impressed with their dedication and commitment to the process. I have been very lucky to have had them as my teachers.