When Dr. Usui set out on his quest to learn and develop what we now know as Reiki, he began his quest with a question. He wanted to know, how did the Buddha heal people? For me, the question is not only how the Buddha healed, but also, how did Jesus heal people? And how did Mother Teresa heal people?

I have been around healing since the age of 6 when my family found a church home– a Pentecostal/Charismatic church that emphasized the healing of the Holy Spirit. I was 35 when this cycle came to an end and a new journey with Reiki began in my 37th year of life. I call myself a nun for the 21st century– because I’m not a nun in the traditional sense, but in my heart, my devotion to love, compassion and empathy is what fuels me to be of service to the world, much like Mother Teresa’s calling, as she describes herself belonging to the whole world. My deepest desire is for the healing of humanity to take root and restore us as a collective whole. But I believe strongly that for this to happen, it begins at the individual level. One person at a time taking the time to heal, whatever that looks like and means to each of us personally. Healing is subjective.

When I was networking some months ago, I spoke with a woman who asked me what my specialty is with Reiki. She wanted to know how she could pair people with my style of Reiki and who my specific audience is. I had a really hard time giving her an answer. When I first started down this road, I believed strongly that I would be a healer for people who have been wounded by a religious belief system. I believed strongly that this was my “audience”, but that changed quite a bit when I started to practice Reiki at a Massage/Bodywork office. My clients here are not what I thought would be the audience I would attract. So, when I returned to provide my friend with an answer to her question (two months later), I shared that Mother Teresa is a guide for me with this work, a trusted friend whose presence is felt with me in my sessions. Her legacy, her work, her heart is here with me, like a torch that she has passed on and that I have chosen to pick up and carry. And I hope to pass this torch on to someone else who will also align with the calling to be the light of the world through Reiki service.

Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.

Mother Teresa

I have attracted people who are navigating major life changes– navigating divorce, navigating transitioning from one stage of life to the next, navigating a post-traumatic stress response to an experience that impacted the subtle energy system and that is in need of repair. I attract those who are ready (whether consciously or sub/unconsciously) to make changes that are in alignment with their soul’s mission. After spending the majority of my thirties and half of my twenties doing deep inner work, I am now heading into the second half of life having some experiences that have been monumental to my ability to be a nun for the 21st century today. I am guided by Mother Teresa and Joan of Arc. And I am developing my own unique style that I believe will one day have a great impact on the larger Pittsburgh community where I live and move and have my being.

I will close out this post with two prayers that have guided me. The first, a mystic prayer that I learned years ago that connected me with the intention to be an instrument of healing for others. The second is the Serenity prayer that we all know and love. Lately, it has taken on an even deeper meaning to me and I hope it will leave you feeling connected to peace in your inner being that will spill over into your outer life and interactions with those in your tiny corner of the world.

May you be at peace
May your heart remain open
May you be aware of your true nature
May you be healed
May you be a source of healing for others
May you dwell in the breath of God.

Mystic Prayer

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
the courage to change the things that I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference.

Reinhold Niebuhr