Is
Reiki
For You?

My Reiki Story
by Angela Micelli Suarez
    My story began before I was born.  It began with my Grandma Micelli, who died in a sanitarium, which would now be referred to as a psychiatric hospital.  It continued with my mother, through me; and, continues with my own son. Independent research and study of mental illness, its causes, challenges, treatment and management has been my passion for over 12 years.  My research led me to Reiki.
Nine years of my life, I devoted to caring for others as a Certified Nurse Aide.      I have worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities and home health care.  These past 3 1/2 years I have devoted large bulks of time discovering how the arts are also wonderful alternative, complementary and natural healing tools.  Now, the sacred ancient healing art of Usui Reiki Natural Healing Science has given me another way to help others experience healing on many dimensions.                                 
Modern society tends to take conventional healing modalities for granted. We depend on conventional doctors and treatment with great trust and frequency.  Many times this is the best option.  However, we are blessed to have the power of choice. We have many options.  Conventional, alternative, complementary and natural healing options are available.  Reiki is an option available, which blends wonderfully well with conventional medicine and treatment.  It is an option I have discovered that has become an empowering tool in my own life.  Perhaps, Reiki may be just what you are looking for, too!
        Reiki is a Japanese word; and, is pronounced Ray Key.  It means “Universal or Spiritually Guided Life Force Energy”. This ancient method of hands-on healing is non-invasive and it is administered through persons clothing.  The technique used channels Reiki healing energy to the person through the practitioner’s hands.    The practitioner either lays hands directly on the person or off the body by using particular touch points. Reiki. is guided by God-Consciousness and Unconditional Love. It restores balance on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.  Each person receives healing wherever it is needed.  It can never cause any harm. Reiki is not massage therapy. However, oils, lotions, special calming music and/or scents may be used to enhance the healing experience.
    According to http://www.holisticonline.com/Reiki/hol_reiki_history-of-reiki.htm, “Reiki is believed to have begun in Tibet several thousand years ago. Seers in the Orient studied energies and developed a system of sounds and symbols for universal healing energies. Various healing systems, which crossed many different cultures, emerged from this single root system. Unfortunately, the original source itself was forgotten.
Dr. Mikao Usui, a Japanese Christian educator in Kyoto, Japan, rediscovered the root system in the mid- to late 1800s. He began an extensive twenty-one-year study of the healing phenomena of history's greatest spiritual leaders. He also studied ancient sutras (Buddhist teachings written in Sanskrit). He discovered ancient sounds and symbols that are linked directly to the human body and nervous system which activate the universal life energy for healing.  Usui then underwent a metaphysical experience and became empowered to use these sounds and symbols to heal. He called this form of healing Reiki and taught it throughout Japan until his death around 1893”.  “Reiki was introduced to the Western world in the mid-1970s. Since then its use has spread dramatically worldwide”.
Sometimes, the misconception is that Reiki is a religion.  But, no, it is not.  It is completely unconditional. It requires no belief in the Supreme or in Reiki itself.  It does not includes nor support any creed or dogma.  It does not conflict with religious beliefs, because it is a universal form of life’s energy and gives of itself freely.  For me, I do focus on the spiritual dimensions of Reiki. Spiritually, I believe it is the doorway to infinite possibilities. Do you want to be more creative?  You can be.  Want to give and receive unconditional love?  You can. Seeking divine wisdom?  You can access that, too.  However, Reiki is for any one seeking physical, mental, emotional and / or spiritual benefits.  The key to understanding this empowering tool is that You-Your Whole Self-Your physical body and spiritual essence are in charge of the energy received;  And, how it is used.  Your whole self will guide/channel the energy where it is needed most.
My path in life has taken many turns, as most people’s lives have.  I have experienced much sadness and turmoil along my journey; also joy and contentment. Most of my life I have embraced and lived in a traditionally American manner. But, discovering this presence, this energy, many also refer to as Spirit, and gaining the knowledge of Reiki and passing that on, has given me a peace difficult to explain and empowered me to believe in the concept of unconditional love.
About 3 years have elapsed since my introduction to Reiki.  I have lived in the mystery as a Reiki Master Practitioner and some would say I have honed my craft, at least to some degree.  My next evolution is dawning. And, it is another practical step of expanding the non-profit work of Mercy International Ministry’s (MIM’s) Corporation of which I am CEO and MEED Advocate.  I am beginning this practice solo.  But, I invite others to come beside me to co-create this as a cooperative / worker-owned and operated business which will economically aide the non-profit MIM’s Corp. This Monday, Nov. 3, 2008, I will begin the process of starting an official Reiki practice from an office.  I will be located in the Healing Arts Center.  The address is 5222 St., Anderson, IN.  I will be available Tuesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and by appointment. Each session is about an hour and an investment of $30 per session. I can be reached by email at angelasuarez@sbcglobal.net and by my cell phone.  My cell # is 765-274-6760.  I’m best reached 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Friday.  Saturdays and Sundays most efficiently between 2 p.m. and 10 p.m. When you call me, please leave a verbal message with my voice mail, if I am unavailable to take your call at that particular moment.  This ancient healing art is a beautiful gift!  It is waiting to be received by you and your loved ones.  May our paths cross and may we bring peace to the earth together.