Grief, Wounds and Reiki – Part 5 of 5

As I write these words, it is Father’s Day. This day, like many other special occasions and holidays can be just like any other day where you go about your normal routine. It can be full of love and celebration, can bring about a wave of sadness and grief, can be used as a way to honour a loved one (here or who has passed) or it can be a day to reflect on how far you have come on your grief journey.

There are many causes of grief. It can be from a loss of a parent, child, other family member, pet, or friend. It can be a change in a relationship (i.e. divorce), a friendship ending, a loss or a change in your job or business. It can be from an idea of how things were “supposed to go”, a move, a health change, and so much more. The one thing that these different causes of grief have in common is YOU. How grief affects you, how long you take to grieve, what grief you have been working on accepting and healing, if you choose to avoid and push down those feelings, how society has portrayed grief, your belief system, compiled grief, the support you have (or don’t have), the series of events in your life, generational grief or traumas and so much more can impact your grief and your grief journey.

Reiki has been a huge part of my grief journey and has supported my heart, wounds, and healing. I would not be where I am today without this beautiful healing modality. Though for me being so sensitive, an empath, has also shaped my grief journey. I took on much heartache, grief, depression and despair that was not my own. As a young child, I was unaware of the wounds, traumas and grief that rippled from generation to generation. Though I did witness how the death of my father at the tender age of 5, how his death impacted so many people in my family. The ripple effect of this very unexpected death, an accident while away on vacation in the Dominican, was a huge catalyst that changed the trajectory in so many lives.

I took the most impactful trip in 2019. It was my first trip alone to another country to complete the in-person immersion of my meditation teacher training in Carlsbad, California. This journey was so impactful as it broke my fear of travel and leaving my children for more than a few days. The impact of death and grief can take hold of more of our life and life choices than we realize. With grief we must feel it. Fear of the unknown and fear of the pain, impacts our day to day more than we realize. Last year I completed a death doula course and various side courses to gain more knowledge and a different view on death and the dying process. On my grief journey I have used talk therapy, meditation, Reiki, essential oils, crystals, courses, books, music, and mediums to support all I have needed. There is no one size fits all to grief, wounds and the healing journey. I did what I felt guided to at different stages along the way, and Reiki has been my anchor for many years.

Anyone who may be reading this, be it a Reiki Practitioner or another soul who has come across this article, I would say to listen to your heart and be open to trying different healing modalities to see what works best to support your healing and growth. Grief, wounds and trauma can be passed on from generation to generation, but so can love, hope, peace and healing.

Today I honour, celebrate and give thanks to all the father figures I have had at the different stages in my life, along with my children’s father. As each one has taught me different things about myself, others and the world, and without their part, I would not be who I am today. My birth father who has shown me the deepest darkest sides of my grief and abandonment journey, has also shown me that healing and love continues and grows no matter what form you are in, be it human form or in spirit. His father, my grandfather who endured unmeasurable grief and trauma as well, who struggled to show love in the way I had hoped, or thought I needed, did so in his actions. From teaching me how to fish and dance the waltz, taking me out to practice driving as a teenager and showing me the value of having brief, kind conversations with random strangers. A message that has gotten me through some challenging times relayed by a medium from my grandfather, was to always remember where you came from and the strength of your family line.

My first step-father taught me a lot about fear, anger and the person I did not want to become. He gifted me the sister I always wanted as to this day my step-sister and I are still in contact and work on healing parts of our childhood together through conversation and the support of Reiki. My third father in this lifetime and current step-dad came into our life so many years ago after so much grief, trauma and wounding had happened. He brought the light of fun and humour into our lives and has taught me that in the roller-coaster of life, laughter lightens the load on the darkest of days. That he can never replace my biological father, and he would not want to, but that blood and biology does not matter as we are family just the same. He chose to take on the role of my father for most of my life and loves me like his own, which is such a gift.

My husband and father of our 2 beautiful children, has taught me that if you have unconditional love and support, anything is possible and my healing journey is proof of that. That our relationship and our love grows and changes, but is the constant in the good times and bad. I would not be where I am without my husband by my side. He has been a grounding force and I get to watch my children grow and flourish with his love, support and dedication.

Reiki has taught me that everything is energy and that Reiki combined with love, can be some of the most powerful, transformational healing tools. The benefits of Reiki are open and endless to those we reach as Reiki Practitioners and to ourselves. Self-Reiki is a vital part of our healing and growth on a personal level and as a practitioner of Reiki. To be of best service to others, you must continue to take ongoing steps on your own healing journey. As you continue to heal your wounds and grief, one layer at a time, those holes you may have felt in your heart, begin to be replaced with light, love, hope, compassion and a deeper love of self and others. Grief is a life long journey, and I do not believe it will ever fully go away. But our grief can shift and transform to a greater understanding, more compassion, acceptance, appreciation, gratitude, and forgiveness of self and others, as we embark on this journey from head to heart.

• Grief, Wounds & Reiki – Part 1 of 5
• Grief, Wounds and Reiki – Part 2 of 5
• Grief, Wounds and Reiki – Part 3 of 5
• Grief, Wounds and Reiki – Part 4 of 5

Article by Jennifer Cluley

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Jennifer Cluley is a Reiki Master, Certified Meditation & Birth Star Mantra Teacher, Intuitive and Guide. Jennifer’s passion is to inspire others to connect to their heart to bring more balance, peace, love, forgiveness and harmony within, which then ripples into the home and out into the world. Jennifer’s anchor is Reiki and her meditation practice, her guide, which continues to assist her healing journey and guiding and assisting others who connect with her. A better understanding of ourselves and our connections with those we love, ultimately brings more harmony in the home. Jennifer’s children are her biggest motivators, her angels, guides and loved ones in spirit provide an abundance of support and many family and friends are her biggest sources of inspiration to lead a spirit led life.

Connect with Jennifer:
Website: jencluley.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fromheadtoheart555
Instagram: www.instagram.com/jencluley_hopeanchors