Article by Carrie Anderson
There are many opportunities for Reiki trainings. A variety of classes are available for both in-person and online courses. One of the wonders of Reiki is that it is so versatile that one can learn in either setting. This is so extremely beneficial for several reasons. One, is the accessibility for a wide variety of people to be able to attend a training. If you are fortunate enough to live near a Reiki Master that offers in-person trainings then that is definitely a viable option. However, if you are not close to a Reiki Master, or if there are other issues, perhaps around mobility and affordability, then online Reiki trainings can be a blessing. I have had the fortune to be able to take both in-person and online trainings and can offer some insight into the similarities and differences.
My in-person training was a present, one year, for Christmas. I thoroughly researched the different options available in my area. I looked through several different webpages of the Reiki Master’s and made contact with a few via email. I had some general questions about time, place, length of class, and cost. Like most things that I do, I eventually went with my gut instinct. I found an excellent in-person Reiki Master. She is down to earth, approachable and has a similar life view.
The class was very small. There were only three students. I loved the atmosphere. We were able to get to know each other while sitting around the kitchen table. My teacher firmly believes in the healing power of Reiki for houseplants. The amount of plants that surrounded us was such a boon to the whole process.
At the beginning of the class, after introductions, we went out on the porch, where she used a sage smudging stick to clear all of our aura’s. Once back inside, she began the class using William Rand’s Reiki book. We went through the chapters, took notes, and had discussions.
Aside from that textbook, we discussed Reiki boxes. The Reiki Master had her Reiki box out and showed us all of the possibilities. She then gifted us each with an optical calcite for use with our own Reiki boxes. This gemstone is said to amplify the energy.
We were then seated in the living room where we had our attunements. We were asked to write down our thoughts before and after the attunement. I wrote down what I felt, saw, and experienced during the process. After the attunement, the Reiki Master brought out a massage table. We each took turns practicing Reiki treatments on each other. Then we spent some time working on self-reiki treatments.
My Reiki teacher has made herself available for years after that original session. She is someone that I consider a friend and can go with questions, should any arise.
To further my studies, I have done several Reiki trainings online. I stayed with one Reiki Master for Reiki 2 and 3. Taking online classes suited my schedule and allowed greater flexibility in when I was able to study. This was a big attraction of the online format. Additionally, the affordability of the online classes was a huge draw. Again, I researched several options for an online teacher. Using the same process, I sent an email inquiry and after receiving (and in some cases, not receiving) a response, I went with my intuition. I found my online instructor to be one of the most warm-hearted, caring, and empathetic persons that I have ever met.
The structure of the class was obviously very different. First off, there was no real-time instruction. All of the information was accessible via a laptop. I had access to the course materials at all times and for as long as the course is available (lifetime). Years later, I can still go back and reference the materials. For this particular online Reiki class, the Reiki Master had her own Reiki manual for students to use. Each lesson was broken down into videos of the teacher instructing us regarding the Reiki practice, then there were readings from her book, and finally there was also a workbook where you could take notes. She strongly encouraged the repetitive practice.
The attunement process was done via distant. As we were living in different time zones, I was able to schedule a time when she was available. The instructor recommended that during that time that I be in a quiet room and not have distractions. She also recommended drinking plenty of water afterward.
I really liked the online course. Because the instructor has so many students, she had really managed to find a way to make the information so accessible and easy to understand. I found that I was able to feel Reiki energy much more powerfully than before. After the online course, my hands would often tingle and burn with the sensation of Reiki. Her explanations were simplified in a way that made so much sense. She used science, reasoning, and clear examples to help me understand and be able to explain Reiki. Despite having hundreds of students, the Reiki Master made herself available for questions through email and an online discussion group.
I benefited from both types of Reiki trainings. I felt they both had plenty of positive instruction and excellent resources. Despite there being some negative connotations of online courses, I did not feel that I received any less of an amazing experience. I am very glad that I was able to attend an in-person training. However, I am so pleased that online is a possibility because it means greater access for those experiencing any sort of limitation with in-person training.
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Carrie earned her Ph.D in Metaphysics and Energy Healing through World Metaphysical Institutes. She is a Reiki Master Teacher, Animal Reiki Master Teacher and holds degrees in several types of Reiki. Her focus is on Distance Reiki. Carrie is a Master Level Psychic Intuitive and gives daily readings. She combines Reiki and Divination to create unique readings. She is accredited through World Metaphysical Association and Council of Holistic Healers. She also has certifcations in Teen Guided Meditation,. Additionally, she is a Professional Yoga Facilitator with a focus on Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra. Carrie is a co-author with Mellisa Dormoy for the book, “Easy Mindfulness for Today’s Teens”. She is an active member of the Natural Healer Society and may be reached at www.caresreiki.com
Thank you for sharing your experiences! I too took the same path… First with a Reiki practitioner (all levels), then furthered my studies online… When you open to possibilities (both within and without), and listen to the Universal guidance that we are all born with inside (intuition)… It opens you in ways you can’t ever imagine, broadening possibilities that will guide you and thus others, to your and their best life! Namaste…