Creating Your Support Network

Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master

Sometimes, it can feel lonely, working as a Reiki practitioner. It can be especially challenging when you live in a rural or conservative area, and some perceive your work in negative ways. Or, your family does not support what you do, advising you to get a “real” job. It may be necessary to seek support outside your immediate circle of family and friends. This does not mean you should cut ties with people who do not agree with you; in fact, that would be detrimental to your entire well-being. Rather, realize their perceptions may be connected to fears they have, about any kind of complementary treatment. Some people may simply feel uncomfortable with the choices you have made and find it awkward to talk about your work.

There are many benefits to developing your own supportive, professional network. You might begin with your own Reiki Master. Your Reiki Master should be available to answer your questions, discuss problem situations, and give you feedback about your work. Perhaps, you felt a connection with a few Reiki classmates and can contact them. It is also helpful to reach out to other alternative medicine-type practitioners, such as massage therapists, acupuncturists or other energy healing workers. Sharing our stories, our challenges and our joys with each other can be enlightening and encouraging.

Another benefit in connecting to other professionals is that they can help to realign our thinking, when needed. Perhaps, you realized that you do not have a high percentage of repeat clients, and you think you are somehow doing Reiki “wrong.” Other practitioners will remind you are not giving Reiki incorrectly, but there could be other things you need to improve. During discussions, you realize your space is not as welcoming and relaxing as you would like. You also realize your shy nature may not help in making clients feel comfortable. You also discover that the percentage of one-time clients is about the same as other practitioners. More importantly, you make changes in your perception of your success and perceived failures – because a client not re-scheduling is not a failure, after all.

And, you do not need to limit your supportive network to people who live in your local community. The community of like-minded people is now global. There are many ways to share our experiences with one another, across towns, countries and continents. The internet is full of websites with articles and blogs (like this one), and youtube videos. We can email, tweet and facebook about our experiences with other healing arts practitioners. What a great time to be an energy healing practitioner!

We can also obtain support from other resources, such as reading books. Reading about another person’s experience is always enlightening. No matter how many energy healing memoirs, or spiritual books I read, I always learn something new. Sometimes, I am reminded of information I already knew, but have not thought about for several months. Fortunately, in today’s world, books, whether paper or electronic, can be easily found and quite inexpensive.

But, let us not forget the best resource of all is spiritual guidance. If you are feeling alone, discouraged, or not supported, ask for spiritual guidance to lead you to what would be helpful for you, right now. Send Reiki to your situation to find peace and calmness. Remind yourself that part of your life purpose is to practice Reiki. You are never alone in this healing work, as Spirit is always with you!

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Deborah Lloyd is a Usui and Karuna Reiki® Master and certified holistic therapy practitioner, providing Distant Reiki sessions and training in Asheville, NC. Deborah is the author of two books, 22 Messages from the Archangels; and, Believe and it is True: A Story of Healing and Life Lessons. She is also one of the co-authors of Reiki 101: 101 Answers for Your Reiki Questions. Reach Deborah at deb@deblloydhealing.com and on Facebook at Deb Lloyd Healing.