Interview with Deborah Lloyd

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 [email protected] and on Facebook at Deb Lloyd Healing.

1. How did Reiki find you?

For the first 48 years of my life, I was quite traditional in my beliefs about spirituality and medicine. I had polio at the age of three years old. My legs were greatly affected, resulting in two surgeries and years of walking with crutches. I still have quite a severe limp, although my legs are much stronger than they were before Reiki treatments. I give gratitude to a special orthopedic surgeon, and other medical professionals, to function as well as I did. I am truly blessed with a loving marriage and two wonderful adult children – I must add, three grandchildren too! When my children were small, I went to college and obtained degrees in social work. I love my fulfilling career as a social worker.

In the 1990’s, my physical body started to experience some changes, new pains in my legs and an overwhelming fatigue. I was diagnosed with post-polio syndrome, as were many other polio survivors. I was placed on a small dose of a medication, which helped a little, and told to slow down. But, the fatigue continued.

In 2001, a co-worker started talking to me about how Reiki could help the fatigue. My first response was that sounded really woo-woo, but after a few months of her urging, I finally gave it a try – what did I have to lose? I truly felt the fatigue start to leave my body during the first session. After a few more sessions, we were convinced of Reiki’s healing powers; both my husband and I became trained in all levels of Reiki. My life has changed tremendously in the past 14 years. Chronic fatigue has never returned, my legs have experienced many physical improvements – more importantly, I experienced emotional and spiritual healing.

The biggest lesson Reiki has taught me is to be open to the invitations of the Universe. Through spiritual guidance, other forms of healing came into my life and I pursued them, resulting in amazing healing. Reiki is the foundation of all my healing, and it continues to be the modality I use daily.

2. What is your favorite symbol and why?

This is like asking which child, or grandchild, is my favorite! I truly love and appreciate every symbol, as each one has its own unique characteristics and powers. Our Reiki Master taught us to use each symbol, each and every time we use Reiki, as we never know what aspects of others (or ourselves) is the root cause requiring healing. Sometimes, we think we know the root of a problem, but there may be another layer of healing needed elsewhere. Every symbol is a blessing.

3. What do you think about Angels, Crystals?

Angels are especially important in my life, as I’ve always had a connection to angels. I remember, as a little girl, talking to my guardian angel all the time. She was my best friend, the one who understood my feelings of isolation and loneliness, when I could not participate in running and playing games. The angels are with all of us, all the time. They are simply waiting to be asked for help – whether it is for protection, guidance, or bringing healing into our lives. One of my favorite genre of books to read are the ones with real-life angel stories. When I read about another person’s experience of angelic encounters, my own experiences are affirmed.

My relationship with crystals is more recent, since I learned Reiki and became more sensitive to all the energies in our world. What I love about crystals is how different each one is, and how one resonates with one person, and another one with another person. As time goes on, I work with them more and more.

4. What do you think of distant attunements? Do they work?

Yes, I believe distant attunements can work and it is a wonderful solution for those people who do not have a Reiki Master in their local area. Or, the kind of Reiki they feel called to is not available in their area. Just as distant healing works, so too do distant attunements. There are no limitations in the world of Universal Life Force Energy.

That being said, there are benefits to meeting and getting to know your Reiki Master, in person. It will be more comfortable to connect with them for questions and support after classes are over.

Most importantly, if someone is seeking a Reiki Master, they should ask for guidance to find the right Master for them. If their guidance points them to a Master halfway across the world, so be it. You should resonate with the energy of your Reiki Master.

5. Can you share one of you most amazing Reiki experience?

This experience is one I often share with my Reiki students…..Shortly after learning Reiki, my mother transitioned. I grew up in Indiana farmland; in my small hometown, one tradition is family and neighbors bringing food into the home. One evening, our college-age daughter picked up a lid off a casserole dish that had just come out of the oven. The whole palm of her hand was badly burned. I asked her to run it under cold water for a few minutes, and then I did Reiki. I placed my hand a few inches above her palm for about half an hour. The first ten minutes were very painful for her, and tears ran down her face. I assured her the healing was working lightening-speed, and the pain would soon leave. When she woke up the next morning, her palm was covered with dry skin, the kind of skin that is left after the blister stage. What occurred is that the blister stage was totally skipped overl! Many family members became believers that day. (Of course, my own physical improvements over the years have also been very convincing!).

6. How do you see Reiki 50 years from now?

My vision for Reiki is that it is well-known and accepted by all peoples – including religious communities, spiritual groups, medical professionals, mental health and substance abuse counselors – everybody. Trainings would no longer be needed, as it could simply be passed down generation to generation. It would be a part of everyday life, but yet maintain a level of honor and sacredness. My vision is that Reiki becomes a part of everyone’s life – in all nations, and across all belief systems.

7. If you could give just one piece of advice to a new practitioner, what would it be?

Practice Reiki daily. Integrate it into every part of your being – mind, body, spirit. And, don’t hesitate to say “yes” to the Universe’s invitations to spread light and love into the world. Each person is called to love all other people – it’s as simple as that – and Reiki is one of the most blessed ways to put your love into action.

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