I don't remember when I got my first Reiki attunement or when I became a Reiki Master but everything was quite jammed together that summer (possibly 1998 or 1999). I was searching and took several classes and workshops. I remember, however, that it came about in my usual planned manner -- planned meaning I had plans and the Universe and my guides had other plans so I did it their way.
I was at a autumn gathering of healers, spiritualists, and generally interested people (where I fit) in Northern Minnesota. One of the people attending the gathering gave an impromptu demonstration of pranic healing, a method of energy manipulation for healing. I found this quite fascinating and decided to go further with this line of healing.
I ordered the recommended book and began reading practicing. I felt the energy flowing. Later I found someone also interested and we worked together, practicing on each other and on anyone who would allow us to practice. That is when I first felt the power of intention in energy manipulation -- nothing complex here, just intend for the energy to work and it did.
I found a Pranic Healing workshop scheduled in Minneapolis the following spring and contacted the group sponsoring it. I put aside the money for the workshop. When the time for the workshop approached I was notified the it was cancelled.
As I had the money and the desire, I asked at the Present Moment Book and Herbal Store, where I'd purchased the book, if they knew of something similar. The person at the check-out counter handed me the magazine the store published and pointed to the Reiki section in the advertising.
I called a few Reiki Masters and one I talked to explained Reiki and had a Level I class scheduled in the near future. I enrolled in the class and was totally blown away by Reiki. When I completed my Level I, I enrolled in the Level II class scheduled a few month's later and found Level II more exciting. I was hooked on the energy of Reiki. I asked my instructor about obtaining my Reiki Master Training and she gave me a synopsis of the year-long course of study.
It was now late autumn again and I was enrolled in Sandy's workshop on talking to your guides. The last session Sandy had a message for me from the guides: "Earl, you won't be able to leave Minnesota until you get your Reiki Master certification. Find another Reiki Master and get your attunement as soon as possible." As I planned to spend the winter in Arizona and didn't want to stay in Minnesota much longer with winter coming, I got the latest Present Moment publication and searched for Reiki Masters. I didn't have much hope as the general plan was for a long apprenticeship from the Reiki Masters I'd talked to perviously. How there was a new Reiki Master listed in the directory so I called her.
The phone rang and I got an answer.
ME: Is this Beth?
Beth: Yes.
ME: You do Reiki attunements?
Beth: I just got my Reiki Master a few weeks ago and I'm able to do attunements.
ME: I need a Master Attunement in a few weeks.
Beth: A Master Attunement. I don't know if I can do that. Wow. I haven't even done a Level I alone and I'm just starting. I'm with the Rand lineage and you need a level before master. It should be a few months between.Why not your original Reiki Master?
ME: My guides want you to do it. They say I need it in the next few weeks, before I leave. My Reiki Master wants a long apprenticeship and I don't have the time.
Beth: Can I call you back? I need to meditate on this for a while.
ME: OK, my guides and your guides can get together and talk this over.
The next weekend the phone rang and I answered.
Beth: Earl? This is Beth.
ME: Hi, Beth.
Beth: How about next week-end? The Personal Mastery on Saturday and the Master-Teacher on Sunday. I'll give you a copy of my notes that I have as we might not be able to go over everything. I&apso;ll have you do at least one attunement though.
ME: OK.
Beth: Your guides are very persuasive. See you then.
In less than 6 months I went from not knowing of Reiki's existence to being a Reiki Master on route to Arizona. Over the next few years I learned Masters don't teach Reiki; Reiki teaches Reiki.
As long as I'm at it, there is one more thing I learned I'd like to pass along ... There is no distinction between a Reiki Master and the mythical man on the street other than a Reiki Master can attune others to Reiki.
The following are some things I learned about Reiki during these past years. I hope they provide some insights into how I perform Reiki.