Psyche upgrade: my journey in Shamanic Reiki.

Photography: Sam Beasley

Written by Anne-marie Guida

Life is a great journey and it’s all about evolving and experiencing, but one thing I had never really focused on or done was conscious self-care. Through different jobs, relationships, responsibilities, ups, downs and all the bits in-between, my focus had always been on getting through it, being strong and of course always being there for others. But what I have learnt recently, is that self-care is so important and that I can still help others but I need to help and put me first. In fact I’ve discovered that in order to help others best, I need to help myself first so I can be the best and truest version of myself. This not only helps me but also helps others by the energy I put out there.

Recently I went to Bali to complete my level 1 and 2 in Shamanic Reiki. It’s something I have always wanted to do and as per usual the universe presented the perfect opportunity with the right timing and a Master I felt connected with.

For those of you unfamiliar, Reiki means universal life force energy and is an ancient technique of healing that involves energy from a person that has been attuned. It focuses on your chakras and aura which absorbs thoughts, feelings and emotions which can cause and hold positive/negative reactions/blockages. When the Shamanic element enters, this involves calling forth a medicine wheel and incorporating Pachamama, Ancestors and the four elements of fire, water, air and earth to heal. It’s all so enchanting.

I have been getting Reiki treatments for over 14 years now; I usually get one when I feel off-balanced and not aligned with myself – looking back mainly when I was giving too much to others, or when I wasn’t giving anything to myself, feeling deflated, exhausted or just all over the place. For me, having a reiki treatment is like being able to take a very deep breath, right into your core and being free of anything that was holding you back.

The course was so much more than being attuned. I spent a lot of time alone and a lot of time with people that were one the same road of self-care and self-discovery. It was amazing and inspiring to talk to these people and hear of their journeys and needing to get back to their true-self. There was a huge amount of people I spoke to that were burnt out, mainly from careers and jobs that negatively impacted their lives, that really just needed to give themselves time and learn how to incorporate self-care into their daily routines. Self-care for their emotional, mental and physical well-being.

I discovered and experienced getting back to my true self. Meditating, gratitude – this can make such a difference to your attitude and impact your days and whole life in such a positive and more prosperous manner. And it doesn’t have to be long, a quick 5 minute morning mantra or 10 minute mediation can make all the difference. Even yoga or stretching makes you more aware of yourself and present. I guarantee that daily routines that incorporate one or something similar of the above will make such a difference to your outlook on life and affect yourself and your life positively. Even simple things like journaling, taking a long bath, consciously breathing, walking barefoot in nature, anything that truly resonates with your soul to make you present.

We put a lot of emphasis into eating and exercising right, but what will see you really grow and evolve in every aspect of your life is nurturing yourself and soul through self-care and awareness.

I’m so grateful for having allowed myself this time to totally commit to me and be attuned in Shamanic Reiki. It’s not only helped and taught me so much that I will carry with me for life, but I can now use this to help and heal others. I really believe in the positive impact of self-care and the effects it not only has on you, but on others and the universe. Learning and evolving is something we should all be doing along this magical gift called life.