After spending a weekend at a transformative holy fire reiki retreat in Northern California, I find myself at a loss for words to describe the experience. As a self-proclaimed skeptic of energy work, I never thought I would become a believer. The individuals I had encountered in the past who practiced such healing arts came across as arrogant and untrustworthy, making it difficult for me to open my mind to their methods. However, something within me urged me to give it a chance, especially after a profound ayahuasca journey.
Despite my reservations, I felt a deep longing for healing and had been exploring various modalities in search of something that resonated with me. While my faith in healing practices had wavered due to the off-putting nature of some practitioners, I decided to set aside my doubts and give reiki a try.
Unintentionally, the reiki retreat I attended turned out to be an all-women’s gathering, with no men signing up to participate. Leading the weekend workshop was Jane Miners, a reiki teacher hailing from Chico, California, which explained the retreat’s location in Northern California. Despite never having worked with Jane before, our interactions had conveyed a sense of sincerity and professionalism that intrigued me. The concept of a camping retreat combined with a hands-on workshop to learn the art of reiki appealed to me, as my previous experiences with online courses had left me feeling disconnected and doubtful of their authenticity.
I won’t bore you with the detailed ins and outs of the reiki training I underwent. It involved a deep dive into history, language, and symbolism, but at its core, it required a vast amount of imagination. The power of the mind cannot be underestimated when it comes to healing work, as it demands a fertile imagination and the ability to let go of the fear of being judged.
On the second day, I received my first “placement,” which is the term used in holy fire reiki for an “attunement.” The following day, I received my second placement. While many of the women present claimed to have felt a tangible shift during the placements, I found myself simply going on a mental journey fueled by my imagination. I was willing to entertain the idea that it was real, but deep down, I harbored doubts and remained skeptical, going along with the flow to maintain the group’s positive energy.
It wasn’t until the mesmerizing sound bath on the fourth day of the retreat that my skepticism began to crumble, and I found myself a true believer in the power of energy work. This was my first encounter with a singing bowl sound bath, and let me tell you, I will never be able to experience another sound bath in the same way again. The intensity of the experience rivaled that of my previous journey with ayahuasca, leaving me astounded.
As the rhythmic beats of the drums reverberated through the space, I felt a fire igniting within me, a sensation that I recognized as the holy fire energy. With every fiber of my being, I was convinced that this energy was flowing through me. Despite the physical discomfort and urge to move, I resisted, understanding that any disruption could sever my connection to this powerful force. It was as if a voice whispered to me, urging me to embrace the holy fire and unlock its full potential within me.
Although my body protested, my mind pushed me to persevere. Years of physical training had prepared me for this moment, but this challenge surpassed anything I had ever faced. The sensation coursing through me was akin to being electrified with pure love, but the waves of intensity came and went over the course of 49 minutes, testing my mental fortitude like never before.
With each passing minute, the ordeal became more excruciating, pushing me to the limits of my endurance. The promise of healing, not only for myself but for those I cared about, served as a beacon of motivation. I focused my mind on specific thoughts, willing myself to endure the intense experience and emerge stronger on the other side.
There were numerous moments during the sound bath when every fiber of my being screamed to stand up, stretch, and escape the torment I was enduring. Yet, I resisted the urge, determined to push through the challenge. Just when I thought the ordeal was coming to an end, the melodies would start anew, dragging me back into the intense experience. It would have been easy to succumb to the physical strain, but I chose to view it as a test of my endurance, a test that promised a reward in the form of holy fire energy.
After what felt like an eternity, the sounds finally ceased after 49 grueling minutes. A pause filled the air, leaving me uncertain and on edge, questioning whether the test was truly over or if there was more to come. Doubts crept in, suggesting that this was an impossible challenge designed for failure, but when the master confirmed the end of the ceremony, a sense of triumph washed over me. Internally, I celebrated my victory, feeling a rush of elation and disbelief.
In that moment, all my self-doubt evaporated, replaced by a firm belief in the reality of what had transpired. I had conquered the seemingly insurmountable challenge, absorbing the holy fire energy and embracing the experience as genuine. Whether it was a product of my imagination or a tangible reality, the power of suggestion had rendered it real in my mind. And in that realization, the truth of the experience became undeniable.
There remained one final test to determine the authenticity of my experience. The day after the profound sound bath, our group of women was divided into pairs to practice distance reiki on each other. I was paired with another member, and what unfolded between us was nothing short of extraordinary. As we delved into the practice, a remarkable connection emerged, allowing us to seemingly read each other’s minds. With a shared visualization of the holy fire energy at work, our synchronicity reached new heights. Our discussions flowed effortlessly, with the ability to anticipate each other’s thoughts, finish sentences, and predict the unfolding of events with uncanny precision.
I have decided to begin my journey with earth work, as it calls out to me in a way that resonates deeply. However, if you or someone you know is in need of a distance healing session, please do not hesitate to reach out. As I continue to hone my skills and master my practice, I am offering free healing sessions to those who could benefit from them. Your well-being is of utmost importance to me, and I am dedicated to providing support and healing energy as I embark on this path of exploration and growth.
