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"I truly believe that .... Reiki helped me and my kids survive
these dark days. ... and I will never forget your kindness. Thank you from my
heart."
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"I am so excited that I will begin this new year of my life with a better
understanding of the world, the universe and myself. I feel truly blessed to
have met you and to be learning new and wonderful things from you. I am so much
more aware of everything around me and every thought that goes through my mind.
Something that is so elementary and I just needed to be shown the path to travel
on my new journey. Thank you so much for being you!! You are an inspiration to
me. I am so glad to have had my eyes and my soul opened so that I can grow to be
the person I am intended to be."
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".....Once again, my Reiki experience ... was wonderful. I can tell you are
doing what you were meant to do with your life. Thank you for "passing the
torch" on to me."
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"I need to thank you so much for opening my eyes and body to the healing energy
of Reiki! The extra energy you gave me before surgery was a real blessing. You
have enriched my life much more than words can describe. Thank You!"
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"I have had 4 Reiki sessions. I was a little reluctant to start them, but now my
only regret is not starting them sooner. I cannot put into words how I felt
after a session. It is unbelievable! I've had a lot of anger stored up in me
since the death of my husband. Now after 8 years and Reiki, I'm starting to
smile more and feel happy again. My body has many aches and pains and I can
honestly say - some of them are leaving me. Stress from my job is easier to cope
with too…"
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At age 11, my daughter was diagnosed with Bipolar
Disorder, along with a number of other diagnoses. She
is now 14 and over the years, we have tried numerous
methods of treatment. Some have helped make life
tolerable, others, not so tolerable.
This past summer, she began Reiki treatments and for
the first time in I can't remember how long, she was
like a new kid. She was polite, easy to live with and
seemed to enjoy life a little (she had no joy in life,
prior to these treatments ~ she also suffers from
depression).
She stayed this way for about 2 or so months ~ Reiki
treatments were every 2 weeks and with it, she
continued her medications. The same medications we
were planning on changing prior to the Reiki, as
they'd lost they're effectiveness.
We have had some ups & downs since this summer and
understand that she will always have these. However,
we feel that the medications coupled with the Reiki,
has really done wonders for her. She continues to go
every two weeks and looks forward to her sessions as
she is much more relaxed and easy to get along with
afterward.
I think the Reiki has been the best route we've taken
thus far and hope that the effectiveness has proved
itself to her, so that as she becomes an adult, she
will incorporate it into her daily life, as a way to
balance herself out and find peace within.
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Miracles Happen - The Story
It happened for me...believe it will happen for you.
Though it seems as if it were a very bad dream, I can tell you it was 12
years of hell. Fibromyalgia -- so it is called -- I call it constant pain and
progressive weakness.
My journey began slowly -- no one knew what was wrong (especially me).
As it progressed no one could help...most thought it did not exist (most except
me).
As the years past, some treatments were tried. Medicines with bad side
effects, therapy, both physical and psychological (I was told numerous times
that "it" could be all in my head). I knew different.
After 12 years of this I felt that this was the way I was to spend the
rest of my life. I stopped all treatments because they weren't working for me
anyway.
Then it happened ------------ A MIRACLE!!!!!!!
After my two sisters experienced Reiki sessions (for reasons of their
own), they thought it might be something I should try.
Honestly, I was very hesitant. Then I felt...hell...it can't hurt...I
hurt enough already.
My Journey to Wellness Begins
It was suggested that I schedule 4 sessions with Michelle within a few
weeks. So I did.
SESSION 1: It was very relaxing, I felt warm, at ease. Wow, this
was nice. I booked Session 2.
That night I slept well, but when I woke, my goodness somehow during the
night I was hit by a FREIGHT TRAIN. I couldn't move, I felt as though every bone
in my body was broken. I was scared. I shed tears wondering what had happened.
This was intense. I forced myself to move and function as best as I could.
Realizing Session 2 was in a few days...my mind said "don't go, how
could this be helping me?" My heart said to go and I trusted that feeling.
Though very afraid, I went.
SESSION 2: Again the session itself was pleasant. (If only I
could feel that way, always).
That evening I slept fairly well, but this time I awoke with the feeling
of being hit by a MACK TRUCK. Yes there was pain but at least it wasn't the
train. Was this a good sign, was I getting better somehow?
SESSION 3: Again an awesome feeling, relaxing, soothing, and even
comfortable.
I slept well. In the morning I felt as though I was bumped by a LITTLE
RED WAGON. I was sore, but no extreme pain. How could this be? I had felt hope
for myself for the first time in 12 years.
SESSION 4: I couldn't wait for my 4th session. As you can guess,
#4 was wonderful. I felt the weight from years of pain being lifted off. I felt
in control of my own health. I felt strong both physically and emotionally.
That night I slept soundly. I awoke feeling free of pain and the
weakness that had robbed me of many years.
I now control my ailment using Reiki daily (after taking Reiki classes
taught by Michelle). I am pain-free and stronger than ever. I am in control now.
Was it worth the FREIGHT TRAIN, and the MACK TRUCK, and the LITTLE RED
WAGON? You bet, because that pain proved to be temporary, and with Reiki I am
well, permanently.
My story wasn't told to scare anyone, it was given to show healing and
to give hope. Everyone who understands where I've been deserves hope, relief,
and regained strength.
After all I am ....STRONG
....HAPPY
....I AM LIVING LIFE !!!!
Thank you for hearing my story. You deserve a Happy Ending!
- A Testimonial by Debra Duncan, age 41
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_________________________________________
"This is just a little note to thank you for taking the time to
teach my Reiki II class. I know now I was ready for this step and I'm glad you
were the one to show me the way."
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"Thank you from my heart for teaching me Reiki. I have worked on two guys and
they say it work for them. You have come in to my recovery of my addiction. You
also have a nice heart. May God continue blessing you for eternal life for the
help you gave me. I truly thank you."
- Prison Inmate
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"Thank you very much for showing me your way! I am so very grateful for your
time and I hope to learn so much more in the near future. One love..."
- Prison Inmate
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"Just a note to thank you for coming over.... to bless my Reiki room."
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"I can't really say I believed in [Reiki] at first, but I was into trying
anything that could help me change my thinking. This ended up being one of the
smartest moves for me. It helps me with everything I encounter."
- Prison Inmate
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"You get more benefit out of watching someone's face right after they have
received Reiki. If I put a smile on someone's face, then my good deed for the
day is done."
- Prison Inmate
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Poem by a Reiki Student
Bodies touch, energy transferred into
Reiki, unimaginable abilities placed in
my touch.
I morph from inmate to Reiki practitioner.
Instantly the will to accomplish positive
things have been inspired.
Minds relaxed, intertwined between illusion
and reality. Emotions fixed upon calmness
Reiki truly works.
Signed:
Melvin M. Harris
HCHOC
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"Maxwell and I can't thank you enough for the loving touch he received from you.
The benefits were noticeable right away. He wasn't sad upon our arrival back to
our new home. He wasn't extremely happy, but the depression and anxiety have
dissipated. He seems on his way to adjusting, although he has a ways to go….
From the bottom of my heart, thank you..."
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"When Michelle did a Reiki session on him it was remarkable! He became calm and
unafraid of grooming… came home full of pep and played like he was a puppy. He
has been relaxed and now enjoys a ride in the car. His energy level has
increased a great deal. I'm sure he has arthritis, however, he moves now without
pain or discomfort…
Thank you so much as [my dog] means so much to me."
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My Reiki Cat - The Story
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G.B. (God Being), my Reiki cat
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I consider "G.B." my Reiki cat. He came to me after I got involved
with Reiki and in fact, I credit Reiki with bringing him into my life. I
already had one feline companion and wasn't looking for another addition to
the family at that time. However, I found myself hearing internally, "There is
a gray and white cat out there somewhere that needs me."
Having never experienced an intuitiveness of that kind, I was
intrigued and set about looking for the gray kitten. The understanding came
quickly for me that I needn't look - it would simply happen at the appropriate
time. And 2 days later it happened, just like that. A series of synchronous
events brought this cat and me together. Since I was in need of more Grace in
my life that is what I named her. Unbeknownst to me at the time was the fact
that my "girl" was a "boy". I hadn't bothered to check! The evolution of Grace
unfolded and today G.B. is the appropriate name for this "God Being".
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G.B. helping a client
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He believes his job is to assist me in my own healing as well as to
help me when I teach and hold sessions. He is a Reiki junkie himself - as this
picture of him receiving Reiki in the chair shows (above). He enjoys being
part of the sessions, which we allow when the client gives permission. This is
him "working" on a client's back. She was having upper back discomfort and he
knew precisely where to place his "Reiki paws." He's always happy to assist
and doesn't even require an invitation.
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How Reiki Helped Sam the Cat
December 16, 2001
This is a testimonial letter telling of my experiences with the
healing powers of Reiki and how it has helped my cat.
My cat is sixteen years old and was diagnosed with a chronic illness
in 1997. With this illness he has good days and not so good days. During the
not so good days he has little or no appetite, sleeps a lot and has little
interaction with people. During these times he has been given distant Reiki
from Michelle McCarthy. Within a few hours of receiving Reiki my cat is awake,
alert, and looking for a a hearty meal.
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Sam at Christmas time
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At the time he was diagnosed, his life expectancy was only to be
six months. It is with a grateful heart that I am pleased to tell you that as
I am writing this letter I am sitting with my cat Sam.
Sincerly Yours,
Amybeth
Huntington, MA
Update on Sam: Sam made a very peaceful transition later on the
evening of December 16th. He was sitting on his mother's lap underneath the
Christmas tree -- a most precious and treasured gift, as his Vet had said it
was unlikely Sam would pass on his own.
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Suzie's Story
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Suzie & Wiggins
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"I have had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 14 months old, and now
that I'm in my thirties, the long-time medication use and pain were beginning to
be overwhelming. I was ready to give up on everything and everyone. I had
reduced my hours at work, required 10-12 hours of sleep a night and was taking
several medications throughout the course of the day. My sister, Tammy, had been
receiving Reiki sessions and was experiencing great results. She convinced me to
give Reiki a try, though I held out little hope that it would work.
Michelle explained that a series of 4 sessions is recommended because it
can take that long for a person to notice a significant change. The first
session nothing much happened, but I did feel very relaxed and more comfortable
than I had in a long time. The second session was more relaxing and I noticed
much improvement in the pain in my knees and hips. My hands and feet were still
a problem, but by the fourth session they felt great! By this time I had decided
to take myself off all medications.
(*note - this is NOT something I, Michelle,
would ever recommend. This was Suzie's choice.*)
I continued to have regular
Reiki sessions every two weeks, until Michelle said she would rather I learn
Reiki myself. "Part of Reiki is taking responsibility for oneself," she said and
that included being responsible for ones' own healing.
By this time, my sister Tammy was ready to learn and even our
grandmother, who had been receiving regular sessions wanted to take Reiki! So,
on August 24 and 25, 2000 the three of us took Reiki I together. I took Level II
in June of 2001 and it was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life! I
am back to my regular hours at work. I eat and sleep better and still take no
medication. I'm happier, less stressed, healthier and pain free. More than one
person has told me I'm a totally different person.
My dog "Wiggins" is a different person too! He loves the Reiki energy
and now when I work on myself he wants in on it too. In fact, at least every
other day he comes to me asking for it. He is a senior pet with some of the
doggie distresses that come with age. Reiki has significantly reduced his
discomfort as well. I would like to thank the Universe for the Reiki energy and
Michelle for teaching me how to use it. Now my Reiki adventure and a new way of
life have begun!"
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Tammy's Experience
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Tammy & Sassy
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(* Actually, this is Sassy's story-pictured here in Tammy's arms.)
"My dog Sassy began seeing Michelle for grooming many years ago.
Dropping her off caused anxiety at first. But before long, Sassy would get right
out of the car and head into the building, going over to Michelle happily. After
her hairdo she would become very relaxed, take a nap and wake with the energy of a
puppy. I finally asked Michelle what magic she used and she explained it was
energy work called Reiki.
I became a Reiki practitioner myself and have worked with Sassy many
times to ease pulled muscles in her shoulders. With rest, Reiki and lots of love
she feels better within a few days. Reiki has taken away the feeling of
helplessness and now I can help my most precious pet." (*Note: Reiki is not
meant to replace veterinary care; however it works very well in conjunction with
any standard form of treatment. One is advised to use personal discretion and
consult their veterinarian whenever necessary.)
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Suzie & Tammy's Grandmother's Story
Suzie and Tammy had experienced such wonderful results with Reiki that
they began telling their grandmother about it. It wasn't long before she decided
to try it herself. Here is what she has to say:
"I suffer from spinal spurring with compression fractures of my back and
I am in constant pain. The only relief I got was from pain pills. I have had
this condition for several years. It effected my sleep nightly. One day my
granddaughters told me about Reiki. They made an appointment for me and I went
for my first session… I could feel the pain as it was leaving my left side, down
my leg to my toe. I felt so at ease and all the stress that I had from the pain
had left me. After the series of 4 sessions… I took Reiki so I could do it on
myself. Now I do Reiki everyday at bedtime and I can sleep without as many
pills. I can tolerate the pain I have and I have a different outlook on my
life."
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--- On
Reiki in Prison ---
Interview With a Shining Star: Michelle Wilson,
Our White Rose of Compassion Winner
* O P T I O N S - Winter Issue # 39 *
One Degree Beyond Next Step Project
www.onedegreebeyond.com
MICHELLE is a person who trusts the gifts of "coincidence". She is the first
Reiki Master to establish an ongoing program for a prison population.
Her efforts for healing and community empowerment led the ODBNS NEXT STEP
Project to award her the WHITE ROSE OF COMPASSION Award.
Congratulations! Michelle!!!
ODBNS (One Degree Beyond Next Step): We are honored to meet you to talk
about how you are bringing Reiki to work in the lives of people we understand
you never guessed you would be teaching Reiki to!
MICHELLE: This whole prison project came as a gift from the Universe. I
personally would have never contemplated stepping foot in a prison, had the idea
been left up to me. I have experienced being held up at gun point in my former
place of business and I have also been the victim of a physical assault outside
my former apartment building (a lovely, luxury complex complete with security!!)
ODBNS: Tell us how it all started even though you were not expecting this
at all.
MICHELLE: Well, last November I held a workshop at a local animal
training facility. It was sparsely attended, but it didn't matter. The Universe
knew what it was doing. At the end of the workshop, this slight little woman of
(maybe) 90 lbs. (this is Cathy Rigali) with, of all things, a Jack Russell
Terrier, approached me with the idea of working with inmates.
ODBNS: How did you respond to her proposal?
MICHELLE: With absolutely no thought on my part, out of my mouth came
"Sure, why not?" Within minutes I began to physically shake! I thought, "What in
heavens' name have I just said?" And then I thought, "Maybe she'll forget about
it." - So, the way I "got in" to this facility was through her. It wasn't
something I considered prior to her asking if I would think about it.
ODBNS: What happened next?
MICHELLE: She called me in February and asked if I was still interested
and I said "Sure!" So we set up a time for me to go out to the jail and she took
me on a tour. She showed me just "Who was who" in the inmate population and
explained that she was the Communicable Disease Coordinator at the jail-
ODBNS: The "Communicable Disease Coordinator". .??
MICHELLE: Yes! In other words, it was her job to educate the men on
communicable diseases, do HIV testing, and along the way, she liked to bring in
speakers and people who had ideas and self help modalities that the men could
incorporate into their lives, such as meditation, therapists, etc. She worked
specifically with the "Life Skills" Program.
ODBNS: What is the Life Skills Program?
MICHELLE: This is a group of approximately 50 men who opt to become part
of a program that teaches them about disease control, communication, anger
management and other skills. . . Skills that they can use upon being released.
ODBNS: Is this a common Prison Program?
MICHELLE: No. This is the only facility that I am aware of that takes
this type of interest in their inmate population. They do what they can to
rehabilitate and provide programs and information in the interest of keeping
recidivism down.
ODBNS: We know you decided to help out, but what were the logistics?
MICHELLE: I left a "Q & A" sheet about The Usui System of natural
Healing, REIKI, and a sign up sheet with Cathy. She put this up for the men in
Life Skills with a little explanation , and made copies of the "Q & A". Cathy
told them men I would come back if there was enough interest.
ODBNS: Was the idea well-received?
MICHELLE: Within 36 hours she had had 16 men sign up for a Reiki Intro
Workshop!
ODBNS: That is amazing! How did you plan from there?
MICHELLE: We then set up a series of workshops consisting of groups of 8.
In the beginning we had 4 inmates and 4 staff in each session. But, by the
second workshop, the Deputy stated that there was to be no interactive workshops
between the inmates and the staff. So from there we had strictly inmates. We did
4 "Introduction to Reiki" sessions, and signed on several men to take Level I.
ODBNS: How did the Intro to Reiki session go?
MICHELLE: We had 40 hostile men staring across the room at me!
Apparently, they had had another class set up that involved the men in pairs
doing presentations. That had been postponed, due to the Reiki Intro. However,
it was the best workshop I have ever done and within a few short minutes, Reiki
had worked its magic and these men were really getting into it!
ODBNS: Did you give the attendees any handouts?
MICHELLE: We provided little packets of information that included the
same Question and Answer sheet I had originally left with Cathy, a couple of
great articles I have about Reiki and Addiction, and Reiki and Unconditional
Love, a picture of the chakra and endocrine systems. The front page had the
Kanji Symbol on it.
ODBNS: When did the first training actually take place, and were you
alone with the inmates?
MICHELLE: No. Our first class was nearly 4 months later. We had 4 inmates
and Cathy sat in on the class. She has been incredible throughout this entire
thing. Her concern has been my comfort level and she simply would not leave me
alone with the inmates.
ODBNS: How are you feeling about all of this, Michelle?
MICHELLE: Jane Anne, I cannot tell you how much this volunteer effort I
have undertaken has filled me. What started out as a "ok, I'll go and check this
out - see what transpires" thing is something for which I now feel great
passion. It is wonderful to see these men unfold before my eyes- men with anger,
trust issues, suspicious minds, closed hearts, abusive pasts... you name it.
ODBNS: Do you think Reiki I Training has had an impact on their lives?
MICHELLE: Oh yes! Within 2 months of the first group's training, I can
see a difference in their eyes - they speak with excitement of working on others
and the way the Reiki makes them feel. In fact, two of the men are part of a
theatre group and they asked if I could please attend the play. I was allowed in
and afterward, one of them came up to me and said, "I wouldn't have been able to
do this without Reiki."
ODBNS: What do you see for the future, Michelle?
MICHELLE: As this program progresses, it is my hope to begin a Reiki
Clinic at the facility. This would be a way that the "practitioners" could work
within their community, and their fellow inmates could experience Reiki on a
regular basis. And along with that, I would like to start a Reiki Share for the
practitioners as well.
ODBNS: Thank you for sharing the background and experience of your Reiki
Effort with the Members and Associates of the ODB NEXT STEP Project! We hope you
will "Keep IN TOUCH" so that we can learn from and support your work.
MICHELLE: I'll let you know how things transpire. Once again, Jane Anne -
THANK YOU!!
**Editor's Note: Here is the page with the article written about Michelle and her
community Reiki effort!
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