In life, we often find ourselves in unexpected situations that test our strength and resolve. For me, the events of Black Saturday marked such a moment, prompting a journey of healing, resilience, and a newfound venture into Reiki therapy.
A Disruptive Beginning
The tale begins with the joyous celebration of Simchat Torah at a local Chabad house. It was 8:30 PM on a Friday, California time, my friends and I were engaged in a pleasant holiday conversation. Little did we know that our camaraderie would soon be interrupted by a Red Alert notification sweeping across Israel. The sudden disruption left us astonished and unaware of the turbulent days that lay ahead.
Unity in Adversity
Following a sleepless night, Shabbat arrived, and we found ourselves glued to the news, sharing our concerns with friends and family. From morning until evening, we were united in our worry and, above all, our sense of community. We faced adversity together, drawing strength from our bonds.
A Call to Serve
As the days unfolded, I recognized that my commitment to caring for my patients back home would be put on hold. I sent cancellation messages to all my patients for upcoming days, acknowledging the new path that lay ahead. In the midst of three consecutive sleepless nights, I received a calling that would redefine my mission: an invitation to actively participate in an operation to provide care for those who needed it most.
Week One: Bridging Gaps and Fostering Connections
My arrival to Israel marked the beginning of a journey to adopt the platoon where my son served. I forged connections with commanders, identified equipment deficiencies, and coordinated the delivery of essential items. From sending pictures and letters from home to providing cherished memories and warm clothing, we ensured that the soldiers were equipped for their duties.
Week Two: Expanding the Horizon
In the second week, my efforts expanded to facilitating the connection between chefs and drivers responsible for delivering food to the soldiers. This week also brought an unexpected turn. I was approached for support in offering nutrition to individuals grappling with anxiety. Through referrals and phone conversations, I found a newfound sense of purpose.
Week Three: A New Journey
The third week took me to hotels on the Dead Sea, where survivors from Kibbutz Be'eri and evacuees from the city of Sderot found temporary shelter. An array of service providers, including body and soul therapists, convened at this location. My connection with the organization AMEN led to my role as a nutritionist, providing support and guidance.
Introducing Reiki: The Power of Energy Healing
The need I encountered was different from what I initially anticipated. As a result, I transitioned to becoming a hands-on therapist, offering Reiki therapy. But what exactly is Reiki?
Reiki is an energy healing method that originated in 19th-century Japan and has since spread worldwide. It is based on channeling and transferring the energy of life force through the hands, utilizing the power of intention and thought. During a Reiki session, concentrated energy flows from the therapist's hands, benefitting organs and areas in need of balance and healing.
Personal Reflections
At the outset of each treatment, I prioritize calming the thoughts of my patients. During the therapy, I enter a deep meditative state, during which I experience images, feelings, and physical sensations that guide me throughout the process. At the end of the treatment, I share my experience with the patient and recommend appropriate follow-up steps, including herbs, dietary adjustments, or further therapeutic interventions.
In a particularly powerful experience, I encountered D., a calm and gentle resident of Kibbutz Be'eri. She hadn't shared her experiences from Black Saturday before our session, and our exchange revealed profound emotions. As I placed my hands on her, abdomen, my heart started pounding strongly. I thought it was my own physical difficulty and placed my right hand on my left chest while my left hand was on her central abdominal area. My eyes started welling up. It wasn't tears from thought or sorrow; it wasn't crying from despair. Tears just flowed on their own without control. I let them flow and knew they were part of the treatment. I looked at D., her eyes covered by a pillow, didn't hide what I saw at the end of the treatment. D. cried with me, and at the end of the treatment, she shared with me that when I placed my hand on her heart, she felt a significant release of the burden she had carried from Black Saturday. D. didn't know that my hands were on her heart, and the energy flowed to her. A close friend of D.'s was murdered, and she couldn't release the pain trapped within her. Through the treatment, I allowed her to release the grief imprisoned in her aching heart.
The strength of individuals like D. and countless others has empowered me to offer Reiki therapy to those in need. It is a journey that embraces uncertainty, resilience, and a profound commitment to making a difference.
In closing, as I continue to navigate this ever-evolving journey of healing, I'm reminded that together, we can overcome the most challenging of circumstances. It's a testament to the strength of community and the power of connection in the face of adversity, and a reminder that, even in the most unexpected moments, we can find our true purpose.
If the stories shared in this post have resonated with you, I invite you to take a step toward your own healing journey. Reiki offers a unique path to relaxation, emotional release, and spiritual growth. Whether you seek solace from stress, healing from emotional burdens, or simply a moment of tranquility, scheduling a Reiki treatment can be the first step on your path to renewal. Embrace this opportunity to reconnect with your inner self and find the balance you seek. Your well-being is paramount, and I'm here to guide you on this transformative journey. Reach out today to schedule your Reiki appointment and experience the profound benefits for yourself.
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