Here are acknowledgements and validations of the power of Reiki.
They came from many who had spent years, and even decades, living with afflictions and their attendant pains. Most had given up hope of ever living life pain free. They had accepted their ailments and accompanying pain as part of living life daily.

Each time the recipients narrate their experiences at the centres and recount the healings they had received, the audience gasped in awe. Many of the stories were close to being miraculous. The stories were simple and heartfelt, humbly told straight from the heart. Combined, they gave a voice of eloquence in testimony to a magnificent universe infinite in its mercy, forgiveness and love. It touched the soft emotions within and bring out from inside those gentle feelings of care, love and gratitude.

Each time we hear stories like those in here, as Reiki channels, we could not help but feel gratified that another human had found wellness through Reiki. We could not being thankful to the universe for its benevolence.

It had been a great journey for us. The years had passed by so rapidly. It has been ten years since we embarked on this journey, meeting so many wonderful kindred souls, sharing countless learning experiences and being right in the middle of myriads of ‘pne of’ happenings.
We feel blessed and humbly grateful. We look forward to more inspiring, beautiful stories. Until the next time, our love and best wishes to all of you,

Surprised Beyond Belief
John van de Polder

I am 85 years old, born in the Netherlands and emigrated to Canada in 1951 with my wife and two five-year old boys. I consider myself a very proud Canadian.

In 1977 my wife’s health deteriorated to the extend that she required home care. That was when Josefina Lajhner came into our lives. She is a qualified and certified homecare provider, with a heart of gold and very concerned about peoples’ well-being. She practiced her skills with remarkable ability and above all, CARE !

In 1999, my wife needed 24-hour care and was admitted into a nursing home. I had developed pneumonia and Josie, as we called her, started to look after me. Soon my health deteriorated and with it, my physical strength decreased. At this point, Josie mentioned to me that she was learning the art of Reiki. She explained what it was and how the energy could help me restore wellness. I had never heard of this science before and did not know what to think of it.

Josie asked if I would allow her to apply her skills on me. I had never prejudged anything I was not familiar with and so I agreed.
She knelt, her eyes closed as though in prayer. Then she applied her hands on my face, neck and chest. I noticed her hands getting warmer as she went down my body, literally from top to toe – her hands becoming hotter as she went along. I became fully relaxed and after about an hour, the treatment was completed.

A few minutes later, I got up and felt the strength in my legs had returned. I walked 35 feet down the hall as though I was a 50 year old.
I was surprised beyond belief. And the effect lasted for three days !
Since then, she has applied this procedure on me regularly I had written my relatives in Holland about all this and told them I considered Josie my ‘Guardian Angel,’
And she really is !

When The Reiki Energy Flowed
Julia Morton-Marr

My body has endured many illnesses and operations. The main chronic illness first occurred in 1967 and involved lower back pain. This worsened in 1980 when I tore the ligaments on both sides of L5-S1 in my lower spine while playing softball. In 1983 an orthopaedic surgeon performed an anterior fusion which has since failed. I was always in pain and had to put up with it as I conducted my work which involved traveling and speaking about various educational programs.

I am convinced that Reiki found me in early 2004. Chrystalla and John worked on me for weeks; and I love them for their dedication and teaching. I was totally amazed when the Reiki energy first flowed into me through Chrystalla’s hands. I ’felt’ as though the ‘hand of God’ had touched me. The energy flowed immediately to the lower part of my spine.

During each treatment, I could feel the energy’s path every time as it touched past illnesses and operation sites. Some of the sessions had involved discomfort and light pain but all this had resulted in a significant improvement in all parts of my body, mind and spirit. Intrigued and grateful, I have since become a Reiki channel and regularly attend the Amethyst Reiki Centre to give and receive treatments.

Being a Level 1 channel changed me as I discovered I can give myself a treatment to relieve my pain. But the extraordinary difference to the pain levels since achieving Level 2 is a miracle. As a system scientist, I find the cellular vibration and quantum physics involved with Reiki extremely fascinating. The process from the Laws of Physics through cybernetics or goal-oriented actions to the transformation in metaphysical state is truly mystical.

“I Can Wash My Face And Feel My Hair…”
John Chew

In 2001, I met Agnes and Michael, two very lovely and special people. I felt close to both of them and was particularly drawn to Michael. Though in his eighties, he was highly spirited and in full possession of his faculties. Twenty years ago, they had built a magnificent house on their own with the help of their young son. This is the house they now live in it. Every structure of the house is a tender reflection of who they were.
Michael’s gnarled hands showed the ravages of arthritis, his stooped shoulders bore testimony to the hard work he had put in all his life, the restricted movements in his left arm were the results of surviving a few strokes. But Michael was cheerful and oozed an aura one immediately felt comfortable with. You knew you could trust him. He was honest and had a quiet dignity about him.

After a couple of Reiki treatments, he told me that the pain in his arthritic hands had ‘gone away’. And started to demonstrate by flexing his fingers. He also mentioned that his left arm was easing up a bit and that he was able to start manoeuvring it more. Later at one of our regular Reiki gatherings, the loving couple was at the centre for treatment. During the group sharing, Michael could not contain his excitement and promptly stated “I can wash my face and feel my hair again.” What crossed my mind at that moment was, “ So what about it ?

Michael continued, “For twenty years, I could not move my left arm higher than my belly button. I washed my face with only my right hand. For those years, my left hand had never touched my face or felt the hair on my head. I can do all that now.” And with a deft flair, he raised his left hand and gently touched his hair. And smiled ! That moment spoke a thousand words. I was jolted into infinite humility and gratefulness.
Tears welled up in my eyes.

HEALTH FAIR - WARKWORTH INSTITUTION
Maggie Low-Keen writes:

‘WOW’ is all I can say. I thank you yet again. (I thank God, too) for bringing me to this “way of life” and the “journey”. Today was simply a wonderful experience. I learnt from the guys who received Reiki, I learned from my fellow channels and I am always learning from you.

There was a small amount of trepidation on my part on arrival but I went in feeling that every human being deserves comfort and caring, a chance at rehabilitation and this was verified by the time I left that afternoon.
These men were, from the outset, courteous, helpful and above all eager to receive Reiki. I was amazed at the long line signing up for treatments. Our three tables were kept in use constantly. Each man thanked us and expressed appreciation for us being there. I knew nothing of what these men were serving time for. What mattered was that those seeking healing for mind, body, or both, had the opportunity to receive it.

I know Reiki can bring about inner peace and relaxation while alleviating physical pain at the same time. I sensed that the physical contact these men received from Reiki had a great therapeutic benefit – it showed on their faces. I intend returning as a volunteer…

Denise Robichaud writes:

I was reluctant to volunteer at first because of what I believed to be the conditions and attitudes of inmates. When the inmates met the arrival of our group, one could see the joy and excitement in their eyes and faces. They were so appreciative of the volunteers. I recall an inmate saying that Reiki brought tears to his eyes. It touched me deeply. Those who are incarcerated are now paying for their crimes. I also feel we should not judge and that there are probably many who have committed worse crimes and were never caught.

I believe Reiki would be a good way to help rehabilitate inmates who want to change their lives. I am so blessed that I am able through Reiki to make a difference in someone’s life.

Lori Fife writes:

I was excited about the Health Fair but I had a few concerns. I was a little worried about my safety and I did not know how I would feel treating people who may have done unspeakable crimes. The whole day was a wonderful experience. At no time did I feel threatened or in danger. We were treated very well and with respect and were shown appreciation
Once on the table, they were just human beings needing healing.

As Reiki channels, it is not our job to judge who deserves healing. Each inmate came off the table calm, relaxed, serene and very appreciative.
At the end of the day, I felt I had received as much as I had given. Our group seemed a little overwhelmed, maybe not realizing what an impact the day would have on each of us. I have decided to join the Reiki group as a volunteer. I write from my heart. Thank you for the awesome experience.

Nancy Doge writes:

To say that this day was a wonderful day would definitely be an understatement. I was extremely welcomed and well-treated by all staff members as well as inmates. I was amazed by the looks on the inmates’ faces after they received their treatments.

The appreciation and gratitude that each recipient demonstrated after treatment was very heartfelt. For many, it was their first time receiving Reiki treatments. They were shocked and surprised by the results. They reported feelings of calm and relaxation, the dissipation of various aches and pains, and a general greater sense of well-being.

Although I was saddened to leave at day’s end, I felt great comfort knowing that those who had received Reiki treatments left the tables feeling renewed and healthier in one way or another. It was truly a beneficial experience for all concerned.

LETTERS

Dear John & Chrystalla,

Last weekend was one of such richness and depth. The work you are doing is phenomenally important and meaningful and appreciated.
It was a big joy meeting you, and a life-changing experience to the positive, learning from you. Thank you for your knowledge and lessons so generously and articulately shared. And thank you for all your kindness.

I felt so happy being with you in your home. You are lovely, special people, as individuals, and together. An inspiration. I offer my respect, appreciation and love.
Colleen Marlin

Dear John & Chrystalla,

Thank you for being here. Your hearts are alight with the love and marking of the Divine Spirit. A spirit you carry with the dignity and grace of two remarkable, caring ambassadors of truth. In acknowledgement of who you are and your willingness to be a model-in-action for others to learn from and grow, please accept this small symbol of our gratitude.
Your fellow students,

Patricia Brennan & Yasmin Glanville

Dear Chrystalla,

I am immensely grateful for your willingness to give me Reiki when I asked for it; it helped. It is so wonderful to know that there are some people out there who care and who can be reached.

Please let me know the next time you are in Toronto so we can meet. I’d like to invite you for dinner or lunch. I think of both of you very often and remember the beautiful moments at your place ! It’s wonderful to know you ! Give my love to John.
Love,

Marion

No More Than Two Years To Live
R. Paul Jolliffe

In the spring of 1981, after taking a short rest before going to a meeting, I awoke in the intensive care unit of the local hospital. Everything pointed towards a coronary. After weeks of tests, I was told they would make me as comfortable as possible but I would have no more than two years to live.

An internist discovered my spine was severely bent and could be causing my problems. My doctor conferred with an orthopaedic surgeon and concluded that my damaged back caused by polio when I was younger was the culprit for my condition. I was shrinking; I had lost four inches in the last six months. This put more pressure on my heart and actually stopped a lung from functioning. Many specialists responded to my doctor suggesting that I was too old for any repairs. Though only in my thirties, my bones had lost their flexibility. Only one specialist requested to see me.

Dr. Gordon Armstrong, a world renowned surgeon, diagnosed that my problem was not the result of polio but that I had a very acute scoliosis resulting in an eight inch curvature. He agreed to work with me and began by putting me through all types of torturous exercises. This failed to straighten my spine and the curvature of the thoracic spine slipped past the point of no return.

Surgery, with a 15% chance of paralysis or death on the operating table or a life expectancy of six months at the most, was a decision my family and I faced. My answer was surgery. In December, 1983, I spent fifteen hours on the operating table with more than fifty specialists in the operating room. Two weeks later, I had a second operation, which lasted twelve hours. I survived - with a lot of pain but no paralysis.

A few days following this operation, I began having ethereal visitors. My father, who died in 1979, came and woke me, pointing toward a blinding white streak of light, which felt like a million volts of electricity hitting me in the chest. It rendered me unconscious. The next morning, many nurses stood in my doorway and just looked at me. When asked, the nurses told me I had an aura about me and that my wife, Nancy, and I were under an umbrella of light. Later, the doctor came. He looked at me and said, “You had a visitor last night, didn’t you ?”

I recovered; and for fifteen years, I plunged heavily into my work. Again, my health started to give me problems. Chest pains, uncontrollable blood pressure, severe headaches, back and leg pains caused my medication to increase. I did not care then if I lived or died. Nancy burned herself out trying to cope.

Then we read about Reiki in the church bulletin and Nancy decided to attend. I did not hold much faith in things I knew little about but I saw such a change in Nancy that I agreed to go along the following week. I was curious and also wanted to keep Nancy happy. It was then that I first met Chrystalla and John. Just being in the same room with them seemed to have quite an effect on me. I left that day a new person even though I was still experiencing pain. John explained that it would probably take several treatments to get to the cause.

My family doctor noted the difference in both health and attitude in Nancy and me. He told us to keep up whatever we were doing. Following the Reiki treatments, the pain became less and I actually began to have some very good days. I am now able to lay on my back and stomach, something I was not able to do for twenty years or more. It feels wonderful; I still have pain but not nearly as bad. My blood pressure seems more controllable. My life is changing rapidly and the energy I feel is most gratifying. My doctor who had followed my progress closely began to either discontinue or cut in half my medication.

Reiki has given me a fresh outlook on life and my desire now is to become a channel to help others. If it was not for Reiki, I do not know where I would be today. Thank you, Reiki, and thank you for the opportunity to meet two exceptional people, Chrystalla and John, with a truly exceptional gift. They will be special friends forever.

Sharing the Joy of Healing with Many
Juliet Sturney

As a Reiki channel, I have had the privilege to experience first hand what Reiki can do for those who believe in this amazing hands-on healing.
A friend undergoing chemo therapy developed mouth ulcers which took two weeks to heal. After Reiki, the ulcers healed within a week. A lady using a walker was escorted to a Reiki drop-in centre with a person on either side to help her. She had multiple sclerosis. Five months of Reiki and she could walk across the room by herself … unaided ! A man with scoliosis, after four months of Reiki, could lie on his back and stomach which he had not been able to do for over twenty years. Bells Palsy is a condition which paralyses the face, giving the appearance of a stroke. Five weeks of Reiki restored a lady’s face to normal and removed the pain.

The people mentioned here were ordinary people, leading ordinary lives; all had experienced the extraordinary results of Reiki. I was one of the channels who worked with all of them and was privileged to experience with them their excitement each week as their conditions improved. I was as excited and awed by their recovery as they were. The amazing results had a wonderful domino effect. Whole families were given hope for their loved ones. They told their stories to others who would then come to the drop-in centres. And so the effects of Reiki flowed into the community.

Thank you, John and Chrystalla, for the Amethyst Reiki Centres in Warkworth, Ontario. Being a Reiki channel in your centres has allowed me to share the joy of healing with many people on many levels.

Previous Testimonials:

Message from John & Chrystalla

Nine years ago when we began our journey with Reiki, we realized the importance of fully comprehending the concept of Reiki according to the philosophy of the time and the culture of the region it came from. And because Reiki dealt with the restoration of balance and wellness, we believed that this must be the ultimate result for those who came for treatment. If it failed to happen, then our process/technique must be seriously questioned.

To all our students, particularly Reiki masters, we very strongly advocated that they build a dossier of stories from people who have found healing through Reiki. The more stories the channel collected, the better the validation of his/her knowledge of, and ability to deliver, Reiki treatments.

We have worked and dealt with a variety of afflictions, and were also honoured and privileged to teach a few hundred Reiki students at various levels. Here are some of the beautiful validations and acknowledgements for which we are sincerely and humbly thankful.
Love to all of you.

Carla Soto, Toronto – 2001
Thanks to Reiki, thanks to God, thanks to you and Chrystalla, I have made a very important choice. You are someone very special - full of love, compassion, very giving and peaceful. You deserve much respect, love and admiration. Thank you for all your love, your words and for meeting all of us. Much love.

Marina, Olga, Sara, Rossana, Tor. Oct. 02
We are very thankful to you two because during all the years that we have been looking for the truth, you have always been there to show us the way. You are our very good friends, too ! And more, you are part of our lives and part of our families; and we feel extremely grateful for that ! Many times you have gone out of your way to tend to our wounds. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Reiki Made His Fight Much Easier
Launa Voisin, Wingham

When we learned that my dad had cancer, we knew of the battle ahead of him. While in hospital, he developed pneumonia which was undetected until it was almost too late because the symptoms were masked by the drugs he was taking,. Now he also had to fight to regain his strength lost because of the pneumonia. Each month, he received four days of chemotherapy through pills. He developed terrible ulcers in his mouth and throat and was unable to eat without terrible pain. He also suffered excruciating pain in his back with any movement and was not able to build any muscle strength. Our family was starting to wonder if we would ever get dad home to enjoy any quality of life.

It was at this point that John and Chrystalla came into our lives. The results of the first Reiki treatment dad received in the hospital were miraculous. The look of amazement on his face when he started moving his legs and body around in the bed and realized that he felt less pain was a joy for my mother and me to witness and something I will never forget. He rated his pain level at about 40% less than before the treatment.

After his next bout of chemotherapy, he did not develop the sores in his mouth and was able to eat regularly. He did not suffer nausea after the therapy either, which he did before.

John and Chrystalla started treatments on dad in early December. The results were so dramatic that we were able to take dad home for our family Christmas, something we had given up hope of doing that year.
Today dad is home, getting around with a walker. He receives Reiki weekly and still suffers no side effects from the monthly chemotherapy. He is gaining strength and putting on some weight. Through it all, he had never lost his sense of humour or his will to survive. Reiki made his fight much easier, taking away the side effects of the chemotherapy and helping him deal with the pain of the disease.

The simple words ‘Thank you’ could never express our feelings of gratitude to John and Chrystalla but they are heartfelt. Thank you, John and Chrystalla, for giving our dad back.

We Gave Reiki A Try And Have Never Looked Back
Esta M. Wall, Toronto

I am the Executive Director of the Bernard Bertel Centre for Creative Living, a non-profit learning and wellness centre committed to maximizing the quality of life for seniors in the community. Our main areas of focus are wellness, education, recreation, social interaction and fitness. We serve 3,000 seniors.

Approximately two years ago John and Chrystalla from the Amethyst Reiki Centre approached us with a proposal to offer Reiki treatments to our staff and members. We agreed to give it a try and have never looked back.

Initially the seniors were hesitant to try something new. We provided an information session and demonstration. Within a short time we had a faithful following. The seniors who partake in Reiki talk about a great release of emotional healing. They say it helps them cope with the aging process as well as relieve stress.

I have encouraged my staff to participate. As a recipient of Reiki, I personally experience a great benefit. For the duration of my treatment, I lie back and enter a special quiet world of relaxation. I feel the heat of the Reiki master’s hands and the transfer of energy. My body aches and pain slowly dissipate as the daily stresses of my job are forgotten. I return to my office with more energy and a sharper focus. My staff has different stresses – some of a personal nature, some work related. Their comments are similar to mine.

Our association with the Amethyst Reiki Centre has been superb. They hav proven to be responsible and honest. They demonstrate care and compassion to their clients. I commend the Amethyst Reiki Centre for their professionalism and excellence in service.

I would be more than pleased to act as a reference and strong supporter of the Amethyst Reiki Centre.

The Work Of The Amethyst Centre Is Vital !!
Honey Novick, Toronto

I am a singer and the director of a creative music studio. In this work, it is very important to understand the connection of the body and mind. Sometimes that connection goes off-centre and I experience stress and anxiety. At a particularly stressful time, I was introduced to the work of John and Chrystalla Chew.

That was four years ago. Since then, their help to me by using Reiki has been invaluable. I am particularly impressed by their generosity of spirit and wisdom and their warmth to the people who seek their expertise.
Recently, my friend and colleague was in a car accident. I brought her to the Amethyst Centre with black eyes and swollen body. She experienced great comfort and physical relief as a result of her treatment.

Another friend is a director of one of the sickle cell anemia organizations. That, too, is stressful. She, too, experienced a rejuvenation of energy that helped her carry on her important work.
It is an honour to write a letter endorsing the great work of the Amethyst Centre. It is a privilege to meet such dedicated, caring, sincere people.
The work of the Amethyst Centre is vital!! John and Chrystalla Chew make this treatment available for everyone at affordable orices in an atmosphere that is welcoming and non-threatening. It is my wish that their energy always flows and that this work continues.

Son Tran, Texas

Life’s given me so many wonderful memories and the best are the memories I’ve had with you. Thank you so much for always being there for me! Sifu and Sima, I’d like you to know that it doesn’t matter where I may be or how much trials and tribulations I might encounter, I’ll always keep your teachings in my heart, and I’ll always love you with all my heart and soul … I cannot be there with you physically but spiritually I’m with you always.

I wish I could tell how much I miss both of you. It’ll probably take more than a hundred pages. Therefore, I’d like to sum it up in 3 words: I love you.

Another Dimension
Mary Hales, Toronto

After my phone conversation with Joseph, I was interested in learning more about Reiki. I like the idea of receiving healing with the gentle laying on of hands, and not having to talk. My mind was already overloaded with words. I just wanted to be.

I’d been particularly aware of John’s presence in the room, and when he spoke to us, I was overcome with emotion I couldn’t mask. Later, in response, he offered me a more extensive treatment than was planned.
In his care, I surrendered to whatever was going to happen, and the results were overwhelming. I cried from the depth of my soul, softly encouraged to “let it all out”. I felt supported and affirmed by John, but more importantly, by the universe. Ki had been channelled directly to the place of my deepest sorrow.

The serenity afterwards reflected the sacredness of something beyond explanation. I then knew from personal experience what previously I could only believe from others – the energy of the universe is conscious and compassionate.

John kept his promise to be there for me the next week for a complete treatment. I felt privileged to have been initiated by a master of the highest level and honour that connection.

Three months ago, I’d entered the meeting room distressed by the isolation of chronic illness and disheartened by the grief of many losses. I left with renewed faith and hope. Reiki has opened me to another dimension, beyond the five senses and into the realm of Oneness, where healing is enhanced.

NEW REIKI CHANNELS’ COMMENTS

Lorena Elke:
It enabled me to deal with a personal issue and let it go. The teaching method was challenging but empowering, John and Chrystalla presented Reiki as a lifestyle and not as a business; that is inspiring.

Deborah Sholdas:
Thank you for the gift. I’m facing reality.

Patrricia Lum:
It was amazing. I learned to like myself. I also realized that there has to be honour in giving and receiving to create a safe place, a haven, for everyone. I learned to forgive. I gave my mother a treatment.

Rita Makowiecki:
I have more energy to do tasks, more of a passion to complete things. I gave my mother a Reiki treatment on Sunday; she fell asleep.

Sheila Flattery:
It was well-facilitated; good student -teacher ratio. I was impressed by John and Chrystalla’s knowledge and experience and humility. Also their willingness to share their experiences. It was a very spiritual experience; also uplifting and challenging. It deepened my understanding of what it means to be of service to others. It has helped me to re-evaluate how I use my emotions in different situations and to step back and look at my patterns. Overall it was an experience of love.

Carol Downey:
It was a great privilege to be in the class. I received a generous gift from an abundantly powerful universe… very humbling.

The Multidimensional Healing Aspects of Reiki
Danielle Radicanin, Toronto

I was introduced to Reiki in April of 1997. Although I tend to maintain a somewhat healthy degree of skepticism, I was open to a new experience. Reiki peaked my interest. That was a year and a half ago and I never looked back.

I thoroughly enjoyed the energy, sense of spirituality and the social aspects of the group Reiki sessions I attended. However, as summer turned to fall, I found myself unable to continue. I started to experience profound fatigue – over and above what was usual for me. I had to give up most of my activities, all of my time and energy was directed in pursuit of answers related to my health. I became severely depressed. When the diagnosis of an inflammatory auto immune disorder was made, I fell into a state of deeper depression and denial. Christmas came and went. I didn’t care. My body was wracked in pain and my constant preoccupation with my failing health both physical and emotional left me feeling overwhelmed and without hope. Everything around me seemed surreal.

New Year 1998 brought a sense of renewed hope. Even as my condition was worsening, my psyche was ready to explore aggressive healing. At this point, I was experiencing exacerbations with periodic partial remissions. These moments provided me with the impetus and with a window of opportunity to continue my journey toward wellness. I adopted a take charge attitude, John made me an offer that “I couldn’t refuse”. He offered me regular Reiki treatments at my home as part of The Amethyst Centre’s Outreach Program. It was a pivotal point. I had no great expectations nor illusions about treatment outcome. I did not regard Reiki as a panacea nor a miracle cure. However, I was receptive and optimistic, keeping in mind that John and I had contracted to do regular and intensive healing with an experimental component that ultimately would become a “healing blueprint” for myself as well as others.
I must admit that in the beginning John was more committed to the process than I was. As the weeks went by, I began to notice how the experience of Reiki began to change and evolve.

Each session was unique in terms of how it was experienced and in its’ benefits both during and following the session. Although the standard hand positions remained the same, John constantly experimented with the nuances of the energy flow – without sacrificing the integrity of Usui Reiki. What had began as a pleasant and relaxing experience became much more. There was a marked improvement in my emotional state. My anxiety episodes were decreasing both in frequency and intensity. Although dysphoric, I learned to focus on letting go – giving up the need to control, allowing the experience to take its natural course.
Healing is not a linear process. There were ebbs and flows – moments when there were profound breakthroughs and other times when it felt that the process had plateaued. John’s constant encouragement, tenacity and creativity moved the process to a higher level, thereby effecting positive outcomes.

There were times I was ready to call it quits. It seemed we had gone as far as was possible in my case. John refused to give up. We talked until he found new ways to deal with all the problems I was presenting. These responses were part of the psycho-emotional component of the Reiki experience. On the physical level, it was always interesting and surprising how the ‘simple’ act of placing hands on one’s body could be experienced in so many different ways. For example, there were moments when I was in such pain that I wanted John to remain a little longer on a particular part of the body. Other times I wished he would go back to areas that he had already sent energy to. For a long time I remained silent about my needs. One day much to my astonishment, weeks following one of our post-Reiki discussions, John went about his healing intuitively. It was wonderfully different, comforting and centering. We had connected on a deeper level. Words were no longer necessary.
I started to experience John’s use of the Universal Energy in ways that could not be predicted.

On more than one occasion, I felt swirls of energy tingling along my spine. Other times, I felt what I coined as the layering effect; the feeling of multiple hands in one or more areas. This feeling was especially strong when John very gently and slowly lifted his hand from whichever area it had been placed upon. The feeling resembles a layer cake; it feels multiple hands are on, in between and above a body position. Even when the hand position actually shifts to another area, the feeling remains (in the previous area) so that with one’s eyes closed and in a deep state of relaxation, it was often difficult to ascertain where, in fact, John’s hands were.

There was at least one instance in which I felt as if my body was about to levitate. John’s hand was hovering in the area of the abdomen. I felt the abdomen rising higher and higher as though it was being pulled by a magnet. Another example of how deep relaxation can induce perceptual distortions is when I felt John's hand in the area of my heart. The pressure was so light yet powerful. Each time I inhaled, I would feel the pressure deeper in my chest. All of sudden the realization struck me that John’s hands were nowhere near that part of my body. I have no explanation for this phenomenon.

Reiki has helped me cope with and transcend many crises during the past several months. First and foremost, John’s dedication and insistence on maintaining consistency was an integral part of the healing process. Being able to trust him, his reliability and the process was another important determinant in treatment outcome. Having established rapport with the healer is important because it provides the stability and support so crucial to the healing process. It goes without saying that Reiki elicits the relaxation response, there are numerous beneficial physiological changes associated with a deeper state of relaxation. I found that my physical pain either diminished dramatically or that there was a total remission of pain.

On the psycho-emotional level, I felt better and more positive in my outlook. Following each session, I felt calmer, centred, grounded and more focussed. There was a heightened sense of awareness and clarity of thought. There were numerous perceptual benefits, which included enhanced memory as well as cognitive enhancement. I felt less negative and reactive to circumstances.

Reiki has and continues to heal me in ways that are only now becoming obvious to me. Thanks to John and our Reiki sessions, I have managed to survive the past ten months that which often seems insurmountable.

What It Means to Me To Be A Reiki Master
Janet Moss, Oakville

The ability to let go of ego is just one gift which came my way when I became a Reiki master.The second is the ability to be present - a form of union with the divine nature of the universe. It comes in many forms and guises. When I am ‘being energy’, that is all that there is. It can be to hear music and become one with the note, the feel of water and being the water. It is being mindful of every experience I have in the course of a day. I have to confess that I do not achieve this state at all times, but I do know that my personal mastery of the art of being present is directly related to becoming a Reiki master.

I wanted to be a teaching/healing master, and I have now experienced both. Much to my surprise, I have discovered during the course of my journey that the process of becoming a master and being a master has become a mission of personal growth and mastery, rather than one of “saving the world” which is the particular form of ego I must always struggle with.

When I was attuned, I was expecting that sudden jolt of energy and emotion, or the beautiful kaleidoscope of colour which I have experienced at past attunements. In complete contrast, I experienced a deep feeling of peace and a sense of the divine which has not yet left me. My partner on the journey, Sheila, was able to express the feeling for both of us – “We have come home”. The physical manifestations of having achieved the status of a Reiki master are inconsequential in comparison with the spiritual transformation that has blessed me. It is in the realm of the spirit that the significance of being a Reiki master exists for me.

My Journey With Reiki
Emma Johnston, Toronto

I met Chrystalla in April 1998 when she treated my dog, Princess, who had cancer and was given one week to live. Through Reiki her cancer went into remission and she lived for another two and a half years. Princess had shown me a lifeline to grab on to. I asked Chrystalla if Reiki could help me. She said it certainly couldn’t hurt – if anything, I would get a good night’s sleep. I got more than that.

After my first treatment, I got up with no pain – the first time in ten years. A stroke had resulted in my left foot being totally paralyzed. In my third treatment, I felt a tingling in my left foot for the first time in twenty years. Today I do not need to wear the foot brace I had always worn. I can walk for two or three blocks, something that was totally impossible before. I have lost 145 pounds and went from a size 48 to a 15/16. I began to live life once more.

As I began shedding the layers, I became very sick but Chrystalla and John stuck by me. They would give me Reiki treatments, bring me soup and did whatever it took to get me up and moving again. I have learnt a lot. I am not angry anymore; I have learnt acceptance and forgiveness. Today I walk without a cane and do not depend on my scooter to go from place to place.

Chrystalla helped me to experience many things I did not understand before. I learned more about the ego and how the choices we make in life brought consequences that we had to live with. I am now in the Reiki master’s program. John and Chrystalla helped me to face my own truths. I have found healing for my arthritis, asthma and my cataracts (which shocked my optomologist). I rarely use my prescription glasses, I can feel all of my left side, I can walk and my voice is stronger than the whisper it used to be. I am happy, peaceful and content with myself. I have been receiving Reiki treatments every week for the last three years.

I am deeply grateful today.