Dianne’s Reiki Story

After going through a divorce in 2000, Dianne Thomas (LRMT) found herself badly in need of a sanctuary, a way to turn inward and recharge. The suggestion to try Reiki came to her in this tumultuous time and desperate for tranquillity, Dianne booked her first Reiki session. This 2-hour session resulted in a tempest of tears followed by a profound, comforting peace.

“I really cried so much, and then I felt this amazing peace come over me. I put my hands together, and when I did, it felt like a bolt of energy ran straight through me. And if that doesn’t get your attention… Wow,” Dianne recalls. This was more than a fleeting moment of respite; it was a lightning strike of realization that sparked an intense curiosity for her. She knew she needed to learn more.

Driven by the need to understand this powerful energy, Dianne Googled Reiki and found Laurelle Gaia and the International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT). As fate would have it, Laurelle, a fellow Kentucky gal, was soon visiting South Carolina, where Dianne was living at the time. Seizing the opportunity, Dianne enrolled in her class in 2001, and by the next year, she was ready to take her Reiki Master class.

As soon as she received her Master attunement, Dianne felt the undeniable pull of her new calling – teaching Reiki. It wasn’t smooth sailing from the start, though. She admits, “I was so afraid I was going to do something wrong.” 

As Dianne casts her mind back to the beginnings of her teaching journey, she vividly recalls the challenges she faced, particularly the surprising impact on her throat chakra. “During my first few classes, my throat completely closed up,” Dianne shares, a touch of humor in her voice. “It’s kind of funny when you think about it—you need your voice to teach!”

But she didn’t let these hurdles hold her back. She kept teaching, pushing through the discomfort. From bouts of laryngitis to colds, she dealt with it all – And also felt a profound sense of release with each successful class. “Each obstacle was just another opportunity for me to prove to myself that I could overcome anything. And more importantly, every class I taught was a chance to heal and grow,” Dianne says.

But it wasn’t just about overcoming physical challenges. As Dianne discovered, teaching Reiki was a transformative process that went far beyond the course material. The act of teaching became an opportunity for energetic shifts, much like those her students were experiencing. “Teaching isn’t a one-way street,” Dianne states. “As the Reiki energy flows through the class, it opens everyone, myself included, to fresh perspectives, ideas, and profound growth.”

Dianne encourages her students to fully immerse themselves in Reiki—not just to help others, but to integrate it into every facet of their lives. “Reiki is more than just a therapeutic practice—it’s a way of life, a vibrational energy that permeates everything we do.” She instills this philosophy into her teachings, highlighting Reiki’s vast potential to enhance your life.

As she reflects on her journey, it’s clear that Dianne’s evolution as a Reiki teacher has been marked by perseverance, growth, and an unwavering dedication to fostering deeper connections with Reiki among her students.

 

Teaching Reiki: Trust, Flow, and Embracing the Energy

A few years ago, Dianne made a significant change. She sold her house and moved onto her sailboat. Embracing the liveaboard lifestyle, she now lives in harmony with nature, riding the waves of life both figuratively and literally. The challenges and joys of life on the water continue to influence and enrich her Reiki practice and teachings.

Life on a sailboat teaches you a thing or two about trusting the wind to guide your journey, much like navigating life’s ups and downs and mastering Reiki. And Dianne holds an unshakeable belief that we’re all equipped with something even better than a compass – our intuition. She considers leaning into this quiet, inner voice crucial, especially when it comes to teaching Reiki.

“Teaching Reiki is a lot like sailing,” Dianne shares. “You can’t control the wind, you can’t force the sails. But you can adjust, you can channel. Reiki’s the same way. We’re not controlling the energy; we’re just the conduits. It’s not about gripping the reins tight; it’s about trust and flow.”

She’s a big advocate for what she lovingly calls ‘Fearless Reiki,’ a term she coined from her mentor Laurelle Gaia. To Dianne, this term means that you simply can’t mess up Reiki. “Imagine trying to ruin a sunrise or a sunset,” she explains. “Reiki, at its core, is pure love. And you just can’t mess up love. Even when you stumble over the physical aspects of teaching, Reiki has a way of fixing things. It’s a self-adjusting compass, always veering towards love.”

So, what’s Dianne’s advice? Dive in. Do that thing you want to do, whether it’s teaching Reiki or something else entirely. Embrace the energy. Don’t worry about making mistakes. Let go, trust the process, and let Reiki do its thing. As Dianne puts it, “Even if you trip up, Reiki will set things right.”

Techniques for Teaching Intuitively

But there’s a deeper layer to Dianne’s teaching approach. “Before each class, I meditate with intention, asking that whatever the students need to hear will channel through me. It’s not about me; it’s about serving as a conduit.” She likens teaching a class to channelling Reiki—the stories told, the teachings — they’re sometimes channelled, too, within the curriculum.

“Sometimes, I find myself saying things that I hadn’t consciously planned to. And when they resonate with the students, I can’t help but smile and note it down for myself. It’s a beautiful testament to my belief—that whatever these students need at this time, will find its way into the class. So, I don’t hold back when something pops into my mind. I just let it out, trusting that it’s meant to be said. Even when my human side hesitates, wondering if it’s too outlandish, I always voice it out. You never know how these spontaneous insights may help another person.”

 

Quick Tips for New Reiki Teachers

1. 1. Draw from personal experiences. Incorporating personal experiences into your teachings can make students feel more comfortable and prepared for their own journey. They gain reassurance knowing that things will happen and change, and that it’s all part of the Reiki experience. 
   2. Use analogies. Analogies help make complex concepts more relatable and easier to grasp. They provide a bridge between the familiar and the new, making the learning process smoother and more effective.
   3. Embrace ‘Fearless Reiki.’ Remember, you can’t mess up Reiki. The only real mistake is not doing it. As a teacher, instill in your students the belief that Reiki, as a vibrational energy of pure love, will take care of everything. Even if you miss a step or stumble in the process, trust that it will be okay. 
   4. Be prepared & trust Reiki. While it’s crucial to prepare for your classes—whether it’s by relying on curriculums like ICRT’s or your own—don’t forget to trust Reiki. The balance between preparation and trust in Reiki’s flow makes for a rich and rewarding teaching (and learning) experience.
   5. Create a safe haven for sharing. As a Reiki teacher, one of your roles is to provide a safe and supportive environment for students. Encourage them to share their experiences and treat them with respect, compassion, and patience

Parting Words

If Dianne’s words resonated with you, may they serve as wind in your sails, guiding you on your own unique journey with Reiki. In embracing her teachings, let the spirit of Fearless Reiki be your beacon, guiding you through the trials and triumphs life throws your way. 

Remember, each day is an opportunity for growth, learning, and the joy of rediscovering yourself and your place in the world. But no matter what each day brings, place your trust in Reiki, and you can’t fail.