18/08/2025
I’ve recently begun learning Reiki Level 1, with the wonderful Michael Kaufman, and it has proven to be one of the most profound experiences of my life.
Reiki itself comes from two words: Rei, meaning “universal consciousness,” and Ki, meaning “energy.” Each of us has our own energy, ideally vibrating in harmony with the universal flow, but often thrown out of sync by physical or mental imbalance. Reiki helps restore that alignment. To give a treatment, you first need what’s called an attunement - a process in which a teacher synchronises your energy with the universal source.
When I had my first attunement from the moment I closed my eyes, I felt powerful undulating waves, beginning in my chest, then moving into my stomach, before alternating between the two - as though I were bobbing on a small boat caught in stormy seas. The intensity became uncomfortable, so I turned my focus to my breath, hoping to steady myself.
In my mind’s eye, at first, I only saw muted grey and white shapes. But as the teacher moved closer while working with each student, bursts of indigo and violet began to appear, deepening in brightness — perhaps the Ajna and Sahasrara Chakras coming alive.
When it was my turn for my actual attunement, these colours merged into a single, iridescent, purple egg, crackling with flashes of white lightning. Then, as the process concluded, the egg dissolved, giving way to vast swirling galaxies interwoven with light that cycled through the entire spectrum of chakra colours. It wasn’t soft or delicate, but raw and elemental. At one point, the spiralling galaxies even resembled thick porridge running down a drain.
I’ve taken many courses over the years - meditation, yoga, therapy - but very little has compared to this. For me teaching the theory of chakras has always been abstract, a conceptual framework of energy centres running along the torso. This experience has changed that - I now know they are very real.
I’m very much looking forward to learning Level 2 and receiving the next attunement.
Today’s picture is my own ‘artist’s impression’ - an AI-generated image of the Purple Egg.
