Discover the transformative world of Reiki and energy healing with Donna McDine, the founder of Energy of Serenity. Through her unique journey and dedication to holistic wellness, Donna shares her insights on the power of Reiki and the profound benefits of her healing sessions and training classes. Learn more in her exclusive MysticMag interview below.
What is the story behind Energy of Serenity? How was it founded?
About ten years ago at my then-new day job, I met a co-worker who offered Reiki certification classes and other metaphysical classes, such as learning how to use a pendulum. We immediately hit it off and I started off with her pendulum and chakra classes. Feeling deeply connected to learning more about the chakras and how they correlate to the energy in our bodies I immediately signed up for the LightClub Curiosity Shoppe Reiki certification classes. Initially, I never thought I would be facilitating and teaching Reiki and as time went by and I felt the profound energy healing within my own body I began offering Reiki sessions and classes in 2019.
Can you walk me through one of your typical Reiki sessions?
Upon arrival of the client, either in-person or virtual, we chat for a few minutes as to how they are doing. I do not ask for specific ailments as that is discussed after the session. The client then gets comfortable on the Reiki table and if they are at their location for a distance session I ask them to either sit comfortably with back support or to lie down. Instrumental music is played and I gently guide the client through breathing exercises for 1-2 minutes. I then bring forth the Reiki healing energy through my crown chakra and it is released through my hands to the recipient. I hover my hands over the recipient’s body and often times I hold their hands and/or feet guiding the energy further through their body.
As the session begins to close I use a selenite wand to further guide any stagnate energy from their body, then I walk around the table with a singing bowl to engulf the recipient into the healing sound. To close out the session completely I gently rest my hands on their shoulders and guide them with a cleansing breath in through the nose and out the mouth and I ask them to wiggle their toes and fingers when they are ready. I then step back and close off the Reiki healing energy. As the client opens their eyes, I share with them the sensations I felt during the session and provide tips to keep their energy moving. I also share with them any messages I may have received from Spirit during the session. I don’t always receive messages, but when I do I ask the permission of the client to share the message with them.
What would you say are the main benefits of Reiki?
Reiki energy healing helps the client to release stagnate energy from their bodies, replacing it with calming moving energy. Clients typically refer to the stagnate energy as tension in their body. A calmness engulfs the client during the session and not only provides relaxation to the body it provides confidence to the mental aspect that self-care is imperative and not selfish.
You also offer Level II and III classes and trainings. What can people expect from those and is there any certification that people can get after completing them?
I offer Reiki Level I, II, and III training classes:
Reiki LEVEL I Healer: learn how to facilitate self-Reiki and healing on a physical level along with the hand positions and creating your sanctuary space. Reiki I Healer (called Shoden in Japan) is taught to those who wish to learn to use the Reiki Energy. The class is taught by a Reiki Master trained to pass the attunements and teach Reiki. Traditional Usui Healing Systems use a set of four attunements. A Reiki I class material generally includes the self-care hand positions used when doing Reiki on self, the Reiki principles, and the history of Reiki. You then receive the first attunement you are a Reiki I Healer. Whether you practice Reiki or not is your choice.
Reiki LEVEL II Practitioner: learn how to enhance what you learned in Reiki I Healer and how to facilitate Reiki on others. Reiki II Practitioner (called Okuden in Japan) is taught to those who wish to take Reiki Energy Healing to the next level by providing Reiki to others. The class is taught by a Reiki Master trained to pass on attunements and teach Reiki. The Reiki II class material includes a discussion of the Chakras, hand positions for facilitating Reiki, grounding techniques and affirmations, the one correlating symbol, other uses of Reiki, and much more.
Reiki LEVEL III Master: learn how to enhance Level I and II and how to facilitate Distant Reiki. Reiki III Master (called Shinpiden in Japan) is taught to those who wish to take Reiki Energy Healing even further by facilitating the technique of Distance Reiki, teaching Reiki, and enhancing their ability even further. Pursuing the Reiki III Master level is a commitment to a life of living the Reiki principles. The Reiki III class material includes a discussion of common ailments, steps for Distant Reiki, and the two correlating symbols, the Reiki Attunement process, and crystal healing.
Each level is taught in two classes for two hours each. Reiki Manual is provided for each level along with a certificate of completion. I break it down this way for students so they have the time to learn how the Reiki energy feels within themselves and how it radiates out of their hands to the recipient. Also if a student is not interested in proceeding to the next level and doesn’t have the pressure to do so.
What is your favorite part of your profession and what motivates you to do this work?
When I facilitate or teach Reiki and I see the profound change in the client and/or student the sense of exhilaration for the individual and myself is an incredible experience. For instance, one of my clients has continued to feel more and more comfortable in her own body and the overall positivity that radiates from her is noticeable on so many levels, not only her calmness in her approach to life but her confidence in making her personal and career choices without feeling the need to explain herself. A true win-win for both the recipient and facilitator.
Is there anything else about your work that you’d like to share that we haven’t covered?
Yes, my sessions are never one-and-done. I encourage my clients and students to check in within a few days after a session or class to ask additional questions or to share their personal experiences through their Reiki journey. For as the more you talk about elevating your energy the easier it becomes. And it truly connects you with like-minded people, creating a true sense of community. I’m also proud to say, I’m hosting my first Energy of Serenity Day of Renewal Retreat in April 2024 which is fully booked. I’m over the moon excited, to say the least, and look forward to hosting more retreats in the near future.
To learn more about Donna and her work, you can visit energyofserenity.com
