Embarking on a spiritual journey is often a deeply personal and transformative experience, one that can lead to unexpected and profound revelations. For Brenda Dulin, her path to becoming a Reiki Master Teacher was marked by pivotal moments of introspection, serendipity, and a deep commitment to self-healing and growth. From her extensive study of scripture to a chance encounter with a renowned spiritual teacher, and ultimately discovering the powerful practice of Reiki, Brenda’s story is a testament to the extraordinary potential of embracing one’s spiritual evolution. In this feature, Brenda shares her journey, insights, and the wisdom she has gained along the way, offering a beacon of light for those seeking their own path to healing and self-discovery.
Can you share your journey to becoming a Reiki Master and pivotal points that contributed to your growth and transformation?
The trajectory of my Reiki journey has been marked by three significant moments: an extensive study of scripture, a chance encounter with Dr. Wayne Dyer, and my experience with Reiki itself.
My spiritual quest began during my childhood, but its true depth only became apparent much later in life, during a period of personal healing. For a decade, I was engrossed in studying scripture, a pursuit that surprises many when I reveal that it ultimately led me to distance myself from organized religion. This wasn’t a repudiation but rather a natural evolution of my spiritual path, underscoring my belief that each person’s spiritual journey is profoundly individual.
The transition from a denominational to a non-denominational church ignited a curiosity within me, sparking a deep, personal quest to understand the scriptures beyond the interpretations I was raised with. This self-led exploration was a period of enlightenment, compelling me to question and reevaluate the core beliefs instilled in me during my upbringing.
My study of scripture wasn’t just about gaining knowledge; it was a search for a deeper, more personal connection with the divine, free from the confines of institutionalized doctrines.
Moving from religious study to becoming a Reiki Master Teacher might seem like a significant shift, but it is actually a seamless continuation of my lifelong spiritual quest. Reiki has enabled me to let go of inherited traditions and open myself to a myriad of possibilities, reinforcing the idea that my true spiritual path is continually unfolding.
Another pivotal chapter of my spiritual journey unfolded through the pages of spiritual books, with one author, in particular, emerging as a guiding light: Wayne Dyer. It all began when my boss inquired if I had ever read his work. I vaguely recalled seeing his books on shelves but had never delved into them. Intrigued, I decided to give it a try. This curiosity led me to join a group where we began reading “Excuses Begone” together.
In September 2010, I ventured to Maui, HI, for the first time. Earlier that year, I had visited Oahu and instantly fell in love with it, so I was eager to explore another Hawaiian island. Before the trip, I joked to my Dyer reading group, “I’m going to meet Wayne Dyer in Maui.” We laughed.
One evening in Lahaina, after a sunset dinner with my husband, he wanted to revisit a store we had passed earlier. I decided to take a leisurely stroll, enjoying the evening and window shopping. As I made my way back to our meeting spot, I noticed a man who looked remarkably like Wayne Dyer, soaking wet from a sunset swim. He entered a pizzeria just as my husband approached. I pointed him out, asking, “Is that Wayne Dyer?” My husband couldn’t tell either but encouraged me to find out. When Wayne emerged, I called out his name.
Meeting Wayne Dyer was more than a serendipitous encounter; it was a powerful lesson in manifestation. This moment profoundly impacted my spiritual journey, teaching me to remain open to all possibilities and reinforcing the belief that our thoughts and intentions can shape our reality. It was a transformative experience that helped steer me towards my true path, one filled with endless potential.
Shortly after my meeting with Wayne Dyer, my spiritual journey took another transformative turn when I was introduced to Reiki. It began with a simple question from a friend: “Have you ever heard of Reiki?” At the time, I hadn’t, but that question set everything in motion.
A few years prior, I had explored Primordial Sound Meditation through a weekend course. While looking for Reiki Masters in my area, I discovered that the same instructor who had introduced me to meditation also taught Reiki. Excited by this connection, I quickly scheduled my first Reiki session, although I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. Friends had likened it to the relaxation of a massage, so my expectations were high, but the reality was even more profound. The session left me in a state of deep relaxation unlike anything I had experienced before; I was instantly hooked by the powerful sense of calm and relaxation it brought me.
That first experience was so impactful that it eventually led me to train as a Reiki practitioner myself. The journey from initial discovery to becoming a practitioner took a few years, but each step was filled with growth and healing. Now, as a daily practitioner and teacher of Reiki, I cherish every opportunity to share this healing art with others. Reiki has not only been a major blessing in my life but a continual source of spiritual enrichment and connection.
For those unfamiliar with Reiki, can you explain what it is and how it works to promote healing and well-being?
REIKI, pronounced “Ray-Key,” is a Japanese word. ‘Rei’ is the word for universal, spiritual, sacred, and divine. ‘Ki’ is the word for vital energy, and life force energy. Reiki is Guided Life Force Energy and is a form of energy healing. Reiki operates on the principle that there is a vital life force energy flowing through all living things. When this energy is balanced and free-flowing, we experience good health and well-being.
Reiki written in Japanese Kanji
We all have a natural instinct for healing. When we hurt ourselves, we often place our hands over the area of discomfort or injury. With Reiki, we learn to tap into this guided life force energy, where there is an unlimited supply of energy so that we do not deplete our own energy. Once we have been attuned to Reiki, we learn to act as a conduit for Reiki and can offer it to ourselves and others.
Reiki practitioners undergo an attunement process for each degree of Reiki. This is a sacred and transformative ceremony where a Reiki Master transfers the ability to channel Reiki energy to a student. This initiation involves the Master using a series of precise rituals and symbols to open the student’s energy channels, allowing the universal life force energy to flow through them. This process elevates the student’s vibrational frequency, cleansing and balancing their energy field, and connecting them to the universal energy source. Attunements are profound spiritual experiences that often lead to heightened intuition, emotional healing, and a deeper sense of connection to oneself and the world. Each level of Reiki training includes specific attunements, progressively enhancing the practitioner’s ability to heal themselves and others. This attunement process is unique to the Reiki modality.
During a Reiki session, a practitioner uses gentle hand placements on or just above the body to channel the Reiki energy either to themselves or to a recipient. This process helps to clear blockages and restore the natural flow of energy, promoting relaxation, reducing stress, and enhancing the body’s natural healing abilities. Reiki is a holistic practice, addressing not just the physical symptoms but also the emotional and spiritual aspects of well-being, leading to a more harmonious and balanced state of being.
I often imagine a world where everyone practices self-Reiki. Self-Reiki empowers individuals to take an active role in their own healing and wellness. The practice emphasizes mindfulness and self-care and cultivates a culture of peace and empathy, where people are more attuned to their own needs and the needs of others. By integrating self-Reiki into daily life, we could collectively elevate our physical, emotional, and spiritual health, creating a more balanced and harmonious world.
You emphasize the importance of self-love and self-care. What practices do you recommend for individuals looking to cultivate these qualities in their lives?
Cultivating self-love and self-care is essential for a fulfilling and balanced life. Daily self-care practices are the most important things we can do for ourselves and for those we love. When we hold ourselves in high regard and take care of our needs, it creates a positive shift in our interactions with loved ones, colleagues, and the world around us.
My daily self-care routine includes mindful meditation, self-Reiki, and journaling. Mindful meditation for me often involves sitting in Gassho (hands together at heart), reciting The Reiki Precepts, and quietly observing thoughts, sounds, sensations of breathing, or parts of the body. This practice helps cultivate awareness and presence.
Self-care practices can be personalized. For me, self-Reiki is a constant, and often the only practice I need. Often, I include yoga or a deeper meditation session, or continue sitting in Gassho until I am ready to journal.
Journaling has become a recent addition to my routine, and it has been transformative. Writing down my thoughts and feelings provides a therapeutic way to express what’s on my mind and reflect on my personal journey. This practice has helped me recognize patterns in my thoughts and behaviors, fostering greater self-awareness and self-compassion.
Other forms of self-care can include regular exercise, healthy eating, and quality sleep. Any form of self-care, no matter how small, is beneficial. Incorporating some or all of these practices into your routine can help you develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself, leading to greater self-love and enhanced overall well-being.
The Reiki Precepts
Just for today, I will not anger.
Just for today, I will not worry.
Just for today, I will be grateful.
Just for today, I will do my work diligently.
Just for today, I will be kind to all living beings.
The Reiki Precepts, also known as the Five Reiki Principles or Gokai in Japanese, are foundational guidelines in the practice of Reiki that promote spiritual and personal growth.
How do you maintain your own energy and well-being as a healer, especially when working with clients who have intense emotional or physical issues?
As a Reiki practitioner, I integrate self-cleansing before and after each Reiki treatment. These techniques use energy for cleansing and purifying instead of water. My pre-session ritual typically includes meditation, intention setting, and Kenyoku (dry bathing). Additionally, I may use sage, crystals, and aromatherapy to aid in disconnecting from the client and clearing any unwanted energy.
My rituals and techniques before, during, and after a session are essential to maintaining a clear, balanced energy field. Before my client arrives, I sit in Gassho to center and ground myself. I then set intentions for the highest good of my client, asking my guides and ascended masters for assistance, and perform additional Reiki techniques.
Once my client arrives, I repeat these rituals and add Kenyoku. I ensure my energy field is clear before entering the client’s aura, creating a pure and focused space for the session. After the session is complete, I perform Kenyoku once more to cleanse any residual energy.
Kenyoku, also known as “dry bathing,” is a traditional Japanese Reiki technique used to cleanse and purify one’s energy field. The practice involves a series of brushing motions that symbolically ‘wash away’ unwanted energies, tension, and mental clutter. Practitioners typically start by placing their right hand on their left shoulder, sweeping diagonally across the chest to the right hip, then repeating the motion with the left hand from the right shoulder to the left hip. This is followed by brushing down each arm from shoulder to hand. Kenyoku is often performed before and after Reiki sessions to clear the energy pathways, enhance focus, and facilitate a deeper state of balance and relaxation. This simple yet effective method supports maintaining energetic hygiene, making it a valuable tool for anyone engaged in energy work.
These self-cleansing rituals are crucial for providing the best possible experience for myself and my client, maintaining a harmonious and effective healing environment.
What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their journey of self-discovery and healing?
Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and healing is a deeply personal and transformative experience. The first and most crucial piece of advice I can offer is to be patient and compassionate with yourself. Healing is not a linear process; it takes time and often involves setbacks. Embrace these moments as part of your growth and understand that progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer a dear friend navigating a similar path.
Start with small, manageable steps. Incorporating daily practices such as mindfulness, meditation, or journaling can create significant shifts over time. These practices help ground you and provide clarity, allowing you to connect more deeply with your inner self. Experiment with different healing modalities—such as Reiki, yoga, therapy, or creative arts—until you find what resonates with you. Trust your intuition to guide you toward the methods that feel most natural and beneficial.
Creating a consistent self-care routine is essential. This routine should nurture your body, mind, and spirit. Regular exercise, healthy eating, quality sleep, and relaxation techniques are foundational to maintaining overall well-being. Consistency is key; even small, daily acts of self-care can build a strong foundation for your healing journey. Additionally, journaling can be incredibly therapeutic. Writing down your thoughts and feelings helps you reflect on your experiences, recognize patterns, and foster greater self-awareness and self-compassion.
Surround yourself with supportive people who encourage your growth. Whether it’s friends, family, or a support group, having a network of understanding individuals can make a significant difference. Seek out mentors or experienced practitioners who can provide guidance and share their wisdom. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to navigate this journey alone; support and encouragement from others can be incredibly empowering.
Embrace change and be open to new experiences. Self-discovery and healing often require stepping out of your comfort zone and exploring new perspectives. Be willing to adapt and evolve as you learn more about yourself. Growth happens when you allow yourself to be vulnerable and open to the possibilities that lie ahead.
Lastly, honor your unique journey. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to self-discovery and healing. Celebrate your progress, acknowledge your challenges, and recognize your strengths. Trust the process and understand that every step you take is bringing you closer to a deeper understanding of yourself and a more balanced, fulfilling life. By being patient, compassionate, and open to new possibilities, you can uncover profound insights and foster a greater sense of peace and well-being.
In closing, I want to share my deep appreciation for the transformative power of Reiki. This ancient healing art has not only guided me on my journey of self-discovery and healing but has also allowed me to assist others in their own paths to well-being. Reiki is more than just a practice; it is a way of life that fosters balance, harmony, and profound inner peace. By embracing Reiki, I have learned to connect more deeply with myself and the world around me, experiencing growth and healing in ways I never thought possible.
I encourage anyone who is curious about Reiki to explore its potential. Whether you are seeking physical relief, emotional balance, or spiritual growth, Reiki offers a gentle yet powerful means to achieve these goals. Trust in the process, be open to the experiences it brings, and remember that healing is a journey best taken one step at a time.
About Brenda
Brenda Dulin is a Reiki Master Teacher in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where she owns and operates her practice, Sacred Lotus Reiki & Natural Healing LLC. Brenda offers specialized Reiki Therapy services and Reiki training and is dedicated to helping you find balance and harmony in your daily life.
