In the midst of life’s trials and tribulations, there often lies a path toward profound self-discovery and healing. Meet Sherri Gibbons, the founder of Grateful Heart Reiki, whose journey from corporate professional to Reiki practitioner embodies resilience, spiritual awakening, and a deep commitment to service. Diagnosed with chronic illnesses that led to debilitating anxiety, Sherri found solace in practices like yoga and meditation. However, it was a serendipitous encounter with Reiki that ignited a transformative journey of self-healing and purpose. Today, she graciously shares her insights, experiences, and wisdom, offering a beacon of hope and guidance for those seeking balance, wellness, and spiritual growth. Join us as we delve into Sherri’s inspiring story and explore the profound impact of Reiki on her life and those she touches.
Please share your journey and what led you to become a Reiki Practitioner?
After being diagnosed with several illnesses, I began developing severe anxiety and panic. I began exploring yoga and meditation as ways to calm my mind. Diving deeper into Yoga Philosophy and becoming certified as a Mindfulness Meditation leader, I felt called to being in this spiritual world, but was unsure where I could be most of service. I had attended an event in which Reiki was involved and I had a very profound experience. It was my first time receiving Reiki and the intense surge of Energy and connectedness to myself that I felt, led me to research and locate a local Reiki Master. I began my Level 1 certification and instantly knew this is my Dharma, where I am meant to be.
What drew you specifically to Reiki as a modality for healing? Can you share more about your experience with Reiki training and how it has impacted both your personal journey and your ability to help others?
As I received more Reiki, and as I learned that our bodies all have an innate ability to heal, Reiki became much more than a modality for healing for me. It became a spiritual pathway for me. I felt myself shifting, connecting to intuitiveness, felt healing within myself—physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
I consider myself extremely blessed to have found my Reiki teacher. She has become a friend and mentor who has guided me through my certifications for Levels 1 and 2. The training my teacher offers is extensive and it is through her and her encouragement that I know I am where I am meant to be. Personally, she has guided me as I grow as a Reiki practitioner. It is because of her guidance that I am able to fully explore and enjoy my journey and know that I am supported. By teaching with knowledge and compassion, my teacher has guided me to hold sacred space for others as they embark on their Reiki healing journeys.
Could you explain what White Light Reiki entails and what are some common benefits experienced?
The lineage of Reiki I am attuned to is White Light Reiki. It was formerly known as Johrei Reiki—with Johrei meaning “Spiritual White Light” in Japanese. In 1994, the word Johrei was translated to English as “White Light Reiki.” White Light is the space within the Universe that holds positive energies and that is such a beautiful, fitting way to think about Reiki energy. While there are different types of Reiki with different names, there isn’t a right or wrong when it comes to Reiki. It is, quite simply, connecting with Universal Life Force Energy and sharing that gift.
Reiki is so beneficial on many, many levels. It can aid in helping your body begin to heal from physical ailments or illnesses. It can help with mental health or emotional issues. Reiki never takes the place of medical or professional help; it compliments and enhances whatever course of treatment you have been provided. Reiki can also be sent to the past to heal from trauma, or sent to the future, for example, to help us remove obstacles when it seems we are continually running into things that hinder us on our paths. Reiki transcends space and time and Distance Healing is just as powerful as in-person Reiki.
What practical tips would you give to someone who is interested in incorporating mindfulness practices into their daily routine but may not know where to start?
Being mindful could be as simple as sitting quietly and tuning into yourself. The true goal of mindfulness is equanimity. It is a gift to be present, to acknowledge your feelings and thoughts, but to never be attached to them. Guided meditations are an excellent place to begin a mindfulness practice and with the internet at our fingertips, these meditations are readily available. Having someone guide you and gently pull you back into being present is an excellent way to learn how to truly be present.
Are there any specific self-care practices or rituals you recommend to maintain overall well-being and balance in daily life?
Self-care is important to help us manage stressors in life. Personally, meditation is what helps me and I meditate daily, without fail. Also, I go for a walk every morning and consider that time as self-care. I often repeat mantras and affirmations throughout my day. I also cleanse myself using White Sage or Palo Santo every day to release any negativity.
To keep balance in life, I recommend Reiki! We must remember “being balanced” isn’t always going to be a state we are continually in. Like an ocean, we rise and fall, ebb and flow. Our emotions, our physical health, our mental health—these will not always be in a steady, even-keeled state. Reiki can help bring balance to the aura, meridians and Chakras of the body. A Reiki practitioner is able to balance the flow of energy in your body which, in turn, helps you connect with your own healing energy. Being balanced on various levels, whether physical or emotional or spiritual, will always be something that requires attention and work. Reiki is the answer.
