MysticMag has the pleasure of chatting with Erica Tokach from Reiki Fairy, a dedicated and certified Reiki Master Teacher and practitioner. Erica’s mission is to empower individuals to become certified Reiki practitioners themselves through her online school, where you can get certified from anywhere in the world. In addition to her online school, Erica regularly shares educational articles and tips on Reiki, mindfulness, and holistic healing. When she’s not teaching or practicing Reiki, Erica enjoys nature, painting, meditation, and spending time with loved ones, embodying a holistic approach to life. Explore her site to experience the benefits of Reiki or learn how to become a certified practitioner.
Erica, what inspired you to become a certified Reiki Master Teacher and practitioner, and how has Reiki impacted your life personally and professionally?
My inspiration to become a certified Reiki master and teach Reiki is deeply rooted in my personal journey of overcoming challenges. In 2015, I discovered Reiki during a pivotal moment in my life. Prior to this discovery, I struggled with crippling anxiety, exacerbated by substance use, including alcohol and benzodiazepines. This struggle led to a period between 2011 and 2012 where I was bedridden and eventually required medical detox to safely withdraw from these substances. While this was a critical step towards recovery, it left me facing intense anxiety without the means I previously used to cope.
In rehab, I was introduced to meditation, which proved to be a transformative tool for managing my anxiety. I realized the power of meditation to alleviate my distressing symptoms, sparking a profound interest in holistic healing practices. However, upon returning home, I found a lack of meditation resources in my rural Arizona town. This limitation motivated me to seek certification as a meditation teacher in a nearby city, where I also encountered Reiki. Recognizing Reiki’s potential to further enhance my wellbeing and manage anxiety, I pursued and achieved certification in all three levels of Reiki in Europe, within the same year.
Professionally, becoming a certified Reiki master has significantly enriched my career. Previously working as a Behavioral Health Technician (BHT) counselor for individuals recovering from substance abuse, I integrated Reiki and meditation into our counseling sessions. This holistic approach not only supported my clients’ recovery processes but also reinforced my commitment to promoting wellness and recovery through alternative healing modalities.
Personally, the journey to becoming a Reiki master has been transformative. It has not only been instrumental in my own healing process but has also accelerated my plans towards focusing on meditation and Reiki in my retirement, much earlier than anticipated. This unexpected shift has been a source of excitement and fulfillment, allowing me to dedicate my life to helping others discover the healing powers of Reiki and meditation.
In essence, my path to becoming a Reiki master has been both a personal and professional journey of discovery, healing, and empowerment. It has allowed me to merge my passion for holistic wellness with my career, enabling me to support others in their healing journeys while continually growing and evolving in my own practice.
Your online school offers courses for individuals looking to become certified Reiki practitioners themselves. What sets your training apart, and how do you empower your students to share the benefits of Reiki with others?
In the realm of Reiki education, particularly with the proliferation of online courses, distinguishing one’s teaching approach can be nuanced. My online school, while offering comprehensive courses for those aspiring to become certified Reiki practitioners, may not diverge significantly in curriculum from what other skilled Reiki masters provide. However, the unique value I believe in most strongly is the resonance between a teacher and their students. This connection, I find, is the cornerstone of a truly transformative Reiki learning experience.
I advocate for potential students to seek a Reiki master whose energy truly aligns with their own. It is essential when choosing a mentor, especially in a field as intimate and spiritual as Reiki, to feel a deep sense of connection and resonance with their teaching style, philosophy, and energy. This alignment is what can set any Reiki training apart, including the courses offered through my school.
While acknowledging the wealth of knowledge available online and the many capable Reiki masters teaching similar content, I emphasize the importance of the mentor-mentee relationship in the learning journey. Reiki, at its core, is a personal and spiritual practice that transcends the mere acquisition of techniques. It involves cultivating a profound understanding of energy, healing, and the interconnectedness of all beings. Therefore, choosing a teacher with whom one feels a strong energetic bond is paramount.
In terms of empowering my students, the emphasis is on nurturing their unique path and encouraging them to embody the principles of Reiki in their personal and professional lives. This involves not only teaching them the technical aspects of Reiki but also fostering a deep, intuitive connection with the practice. By doing so, students are equipped not just to perform Reiki but to live Reiki, sharing its benefits through their very being and interactions with others.
To summarize, what sets my training apart is less about distinctive content and more about the emphasis on the energetic match between teacher and student. This approach ensures that students are not only certified Reiki practitioners but also empowered to share the profound benefits of Reiki with others, rooted in a deep, resonant understanding of the practice.
You offer a variety of services, from chakra alignment to inner child healing. How do these services complement each other, and how do they contribute to holistic healing and spiritual empowerment?
The array of services I offer, including chakra alignment and inner child healing, are deeply interconnected, each playing a vital role in the journey towards holistic healing and spiritual empowerment. This holistic approach acknowledges the inseparable connection between mind, body, and soul, aiming to foster harmony and balance across all dimensions of being.
Central to my philosophy is the understanding that many of us carry the weight of past traumas and unresolved emotional baggage within our energy fields and physical bodies. These unresolved issues can manifest as blockages in our chakras, the energy centers that govern various aspects of our physical, emotional, and spiritual health. By addressing these blockages through services like chakra alignment, we can initiate a process of energetic cleansing and rebalancing. This not only facilitates physical healing but also enhances mental clarity and emotional resilience.
Inner child healing, in particular, targets the roots of many emotional and spiritual challenges. By nurturing and healing the wounded parts of our inner selves, we clear the path for profound transformations in our adult lives. This process often leads to a significant increase in confidence, productivity, and overall wellbeing. It’s akin to clearing the wreckage of our past to reveal a more vibrant, thriving presence.
Each of the seven main chakras offers a unique window into our personal experiences and challenges. By focusing on specific chakras that may require more attention, we can tailor the healing process to address individual needs more effectively. Whether it’s fostering a sense of security and stability through the root chakra or opening the heart chakra to enhance our capacity for love and compassion, each service complements the others by contributing to a more integrated and harmonious state of being.
In essence, the services I provide work synergistically to dismantle the barriers to personal growth and spiritual advancement. By addressing the multifaceted layers of the human experience—be it through chakra alignment, inner child healing, or other modalities—we embark on a comprehensive path to healing. This journey not only empowers us to heal our past wounds but also equips us to navigate life with greater ease, joy, and fulfillment. The ultimate goal is not just to heal but to transform, enabling each individual to realize their highest potential and live a life aligned with their deepest truths and aspirations.
How do you incorporate mindfulness into your daily life and practice, and what advice do you have for individuals looking to enhance their spiritual journey and overall well-being?
Incorporating mindfulness into both daily life and practice is a cornerstone of my approach to well-being and spiritual growth. Here’s how I embed this principle into my routine, along with advice for those looking to enhance their spiritual journey:
My day begins with a morning meditation, which sets the tone for mindful living. During this time, I focus on the Reiki principles, which serve as a guide for my intentions and actions throughout the day:
1. Just for today, I will not worry.
2. Just for today, I will not be angry.
3. Just for today, I will live in gratitude.
4. Just for today, I will work honestly.
5. Just for today, I will be kind to all creatures.
These principles remind me to embrace the present moment, cultivate peace and gratitude, and extend kindness and honesty in my interactions. They are particularly grounding when faced with challenges, guiding me back to a state of gratitude. Reflecting on even the simplest things for which to be grateful, such as the functionality of one’s body or the senses that connect us to the world, can profoundly shift one’s mindset towards positivity.
In the evenings, my practice includes a meditation session where I express gratitude for another day. This practice of gratitude bookends my day, reinforcing a positive and appreciative perspective on life.
Additionally, I incorporate a personal reflection inspired by the 10th step of the 12-step program, which involves a daily inventory of my actions, thoughts, and emotions. This self-examination helps me to maintain accountability, make amends where necessary, and foster acceptance, keeping my spiritual and emotional wellbeing in balance.
For individuals seeking to enhance their spiritual journey and overall well-being, I recommend starting with these foundational practices:
1. Begin and end your day with meditation: Use this time to set your intentions and reflect on what you are grateful for.
2. Embrace the Reiki principles: Even if you are not a Reiki practitioner, these principles can guide you towards a more mindful and compassionate way of living.
3. Practice gratitude: Make it a habit to acknowledge and appreciate the simple joys and blessings in your life.
4. Engage in self-reflection: Regularly review your actions and emotions to understand your impact on yourself and others, making amends and adjustments as needed.
5. Incorporate mindfulness into daily activities: Be present and fully engaged in the moment, whether you’re eating, walking, or conversing with others.
By integrating these practices into your daily routine, you can cultivate a deeper sense of mindfulness, enhance your spiritual growth, and improve your overall well-being. Mindfulness is not only a practice but a way of being, transforming ordinary moments into opportunities for growth and connection.
How do you see the field of holistic healing evolving in the future, and what role do you envision Reiki playing in mainstream healthcare practices?
The future of holistic healing, particularly the role of Reiki within mainstream healthcare, is an area of great potential and burgeoning interest. My observations and experiences have led me to believe that Reiki is on a transformative journey, one that is gradually integrating into broader healthcare practices, marking a significant evolution since I first became a Reiki master.
When I began my practice, Reiki was relatively unknown in many communities, including my own. The shift from those early days to now is remarkable, with an increasing number of Reiki practitioners emerging, demonstrating a growing acceptance and interest in this healing modality. The presence of Reiki has expanded so much that it’s becoming readily available, with resources and practitioners easily found through a simple online search. Social media and digital platforms have played a crucial role in this transformation, offering free resources and broadening the reach of Reiki’s teachings and benefits.
The integration of Reiki into hospitals and hospice care is a testament to its efficacy and acceptance in supporting patients, especially those in transition. It’s encouraging to see that more healthcare professionals are recognizing the value of Reiki as a complementary therapy, reflecting a harmonious blend of Western and Eastern medical philosophies. This collaboration between different healing traditions enriches patient care, offering a more holistic approach to health and well-being.
The global health crisis brought on by COVID-19 has further highlighted the versatility and relevance of Reiki, especially its capacity for distance healing. This feature of Reiki has made it an invaluable tool during times when physical proximity was limited, providing comfort and healing from afar. Such adaptability underscores Reiki’s unique place in the healing arts, capable of bridging physical gaps between practitioner and recipient.
Looking to the future, I envision Reiki playing an even more significant role in mainstream healthcare. Its principles of energy healing, non-invasiveness, and ability to complement other treatments position it as an ideal adjunct to conventional medical care. As awareness and scientific understanding of Reiki continue to grow, I anticipate greater integration into healthcare settings, more collaborative research efforts, and an increased presence in health and wellness programs.
The ongoing evolution of Reiki within the healthcare landscape is not just promising but essential. It represents a shift towards more inclusive, compassionate, and holistic patient care. By continuing to embrace and integrate Reiki and other holistic practices, the healthcare industry can offer more comprehensive and personalized care options, ultimately contributing to the well-being and healing of individuals on a global scale.
If you would like to find out more about Erica Tokach, please visit https://www.reikifairy.com/
