Reiki, Sensitivity, and the Journey Back to Myself: How Energy Work Transformed the Way I Show Up in the World
As a highly sensitive person, I’ve always been drawn to energy work. Although the label of being a HSP (Shout out to the incomparable Susan Cain!) or an empath is a bit overused these days, I must admit that those labels undoubtedly fit who I am - how I experience the world around me and shape how I’m able to show up. Anyone who leans towards the side of being highly sensitive will tell you that being this way - feeling this much - is not easy.
Growing up, I always felt like the weight of the world was on my shoulders. My perception of others’ pain and the injustices of the world felt crushing. God, even my own self-perception felt absolutely crushing. And so, I told myself I was too sensitive for this world. I really believed that because I felt so much, that I was at a disadvantage. Truthfully, a lot of people who came into my life said it was a weakness.
I know I’m not the only one who’s felt this way, but for so long, my patterns revolved around prioritizing others over myself. Looking back, it’s no surprise that while everyone else seemed to be swimming effortlessly, I felt like I was barely keeping my head above water.
These existential questions about my being sensitive remain mostly unanswered—even after 20 years, I still don’t have them figured out. I think the point is to find meaning in the questions themselves. But, what I do believe is that we all have a purpose, and no matter how much we try to sidestep it, our soul’s mission finds its way back to us until we’re ready to embrace it. What I have now, though, are the energetic tools to help me navigate my deep emotions, my courage in the face of grief, and my unwavering desire to protect and support the people I love.
That’s where energy work came in. I was first introduced to Reiki in my early 20s, and from the moment I learned about it, I felt an undeniable pull to go deeper. My first official step into the world of energy healing was training with the incredible Kathryn Schiff through The Den Meditation. I’ll never forget that first class, notebook, and pen in hand, fully convinced that taking meticulous notes and soaking up as much information as possible would make me the best student in the room. I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Kathryn immediately told us that no notes were needed—our only job was to be present and take it all in. It was one of the most humbling moments of my life. I had to laugh at myself—my ego, my perfectionism, my constant need to "get it right" had followed me there, trying once again to control the experience.
But those classes changed everything for me. I learned how to reclaim my energy—energy I had spent my whole life giving away without a second thought. I began to shift how I showed up for others, not from a place of depletion but from a place of wholeness. I started to truly step into my own power—to see myself as the lead in my own life, rather than just a passive observer.
A year and a half after I finished my certification to become an Advanced Intuitive Healing Practitioner and Reader, I started my level I Reiki certification. Now, I’m a Reiki Master. I am so deeply moved by the practice of Reiki. It’s so beautiful, and I want to share what I know.
Lately, I’ve been getting more and more questions about Reiki—what it is, what it means to be a Reiki Master, and what to expect if you’re new to the practice. It feels like the perfect time to put my thoughts into words—not just to answer these questions, but to share the deep connection I’ve built with this energy over the years.
What Reiki Means to Me
Reiki is more than a practice; it’s a way of being. It’s an attunement to something greater than myself, a current of energy that runs beneath everything. I first came to Reiki out of curiosity, but it didn’t take long to realize that this wasn’t just a tool for healing—it was an invitation. An invitation to slow down, to listen, to trust in the unseen.
Being a Reiki Master doesn’t mean I’ve reached the end of the journey—if anything, it’s deepened my understanding that healing is never linear, and energy is always in motion. It has taught me to hold space for others without expectation, to trust in what can’t always be explained, and to recognize that the body, mind, and spirit are in constant conversation with each other.
For Those New to Reiki
If you’re stepping into Reiki for the first time, here’s what I want you to know:
Reiki has deep roots. The word Reiki (霊気) comes from Japanese, combining Rei (universal or spiritual) and Ki (life force energy). It is a healing practice that dates back to the early 20th century, founded by Mikao Usui in Japan. Reiki is based on the idea that energy flows through all living things, and by channeling this energy, we can support balance and healing in the body, mind, and spirit.
You don’t need to “do” anything. Reiki is not about forcing an outcome—it’s about allowing. Some people feel warmth, tingles, or emotional shifts during a session, while others simply feel deeply relaxed. There is no right or wrong way to receive.
Energy moves in its own time. Sometimes, the effects of Reiki are immediate, but more often, they unfold subtly in the days that follow. You might notice shifts in how you respond to stress, how you sleep, or even the clarity of your thoughts.
Healing isn’t just about fixing what’s “wrong.” Reiki doesn’t just work on physical discomfort—it can help with emotional processing, energetic blockages, and alignment with your own intuition. Sometimes, what we need most is stillness.
Reiki meets you exactly where you are, offering what you need in that moment—even if you don’t fully understand it yet.
My Favorite Tools & Practices
Here are a few things I personally integrate into my Reiki practice—both for myself and for those I work with:
• Music: Music has been the most crucial healing aid in my life. Whether it’s Hertz frequencies, my favorite singer-songwriters, or a new song that resonates deeply, music has a way of shifting energy and creating a space for healing. I often play music during sessions to help set the tone and support the flow of energy.
• Journaling: I always encourage clients to write down any thoughts, emotions, or dreams that arise after a session. Energy shifts can be subtle, and writing helps track those changes over time.
• Visualization: If you’re new to Reiki, imagine a warm golden light filling your body. This can help open you up to receiving energy in a way that feels natural. You can always visualize your energy coming back to you, and that is a game changer.
An Open Invitation
Whether you’ve been practicing energy work for years or you’re just Reiki-curious, I hope this gives you a little insight into what Reiki is and how it can meet you wherever you are. I’ll be sharing more soon—tools, reflections, and maybe even some personal experiences that have shaped my journey.
Until then, take a deep breath. Trust that you’re exactly where you need to be. And if Reiki is calling to you, know that the energy is already working in your life in ways you may not even realize yet. And as always, I’m here for any questions.
All my love,
Emilie xx
