Five Key Traits That Make an Amazing Reiki Healer & Teacher
What makes a reiki healer amazing? This is something I often think about. As I continue seeking new experiences that teach me more about reiki and other energy-healing methods, I’m constantly observing energy healers who inspire me through their vulnerability and honesty. Continuous learning has taught me the importance of not blindly following someone who claims to have all the answers. Let's dive into some key traits that I look for in a Reiki healer or teacher.
1. Always Stay Curious
A Reiki healer or teacher with all the answers who never talk about their feelings, faults, or struggles can be a red flag. It’s a hard balance to find sometimes; I get it. As you start to explore your Reiki practice and come into your power, it can be a fine line between wanting to be someone people trust, look up to, and learn from while also being vulnerable and honest about your own emotional wounds. At the end of the day, you are still human. As a Reiki healer or teacher, it’s important to show that we are always curious and willing to learn from our clients and students. If you have an answer to a difficult question and it feels right to openly say it, that’s beautiful. But it’s also ok to not always have all the answers. It’s okay to tap into that innocent, childlike curiosity and ask questions. This is what keeps us in a growth mental state. Once we have all of the answers, that’s it; there’s nowhere else to go. If a client or student feels very strongly about something that you don’t agree with, sometimes it’s best to sit back and choose the path of learning. Try and understand the complete context behind their viewpoints and feelings around something. There’s always something we can learn. Some of the best Reiki Masters I know have mentors and continue to learn from others.
2. Be Patient
When I first started practicing Reiki, I had to learn how to slow myself down. Thankfully, the Reiki attunements helped with that. Sometimes, you might want to rush through the Reiki movements, or maybe you just can’t wait to get that third eye blasted open to get some exciting messages from the other side. Whatever you might be rushing through, remember that everything will surface when it’s meant to and when you are ready to receive it. The moment you surrender to any expectations you might have is when the strongest messages start floating in. And remember to be quiet and listen. Let your clients and students have the space to open up and talk if they want to.
3. Don’t Take Things Personally
Sometimes, it can be months or years before you hear from your clients or students again. Who knows what they’re experiencing and what they might be integrating from the session or class? They are processing and recalibrating. This could mean they go through several layers of emotional healing and learning before returning to you. Or, they may never reconnect with you. It’s important for a Reiki healer or teacher not to take it personally. Everyone is on their own path; maybe you were only meant to cross their path in that part of their lives. If they choose to rekindle that relationship, be there with open arms.
Also, each of us has very strong opinions on the best ways to live life, and no matter how much someone might disagree with you on a subject, don’t take it personally. Don’t get stuck in an ego loop of thinking anyone who disagrees with you is “just not on your level.” Each life’s journey is worth taking and is beautiful in its own way. Learn what you can from each experience. Collect any little golden nugget of truth you come across and tuck it deep into your soul for safekeeping so you can carry it into your next life.
4. Never Be Afraid
When you start practicing Reiki and your third eye opens up, you might start experiencing things that you don’t quite understand or that scare you. Never be afraid. Always remember and reinforce within yourself that you are an incredibly powerful being. You have a human body and willpower. You can overcome anything through grounding and knowing you are protected and strong.
5. Hold Compassion, but Know When to Take a Break
As a Reiki practitioner, people might expect you to always have it together and have neverending energy to hold space for them. Sadly, this is a myth. At the end of the day, we are all still human, and many of us may need to rest and recharge. To be in a constant state of holding space for others and their emotional healing can be hard, and it’s okay to set boundaries to protect your energy, EVEN as an energy healer. There is a thing called compassion or empathy fatigue, and it is a real thing. Take care of yourself first. Fill your cup so that you can fill the cups of others. It may feel selfish at first, especially if you are an empath, but remember that you have to nourish your energy to show up 100% for your clients or students.
Final Thoughts
I don’t claim to have all the answers—it’s humanly impossible. However, in my perspective, to be an amazing Reiki healer or teacher, you have to stay inquisitive, open-minded, and unafraid.