If you’ve never had distance Reiki, it can be hard to picture. There’s no table, no call, and no one in the room with you. So what actually happens?
Here’s a distance session with me, step by step: before, during, and after. If you’d like the bigger picture first, start with What is distance Reiki?
What happens before a distance Reiki session?
You book a time
You pick a time on the booking page and answer a few short questions. Most are optional.
The main one is what you’d like the session to focus on:
- a relationship;
- a moment or event from your past;
- something you carry from your family;
- an object, like a ring or a keepsake;
- your home or another space you’re responsible for;
- something coming up, like an interview or a move;
- or “I’m not sure yet.”
Then there’s a space to say a few words about it, if you want. A few words really is enough, like “my mom,” “my divorce,” or “the summer of 2019.” You don’t need to tell me what happened. You can leave it blank.
Do I need to prepare?
No. There’s nothing you need to do beforehand.
Some people like to set aside the time. They lie down, put on soft music, or sit somewhere quiet. Others keep working, or go for a walk, or pick up their kids. All of that is fine. Reiki doesn’t need you to be still, or calm, or paying attention.
One thing to keep in mind: some people get sleepy. Please don’t plan to drive, or do anything else that needs your full attention, during your session.
What happens when the session starts?
When I begin, I’ll text you:
“I’m starting your session now. If you’d like me to stop at any point, just text ‘stop.’”
You don’t need to reply. If you’re busy and don’t see it until later, that’s okay too. The session still goes ahead.
What do you do during a distance Reiki session?
On my side, I write your focus on a small piece of paper and set it beside me. I light a twenty-minute candle to keep time. Then I sit quietly and send Reiki to you and to what you chose to bring.
For me, it’s a calm, focused practice. I’m not trying to make anything happen or fix anything. I keep you in mind, and I let Reiki move. When the candle goes out, the twenty minutes are done.
Your paper is burned, either by the candle during the session or by me afterward. I don’t keep it.
What will I feel during distance Reiki?
There’s no right answer, and it can be different every time. Here are some things people notice:
- warmth, tingling, or a sense of heaviness;
- feeling calm or quiet;
- feeling sleepy, or falling asleep;
- feelings coming up, like sadness, relief, or tears;
- a sense of connection, or of not being alone;
- nothing at all.
If you feel nothing, that’s okay. It doesn’t mean the session didn’t happen, and it doesn’t mean you did something wrong. There isn’t a way to do it wrong.
Once in a while, someone finds the feeling a little unsettling, or feels queasy for a moment. If that happens, or if you’d simply like to stop, text me “stop.” I’ll stop right away. You don’t need to give a reason, and you’re not letting me down.
What happens after the session?
I text you when it’s done
When the candle is out, I’ll text you that the session is complete, with a short note about what I noticed.
My notes are plain. I share what I sensed, not what it means. For example, a note might look like:
“Your session is complete. Things felt busy at the start and settled about halfway through. I noticed warmth for most of it. Take your time coming back to your day.”
Or:
“Your session is complete. It felt very quiet and steady the whole way through.”
I won’t tell you what something means or diagnose anything. If something I noticed doesn’t match your experience, that’s fine. Yours is the one that matters.
You don’t need to reply. If you’d like to tell me how it went, I’m glad to hear it. If you’d rather just let it be, that’s welcome too.
Your candle video, if you asked for one
If you asked for a video when you booked, I’ll text you a private link. It shows the full twenty minutes of your candle. The link stays up for 30 days, so download it if you’d like to keep it.
Your video is only for you. I never post client candles anywhere.
How should I take care of myself after Reiki?
Be gentle with yourself. Drink some water. Rest if you can.
Some people feel lighter or more settled. Some feel tired. Sometimes feelings come up later that day, or the next day. That can happen, and it’s okay.
If something heavy comes up, reach out to your therapist, or someone you trust. If you need support right away, call or text 988, or text HOME to 741741.
What happens to what I shared?
What you share stays between us. I delete your intake answers, my note, and your video link 30 days after your session. I never sell your information, and I won’t use your story as an example without your written permission. My privacy policy has the details.
Common questions
Can I sleep during a distance Reiki session? Yes. Many people rest or fall asleep. That’s completely fine.
What if I miss the text at the start? That’s okay. You don’t need to reply, and the session still goes ahead.
Can I talk to you during the session? Text me “stop” if you’d like me to stop. Otherwise, I’ll be quiet and focused, and I’ll text you when it’s done.
How many sessions do I need? You don’t need any particular number. One is enough. I like to think of it as a craving. If you crave more, come back. If you don’t, all good. I’ll never tell you that you need more.
Is distance Reiki a replacement for therapy? No. Reiki is a gentle relaxation practice. It isn’t medical or mental health care. It can sit alongside therapy, but it can’t stand in for it. Please don’t stop or change any treatment or medication because of Reiki.
What if I’m in crisis? Reiki isn’t the right support for a crisis. Call or text 988, or text HOME to 741741. Both are free and open 24 hours a day.