Hospice of Cabarrus County (NC) invited me to share information and mini-sessions on Reiki at the annual staff retreat on April 10, 2000. There was so much interest in learning about Reiki that I was asked to bring another practitioner to assist with the folks within the alloted hours of the retreat. What an honor! The story is below:
I understand that Hospice on a National level has suggested that local chapters look into Reiki as a complimentary modality.
Their Mission Statement is certainly telling:
Mission Statement:
Hospice of Cabarrus County, Inc. (Hospice) affirms the beauty of life and embraces the dignity of death. We believe that all patients and their families are entitled to a self-determined quality of life. Hospice is committed to providing professional and compassionate care to eligible persons with life-limiting illnesses.
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Hospice of Cabarrus County(NC) held their Staff Retreat on Tuesday, April 10, 2001. The theme for this year was "A Day of Self-Care'. The activities were planned for the physical, mental, emotional benefit of the 40 precious staff members.
On hand during the day were to be activities such as: massage, reflexology, meditation, reiki, yoga, parafin hand dip, and a talk on acupuncture. The lunch was catered by a local cafe that specializes in fresh salads and has some great sandwiches.
Initially, for the Reiki portion of this retreat, I agreed to see 2 people every 15 minutes between 10:15AM & 2:00PM; breaking for lunch from 12:00noon to 1:00PM. I believed this amount of time would allow a one-on-one mini-treatment, as well as an opportunity for me to share information on this Vibrational Energy Therapy and answer any questions that might arise during the mini-session. This initial plan was changed dramatically on Thursday, April 5, 2001.
I was called by the Development Director and she asked if there was any chance I could bring another person to assist me in sharing Reiki with the staff. The interest was so keen that they had 4 staff people signed up for every 15 minute period of the original schedule. I agreed to expand the offering to include as many as wished to participate with Reiki within the time frame of the day's retreat.
Finding another practitioner was not difficult and we (Carmen Stockton & I) arrived on Tuesday morning to begin our energy offering to the Hospice staff. The assigned room was open, with lots of natural light through many windows. There were many, many chairs and couches. To allow for interaction, not only 'practitioner to staff', but, 'staff to staff' support as well, we planned a Reiki circle seating.
Soon the chairs were circled and ready; instrumental music was started in the CD player and our informational flyers were on display. The retreat started with all of the practitioners being introduced to the entire staff in the auditorium.
The first group of 4 arrived and we were off! I did the majority of the info-lecture and Carmen & I both walked into and out of the circle of chairs during the sessions. I reminded them -- the staff -- of the acknowledgement of the amazing power of touch. Verbally, I introduced the entire group to Reiki: Vibrational Energy Therapy -- the extended sharing of 'my space' with 'your space' -- but, more comfortable than being crowded into an elevator! We discussed the Traditional aspects of Reiki, as well as my favorite, Non-traditional -- similar to massage but with no need to actually touch and no needed manipulation of skin or muscle.
But, we told them, since they had volunteered to participate in the mini-treatments, we were going to begin the sessions by placing our hands on their shoulders to start the flow of energy. This turned out to be the correct decision. Each person was in their own state of acceptance of this 'new' energy and its 'new' information. Some were more open to sharing with the group of co-workers than were other members of the same small group. It was basically a new mind-set every 15 minutes.
The lunch break was an opportunity to sit down! Carmen & I ate our lunch with the group and then snuck back to the Reiki Room to 'kick our shoes off' and replenish our fluids before the next scheduled session in 25 minutes.
As we were walking in the door, we were approached by some of the other exhibitors/practitioners. They asked if we would share Reiki with them! They had heard a lot about it and wanted to try it themselves! Needless to say, Carmen & I were ready to share! They, too, had their own level of being open or not, but, we had them relaxed and smiling as they left ready to begin the afternoon sessions of their modality.
The Hospice staff participants were, also, relaxed and laughing as they each left their Reiki treatments. We started the day with 4 per 15 minutes and by the end of the day were up to 6 per 15 minutes as folks from the earlier sessions came back for a return visit! If anything, that return for a repeat visit by the staff members declares the success of Reiki at the "Hospice Retreat".
Carmen & I were not tired or exhausted after this sharing. We both went our separate way at 2:00pm, but, when we saw each other at 5:30pm during a totally different "Open-house" event, we were both still buzzing from the energy of the day.
Carmen & I both worked barefoot during these retreat sessions, not only to allow better contact since the staff were seated, but, to allow the energy to run its course.
The amount of energy from that much Reiki is a super boost, but, one can begin to wonder where to put it within the perceived boundaries of this physical body.
