My Uncle Zane was the catalyst for my discovery of Reiki healing. He was the purest soul I’ve had the honor of loving in this lifetime. Anyone who knew Zane would agree, and tell you his laugh and smile were the most contagious things they’ve ever felt. 

When Zane was three years old, he developed a degenerative brain disease. He couldn’t walk or talk and was bound to a wheelchair or bed. His life became one of great pain and discomfort. 

At 10 years old, I began learning the sacred art of Reiki. My Nana had learned it from her twin sister, who was Reiki-certified. She told me that she knew I had a gift, and could help Zaney with his pain. 

Since he was non-verbal, we communicated in other ways. This was my first foray into telepathic communication and utilizing my intuition. I could feel where the pain was within his body, and would send him healing energy. It was clear that the Reiki was a great relief for him because his smile would quickly tell the full story. He would then rest well afterward.

When Zane died in 2012, I felt I had lost a major part of myself, and stopped practicing Reiki for many years. My healing then took a new form — and when I turned 18, I became a certified caregiver and stepped into the role of caring for ten men with traumatic brain injuries. 

One day, the manager of the home asked me if I knew I was an empath, and like a sudden gust of strong wind, I felt revelation take over my entire body. In that moment, the healer I had always known myself to be was reignited once more.

This experience is deeply rooted in the core of my work — to be of great service to humanity by leading others to discover themselves and embody their own purpose as healers and leaders.

G