2015 © Stephen Bruno

As a counselor and energy worker for many years, I had heard from numerous people about their experiences with Reiki. Whenever I heard about something new that I could use to help people, I studied the process and attended the training to learn more.  I decided to learn what Reiki was all about.

In 1998, I attended a weekend Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Level I, (Shoden) First Degree and Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Level II, (Okuden) Second Degree Practitioner Certification classes in Mount Vernon, Washington.

One essential element of Reiki training includes a process called attunement or initiation. It can be provided in private or as a group. Given several times throughout the training, it supports the Reiki Practitioner’s sensitivity to the energy and to a spiritual connection.

Midafternoon during the first day of the class the Reiki Master Teacher led me to a small room where she began the attunement. Part of the initiation is a tapping of the hands. At the conclusion of the procedure, she walked downstairs to get another student, and I took the opportunity to use the upstairs bathroom.

Between the time I left the room and the few steps to the bathroom, I noticed that blood was pouring out of both of my hands. I was concerned that the blood would pour over my hands onto the Reiki Master Teacher’s plush carpet. I just barely made it to the bathroom sink.

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