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Walking the Edge: My Journey as an Empath Learning to Protect, Heal, and Shine

By The Artful Woman
For as long as I can remember, I’ve sensed things others couldn’t. Energies, presences, whispers from another realm—all mixed into the fabric of my everyday life. It wasn’t until much later that I understood why: I’m an empath. Being an empath means I absorb emotions and energies around me, sometimes to the point where it feels overwhelming. Negative energies, draining people—what I call “energy vampires” or “soul snatchers”—can knock me off balance if I’m not careful. For a long time, this sensitivity felt like a curse. But now, I see it as a gift—a calling. Encounters Beyond the Veil Throughout my life, I’ve had moments that defy logic. One night driving past a cemetery, I saw a pink orb-like form linger around my car. It felt playful and curious, not frightening—a gentle energy reaching out across the veil. But it wasn’t one of my guardian angels. I’ve felt their presence in other ways, and this orb was something else—something that just passed through, maybe just drawn to my l...
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I Took Reiki from 3 Different Teachers—Here’s What I Learned

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By The Artful Woman

 


When I first started learning Reiki, I was eager, curious, and—honestly—a little confused. I didn’t stop at just one class or one teacher. I went on to study Reiki Level 1 through Master Teacher training with one practitioner who offered a very complete, deep, and thoughtful experience. But then I took Reiki Level 1 and 2 again—with two other teachers. Why? Because I wanted to understand how it’s taught differently.

What I found was fascinating: each teacher offered something unique—some more detailed, others more intuitive or spiritual. But that led me to a big question…

If Reiki comes from a single lineage, why does it feel so different depending on who teaches it?

So I did some research, and what I found brought clarity—not just to my mind, but to my energy practice as a whole.

Why Reiki Can Vary from Teacher to Teacher

Reiki began with Mikao Usui and spread through his students, but just like languages evolve as they travel, so too has Reiki. Here’s why that happens:

  • Different Lineages and Teachers
    Each teacher after Usui added their own interpretation and emphasis, passing it down their way.

  • Cultural Influences
    As Reiki traveled from Japan to the West, it absorbed spiritual and energetic traditions along the way.

  • Personal Experience & Intuition
    Some teachers include visualizations like golden light or grounding to the Earth. Others keep it simple and emphasize feeling the flow.

  • Focus Differences
    Some schools highlight the spiritual aspects, others the hand placements, and some aim to awaken your intuition.

  • Levels & Symbols
    Techniques and symbols usually appear in Levels II and III, but not everyone teaches them with the same depth or structure.

  • Innovation & Commercialization
    In modern times, some teachers develop their own techniques either out of inspiration—or to differentiate themselves in the marketplace.

What I Learned from Taking Reiki with Multiple Teachers

I noticed that while each teacher had something meaningful to offer, the most complete, balanced, and aligned experience came from the one I received my Master Teacher certification through. Her approach felt deeply rooted in tradition while still honoring intuition and inner guidance.
That said, I don’t regret learning from others—it helped me confirm what resonates most and helped me develop a broader understanding of this sacred healing art.

So... Is There a Right Way to Do Reiki?

In short: as long as the foundational principles are honored, the rest is open to interpretation.
The heart of Reiki lies in:

  • Channeling universal life force energy

  • Working with intention and presence

  • Using the hand positions and symbols (when applicable)

  • Trusting your inner guidance

Different doesn’t mean wrong. It just means diverse paths to the same Light.


Are you feeling drawn to explore Reiki—or maybe confused by all the different styles and teachings out there? I’ve been there. If you’re curious about starting or deepening your Reiki journey with guidance that honors tradition and your intuition, I’d love to support you.

Reach out to schedule a Reiki session, inquire about upcoming classes, or simply chat about your path. Artful Living coaching 

You don’t have to pick the “perfect” Reiki style—just the one that resonates with your soul.

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Location: Dana Point, CA, USA

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