I remember standing outside on a lovely day years ago, and speaking with a woman who was a gifted healer. I asked her, "What do you do?" Her explanation was humble and simple. I could tell she was embarrassed about sharing her work in the world, but it was clear that she was knowledgable and that she loved what she did. I wanted to go to her for healing, but she seemed uncomfortable talking about her healing craft, so I hesitated to ask more.
"Do you work from a space, or have a website?" I asked her, thinking that maybe I could just go online and sign up for a session with her there.
"No, I haven't set up a website. But yes, I do have a space. . . "
I waited for more, but she didn't continue. A few beats later, she threw her head up and looked at the dark night sky. I sensed conflict. "I've been working mainly in the city. I also go to people's homes. I've been so exhausted in my personal life, though..."
Ah, I understood now. She didn't want more clients. She was struggling with burnout. Friends, this is such a common experience with energy healers within their first three years of healing. I've seen and heard it dozens of times over the years. I've watched healing practitioners I love, end their practice from sheer exhaustion. But it's often preventable. Read on to find out how...
PREVENTING ENERGY HEALING BURNOUT
Burnout can happen for a variety of reasons, but the most common reason is that we haven't created enough space in our lives for recovery. Reiki healing is a beautiful, light filled experience. Every time we offer healing, we also receive healing. This means that even though Reiki feels great, there's an acceleration around our own learning curve in life. The healing energy will clear and move old beliefs, and shift the dynamic in our relationships. To help ground that transformational energy in a healthy way, we lean into a daily practice of self healing and reflecting. Our daily practice becomes our safe space to process inner conflict. It's the inner incubation chamber that allows us to power-up and experience the most growth.
Many students skip or forego this aspect of Reiki because it appears so much more passive that they think it may be a waste of time. However, or daily practice opens up our emotional awareness and offers us a chance to grow and mature in our self-knowledge. Having that itty bitty space everyday to check in with ourselves is part of our failsafe for neutralizing burnout. All we have to do is create a quiet space to ask ourselves:
"Am I okay? Do I need to shift or add anything in my life to be truly nourished and at a neutral ground for my next adventure?"
Often, by asking this question in Reiki-charged meditation, we get quick clarity about the basics of what we need. The answer can be as simple as, "I need water," or as complex as, "This aspect of my life needs to change completely, in ways I can't yet fathom." The important thing is to keep asking, listening within, and making small daily changes to align our intentions with our well-being.
We all have a gas pedal and a break pedal in our healing practice. If too many new clients are coming, it's always okay to say, "I love what I do, but I'm taking a break right now, so my next available appointment is in 3 months." If we'd like more clients, we can receive them by being in a nourished, connected state with Reiki; people sense that vibrational energy and are attracted to it. Pairing that connected loving light-awareness with basic sales & business knowledge, will allow you to be successful.
And here's another secret--you don't have to be well-rested to have a thriving business. You can absolutely create and build a practice while you are stressed, worried, exhausted, and uncertain---but remember that what you are creating now is your life. We all go through times of stress, insecurity, or doubt, but you have the opportunity to give yourself space each day to increase the quality and nature of your life over time, so those moments are woven through a life of ease and joy.
If you give your heart and well-being the priority everyday, your lifestyle and business model may need some restructuring, but over time it will lead to a sustainable, joyful practice.
DAILEY LITTLE is a healing practitioner, transformational life coach, ordained Priestess, and teacher who founded Healing Heart Reiki to help others navigate life with joy. She offers private sessions, and teaches classes in healing and mindset from a magical peaceful corner of the world in Northern California. For more info see: www.SantaRosaReiki.com