The reasons I started volunteering were many. I wanted to get more experience with Reiki and help those who want it. I wanted to balance my professional Reiki practice with offering energy to those who couldn't pay. And I wanted to also just have more opportunities to use this powerful gift to make the world better.
Usually, volunteering is about giving. Giving to others, offering your time, etc. But I found out that it's also about receiving. Here are some of the gifts I received as a result of volunteering:
- Watching people who were suffering from anxiety relax and smile
- Hearing people tell me that their pain went from a "10" to a "1"
- Hugs and thank you - more times than I could count
- Inspiring many of my students to volunteer also
- Setting an example for my children, who are proud of me
- Knowing that I'm doing something worthwhile, meaningful and powerful with my life
- Increased confidence that Reiki is there, every time
So, as it happens, the act of volunteering has given gifts to me also - equally if not even more than any effort on my part.
And so I am grateful for the gifts, and for the opportunity to share what I've learned with you also.
May we receive and acknowledge many gifts this season, and all year long.
Blessings.
