Maestro Reiki

Article by Jeffrey Hotchkiss

It was almost three years ago, and I was on my way to New York City to help offer Reiki in the parks on 9-11 (more about that in another article). But first, I stopped in Stamford, CT, to meet Rahel Warshaw-Dadon, an Israeli Reiki Master from Jerusalem, who was teaching Reiki in a private home. I had the honor of attending during her introductory talk; then, on my return from the city, I stopped again in Stamford to hear her story.

Before she learned Reiki, Rahel worked as a molecular biologist. When she moved to Israel, a chronic health condition worsened and prompted her to search for alternatives. She found Reiki, which helped her greatly, and as often happens, was inspired to learn and practice it. She became a Reiki Master Teacher, following a traditional and demanding course of study. What happened next is described on the Reiki for Peace website, www.reikiforpeace.org.

In early 2002, a young Palestinian man approached Rahel over a chat program, asking if she would be willing to talk with him about peace. After about two weeks, he made an unexpected request. ‘Whenever we chat,’ he said, ‘you make me feel different. I don’t know what you are doing, but I feel it. So I want to ask for your help,’ he said. She was ready to send him a check, Reiki, or a new pair of jeans for his ten-year-old son. But instead, he said, ‘I want you to help me to learn to live peacefully…..’

And thus was born a passion.

Anyone who learns and practices Reiki, discovers that it helps you become more at peace with yourself, within your own mind and body. You journey to find the peace within your own heart: as in any journey there are ups and downs, but once you take that first step, there is no turning back from the commitment to awaken the peace within.

So, what if people who grew up at war with each other could learn Reiki?

Seeing the possibility, and the great need, Rahel left her career to devote full time to teaching Reiki classes to Israelis and Palestinians together. It was a simple idea, but incredibly powerful. An essential part of any class is hands-on practice – after having the energy activated in their hands, students then put their hands on each other, to experience what the healing touch feels like. For one person to let another touch them demands trust. As the Reiki flows from giver to receiver, enabling deep healing for both, it deepens the trust. Once this exchange happens between two people, it is inconceivable that they could ever hate each other again.

Rahel charmed me that fall day in Stamford, with her stories of giving Reiki to a prominent Muslim imam, of how her learning to chat on the Internet led to heartfelt bonds with her neighbors on the West Bank, and her logistical challenges in getting Palestinians and Israelis together in the same classroom, considering the travel restrictions affecting both sides. I was especially touched by a beautiful picture she showed me, of an Israeli soldier receiving Reiki from a young Palestinian woman. The soldier had spent most of his leave time travelling from an outpost to Jerusalem to experience the peaceful healing touch. In the photo, the soldier’s eyes are closed, and there is a gentle smile on his face. The young woman is standing behind him, smiling beautifully, reaching her arm to place her hand directly on his heart. In face and body, he resembles the Buddha, radiating oceanic peace to all beings.

This is a project worth supporting.

Every year, Rahel travels to the U.S., to teach classes, give treatments, attend conferences, and gain support for the Reiki for Peace project. Last year, she was interviewed on WMPG’s Culture Matters radio show. I still have a CD with most of it recorded – email me if you want to arrange to get a copy.

Reiki for Peace is always grateful to receive financial support. You can make tax-deductible contributions through the www.reikiforpeace.org. Or, you can mail a contribution to: Reiki for Peace, P.O. Box 9152, Jerusalem, 91090 ISRAEL. If you are trained in second degree Reiki, send Reiki, too!

brJeff’s web sites can be viewed at:jeffreiki.com squidoo.com/eldersbloom squidoo.com/aronaya zazzle.com/aronaya.