The allure of the hospitality world transformed my innocent curiosity into an insatiable thirst for escapism. Since the age of 16, I've navigated kitchen environments, raking in decent money but lacking a fulfilling social life. Instead of accepting the status quo, I viewed it as a personal challenge, resorting to substances the moment I clocked out to chase the elusive party scene. From my high school years at 14 until I turned 22, I indulged in a whirlwind of experimentation with alcohol and various substances. It became a routine, a way to numb the exhaustion not just from the demanding kitchen work, but from the turmoil within myself—emotions I couldn't comprehend.
Adding to the chaos, I found solace in drumming for several bands. Though gigs were sporadic, we lived under the illusion of being the next Guns n' Roses, adopting their reckless lifestyle. Our world was a whirlwind of chaos, akin to an Appetite for Destruction.
The idea of sobriety flirted with my thoughts for years, but the allure of socializing in pubs and parties always won. I struggled to find healthy avenues to connect with others without relying on substances. Little did I know, the key to genuine connection lay within myself.
Just like any journey of growth, the Universe kept whispering the same lesson to me, albeit in different guises. It became evident that as my consumption soared, my romantic entanglements grew more tumultuous, both on the surface and within myself. With each passing day, the burdens of these lessons weighed heavier, especially with my drug-addled partner at the time.
My body suffered, frail and feeble, weighing a mere 47kg. I existed in a perpetual state of pallor and lethargy, relying on coffee and cigarettes at work, only to dive headfirst into alcohol and substances afterward. Boundaries were a foreign concept; I struggled to erect them for others, let alone myself. My emotions lay dormant, numbed by the substances, leaving me unable to decipher the language of my own being, fostering a deep-seated frustration and self-loathing.
Inevitably, the romantic relationship I found myself in was far from healthy. Recognizing the toll it took on my body and the need for solitude, I summoned the courage to end it, despite the ensuing drama. A week later, my ex-partner began dating my best friend.
At this juncture, I stood at a crossroads, contemplating my next move with bated breath. On one side lay the tempting path of further intoxication, despite my body and mind's clear inability to endure more. For the first time in ages, fear gripped me – fear for my own life.
The alternative path beckoned with the promise of sobriety. While I always admired spirituality, I struggled to envision how to pursue it in a social environment far from resembling a sanctuary.
Seeking guidance, I turned to a colleague from work. This individual had embarked on a journey of recovery from alcohol abuse six months prior, and I had witnessed firsthand the remarkable transformations it wrought in various aspects of their life.
"So, this Reiki and Crystal thing... is it some sort of spiritual cleanse?" I hesitated, the lingering voice of my inner demons, which had driven me to intoxicate myself for the past seven years, whispering caution.
"Yeah! That's exactly what it is," they replied, radiating both calmness and enthusiasm.
"Could you try it on me?" I found myself at their mercy, realizing I had relied on escape rather than facing my emotions – sadness, anger, fear, or guilt.
A warm smile greeted my request."Of course".
They created a welcoming space, placing a few crystals on me, and for about 45 minutes, they gently laid their hands on various positions around my body. Something peculiar occurred when they reached my heart – a wave of heat surged out like molten lava, enveloping my torso before gradually cooling and solidifying. It was unlike any experience I'd had before, especially considering I was more or less sober during this psychedelic-like encounter.
As they guided me out of the meditative trance, I opened my eyes to find them shedding tears.
It didn't take long for me to realize they had tapped into my emotions, something I had long suppressed. Through tears, I recounted my story, and they held me in a space of safety and understanding.
I had heard remarkable things about Adriana, their Reiki master. Yet, despite the anticipation, I felt a lingering hesitation about leaving my house to meet her. This day marked one of the rare occasions that year where I remained sober from morning till night—a revelation in itself.
Adriana worked on me for hours, delving into the root causes of my struggles. Inner child wounds, imbalances in my feminine and masculine energies, the state of my chakras, my physical health, and my emotional state were all laid bare. Despite knowing little about me beyond my name, Adriana read me like an open book. Her insights moved me to tears, addressing issues I hadn't consciously considered in years.
Over the following months, we collaborated once or twice a week, employing various techniques and guided meditations infused with Reiki. With each session, I felt a weight lifting from my shoulders. My tears of pain transformed into tears of gratitude—I felt as if I was finally coming home.
My mind cleared, and I discovered a newfound groundedness within myself. The urge to escape dissipated entirely. In fact, I found myself embracing challenges, seeing them as opportunities for profound growth and understanding, knowing they held the keys to my liberation.
Recognizing the progress I had made, Adriana commended my dedication to a healthier and happier existence. It was then she offered me the opportunity to become a student of Reiki. Without hesitation, I accepted. If this transformative technique had turned my life around for the better, I felt compelled to share it with others.
We set aside a weekend for me to undergo Reiki training with Adriana. It opened my eyes to an entirely new dimension of existence, enriching my life beyond measure.
The attunements themselves felt surprisingly manageable as they unfolded on those days. Being in the presence of a Reiki Master provided a comforting sense of grounding, knowing they would guide me through any overwhelming moments. I began to notice the world around me in vivid hues, and for a fleeting moment after the attunement, I could perceive the auras and energies of people, animals, and plants. Nature exuded a serene energy, as if welcoming me into a new realm of existence. It might sound surreal, but my body and mind felt almost psychedelic—light and ethereal yet firmly rooted and secure. It was as if I was being touched by pure divine light, a sensation that lingered within me.
However, returning home brought about some discomfort, particularly when I decided to indulge in a celebratory smoke with friends, unaware of the depth of my newfound sensitivity. While I cherished my friends, the heaviness of their energies became palpable, almost overwhelming. I found myself on the brink of an anxiety attack and had to excuse myself from their company.
This experience led me to the realization that substances no longer served my well-being. I retreated into isolation for three months, immersing myself in daily meditations and self-Reiki cleansing until I felt prepared to re-engage with my friends, who were still immersed in their smoking and indulgences.
Surprisingly, getting sober was the easy part. What emerged next was a profound realization of my codependency on external factors. With the instant gratification from substances gone, I confronted my addiction to porn and sex. While I never sought one-night stands, I recognized that my pursuit of physical connection objectified women internally. Confronting this, I delved into the cultivation of male sexual energy and explored Tantra literature. Despite the Western sexualization of Tantra, I found solace in its essence as a practice of energy transmutation within and around the body.
This journey led me to embrace celibacy, far longer than I initially anticipated—seven years devoid of physical intimacy. Challenges arose, but returning to my spiritual practices, empowered by Reiki, reinforced the sacredness of energy exchange. My goal shifted towards infusing high consciousness into every facet of my life, recognizing the sanctity of genuine connection.
So, where has this journey taken me since my first attunement?
Based in Eastcote however I am open to home visits
(charges may apply)
172a Field End Road, Hillingdon, Pinner, HA5 1RH, United Kingdom