I am in my late 50's, have two grown up children and five wonderful grand-children.

About 16 years ago I was chasing my tail in a managerial role in sales and marketing, having worked in this line of business for 17 years. Both my children has gone off to University and then moved away with new jobs, So I felt it was a golden time for me to re-evaluate what I really wanted from life.

I had come to a point when I was feeling very disillusioned, unfulfilled and stuck in a rut. I had a strong urge to change direction and felt a need to take on a new challenge. With the support of my wonderful husband I left my job and re-trained as a clinical aromatherapist. I set up my own business working from home and went on to study other complementary therapies too. However, there was still something missing somehow and I just kept on searching.

It was not long before I came across Reiki. As soon as I had taken my First Degree training I felt a knowing deep in my heart that this was what I had been searching for all my life. I had at long last encountered that inner contentment that had alluded me for so long. When I realised the effect it had on my life, I felt a desperate urge to share this knowledge with others and could hardly wait to be able to teach Reiki myself.

I went on over the next few years taking further Reiki courses until finally taking my Reiki Master Teacher training in 1996, and have been training students ever since.

I have been so fortunate in meeting some wonderful people since encountering Reiki, not only my clients who come along for healing but also the many hundreds of students who have trained with me over the years.

I have managed to help many students start up their own Reiki Share Groups locally, and always endeavour to support students from far away in setting up groups in their own areas. Many of my students keep in touch after studying, it is always wonderful to see how Reiki has changed their lives and helped to support them with the new ventures they have taken onboard.

Reiki has opened many doors for me over the years. I have been fortunate enough to be able to carry out voluntary work in Sarajevo on two occasions, my last visit being in May of last year when I went over for two weeks. The organisation I went with is called Healing Hands Network who are a charitable organisation who have been carrying out work in Sarajavo for over 12 years now. I worked with both men and women who had been confined during the war in concentration camps. The work was very challenging but at the same time very rewarding. See their website for more information www.healinghandsnetwork.org.uk.

Since coming back from Sarajevo last year I felt a need to carry out some voluntary work locally and am now working one day a week at my local Hospice. I find this work very humbling and through it I have met some truly courageous and wonderful people. This work really enables you to 'count your blessings' (one of the Reiki Ideals).

Over the years I have also trained as a Crystal Therapist as well as working with colour. I am now also producing my own wild flower, gem and tree essences which I use regularly on my clients (see my other website for more information www.arielessences.com).

I have, for many years now been using sound in my healing practice, and have recently commenced professional training which I am fully enjoying. I use crystal and Tibetan bowls together with shamanic drums and other miscellaneous instruments together with toning. I feel that along with the crystals this enhances the Reiki energy when I am working on my clients.

Ask yourself these questions:

Are you happy with your life?
Do you feel fulfilled?
Are you contented?

If the answer is no, perhaps now is the time for you to take Reiki into your life.

If you would like to speak with me before making a decision about taking a Reiki course by all means give me a call. You can reach me on 01283 716465

I have included a few photos below taken on my healing trips to Sarajevo. The 'Why' picture I feel sums it all up.