Losing a loved one is a pain that is both unique and universal. It tears through the fabric of your life, leaving behind an emptiness that seems impossible to fill. For me, the loss of my middle son, Samaad, to a tragic homicide on December 31, 2019, was a devastating blow that shook my world to its core.

In those early days of grief, the pain was all-consuming. It was a struggle just to get out of bed in the morning, let alone find a way to heal. And yet, I knew I had to find a way to navigate this immense loss and somehow keep moving forward.

That’s when I was introduced to Reiki, a holistic healing practice that, over time, became an integral part of my grief journey. My girlfriend Eve who owns Nova Vita Salon in Warren invited me for a spa day after Samaad’s passing. That was the beginning of my Reiki healing journey. How could a gentle, non-invasive practice like Reiki possibly help me navigate the overwhelming grief and anger that had taken root in my heart?

The Transformative Power of Reiki

Reiki is a practice that focuses on the body’s energy and aims to create a sense of balance and well-being. The practitioner gently places their hands on or near the recipient’s body, allowing energy to flow and promoting healing.

For me, the Reiki sessions began as moments of respite. An hour where I could let go of my pain, even if just temporarily. The gentle touch of the practitioner’s hands felt comforting, as if a weight was being lifted from my shoulders.

Over time, I began to notice a subtle but profound transformation within me. The anger and bitterness that had gripped my heart began to loosen their hold. The overwhelming sadness didn’t disappear, but it became more manageable.

The Consistency of Healing

One of the key lessons I learned on this journey is the power of consistency. At first, I went to Reiki sessions sporadically, unsure of what to expect. But as I experienced the benefits, I decided to commit to regular sessions.

Reiki became an integral part of my grief healing process. I would schedule monthly sessions, and in those moments, I found solace. It was as if each session allowed me to release a bit of the pain I carried.

Finding Peace and Acceptance

As I continued with Reiki, I started to see a change in myself. The process allowed me to explore my grief and accept it as a part of my life’s narrative. It provided me with a space to confront the pain and, in time, find a measure of peace.

Reiki didn’t miraculously erase the grief or fill the void left by Samaad’s absence. It wasn’t a quick fix, but rather a companion on my journey towards healing. It offered me the strength to keep moving forward and the ability to find moments of joy amid the sorrow.

Grief is a complex and deeply personal journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. For me, Reiki has been a source of comfort, a path towards acceptance, and a way to honor my son’s memory.

If you’re on your own journey through grief, I encourage you to explore different healing modalities. Whether it’s Reiki, therapy, meditation, or simply talking to a friend, there are numerous ways to find healing and support.

Remember, healing takes time, and there’s no rush. Find what works for you, and embrace the healing journey, one step at a time.