Part 1: A Path to Healing

Hi, I’m Janis, and this is how my reiki and other holistic modalities became a huge part of who I am.

I was hired by a major airline in the early 80’s.  It was a great place to work, but unfortunately, my career abruptly ended after only 24 years.

One day everything changed.  A 3,000 lb. metal container was ejected from a moving luggage cart.  It hit me in the head, lifting me off my feet and slamming me to the ground.  In addition to a traumatic brain injury (TBI), severe concussion, torn rotator cuff and torn labrum (the cartilage in the shoulder joint), I suffered with PTSD.  I was never able to return to work.

My life changed dramatically, and not for the better.  I was a destroyed and angry woman, not uncommon with brain trauma.  I was not the same person I was prior to the accident.  I couldn’t stand myself.    The TBI was extreme, and quite frankly, unbearable to me and those around me.  I was never known to be moody but angry outbursts became common, headaches were severe and constant and came with dizziness and nausea, I lacked focus and couldn’t concentrate on simple household tasks, and communication was difficult because I had trouble remembering common words.  This was on top of needing surgery to fix the tears in my shoulder, which was followed by difficult physical therapy.

Physical (and occupational) therapy was grueling.  It was extremely hard and uncomfortable work on my part.  It was a long, frustrating road for me and my family. 

I was tired of living like this.  I spent a lot of time thinking about what I could do to help myself heal (besides being under a neurologist’s care).  Two years after the accident and still feeling unmotivated, I decided I’d had enough.  I wanted my life back. 

Energy healing to the rescue.  I’ve always had an interest in different modes of healing (acupuncture, the medicinal properties of plant-based food, etc.).  I signed up for my first reiki class.  It was a slow process for me.  The learning was difficult at first, and I was still living with the brain trauma and PTSD.  I was uncomfortable in a class setting, but I was determined.  The focus to learn new things, albeit slowly, was important to my healing. 

When I finished that class, I signed up for another.  And another.  Eventually things got easier for me.  Reiki gave me the inner strength to keep moving forward.  I put the trauma where it belongs: in the past.  And I used reiki to work on myself.  Reiki became a savior both mentally and physically, and eventually spiritually.

I’ve studied for many years now on how to heal. (See my list of certifications to see what else I’ve been studying).  I absolutely believe the body has the ability to heal itself (with work on one’s part).  To this day, my doctors are still amazed that not only am I alive, but that I am able to speak and think and hold a conversation.

Reiki has taught me to be prepared for whatever comes along.  It has shown me to not let fear take over and to always have hope.  Since the accident, I’ve had a hip & thigh fracture, skin cancer, and intestinal blockages.  After surgery for the fractures, I was told that I’d lost a lot of blood and would require a blood transfusion the next morning.  I did not want a transfusion!  I energetically worked on myself that night.  The next morning, the tests showed I no longer needed the transfusion.  I also worked on myself not to need a nasal-gastric tube and/or surgery for the intestinal blockages.  I have many stories of healing myself to give others hope. 

Because this is my intention, my wish, for all who need and/or want healing.  Hope and faith.