The Connections phone line originally began because an elderly member didnāt have the technology or understanding of how to access the then new website. She requested that a phone line be set up so that anyone in The Reiki Association could have someone to talk to when they were feeling lonely, isolated or just wanted a friendly chat and a listening earā¦. and that remains the principle behind the Connections phone to this day.
I have had the immense privilege and joy of holding the phone and connecting with people for many years now. I offer that non-judgemental listening ear, an understanding of lifeās difficulties, a wealth of experience and an empathetic virtual shoulder to cry on if needed, combined with unshockablity, a dollop of common sense, some dodgy humour and a bit of Yorkshire straight talking when required. It a combination that seems to work quite well!
Itās such an honour to feel the connections we make and to be trusted with intimate details of peopleās lives and often painful situations when Iām initially just some random Reiki person on the end of a phone. I frequently feel Reiki guiding me on when to speak, what to say and when to just be silent to allow them time for their words to come outā¦.which are then frequently accompanied by āI donāt know why I just told you that!ā Those who know me will know that keeping silent isnāt generally my thing, but thatās the magic of Reiki working for us!
All calls are enjoyable for different reasons; some are simple enquiries about TRA membership, lineage or finding a Reiki Master. Others are about more complex life situations ā illness, trauma, grief, anxiety, financial problems or loneliness for example, but the ones that really make my heart sing are the transformational one. The ones where people call because they are very low or in distress.Ā The ones where I can use both Reiki and my mental health worker skills to support them to move from those deep, dark emotions and into a lighter place, giving them the hope and strength to keep going in the knowledge that āthis too shall passā. For me, hearing and sharing in their laughter towards the end of a call and knowing Iāve helped lift their spirits, even temporarily, is uplifting, joyful and one of the best rewards I could ever have for answering a phone. I love what I do.
The added bonus, the cherry on the top, is friendships. I have become a bit of a surrogate daughter or a āspareā mum to a few who have needed regular support ā these are roles I cherish, but equally important to me are the many people who have become dear friends within my wonderful Reiki family simply because we connected through the phone line.
The Connections phone line is a free service for our members, although donations to The Reiki Association are always welcome. I look forward to the next call.