In early 2025, I had the privilege of attending Frans Stiene’s Shinpiden Reiki training in New York City—an experience that reignited my understanding of Reiki as a living, breathing practice of light, presence, and true self.
From the deeper meaning of light as the foundation of our being, to the wisdom in the precept “Just for today, do not worry,” Frans reminded us that Reiki is not something we do—it’s something we remember.
Below are my three key takeaways from the time together.
- The Light Within and Beyond
One of the most striking teachings from Frans was the concept of light in Reiki. Not simply as a metaphor for healing, but as the essence of existence itself. Mikao Usui’s teachings guide us towards realizing our oneness with the universe, where Reiki is not something external we channel but the very fabric of our being. When we cultivate inner stillness, the light reveals itself—not as something we must seek but as something we already are.
- Fear as Worry: The Root of Suffering
Frans spoke extensively on the role of fear and worry in our daily lives, echoing the second Reiki precept: “Just for today, do not worry.”
Worry is a subtle but insidious form of fear—often masked as responsibility, diligence, or care. In reality, it disconnects us from presence and trust. This is not to say we abandon discernment, but rather, we learn to recognize fear as an illusion, an attachment to control. In surrendering, we open ourselves to true peace and flow.
- Initiation: A Return to the True Self
One of the most enlightening discussions was around initiation, a term often misunderstood in modern Reiki practice. In traditional Japanese spiritual paths, initiation is not merely a ceremony but a direct experience of the divine—a moment where the practitioner steps beyond the intellect and into the living embodiment of Reiki. Mikao Usui saw this not as a one-time event but as an ongoing deepening of connection to our true nature.
My Own Physical Healing
In the months leading up to the training, I was silently struggling with a debilitating and mysterious condition—idiopathic Eustachian tube dysfunction in my right ear. It left me partially deaf, accompanied by waves of pressure and pain that worsened even with the simplest movement. I intuitively knew it was stress-related, but the connection was deeper than I realized.
In an effort to manage the symptoms, I began to decouple from all forms of stress—yes, even the “good” kind. I pared life down to its bare essentials, retreating into stillness and quiet. And yet, a week before the training with Frans, I found myself on the floor in tears, utterly overwhelmed with the discomfort. I couldn’t even walk my dogs around the block without my ear painfully blocking up, leaving me disoriented and unsure how to move forward.
Then came those three days of Shinpiden on 7th Street. They were, quite simply, luminous. Not only were the teachings profound and clarifying—a return to the essence of Reiki as light, presence, and true self—but something unexpected began to happen. As I softened into the practices, allowed myself to be held in the space, and absorbed the depth of what was being offered, my symptoms started to lift. The pain subsided. My hearing returned. I felt free again in my body.
It wasn’t dramatic. It was subtle. A quiet return—just like Reiki itself.
Bringing These Teachings to Life
I want to offer heartfelt gratitude to Nathalie Jaspar, who so graciously hosted this transformative training. A luminous figure in the NYC Reiki community, Nathalie is not only a dedicated teacher and author, but also a powerful presence in expanding awareness of Reiki as a spiritual practice. Her commitment to depth and authenticity made this experience possible.
I am also deeply grateful to my teacher, Ifetayo White—whose very name means “Love that brings Joy.” A Usui Shinpiden Reiki Teacher and Practitioner, community elder, mother, grandmother, and doula, Ifetayo brings a depth of wisdom that can only come from a life of service and heart-led living. It was her gentle encouragement that led me to say yes to this training, and her presence beside me during those three days was both anchoring and sacred. I am honored to walk this path with her.
At Peaceful Prosperity Studio in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, I am committed to integrating these insights into every Reiki share, class, and personal session. True Reiki practice is not about symbols, techniques, or even healing others—it is about embodying the precepts, cultivating stillness, and allowing Reiki to flow as our natural state of being.
Thank you Frans, Ifetayo and Nathalie. It was a gift to share this space with you.
With gratitude,
Jocelyn Nowak
Proprietor, Peaceful Prosperity Studio
