Scott K Smith: Reiki Master

AM: Scott, can you explain to me what Reiki is? You don’t use a rake do you?

SS: No! (Laughter) although I have been asked that before! Seriously for me, Reiki is being a facilitator. Some will say they are a channel in the same way a writer says they are channeling a voice or an actor channeling a character. A Reiki practitioner is someone who is holding the space to allow the living life force to pass through them into the client. Simply put, it’s an energetic way to balance the system. It’s more an Eastern concept of wellness as opposed to a Western concept. 

AM: How long have you been practicing Reiki?

SS: I started in 1994. I’ve always been interested in these things.

AM: What is the difference between a Reiki practitioner and a Reiki master?

SS: Experience is part of the difference. A practitioner is a great calling, you will have awareness and connection to a whole new energy which is translated as Spiritual Life Force Energy. There is a lot of schooling and certificates of course, but being a teacher or "Master" is a willingness to step up and be the Reiki. To live it everyday. To be a representative of all the tradition and connection is.

AM: So Reiki comes more from a Spiritual point of view?

SS: A lot of people loosely translate Reiki into Life Force Energy. It gives us the opportunity to pass energy in order to balance the mind, body and spirit. It also brings people into a space where they are aware of that connection.

AM: What’s an example of that?

SS: A good example is I will get someone to come in for the first time and they will report to me how tingly it felt or that my hands felt very hot. There are some common and uncommon sensations but this is only a feeling of what is happening, getting us to relax, to restore balance, and through this become well.

AM: Do you actually touch your client during the session?

SS: I do. I think contact is preferable.We live in a culture that has sexualized touching, so to have human contact without that taboo and for it to be open and compassionate is wonderful in and of itself. Then when you add energy to it, it’s a whole other level of touch for well being.

AM: Are we culturally more open to Reiki now?

SS: People have become more open to the tradition. Energy comes through in different ways so people are open to it at different times through different means.

AM: When did Rieki make it to the United States?

SS: Rieki made it to Hawaii in the 1950's. 

AM: Do some people believe that this interferes with their religious beliefs?

SS: I’ve had that concern raised with clients before but I do not believe that it does, even though it has Eastern roots.  I believe the higher power is all the same source and everyone has their masks of divinity that they see through to that source. Maybe the form we choose changes things for us. The way that you choose to see God sets up the way that you perceive the world. I try to work from that angle as that is my truth and I respect those with different views.

AM: What if I’m barely open minded enough to try it out. What should I expect?

SS: At the very least, it’s assisted relaxation and meditation. I get people who sleep through the whole thing and wake up and feel like they slept for a week. 

AM: People aren’t going to keep returning for more work if it isn’t doing something tangible. 

SS: Correct. If you get an infection, you don’t just take one antibiotic, you take several over a period of time. If you go to a gym you don’t change your body in one visit. It’s the same with any energy healing. Over a period of time I’ve seen many people improve whatever it is they wanted to improve. They become more focused. I do try to be more practical with energy work because you can go way out there! 

AM: This reminds me of the old Pentecostal believe of laying healing hands of people. Is it like that at all?

SS: In a way I think so but it’s also similar to Shamanism. Here’s a perfect example. I have been working with someone over a year with mostly good results. I could tell her desire was there for her healing goal but it wasn’t sinking in. I never know how it’s going to work through but I do know what a reasonable amount of time is. It takes focus, dedication, and personal responsibility as well as energy work. There becomes a saturation point and then there is a shift psychologically, emotionally and spiritually. Recalling that session, for me it felt like their energy fizzed, like alka seltzer in a glass of water. That was it! I knew they were integrating the experience and expanding their awareness. So I’m holding the space and allowing the energy to flow and flow while they go to that expanded place of awareness until the energy begins to ebb. Practicing Reiki is following the energy so my facilitation comes in by keeping the energy open, but also helping people to come back from deep or expanded states. At that point I returned all the energy to my clients body by cupping my hands over their navel and calling it back. Imagine when suddenly they convulsed! The client opened their eyes and said they felt they were falling. They had entered an expanded state of awareness and that had helped them release a blockage. This is a rather dramatic rendition and not generally what one may experience but one I will always remember. Now our sessions are much deeper and more fulfilling. 

AM: What should I look for in a Reiki practitioner to know if they are good?

SS: You do need to go beyond certifications. You should trust your own intuition. Ask questions, look for client reviews, and shop for your practitioner.

AM: How do I do that?

SS: Everybody can recognize that based on their own reaction they have to other people when they are with them. Also look at how a practitioner or teacher conducts themselves in life and business. Does it meet your standards? You should also know what your expectations and concerns are. Any good teacher will practice with a certain professional and moral conduct that is suitable for an honest, respectful and generous person. Basically trust how you feel and bring the questions you want answered. 

AM: What is the ideal life for you Scott?

SS: Well Sonny, I want to take this show on the road! (laughter) That’s how I feel. I’m in the process of establishing myself more in LA. I have my idea that I call Temple Well. People went to temples in the old world for healing. Now it’s become too clinical. There needs to be a balance in the two. We need to respect the spirit. I’m in the process of establishing that. Stay tuned!