By Kathleen Prasad
Reiki Magazine International, Vol.4, No.2, April/May 2002, p.34-35

I got Meg Siddheshwari Sullivan's name from my brother-in-law Mikie. He's been going there for his back pain. So my husband and I set up back-to-back appointments for Veteran's Day, 11/11/98.

The following is an excerpt from my journal from that day:

"The small, humble room, at the Reiki Center for the East Bay in Oakland, California, was just the sort of place to relax you. Lights were dimmed, and there were fuzzy, warm blankets on the treatment tables. The ceiling was covered with a large, free flowing white piece of cotton gauze, which had been decorated with stars to resemble the sky.

I lay down on the table farthest from the door, with a pillow under my knees, and a fuzzy blanket over me. I kept my hands clasped over my stomach. Siddheshwari began at my head, and at first I just felt warm energy. Then, she began to do a "mental healing." She asked me what I wanted to work on. I said I'd like to be able to deal better with stress and anxiety in my life.

Almost immediately, I felt tears welling in my eyes. Then, suddenly, I got a flash of a place I hadn't thought of in years: a special rock where I used to sit at Huntington Lake, a vacation place from my childhood. First, I saw a collage of bright green pine trees. Then, suddenly, I knew where I was: sitting on my beloved rock. I even felt the air so familiar from years ago: a tad chilly, with the comforting warmth of the sun on my head and shoulders. I noticed I was crying. Then, for a split second I saw my Grandpa, who had died three years earlier, in his favorite blue sweater. I immediately pushed this picture out of my mind; it was too painful.

I told Siddheshwari I was having some weird thoughts and memories. She asked if I wanted to share them. I told her, 'there was a rock in the forest … it's so peaceful…' but I was so overcome, I could explain no further. She then put her hand on the top of my head and slowly I felt calmer, until I finally stopped shaking and crying. The treatment continued over the rest of my body. I felt extremely warm, and the slight vibrations of the energy

For the rest of the day, I felt close to tears, although for no conscious reason. My husband Che thought maybe Grandpa was like the 'rock' in my life. I think maybe I felt the loss of two important things: Grandpa and that childhood feeling of no stress. Maybe I haven't ever grieved Grandpa. Maybe I felt like I had to be strong for Mom and my two sisters."

Looking back to my first treatment, I have healed so much! I continue to receive treatments from Siddheshwari on a regular basis. She has also become a Reiki teacher to me, initiating me in the first two levels of Reiki. Now I can also send Reiki to issues from my past that need healing. Not only have I finally grieved Grandpa so that I can move forward without so much pain, but I have also found a wonderful therapist who is helping me uncover and heal some of the origins of my stress and anxiety. I truly believe in my heart that Reiki is the impetus and guide for the tremendous path of healing my life has begun! Thank you Reiki.