Helen Walker

I'd discovered Reiki only 3 months beforehand, so came with an open mind. What impressed me most was the way differences of opinion were handled. It was the true essence of communication where a win-win situation predominated. By getting back to the core energy of Reiki, the focus was kept on the highest good for all. The impact of the conference on me has been to strengthen my belief in Reiki and to trust it's energy. It has made me an advocate of Reiki in my work practice (when appropriate), and to feel a kinship with my Reiki colleagues. It has taught me that Reiki is in charge, not me. Very humbling.

Lisa Hare

As my first introduction to URPA, this conference was an absolute delight from start to finish. I met lots of great new friends, and I really enjoyed sharing ideas and Reiki with them. The overwhelming impression I am left with is that these are people who truly walk their talk - I saw great trust demonstrated in using the process of Reiki to resolve the issues that surfaced during the conference. I also saw a strong commitment to open and supportive communication, to inclusiveness and building of community, and to finding ways to maintain the spirit of Reiki at all levels, ranging from folk art to professional practice.

I am very proud and excited to be a part of such a positive, powerful force in integrating the different forms and practice of Reiki, and I look forward to working with you all in the future.

Coralea Mackison

As the 'winds of change' and cleansing rain subsided, stillness and serenity enveloped the gathering. A setting sun cast its rays through parting clouds and curtains; filling the room with a soft golden haze. I felt a blessing was being bestowed upon each and every individual: Golden beams of light resting on grace-full faces.

Our circle of dance revealed an exquisite, cherished moment. Through honouring and perseverance we had reached oneness.

Footnote: In American Indian culture, strong winds are believed to be very auspicious, heralding change within large groups.

We were fortunate to have Kate Jones as our Conference guest speaker. Kate shared The Reiki Association's (UK) journey with public practice and also treated us to a wonderfully entertaining dinner talk.

Kate Jones

I just wanted to write to you to say thank you for inviting me to speak at your conference in Perth this summer. I very much enjoyed meeting you.  I have always been interested in the international Reiki community and, in particular, how people in different communities are facing up to the questions about public practice. Your conference was therefore of great interest to me and I was impressed by the care with which difficult issues are being handled.  It was also good to see how other groups of people organise themselves, because there is always something to learn from each other.

I wish you much success with what you are setting out to achieve and hope that my visit will be the start of links between The Reiki Association and URPA.  I'm sure that we can both benefit from each other's experiences, especially when we are addressing similar issues.

With Reiki Hugs, Kate Jones

Eleanor Anderson

To the Sunset Coast of Western Australia we travelled from various corners of our vast continent. So began my Antipodean experience of Reiki, I being one of those who carried the energy of Queensland across the Great Dividing Range to Perth . We had gathered in the most isolated city in the world. The symbolism of this was immediately apparent.

Of all places it was here that we met to introduce the sense of community to Australian Masters and practitioners. In this beautiful city, where the prevailing friendliness was matched by a strong sense of independence. Would we be able to hold on to this dominant force and somehow enable it to enhance our Reiki community, as we confronted the shift required within ourselves to meet the demands of public and professional practice?

We connected over breakfast on the first morning. A perfect way to meet and swap notes on where we had come from, along with discussion regarding the distances and our experience with Reiki. We talked freely and effortlessly... Then we began to communicate. The conference had commenced. Very quickly it became obvious; the diversity and thinking of attitudes towards Reiki and our reasons for attending.

As we talked of the growing awareness of Reiki in the general community and the corresponding responsibilities, we were forced to question how we would support this organic process, so aptly described by our English visitor, Kate Jones. Her input assisted us in understanding that we are not alone in this process. The same challenges face the international Reiki community. No longer can we operate in the comfort of isolation. However, by emerging from the cocoon, we can access and learn from other countries' experiences.

Out of the disquiet arose the inevitable questions:-

What responsibilities do we have in public and possibly professional practice?

Is this where we want to be?

How can we hold on to what is precious to us, whilst being recognised under the Complementary Therapies umbrella?

Am I practising in accordance with a recognised system of Reiki?

What is required of me to support the process?

And so it continued. Sometimes we connected with the process, sometimes we pulled away. We grew as we expressed our sadness, joy, frustration, confusion, delight combined with the sometimes overlooked spirit of Reiki. We gained clarity about ourselves. The journey of healing, accompanied by the inevitable discomfort, for those who had the courage to be present.

Then on the final afternoon the universe responded. The sunset was not to be that evening. We were spoken to and reminded of the life force contained within the elements, as the skies turned grey, the heavens opened and refreshed us with heavy rain accompanied by an impressive light show.

In the calm aftermath of the storm we finally danced in unison. No-one thinking about the steps of the Circle Dance. They simply happened. We flowed in peace and silence. We had remembered Reiki.

With heartfelt gratitude I thank every participant for taking another step towards community. Thank you, Perth, for all that you offered us.

See you all in Queensland in 2005.