The Seed of an Idea: A Personal Reflection upon the 20th Anniversary Edition of The Reiki Sourcebook

As we approach the release of the 20th Anniversary Edition of “The Reiki Sourcebook”, I reflect on the unexpected journey that led to its creation. This book has been a labor of love, one that has profoundly shaped my life and, I hope, the lives of many Reiki practitioners around the world.

In the late 1990s, I was deeply immersed in my Reiki practice. Having initially studied all three levels in Nepal in 1998, I spent a year teaching and treating clients (and myself) in Darjeeling, in the house at the top of the hill. When I began traveling through India in 1997, I had no idea that this was the direction my life would take, yet working with and living with this practice soon became my sole purpose.

There was a problem, though. I had more questions about the practice than answers. It was as if I had been handed a seed of a practice. Deep down, I knew that everything would change if I gave myself over to its natural evolution. I could become a tree that connected deeply in and across the earth, as far and wide as my ever-growing branches. By facing up to the clear-thinking rays of the sun, I could grow so tall that my tips would be lost in the heavens. And by acknowledging the trill of energy in me and around me, nothing could stop this advancement toward a new life.

While living in Darjeeling, I began writing “for real,” which was how I thought of it then. I finished the first draft of a travel book that, probably thankfully, never saw the light of day. As we know, each life experience gives us the opportunity to grow, and this particular seed of an idea, which comprised two years of committed writing, gave me the ability and courage to write and finish a manuscript.

The more I learned and experienced of the system and its practices, the more I saw a need for a comprehensive, well-researched resource to guide newcomers and experienced practitioners through the varied histories that abounded. It was time to turn my hand to a new book. The goal was to create a book that was informative but also accessible and engaging. I wanted readers to feel the same passion for the system of Reiki that I felt as I wrote each word. I also wanted to hand them the information I wished I had had when I began training. 

While the writing process itself is primarily solitary, I was fortunate to have support along the way. My then-husband and fellow Reiki teacher and practitioner, Frans Stiene as co-author, contributed valuable research, helping to ensure the accuracy and depth of the information presented. Our collaborative approach allowed us to create a book that drew from both our strengths and perspectives. And now that I think about it, I also hope that Fable, my then three-year-old child (a delightful seed of an idea), has forgiven me for palming them off on the neighbours when their dad was away and I was struggled to finish for the publisher’s deadline.

Authoring this book was more than just a professional endeavor – it was a reminder of the ups and downs of life and how to navigate them using these Japanese-inspired ways. As I wrote about the practice, I found myself growing both as a practitioner and as a person. The process of articulating these concepts helped me deepen my own understanding and connection to the system of Reiki and still does to this day.

Preparing to release this new 20th edition, I loved reading through the pages of “The Reiki Sourcebook”. I can feel the original determination to find clarity behind each word and the excitement of beginning to piece together an original structure for this Japanese practice. 

It was a joy to write the new Introduction and reflect upon the evolution of the system of Reiki and my twenty-five years as a Reiki practitioner and teacher. As I explain in the Introduction, there is nothing new in this book; it is not revisionist in nature but a timeless record of the system’s beginnings and journey into our hearts.

Hearing from readers about how “The Reiki Sourcebook” has influenced their practice and helped them in their Reiki lives has been incredibly rewarding. It has also brought me into connection with Reiki people the world over. What a reinforcement of the joy and power of sharing knowledge and experiences! Who would have thought that this brave little seed of an idea would have also created a foundation to support my love of writing, teaching and all things creative? In being open to the idea, I now know that this is the first place any of us should start.

I invite you to join me in this continued exploration of the system of Reiki. Whether you’re a long-time practitioner or new to the practice, I hope the 20th Anniversary Edition of “The Reiki Sourcebook” will serve as a valuable companion on your Reiki path.