How I Found Reiki (Even Though I Was a Total Skeptic)

It was sometime back in 2016 when I had my very first Reiki session. To be honest, I was hesitant—okay, more like deeply skeptical—but something nudged me to stay open.

It all started at a women’s networking event I attended with my cousin. Not really my scene, but I’d promised her I’d go. So I showed up, smiled, sipped some champagne, and made small talk that felt… less than thrilling.

Toward the end of the event, I met a woman named Jalpa Dhaduk—a Reiki Master and Nutritionist. At that moment, I wasn’t exactly eager to dive into either of those topics. I was running on caffeine, adrenaline, and the remnants of my Adderall diet (a story for another time). Reiki felt a little too “out there” for the mindset I was in.

But Jalpa didn’t push. She shared just enough to pique my curiosity without making it feel forced. Looking back now, I appreciate that. She met me where I was, and somehow, without even realizing it, I said yes when she offered me a complimentary Reiki session.

My exact thought? “Why not? It’s free.”

We booked the session for a rainy Thursday. Her office was in Jersey City. I was living in the East Village. It was inconvenient. I thought about canceling more than once. But I didn’t.

And I’m so glad I didn’t—because that session turned out to be one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made. It opened a door I didn’t know I needed. It shifted something in me.

I’ll share more about what happened in that session soon. But for now, just know: if you’ve ever dismissed Reiki as too “woo woo” or not for you… you might be surprised. I definitely was.

To be continued…