We are in times of tremendous change and uncertainty, on top of being distracted by over stimulation and confused by mixed messaging all around us. We even see people together, sharing physical space, yet lost in the world of their devices. There's a collective sense of busyness and emotional overload, as everyone has task lists that never end...and feelings that have become overwhelming. It can be easy to feel disconnected, isolated or burnt-out by the constant addictions, roller-coaster of thoughts and feelings, and the ongoing demands of life. This is why many are now seeking other ways of being, living, and relating.
Many are waking up to the call of self-healing and community, seeking much needed support and connection. When we do start on a path of spiritual curiosity and creating more balance for ourselves, healthy spiritual communities are essential and can significantly support our personal practices and how we function in everyday life.
Understanding the Role of Spiritual Communities
Spiritual communities serve as a foundation for personal and collective growth. They are spaces where individuals can gather to practice, share experiences, and support one another in their spiritual journeys. These communities can provide a sense of belonging, being seen and understood, and act as a source of inspiration and motivation.
These communities often center around shared studies or practices, creating an environment that supports personal clarity and learning through shared experiences. Engaging in communal activities like meditation or Reiki circles tends to strengthen these bonds, as everyone is engaging in shared practice and working towards a common goal. This shared purpose can be a powerful catalyst for change, allowing individuals to explore new perspectives, re-evaluate their personal paths, and understand their choice of study with more depth. Regardless of external circumstances or personal relationships, returning to a familiar network can also support emotional and spiritual grounding.
This is why I created The Alchemy Circle. In 2020, the world was flipped upside-down and many of us experienced isolation in a way that we never had before. The freedom to choose our interactions and engage human to human was paused...and we didn't know how long it would be. Suddenly, regardless of personal practice, many people were all of a sudden in a space of personal observation and emotions were running high. So, I decided to invite other Reiki practitioners to join my online, daily, for what I called, Reiki May. The idea was to meet each morning for guided Reiki practice, supporting our states of being and allowing space for connection with others.
I had never held space for a group in this way, outside of classes, and it ended up being incredible. In fact, several participants said it was what got them through the confusing times we were in, and the bonus was going deeper into relationship with Reiki and themselves. The community also provided a reflective mirror where we were able to view our experiences in light of shared spiritual teachings, plus share with other people without fear of judgement or misunderstanding. It supported our balance, clarity, and an obvious cultivation of more compassion. It was a safe space, helping participants recognize and appreciate the depth of communal support.
By the end of May, I realized how connecting with others on a spiritual level supported us in discovering more about ourselves and the beauty of Reiki in new ways. None of us wanted the practice to end. There were new friendships forming, and again, we each had a space to be seen and heard, while being diligent in our practice.
June of 2020, I decided to extend our communal practice and include more variety in our studies, with Reiki as the ongoing foundation. The Alchemy Circle was established and has been ongoing ever since, with new members joining each year. It has become a year-long mentoring program that still highlights community, support, and dedicated time and space for personal practice and learning.
The Benefits of Support in Everyday Life
I've found that being a part of a spiritual community offers numerous benefits, including emotional support, shared wisdom, and a sense of belonging. In times of personal struggle, the challenges of day-to-day life, or moments of breakthrough and clarity, having a community that will acknowledge you as an individual, with love and compassion, and offer support through Reiki practice, can provide comfort, helping us navigate the paths of awakening with more grace and resilience.
Unfortunately, many people experience a sense of solitude, even while surrounded by others. Sometimes it's due to the distractions and busyness of life, but sometimes it's because we feel we have to keep our practices to ourselves to avoid being misunderstood. This can be discouraging and start to feel lonely, or even make us feel that we're not living authentically. Having a space where we can openly discuss our practices and be supported in the process is encouraging and nurturing. I've even seen it give people the confidence to live more boldly in their true expressions, beyond the group.
Community members often rally around each other in times of need, offering Reiki and space to openly share life experiences. There's a knowing that we truly care about each others journeys and that we're are not alone in the dance of practice. When people commit to collective growth, they often find themselves feeling more motivated and empowered to pursue personal goals. Being a part of a healthy community can act as a powerful catalyst for individual transformation, setting a strong foundation for personal fulfillment and success.
Learning from Others: The Role of Reiki Mentors
Reiki mentors and other teachers can play a pivotal role in personal development. They can offer insights, teach valuable practices, and hold space to help individuals go deeper into their practices. Learning from experienced practitioners can widen one's understanding, enhance techniques, and support becoming more confident in one's relationship with energetic alchemy.
Reiki, as a practice, emphasizes how we know and understand ourselves and our functions. It highlights our choice in nature of mind and emotions and the cultivation of life force in higher frequency. A mentor offers not only practice-based learning but can also impart broader coaching that nurtures embodiment of the teachings. Many Reiki mentors focus on both the physical and spiritual realignment of energies, creating a balanced and centered approach to personal development and navigating life's challenges in new ways. Through individual sessions or workshops, mentors often share transformative practices, enabling individuals to incorporate them into their personal daily regimens. The commitment to personal growth is a fundamental aspect of what makes mentors so valuable.
I still work with my teachers and will continue to do so throughout my path. Even resitting classes helps to expand our understanding and cultivate depth in practice. Plus, mentors and teachers can serve as living examples of how spiritual practices can lead to a more balanced life. Choose a mentor that resonates with you and whose work is aligned with your personal goals and interests. Explore the content they share, noticing if they embody the principles they teach, inspiring you to pursue paths of self-improvement. This kind of mentorship can change lives, steering us toward not only spiritual awakening but also improved mental and emotional well-being.
As mentees, remember it's our own responsibility to apply and practice even beyond working with our mentors. In The Alchemy Circle, I always check in with each member and their current personal focus. Your Reiki mentor should be invested in your personal development, including how well you understand application of practices in your day-to-day life.
Integrating Spiritual Practices into Everyday Life
Being part of a spiritual community encourages the integration of spiritual practices into daily routines. From meditation to practicing with eyes open and during interactions, you'll recall tips and encouragement you received from your fellow community members.
Our paths are unique, so our daily spiritual practices can take many forms, and being part of a community that values these practices helps in maintaining consistency. Whether it's starting the day with a mindfulness meditation or ending the evening with self-Reiki, these small acts of routine practice can accumulate to create significant life changes. Members often share tips and techniques that they find personally effective, enriching the collective knowledge base of the community and providing inspiration for others to try new things.
I've also noticed that engaging in spiritual practices as part of community can highlight deeper meaning and experience. Practices performed as a group often feel more powerful, reinforcing the sense of unity and shared purpose. These shared experiences in turn enrich our individual practices, as members are inspired by the collective resonance of the group. The community setting then becomes a space where personal growth and communal bonds intertwine, encouraging members to more diligent and develop spiritual habits that can last a lifetime.
Finding Belonging and Support in a Spiritual Community
Joining a spiritual community is more than just participating in group activities; it is about finding a network of support and encouragement that can help guide you on your spiritual journey. In life, it takes a village. We are communal beings and community is an expression of love. Again, make sure the facilitator resonates with you, your personal focus and goals for learning, and that you feel safe in the space that has been created. There are options and we are never truly alone on our paths.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE ALCHEMY CIRCLE MEMBERSHIP, NEXT CYCLE STARTS NOVEMBER 2025
In gassho and gratitude,
Yolanda
