In recent times, I’ve noticed many conversations online about Reiki and whether one truly needs to be attuned by a Reiki Master in order to practice it. The argument is often this: Reiki is universal life force energy, and since we are all part of that universal flow, we already have access to it.

To this, I wholeheartedly agree. Reiki is not something that only a select few can access, it flows through all of us because it is life itself. We can all learn to connect more deeply with this energy, and we often do so in different ways throughout our lives, whether through meditation, prayer, breathwork, nature, or quiet moments of inner stillness.

But here is where I’d like to pause and offer some perspective, not only as someone who has worked with Reiki for over 18 years, but also as a Reiki Master Teacher and Practitioner:
Just because we all have access to universal energy does not mean we are all ready to hold space for others.

The Responsibility of Holding Space

When someone comes to you for Reiki, whether they are struggling with physical pain, mental stress, emotional wounds, or spiritual blocks - you are not simply placing hands on them. You are holding a sacred container for their healing process.

In that space, emotions may surface. Old trauma may stir. Physical sensations may arise that the person does not fully understand. Your role as a practitioner is not only to channel Reiki but to remain grounded, compassionate, and responsible for how the person is supported during and after the session.

This responsibility requires more than just a good intention- it asks for presence, maturity, and self-awareness. Without these, the person seeking healing may feel unseen, unsafe, or even more destabilised.

Why Attunement Matters

Attunement is not about hierarchy or exclusivity. It is not a “certificate” to say you are more spiritual than someone else. Rather, attunement is a process of alignment, a way of opening yourself more fully to the Reiki energy while learning how to hold it responsibly for others.

Through attunement and training with a Reiki Master, you are guided into the practice with awareness, ethics, and tools to support not only those you treat, but yourself as well. It’s a path of humility and service, not ego or control.

The Value of Training and Experience

I often see criticism directed at Reiki Masters for charging for attunements or classes. What is rarely spoken about is the amount of time, energy, and resources we have invested - not only in our training, but in our personal development.

For me, this journey has spanned over 30 years. Along the way, I have dedicated myself not just to studying Reiki, but to exploring my own healing, deepening my self-awareness, and developing the skills to support others safely and effectively. This work is not just about “learning a technique” - it is about becoming a person who can truly hold space for another’s vulnerability and transformation.

Charging for attunements or classes is not about “profiting from energy” - it is about recognising the years of learning, healing, and lived experience that allow a teacher to guide others responsibly. Just as in any profession, the exchange honours the value of what has been cultivated and the support being offered.

Self-Awareness Comes First

In my classes, whether Reiki or other healing modalities, I always begin with one essential truth: you cannot truly support others until you are willing to look within yourself.

Before we step into the role of a practitioner, we must first learn to meet our own wounds with compassion. We must cultivate the ability to sit with discomfort, to recognise our own triggers, and to heal from the inside out. Only then can we safely and authentically hold space for someone else’s journey.

A Gentle Invitation

So, yes - Reiki is universal, and it belongs to all of us. But if you feel called to share it with others, I encourage you to approach it not only with openness, but also with responsibility. Seek guidance. Explore your own healing first. Allow yourself to be attuned not only to the energy, but to your own heart and awareness.

Because Reiki is not just about energy - it’s about how we embody it, how we hold it, and how we serve others with it.

“I had the pleasure of completing my Level 1 Reiki and Seichem with Sharon. There are no words to explain what a beautiful, empowering, healing and uplifting experience it was. In my opinion, Sharon is an amazing professional teacher, practitioner and facilitator who also brings a gentle, human and compassionate approach. I felt in very safe hands. The energy and healing over the 2 days was magic....and I'm going back for Level 2 soon. Can't wait 😁💫” Elaine Long

“I had such a positive experience with Sharon during my reiki session. The atmosphere and energy in the room was so calming. From start to finish Sharon gave me her undevided attention, all the information Sharon gave me was so relevant to my experience. I couldn't recommend her highly enough. And will make it my business to visit her again soon! An absolute lady” Maura O’Callaghan

“Blown away in the first 30 minutes of our session. Sharon was compassionate and kind. By tapping into my energy, she accessed another level I never knew existed. I will recommend to others and I will be back.” Ria Mannion

“Had an amazing experience doing the level 1 Reiki training, being around such beautiful souls made it all the more special, I concur with all the previous reviews that Sharon is a Great teacher, very welcoming, compassionate and her laugh is very infectious! Enjoyed every minute of it and would highly recommend, thanks again Sharon” Jason Coyne

“I recently attended Sharon's reiki level 1 training in Galway. Having had no experience with reiki before. I am so grateful to have attended this course with Sharon. From the very start we were met with a warm welcome from the lovely Sharon and made to feel totally at ease. Her deep knowledge, kindness and sense of fun creates a wonderful space to explore, learn, grow and connect. Having listened to her wonderful podcast, attended her course and recently joined her community I cannot help but feel inspired and empowered by all this lady has to teach and share. I'm excited and grateful to learn more!” Grainne McLaughlin

Sharon Fitzmaurice

Reiki Master Teacher & Practitioner

So how has your year been?

In this end of year blog, I will share some of my personal experiences, guidance for the year ahead and also a free guided meditation on clearing and releasing.

Its okay to talk the talk, but you must also walk the walk. I can’t help others to help themselves if I don’t acknowledge the lessons I have learned along the way, but first I must realise what every experience has taught me so that I can take the positive from each and in turn pass it on.

When we take a few moments to reflect on the passing year, some of us may be thankful it is over for whatever reason, for others including myself, I am grateful for the wonderful personal and heartfelt experiences I have had like walking another route of the Camino de Santiago in which I get to visit new destinations, challenge myself not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. It has taught me the greatest lesson in pushing past the limits I may have held in my mind and knowing that we are capable of extraordinary things when we start to believe in ourselves. I have had many an argument with myself on these long walks on the Camino and afterwards I am always glad that I listened to my heart.

I also got to visit my friend Mike and his family in Canada after he lost his beautiful wife Jennifer from cancer. Mike has been a friend for many years and although we kept in touch, I hadn’t been to visit him in nearly 19 years, it taught me to not put things off and that sometimes distance isn’t really a factor when you have a friend going through grief and needs support. I wrote a blog after my return home on how we all experience grief differently, time helps, but it is always there, be compassionate to those around you that may need support and that means being able to speak about the ones they have lost - no matter how long ago it was.

For myself and my wonderful husband John, we had our first holiday abroad in Portugal as a couple in nearly twenty years and we enjoyed every single moment. Again this taught me that we must work at our relationships and spend quality time together and appreciate each other. Just walking on the beach hand in hand helps you to re-connect and remind you why you fell in love with each other in the first place and that we are both individuals growing alongside each other.

In my professional life, I had the opportunity to speak at some wonderful public and private events, sharing my story and meeting so many courageous people wanting to create a change in their own lives. My one to one clients continue to inspire me by showing me that we are resilient beyond belief and that once we open up to our true selves that we can start to heal and create a life that has purposeful meaning.

As 2019 is coming to a close, I have made peace with the challenges I have faced.

I have faced challenges within my own family, some I am walking alongside and supporting, others I am following their lead. No matter how we feel, whether it is our children or parents, try not to let your own beliefs or emotions get in the way of their path. With my children, they have taught me so much and I am the student when it comes to their new independence as they are now young adults. The path my children have chosen and will choose in the future shows we have not done a bad job as their Mammy & Daddy, they have grown up to be passionate, independent and determined to follow their hearts. They are teaching us everyday.

A few months ago we were faced with the prospect that we may lose our Mother after she was diagnosed with cancer, it hit us all quite hard knowing that this wonderful woman who has always been in our lives, may one day be gone. Thankfully, my Mother has responded very well to treatment and her oncologist gave her great news yesterday, so we celebrated!

It made us all very aware that my Mother is getting older and one day she will be gone, but instead of worrying about when she won’t be here, we enjoy the time we have with her now. It is a simple lesson in mindfulness and gratitude, one that we learn to practise even more when we are faced with losing someone close to us.

My lesson in this whole experience is to not take each other for granted. To be fully present with the ones you love when they are with you, to listen, to share and stop putting things off.

This is the greatest moment you will ever have.

Let go of all those fears, doubts and worries and ask yourself “what is truly important to me?” Most answers will be the people you share your life with! Because at the end of the day, the people you love will be the ones around your bedside when it comes time to say your final goodbye.

Life is made up of moments and moments create memories. I like to keep a bank of fun and happy memories that bring joy and happiness to my heart. I don’t want to live with regret in my life, so I make the most of every opportunity and experience in each day, if this was your last day - what would you do and who would you spend it with!?

With love and blessings to you all.

Sharon

Guidance for the year ahead

Guidance card for the year ahead

Where does your mind wander - into fear, fantasy, humour or stress? Follow your mind and observe where it goes to feed itself. Do you like what you see and feel? Many of my clients and groups come to me telling me they are fatigued or unmotivated, so the first step is choosing - how do you want to feel?

The more you focus on feeling not so good, unhappy or sad, the more that energy flows through your mind and ultimately your body, unresolved issues buried deep within your emotional and mental energy, starts to have an impact on you physically. So what simple steps can you take today and every day to help yourself? Taking that first step in acknowledging how you feel and taking action to create a change - even one small change, will have a ripple effect in your life.

Being mindful helps us to be more present with our thoughts and emotions. When you become more self-aware you are more equipped to change the pattern of your thoughts. Always acknowledge your thoughts and feelings, accept that they are present and then allow them to go.

Life has many paths and we choose which path is right for us in any given moment. Develop a stronger sense of self and follow the path of your heart. Where do you feel the greatest passion and drive? Listen to your intuition and work closely with people who inspire you to develop your creativity and strengths.

You don’t have to stay with anyone or in any job that does not appreciate who you truly are or your amazing skills, if you don’t feel appreciated, then you are not appreciating yourself.

Each and everyone of us deserve to be loved and appreciated, you start and others will follow your lead.

Sharon