Reiki Energy Therapy: Why Attunement and Self-Awareness Matter

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

Remembering What Is Important

Reflections from the rugged coastline of Achill Island

Dear friends,

I’ve just returned from a soul-nourishing two-week holiday on the breath-taking shores of Achill Island, where the wild Atlantic winds reminded me to breathe more deeply, and the untamed coastline seemed to whisper truths I had almost forgotten.

Like many of you, I live a life of service - guiding others, creating space for healing, holding space for transformation and development. It’s a path I walk with deep love and purpose. But sometimes, in the busyness of giving, we forget to give to ourselves.

As I walked each day along the cliffs, watching the waves crash below and the sky stretch endlessly above, I began to reflect on how available we often make ourselves to others -through work, messages, care-giving, and constant productivity. And yet, how seldom we offer that same availability to our own soul.

A Quiet Realisation

In that stillness, I found myself asking:

“Why do I do what I do?”

The answer came softly but clearly:

To help others remember their own strength… but only if I first remember my own.

This moment of reconnection reminded me of a truth I often teach, but needed to re-learn for myself:
We cannot pour from an empty cup. We cannot lead from depletion. We cannot help others heal without honouring our own healing.

Your Gentle Invitation

So, this July, I invite you - lovingly and without pressure - to remember what is important. Not the deadlines. Not the unread messages. But the deep exhale. The silence between actions. The space where you can simply be.

Take a walk. Let the wind kiss your face. Turn your phone off for an hour. Ask yourself:

“Am I available to my own soul today?”

It doesn’t have to be a big retreat. Even a few quiet moments can bring you back to your centre.

This Is Why I Do What I Do

Returning from this holiday, I feel more grounded in my purpose:
To walk alongside others in their healing journeys - not as someone who has all the answers, but as someone who remembers what it means to come home to herself.

Let’s continue to remind each other.
To pause.
To reflect.
To nourish what truly matters.

Sharon Fitzmaurice
Holistic Wellness Coach | Soulful Journeys Founder | Author | The Sharon Fitzmaurice Podcast

Reflecting on change - Retreat

This past weekend I spent another wonderful retreat weekend with people from all over Ireland and the Uk,  in The Boghill Centre  . Every time I arrive to the centre in the beautiful rural setting of Kilfenora, Co. Clare, I am embraced by the peace and welcoming natural beauty of its surroundings. This is my home away from home for two weekends every year and I get to share it with the most amazing people each time. 

The theme of the retreat this month was Transforming with Spirit, it is not about changing who you are, but gently and compassionately acknowledging, accepting and loving yourself for who you are right now. It is changing the way you see yourself and how you feel about you from this moment on. It was a deeply emotional and life changing weekend for many of us including me. 

Many of the retreat participants were new to our little weekend getaway, but there were many familiar faces that have returned for the 4th and 5th time to further acknowledge where they are on their journey in life and to reconnect with themselves and a beautiful network of unconditional support and love from the group and from their new friends. It is amazing to see the bonds that are made on a soul level between people on the retreat, it is like we are stripped back of all ego, masks and pretense. We open our hearts to each other to reveal a beautiful but sometimes vulnerable side to ourselves that we are unable to do until now.

On this retreat I was joined by fellow Spiritual Medium Teachers Bronia West  & Wayne McHugh who shared so much of their beautiful energy with us all in imparting their learned skills from years of experience in helping others to connect on a deeper level to themselves and to Spirit. It was a such a joy to work in the energy of these two amazing people. In the evening we invited Bev Shiplee up to join them for an evening of Mediumship, beautiful messages of love, forgiveness and support were channelled from Spirit to the groups. There were even a few surprise guests invited to debut their abilities. Amazing to watch the courage shining through when we just allow ourselves to stand in our power. 

This was my 13th group to bring on retreat and each time is completely different. I know I am guided in my work and no matter what the plan in my head is, I have to just go with my heart. The flow of the retreat is all depending on the energy of the group and I always go with that. I know that with each exercise we partake in we are deepening our love and understanding to ourselves and the world. I truly believe that there are miracles occurring right in front of us everyday and sometimes we just need to stop and accept them, but first we must accept ourselves.

I felt deeply grateful to lead this retreat with so many amazing and talented people all waiting to shine their light even brighter. I was honoured on the Sunday closing ceremony by each person with a thank you from their heart and a special message from each, I felt it very deeply and it moved my soul into a new state of gratitude for life and for learning. 

We are all learning and growing, no matter who we are, where we are in our journey, we have so much more to experience. And whilst doing so you can have loads of fun along the way, well in our retreats we certainly know how to throw an after party.

Love to all. 

Our September retreat is nearly fully booked, so I may have a surprise retreat in May 26th to 28th, please let me know if you are interested.