The temperature is already climbing towards 80 degrees as Heavenly Healer’s Co-founder and Reiki Practitioner Barbara Lewis sits on the porch awaiting our interview. She’s had an early morning as she’s just finished her singing lesson down the road. Entering the office, Barbara clears her throat several times and I offer her a cup of chamomile tea.
“The singing doesn’t bother me,” she says, “but the vocal exercises sometimes irritate my throat.” She sips her tea as we talk about her life’s journey that has brought her to this moment in time.
“I lived in New York City for about 25 years while working for AT&T. Later I moved to Vermont. I adored the quiet winters, enjoying cross country skiing in the woods. Vermont was so beautiful and I also spent some time in the Adirondacks. I feel the pureness and beauty of nature helped my spiritual development. I had time during the cold season for metaphysical reading and spiritual reflection. I’ll never forget the beautiful winters.”
About 1997, Barbara moved back to her hometown of Honesdale, Pa. “I moved back to take care of my Mother who passed away in 2002. The very next year, my uncle died. It was a difficult time.”
Barbara started receiving Reiki treatments from Dr. Betty DeMaye Caruth. This helped her heal energetically and she decided to take the Reiki classes offered by Dr. Betty. Barbara took Reiki 1 & 2 from the Minerva Educational Center owned by Dr. Betty and received her certification as a Reiki Practitioner.
“About this time, I was inspired to do some retreats at the Himalayan Institute. I developed a long term connection with the yoga tradition. I also learned how to give Shirodhara treatments.”
I asked Barbara what Shirodhara is and she replied “It is an Ayurvedic treatment. Warm sesame oil is gently directed onto the forehead to promote relaxation and spiritual awakening. It is one of the steps of Pancha Karma (Ayurvedic detoxification treatments).”
Barbara offered Shirodhara treatments at the Himalayan Institute Health Center for four years, from 2008 until 2012.
“In 2011, I re-took Reiki 2 and continued on with Advanced Reiki towards my Mastership, with you.”
I nodded my head in agreement.
“Heavenly Healers is another opportunity to share healing work through Reiki. I also enjoy being able to introduce people to alternative healing practices.”
Barbara describes her wonderful Reiki healing technique as “Vanilla Reiki” which causes me to giggle.
“I just do plain Reiki, without all the bells and whistles.” Nothing about Barbara’s loving healing treatments is plain or vanilla. Her profound love of Reiki pours through her hands, unobstructed by any personal ego, leaving the recipient feeling blessed and refreshed.
“During 911 when the World Trade Center collapsed, I remember watching the news and realized it was not far from where I had lived and worked. It was a jolting realization. Instantly, I started sending distance Reiki, to the souls departing from this Earth and to all the men and women helping. I felt at peace as the Reiki flowed through me because I knew it was going to someone who needed it. I continued to send Reiki to the departing souls and their families for several days.”
“I know that distance Reiki works as I have sent it to far away friends who call me soon after to tell me they’ve felt my prayers and Reiki.”
Barbara practices Reiki from the home she shares with her partner, Tom Kane in Honesdale, usually donating time to friends and family. “I am happy to do treatments for those desiring Reiki.”
Visit Barbara Lewis, Reiki Practitioner and Co-Founder of Heavenly Healers Cooperative at our next free energy clinic, Sunday, August 17th 2-5 pm at The Beech Pond Center Bldg., 12 Village Road, Beach Lake, Pa 18405.
For more info on the clinic contact heavenlyhealerscooperative@gmail.com
Article by Cari Branning
