The Annual Suffolk Reiki Gathering

On May 15th and 16th 1999 Reiki people from all over the UK gathered together for the second year at the beautiful Leiston Abbey to share Reiki, to learn and to generally have a good time.

There are some photos that I took here for you to look at - I'm sure that you will agree that the old Abbey is a splendid place for a Reiki gathering.

The Abbey itself, now a ruin, was originally built in the 12th century, but closed in the 16th century when Henry VIII closed the monastaries here. A local landowner was given the lands at that time and using some of the stones from the Abbey he built a house onto it. 35 Reiki people - including my 12 year old daughter - stayed in the house, which has changed very little since the 1500's, although there is now indoor plumbing and electricity.

Pro Corda, an organisation for encouraging young musical talents, now own the property and are in the process of restoring the buildings. All through the weekend, at the oddest moments, we were treated to the sound of strings playing in an upstairs room.

On the first morning, we all collected our names (registration) and at 10.00 we had the first Reiki circle - a homecoming for all.

Then 2 hours of Reiki sharing, 3 or 4 to a table, set up in a large restored barn. Every one of us received and gave Reiki - a huge blessing. I like to go last, because I don't like to have to move much afterwards. My daughter threatened to pour the water she'd brought for me to drink over my head, because it was lunch time and she wanted to eat!

The resident cooks had made a great effort to provide food to support the process - everything was vegetarian, avoiding the "stoge" which can often be a feature of these occasions. Rice and vegetables, with substantial puddings were much appreciated by all.

On the Saturday afternoon there were Feng Shui and Voice workshops on offer. I'm pleased to say that I had been invited back to give the Feng Shui workshop after last year's effort and this year's offering was equally well received.

The evening was spent circle dancing or simply as free time chatting and enjoying the lovely setting. Then an early night to prepare for the next day's activities.

On Sunday morning - not too early! - again a Reiki Circle and a couple of hours of Reiki share. After lunch an entertainment, singing and another Circle. Then it was time to leave, taking the renewed spirit of community with us to share with our families.

This gathering was set up by The Eastern Reiki Association, welcoming all initiated into Reiki - all flavours of Reiki were there, interacting socially with each other during the shares, the meals and the activities. Were there heated discussions? No - we all respect the views of each other whether or not we agree with them. As well as myself there were two other masters attending the gathering, from other lineages and, although there was a distinct difference between the "feeling" we all had for Reiki, we all learned something from each other.