David Lewis shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning David, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I feel strongly that I get appropiate credit from clients for the Reiki portion of the session, but there is another large part of each session — coaching. This started innocently enough; the Reiki portion of each session requires finding an “intention” so we are both on the same page. If someone is showing up for Reiki to treat a four stage cancer, for instance, I know what my general theme of the session will be, and exactly what physical part of the body needs the most attention. Someone coming in because of grief, I know where to work and exactly what is required.
So, as I began to develop my business, I could see clients lingering into the initial “interview” portion At first I would panic because of the tight schedule not allowing much deviation. Somewhere along the way, however, I began to relax into spending this time as a coach, listening to deep, dark secrets and shadows. Having done this now for about 13 years, I am very proud of the coaching element of each session.
In these sessions, I bring all of my past pain, disappointment, regret, and meet the client with pure compassion. I often share an aspect of my life that corrolates with that client’s issues. They feel at ease and are comforted. They see an opportunity to let go of all the issues causing them pain. I can also offer 100% confidentiality, which in itself offers comfort.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is David Lewis and I have a small practice as a Reiki Master and Coach. I have been providing these services now for close to 13 years.
Reiki is a metaphysical practice of energy work, based upon the idea that a “life energy”flows through everyone. Reiki practitioners gently place their hands on or near the body to help balance this energy. The simplest explanation of the incredible value of Reiki sessions is this gentle touch can help you feel calm and restore balance in your body and mind.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I think the single most powerful event in my life was 36 years ago, when I attended my first AA meeting.
I had been helpless against the idea of quitting. As the disease progressed I became chronically depressed and dependent on alcohol and amphetamines. Being trapped in a helpless pattern, I would use to feel less depressed, but using drugs and alcohol made me feel even more depressed.
Staying sober and clean in AA is the absolute foundation of my life, and without it I would lose everything. I haven’t had a drink in a long time, and I feel the AA fellowship helps me deal with the tough aspects of life.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
When I got sober in AA I began to understand my life more and more. After 36 years of sobriety, I feel I am in charge of my life and that I am making a difference in the world I live in. People in metaphyics call someone like me “the wounded healer”. This is a person who has experienced grace and given a second chance by a Higher Power. Today, I am so excited to see how my intense recovery work over the last three and a half decades can offer others the same grace I felt. My wound of addiction has become my strength.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
The cultural value I protect at all costs in compassion. This is energy extended to another person who is stuck, lost or hurting. The last thing that person needs is someone to judge them. Instead, a compassionate person sees another person’s pain and remembers what a loss of hope was like. They understand having many of the important elements of your life in disarray. They can offer a hand out, help the person dust themselves off and start to a journey to find their true, authentic self.
To me, another word for compassion is love.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel the most peace in my life when I know I have made a difference in someone’s life. Just as a hand was reached out to me when I need it most, it is now my turn to help others, and it gives the greatest joy!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://houstonreiki.com
- Instagram: houston reiki
- Facebook: Houston Reiki
Image Credits
all photo credits by me
