Kerry Powell - Reiki Master Trainer based in Whimple, East Devon

I've always had the need to help people and throughout my working life have regularly ended up being the designated first aider. A career in teaching scuba diving gave me countless adventures and a brief stint living overseas which was an extraordinary adventure in both culture and a more relaxed way of life. My passions for nurturing new divers and helping them overcome obstacles and enjoy the wonders of the underwater world was nourishing to my soul. However, life changes and a need to return to the UK beckoned and I settled for the 9-5, a stable lifestyle.

It wasn't until my 40s that I found a path that had always been there, I just hadn't paid attention to it. I began looking into herbal remedies for minor ailments I had, I got an allotment and grew my own nourishing fruit and veg, I felt at one with the world around me and I regularly meditated and grounded myself.

As you get older, more and more bones creak and illnesses start to creep into your life. With a family history of Type II Diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol and cancer, I was determined to find a different way. I used to get through a ridiculous amount of headache tablets a week and I simply didn't want to keep adding new pills to my daily intake. Don't misunderstand me, of course there is a place for pharmaceuticals, and I firmly stand by that, I just wanted to find another way.

Running shoes on, I was getting fit, feeling healthier and hopefully keeping my blood pressure lower. I began yoga to keep flexible and help with the creaking bones but there was something missing, I needed to re-engage with my spiritual side, but how? Then one January morning I decided out of the blue, to research becoming a Reiki Healer to help myself, it really was a true calling. I'd had one Reiki session in my 30s and to be honest, felt nothing; I now understand that feeling nothing doesn't mean it's not working. Reiki goes to where it is needed but that wasn't explained to me, so I came away a little disappointed.

I really don't know why “learn Reiki” popped into my head that day, but it's not for me to reason why and the thought wouldn't leave. Quite by chance I came across Barbara Hennessy who was giving a webinar session for Elle at Serendipity. Both these women are truly inspirational to me, I'd already looked at Barbara's website and knew she was a Reiki Master but after seeing her 'live' she felt right for me!

Barbara has been my Reiki mentor and friend ever since. My Reiki path really has been an incredible journey, I feel truly at home when I am Reiki healing and my need to help is fulfilled. Reiki is a natural and holistic form of healing, the energy finds its way to where it is needed, whether that's a physical injury, an unwell area, or if someone is suffering with anxiety, depression, or that sense of being overwhelmed with life that we sometimes feel. I love it and it seems that my repeat clients also love it too!