Reflections

What the gong did in 15 minutes

by
What the Gong Did in 15 Minutes | Kandi Mullen, RMT | Reiki 4 Well Being
A traditional gong hanging in Chiang Mai, Thailand — photographed by Kandi Mullen
Reflections  |  Sound  |  Frequency

What the Gong
Did in 15 Minutes

by Kandi Mullen, RMT  |  Reiki 4 Well Being

Years ago I attended a gong healing session. I didn’t know much about what to expect going in. I had heard a little, was curious enough to receive a gong bath, and figured I would see what happened.

What happened was not what I anticipated.

Within a few minutes I was completely relaxed. Not the kind of relaxed that comes from a good night’s sleep or a long exhale at the end of a hard day. Something different. Something that moved through me rather than settled over me. I slipped into an altered state more easily than I would have thought possible, and by the time the session ended I felt refreshed and light, as though I was floating. There was something else too, something harder to put into words even now. A stronger connection to what could not be seen. I don’t know how else to describe it. It felt significant in the moment, and the feeling stayed with me for days.

I tried to find that practitioner again a few weeks later. I couldn’t locate him. And I have never stopped thinking about that session.

“A stronger connection to what could not be seen. I don’t know how else to describe it. It felt significant in the moment, and the feeling stayed with me for days.”

“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency and vibration.”
Nikola Tesla

I have been returning to that quote more and more lately, because what I experienced in that room didn’t feel mysterious in an abstract sense. It felt like something real was happening at a level the body understands before the mind catches up. Sound moves through us. Vibration reorganizes something. Frequency affects mood, nervous system response, our capacity to access states that ordinary waking life keeps just out of reach.

The research is there for those who want to follow it. Specific sound frequencies have been shown to reduce cortisol, shift brainwave states, and support the kind of deep rest that most of us are not getting nearly enough of. What interests me even more is what this means beyond the individual. If frequency affects one body that profoundly, what does it do to a room full of people who choose to gather inside of it together? What happens to a community that heals in the same sound, at the same time, in the same space?

* * *

That question is where my curiosity lives right now. And it connects directly to my work in a way that feels less like a detour and more like the next natural step. Reiki works at the level of the biofield. Sound works at the level of the biofield. The mechanisms are different. The invitation is the same: slow down, drop in, let the body do what it already knows how to do.

I am still learning. Still following the thread. And I have a feeling this is a conversation we will be continuing together.

Ready to Experience This for Yourself?

Whether you’re new to Reiki or deepening a practice you already have, I’d love to support you. Sessions are available in-person in Pinellas Park and via Zoom. Usui Reiki training classes form in small groups of 6 so that every student receives the personal attention they deserve.

Book a Session Explore Classes
Reiki 4 Well Being  •  Kandi Mullen, RMT
17+ years in practice. Teaching since 2009.  |  Pinellas Park, FL  |  Reiki4WellBeing.com

Contemplating Our Rights, Our Practices, and Our Shared Humanity

by

Freedom—a word we hear often—especially around July 4th. We grill burgers, watch fireworks, and wave flags, but how often do we stop and ask: What does freedom actually mean for us now? Not in 1776, not in theory, but today? Because freedom isn’t static; it’s lived. And lately, the things we took for granted—what we choose to do with our bodies, our health, even how we heal—are suddenly up for debate.

Reiki free from restriction, freedom to heal

Freedom in Practice: When Healing Becomes a Political Act

Freedom isn’t just about grand ideals—it’s about the daily choices we make, even in how we care for our health. Yet today, practices like Reiki, which many rely on to help stay healthy, face increasing restrictions.

Currently, a handful of states regulate Reiki as a business, while others allow it freely (with a few local exceptions). But in Massachusetts, bill S.261 (An Act Regulating Alternative Healing Therapies) is now before the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure. If passed, it could:

  • Deter new practitioners from entering the field
  • Limit access for those who rely on Reiki for healing
  • Set a precedent for other states to restrict holistic care

This isn’t just about Reiki. It’s about who gets to decide how we heal—ourselves or lawmakers. These practices aren’t mere hobbies; for many, they’re callings, lifelines, and acts of service.

→ Learn how to protect your right to heal: Visit Reiki Unified to take action on S.261.

So, as fireworks prepare to light up our skies, I invite you to pause and reflect: What does freedom mean to you? How do we honor it not only in grand gestures or historical memory, but in our daily lives, in the choices we make, and in the convictions we hold dear?

The Many Faces of Freedom

For some, freedom means open landscapes, unbridled opportunity, or speaking without fear.

To me, freedom is the ability to connect with others in ways that foster healing, understanding, and growth. It is the ability to explore ancient wisdom and modern science, to blend what works for body, mind, and spirit. To me, Reiki is a practice of profound freedom to take care of my health, trust my intuition, to flow with boundless love and compassion, and to serve as a guide for others as they journey toward healing and wholeness.

But what happens when that freedom—to heal, to explore, to trust our own bodies—is legislated away?

The Power of Community

Freedom doesn’t mean life gets easier—it means we get to decide how we face it. It is a dynamic force, alive and evolving within us and between us. To practice freedom is to recognize its responsibility—the responsibility to care for ourselves and each other, to respect diversity, to defend rights not only for ourselves but for those who may think and believe differently.

With the ability to practice Reiki and other healing modalities, I am reminded that freedom must be nurtured, defended, and renewed. It is not guaranteed by a date on the calendar or by the words of a document written centuries ago. It lives—or withers—within our actions, our advocacy, and our willingness to speak up.

Freedom erodes gradually—not in one sweeping change, but in small, unnoticed steps. Consider these issues to reflect on how easily freedoms can be lost—not always in one decisive moment, but in many small, insignificant steps. When we close our eyes to the struggles of others, we risk awakening one day to find our own freedoms gone.

Closing: Freedom to Heal Worth Fighting For

No person is an island, and no freedom exists in isolation. When our ability to practice Reiki or any healing modality is threatened, it becomes a shared concern. Community is where freedom finds its voice. Together, we can raise awareness, engage in respectful dialogue, and seek common ground. Together, we remember that the erosion of one person’s rights is the diminishment of all.

Freedom isn’t a relic of the past. It’s a birthright we must actively protect—through action, advocacy, and the courage to say: Healing is personal, and choice is non-negotiable.

This July 4th, as fireworks light the sky, let’s celebrate not just independence—but interdependence. The freedom to heal, to grow, and to care for one another is what makes liberty real.

Happy July 4th—may we honor it not just with sparks, but with solidarity.

A Gentle Reminder of Hope

by

Finding Hope in Uncertain Times

The World Feels Heavy—But Hope Still Shines

A while back, I wrote something very similar to this. Today, I felt like giving it a fresh take and sharing it again—hoping it might spark a little light or hope for someone who needs it—finding hope in uncertain times.

finding hope in uncertain times

In nearly every aspect of life, we are witnessing sweeping transformations across the globe—changes so profound that the once-familiar, stable world we knew now feels unrecognizable. Things feel heavy right now—like the world is full of uncertainty and shadows. But even in the darkest nights, little sparks of hope can still shine through. And yes, the road ahead might be tough, but we’ve got more strength within us to move forward. We just need to take it one step at a time.

Finding Hope in Uncertain Times Reminder to Keep that Hope Alive:

The Sunrise Always Comes: A Metaphor for Hope

Think about the sunrise. No matter how long or cold the night, the sun always rises, painting the sky with new light. That’s the thing about hope—it rises, too. And sometimes, the most powerful healing starts quietly, right inside your own heart.

You’re Not Alone—Lean on Others

Even when the world feels divided, there’s so much kindness and connection happening every day. Reach out, ask for help, lean on loved ones and friends—you don’t have to carry it all. Together, we’re so much stronger.

Resilience is in Your Bones—You’ve Overcome Before

You’ve made it through hard things before. Humanity has faced so much, and yet, here we are—still standing, still fighting, still finding ways to rise. You’ve got that same fire in you.

Small Acts, Big Impact—Ripples of Kindness Matter

You might feel like just one person, but every good thing you do sends ripples out into the world—into the universe. A kind word, a helping hand, a moment of courage—it all matters.

Look for the Helpers (and Be One)

Instead of getting stuck in the “what’s wrong,” focus on the “how can we fix it?” Some of the brightest changes started with someone refusing to give up.

Take Care of You, Too—Self-Care is Strength

You can’t pour from an empty cup. Practice self-Reiki, rest, breathe, do things that fill you up. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s how you stay strong and resilient enough to keep shining.

Reconnect with What Lights You Up

What makes your soul feel alive? Music, art, nature, laughter? Go there. Let those joys renew your spirit.

Learn, Grow, Speak Up—Your Voice Matters

Knowledge is power. The more you understand, the more you can advocate for change. Your voice matters.

Tomorrow is a New Day—Hold On

However hard today feels, the sun will rise again. Hold onto that. Brighter days will come.

Gratitude is a Lifeline—Notice the Little Things

Even in chaos, there’s still beauty. A warm cup of tea, a smile from a stranger, the way the light hits the trees. Notice those little things—they’re tiny anchors of hope.

Hope is a Quiet Flame—And You Carry It

The truth is, hope isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s a quiet whisper, a stubborn little flame that refuses to go out. And you? You carry that light inside you. Your courage, your kindness, your resilience—it all matters.

Keep Going—One Step at a Time

So keep going, my friend. One step, one breath, one small act of hope at a time. The world needs your light. And together, we’ll find our way forward.

Want to explore Reiki’s role in fostering hope? Try a session or research further—your healing journey starts with a single step.

Learn how Reiki may benefit you, let’s connect now!

The Impact of Reiki on Mental Health & Well-Being” (NCBI Study)

How To Tune Into Your Inner Voice

by

Trusting Your Inner Voice: How a Whisper Led Me to Reiki

Tuning Into Your Inner Voice | Guidance | Listen

It was January 2008 when I heard that quiet, insistent voice say, Just trust me on this. I didn’t understand why, but I knew I had to listen. The inner voice was too strong to ignore.

At the time, I was clearing out my inbox, mindlessly deleting emails, when one caught my attention. Just as my finger hovered over the delete button, the voice spoke again: Don’t delete it—open it. Puzzled, I hesitated—the subject line looked like spam. But something deeper urged me to click.

Inside was an announcement for an upcoming Reiki class.

Reiki? I thought. Why would I want to learn that? My only experience with Reiki had been a single session four years earlier, and I hadn’t given it much thought since. Yet, before I could question it further, the voice interjected: Don’t overthink it.

That gentle nudge was all I needed. I registered for the class without another thought, choosing to trust the guidance I’d been given.

After signing up, I paused to reflect. How many times had this inner voice guided me before? Looking back, I realized it had always been there—whispering, nudging, steering me toward new paths when the time was right. That day, I understood something profound: when we surrender to our intuition—whether we call it an inner voice, a gut feeling, or divine guidance—it becomes one of the most powerful forces in our lives.

“How Do You Know?”

People often ask me, How do you know when to trust that voice? My answer is simple: I just know. But for many, that response isn’t enough.

If you’ve ever struggled to hear—or trust—your inner wisdom, here are three simple practices to help you connect with it.

1. Ask for Guidance—Then Listen

Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and silently ask for guidance. Relax into the stillness, repeating your question gently in your mind. Then, simply listen.

Pay attention to any thoughts, images, or sensations that arise. Sometimes, answers come immediately. Other times, they unfold over days or weeks. Be patient. Release expectations. Trust that clarity will come when the time is right.

2. Notice Your Body’s Signals

Our bodies are incredibly wise. They carry the soul’s intelligence, responding to our questions before our minds even process them.

Try this: Ask yourself a question (Should I take this job? Is this decision right for me?) and observe how your body reacts.

  • A “Yes” might feel like: Lightness, tingling, excitement, or warmth.
  • A “No” might feel like: Heaviness, tightness in the chest, or a sinking sensation.

The more you practice, the easier it becomes to recognize these signals. Over time, you’ll learn to trust your body’s wisdom—saving you from endless mental loops of doubt.

3. Trust That the Answers Are Within You

You were born with an inner voice. Everyone has one—including you. Some people hear it clearly; others feel it as intuition, emotion, or a quiet knowing. The key is trust.

Start small. Each morning, affirm: I trust my inner wisdom. The more you strengthen this belief, the more easily guidance will flow.

The Takeaway

Your inner voice speaks in whispers—through feelings, sensations, and quiet thoughts. The more you listen, the louder it becomes.

So relax. Breathe. Trust.

That little advisor within you? It’s always there, ready to guide you—one gentle nudge at a time.