An Interview with Lisa

Q: How long have you been doing what you do, and how did you become a Chopra Meditation Teacher and Reiki Master?

 

I’ve been teaching Reiki and meditation for 25 years.

 

Looking back, there were two things… two big moments that changed the trajectory of my life and got me to where I am today. 

 

My first life-changing moment was at the age of 16, when I discovered meditation.

 

It was 1981, and I was living in Michigan. I was in the 10th grade, and found myself hanging with the wrong crowd. 

 

One day, I woke up and realized, “This isn’t the life I want.”

 

I didn’t feel at home within myself. And I knew it was time to make some changes.

 

A few months later, I was sitting by the pool with one of my girlfriends and I said to her, “We should learn to meditate” …and so we did!

 

Back then, I was reading…books like: Be Here Now, Illusions, Siddartha, and The Tao of Physics. I just couldn’t get enough!

 

And, with the changes I wanted to make in my life, I knew that I no longer vibed with the old crowd.

 

There were two public high schools in my district, and I started thinking about switching to the other school so I could get a fresh start and meet some new friends who were like-minded.

 

Feeling inspired, I asked my parents if I could switch and fortunately they said, yes.

 

 

That’s when all the pieces came together. 

 

Learning to meditate felt like coming home to myself. I started feeling more at ease, and became excited about my life and my journey ahead.

 

Through the years, many of my Reiki students have described my classes as a coming home to themselves and a refresh of their life’s journey.

 

 

Q. Wow! That’s a lot for a 16-year-old. So, how did that lead you into Reiki?

 

My interest in meditation inspired me to get a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I knew in my heart that I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives and help them grow to their potential. But, I wasn’t sure I wanted to go the path of becoming a psychologist or counselor.

 

After college, I got a job in human resources. But, that feeling of wanting to do something more wouldn’t let go.

 

I can’t say it was a “calling” yet (that happened later). 

 

Almost every day, from the moment I walked into work, I could feel my heart sink a little. You know, it was kinda like a yearning at the soul level. A feeling that I was meant to do something more meaningful with my life.

 

There had to be more than this…

 

Several years later, I decided to take a workshop to learn Thai Massage. I remember walking up to the instructor on break… 

 

Feeling inspired by his passion for teaching, I shared with him that, “I really want to do work that’s aligned with my soul.”

 

He replied:

 

“Lisa, you HAVE to!”

 

A few months later, I enrolled in massage school. I didn’t think it would be my lifelong career, but it was a viable escape from my heart-sinking corporate job.

 

This was my second pivotal moment...

 

I quit my corporate job, sold my condo, and moved from Detroit to Denver, without knowing anyone in Colorado. I rented a space and started my massage practice.

 

In retrospect, I took a leap of faith. 

 

A couple of months after getting settled in Denver, I took my first Reiki class. 

 

I had no idea how much Reiki would impact my life.

 

Within days of completing the class, I saw my first Reiki client. 

 

Seeing the profound impact that Reiki had on my massage clients, I decided to take the Master level, and then the Reiki Teacher level.

 

It all unfolded so organically... 

 

It’s now been over 20 years since I saw my first Reiki client and taught my first class. 

 

To this day, the power of Reiki has never ceased to amaze me. 

 

 

Q: Having taught Reiki for 20 years, what’s your favorite part about leading workshops?

 

For me, it’s a lot of fun to create engaging experiences for my students. 

 

And, it’s so rewarding to witness the way Reiki transforms the lives of my students and lights them up…

 

Some of my students have gone on to teach Reiki, while others have started a paid practice - creating their own ripple effect in the world. 

 

Not everyone learns Reiki to start a paid practice. Many people learn Reiki so they can help friends and family (and even the family pet). 

 

It feels good to help loved ones, and to practice self-care through self-Reiki.

 

And, I’ve met so many amazing people along the way! I’ve taught classes all over the country, in Detroit, Denver, Austin, NYC, LA, Seattle, and more…

 

 

Q: I’m curious, what’s been one of your biggest challenges teaching Reiki?

 

Oh, well that was when the COVID pandemic lockdowns were happening, which forced me to take my classes online to keep my business going. My in-person classes are really hands-on and engaging, so I was a little concerned about how I could create a similar experience online.

 

To this day, I still offer online classes in addition to my in-person workshops, because my students have loved the online experience. There’s so much you can do now with Zoom, like breakout rooms, where students can practice 1-on-1 or in small groups. 

 

It’s always so fun to hear them come out of a breakout and share how powerful it was to give and receive Reiki remotely over Zoom. 

 

It’s always so fun to see students' expressions when they come out of a breakout and hear how powerful it was to give and receive Reiki remotely over Zoom. 

 

And, for hands-on practice, they line up someone at home. Then, I guide them step-by-step through giving a FULL Reiki treatment (to a friend, family member, or pet).

 

 

Q: So who do you find is your typical student? Is there something in common that draws them to learn Reiki?

 

My students are typically looking for one of three things:

 

#1 - They all seem to want some kind of spiritual growth. They’re looking for more calm and peace in life…

 

That’s why so many of my students love the deep relaxation that self-Reiki and meditation provides. 

 

#2 - Some want to go into Reiki as a profession, to work on clients or teach Reiki. 

 

I find a lot of holistic practitioners learn Reiki. From yoga teachers, acupuncturists, nurses, counselors, and massage therapists. They’re looking to add Reiki to their existing practice. Or, they might be dealing with burnout, and want to breathe new life into their work.

 

#3 - Finally, there are those who are so warm-hearted and compassionate that they learn Reiki just so they can give it to their friends and family.

 

 

Reiki changes lives. And, I don’t say that lightly. 

 

If you’re reading this, you may be feeling drawn to learn Reiki for a particular reason… 

 

But, Reiki may have something bigger in mind for you. It certainly did for me.

  

Think about what brought you here today - reading this - and keep an eye out for signs and synchronicities. 

 

 

Q: Since you got started teaching Reiki in 1998, how has Reiki changed?

 

A lot has changed since then. Over the past 20+ years, I have taken Reiki classes from a number of Reiki Masters to stay fresh.

 

Being a student in various Reiki classes has inspired me to create the most engaging, transforming, and fun experience that I can provide my students.

 

In addition to my in-person classes, I also offer Reiki and Primordial Sound Meditation classes online, so students can attend from the comfort of their homes, anywhere in the world.

 

 

 

Q: How is your teaching style different from other Reiki teachers?

 

My teaching style tends to lean toward the contemporary side, and I really like to bring in elements of both eastern and western thought.

 

Some teachers have very rigid styles, and they're all about technique.

 

In my workshops, I encourage discovery and exploration in addition to technique. I don’t want my students to be filled with worry about doing it wrong.
 

For me, it’s important to create a sacred and safe space that’s encouraging for students. 

 

I’m also grounded and pragmatic. In every level of Reiki, I guide students step-by-step through the practice of Reiki. So they feel supported and can truly embody Reiki.

 

Another thing that's unique about my workshops, are the profoundly relaxing meditations I lead prior to each Reiki Attunement. This deepens the healing experience even more.

 

And, my students love my comprehensive Reiki manuals and my guided Reiki audio collection.

 

My Reiki manuals, along with the audio guides, truly support the ongoing practice of Reiki for my students after they complete my Reiki workshop.

 

I take great pride and joy in teaching Reiki and creating the best possible experience I can for my students.

 

 

Q: How does someone learn Reiki?

 

I believe the best way to learn Reiki is by doing it. That's why my Reiki workshops are so hands-on.

 

You'll get to practice a variety of techniques, including:

• Self-Reiki
• Hands-on (table/chair) treatments
• Remote Reiki
• Energetic Release Technique (Reiki Master level)
• Giving Reiki Attunements (Reiki Teacher level)

 

What surprises students, is that it’s just as relaxing to give a Reiki treatment as it is to receive one. Because, when you’re practicing Reiki, you’re tapping into the healing energy, too!

 

 

Q: After a Reiki class, what’s life like as a Reiki practitioner or Reiki Master? 

 

You know, like I said earlier, I just really like to watch how Reiki grows my students.

 

Sometimes, students might feel a little nervous about their first few sessions. After some practice, my students really begin to relax into it and embody Reiki. 

 

Coming out of a class, it’s an exciting new beginning to have all the tools to do self-Reiki and to work on others. Of course, it’s a lot to learn in a weekend, so putting Reiki into practice is key. That’s what builds confidence.

 

 

Q: What's the best way to build confidence as a Reiki practitioner?

 

A lot of Reiki students think that they have to build confidence before practicing Reiki on clients. Actually, it's the other way around. You get confidence from practice.

 

That's why I created a Reiki mentorship program, called ENERGI.

 

ENERGI is an immersive experience where Reiki practitioners get to practice in community to deepen their experience and fully embody Reiki. 

 

 

Q: Okay, I’m excited about Reiki! How do I get started? 

 

The first step is to decide which Reiki levels you’d like to learn and sign-up for a weekend workshop with me.

 

Just head to www.lisaguyman.com and click “Reiki classes” to sign up.

 

As soon as you enroll, you’ll get instant access to your Reiki manuals so you can dive in right away.

 

You can take all the levels in one weekend or start with the Reiki I and II levels and return in a few months for the Master and Teacher levels.

 

In fact, some of my students get so excited during the Reiki I and II classes that they decide to stay for the whole weekend to learn the Reiki Master and Teacher levels.

 

 

Q: I’m not sure I’m ready to get started. How can I experience your work?

 

You can visit my YouTube channel to find me walking you through a complete Reiki treatment. (In class, we go deeper into all the details, of course).

 

You’ll also find one of my guided meditations on YouTube, the Mystic Waterfall Chakra Meditation. 

 

The best way to get started is to get a Reiki session for yourself, so you can experience its deeply-relaxing benefits.

 

I work with a handful of clients, and offer 1-on-1 remote Reiki treatments on Zoom. You can also search on Google for a practitioner in your local area, if you prefer an in-person session.

 

 

Join me at an upcoming Reiki workshop

 

 

Click here for in-person classes (Colorado, Michigan)

 

Click here for online Reiki classes (live on Zoom)
 

Click here for my Reiki Attunement Tune-Up

 

Get your personal meditation mantra ...

Click here for my Primordial Sound Meditation workshop