How to Talk About Being a Reiki Practitioner Without Feeling Awkward
Picture this: you’re at a gathering, drink in hand, chatting with someone who asks that standard, dreaded question—“So, what do you do?” Now, if you’re a lawyer, an accountant, or a teacher, you probably rattle off your answer without a second thought. But if you’re a Reiki practitioner, a small pause sneaks in. Do you tell them? Do you dodge the question? Do you mumble something about ‘energy work’ and hope they nod politely?
I know I’m not alone in this. Reiki is a beautiful, harmless, and frankly, life-changing practice. And yet, when it comes to talking about it with family, friends, or acquaintances, I find myself hesitating. It’s not that I think they’d ridicule me or call for an exorcism. (I mean, I hope not.) It’s just that I know—know—that the moment the word ‘Reiki’ leaves my lips, I’m inviting questions. And while curiosity is a wonderful thing, sometimes, I just don’t have the energy (ha) to get into the whole science-versus-spirituality debate.
So, what’s a Reiki practitioner to do in these moments? Pretend we’re in finance? Claim to be a ‘consultant’? (which, let’s be honest, is vague enough to avoid scrutiny) Or is there a way to gracefully navigate these conversations without feeling like we’re defending our very existence?
After some digging, commiserating, and reflecting, here’s what I’ve found:
Acknowledge That This Feels Weird—and That’s Okay
You’re not crazy for hesitating to share. Many alternative health practitioners, from acupuncturists to herbalists, face similar dilemmas. Society tends to be more accepting of things with a lab report attached, and energy healing doesn’t fit neatly into that box. Accepting that this discomfort exists is the first step to handling it with confidence.
Lean Into Personal Experience Rather Than Scientific Justifications
Look, Reiki has been studied. There’s research. But unless you’re at a science convention, whipping out PubMed citations probably isn’t the best approach. Instead, share your own experience. “Honestly, I started Reiki out of curiosity, and it completely changed how I handle stress. It’s like meditation but with a warm, tingly bonus.” People respond better to stories than statistics.
Meet Skepticism with Kindness, Not a TED Talk
If someone raises an eyebrow and says, “But how does it work?” you don’t need to launch into an impassioned defense. A simple, “It’s one of those things you really have to experience to understand” can do wonders. And if they keep pushing? Smile, sip your drink, and ask them how their job is going.
Find Your People
It helps to have a community where you don’t have to explain yourself. Reiki shares, online groups, or even just a friend who gets it can make all the difference. When you surround yourself with people who understand, the outside skepticism doesn’t sting as much.
Set Boundaries—It’s Okay to Keep It Private
You don’t have to disclose everything about yourself to everyone. If talking about Reiki with certain people feels draining, don’t. You can simply say, “I work in holistic wellness” or “I help people with stress management.” You’re not obligated to educate the world in every social setting.
Keep Doing the Work—Your Confidence Will Grow
The more you practice Reiki, the less you’ll care about what others think. When you see the benefits firsthand—whether in yourself or in others—you won’t need validation. And one day, you might even answer the “So, what do you do?” question with zero hesitation.
At the end of the day, we’re all just navigating conversations in a world that still thinks Reiki is a little ‘out there.’ And maybe it is. But so are WiFi and love, and nobody questions those. So, fellow Reiki practitioners, let’s own it. Or, at the very least, let’s master the art of the polite subject change.
What about you? Have you ever struggled to talk about Reiki with people in your life? How do you handle it? Let me know—I promise to read your response while dramatically sipping tea and nodding knowingly.
