If I was only allowed to thank one person, I wouldn’t have to think twice; it would be Mum. Without her I would be nowhere near where I am today. Her name Petra comes from petros – the Greek word for ‘rock’ – and this is what she has been throughout my life. Needless to say, she has also been very actively involved in editing this book. After all, she gave me my first Reiki course as a Christmas present!
I would like to thank Cosima, my wonderful sister, for her support and inspiration - as well as the occasional challenge. We are much more similar than we may sometimes think.
And, of course, Dad and his wife Ingeborg. Thank you so much for your heartfelt concern!
Reiki is learned by doing – but also through good teachers. I would like to express my gratitude to my two main Reiki teachers:
Penelope Quest who not only introduced me to the idea of truly holistic healing, but also helped me to understand Reiki as a spiritual path.
And Frans Stiene who enabled me to understand the depth of the original Japanese teachings – and the amazing concept of heaven and earth energy, oneness and the light that shines through it all. He made me realize that I need to look no further than Reiki.
Thank you also to Oliver Klatt for teaching me Reiki 1 (and sharing the wonderful advice to start every day with a Reiki self-treatment) and to Frank Arjava Petter for sharing his fantastic research into the history of Reiki – and for many helpful comments on this manuscript.
Finally, I would like to say thank you to my commissioning editor Amy Kiberd and the fantastic team of Hay House UK, working on all aspects of editing, realizing and marketing this book. A first book is something truly special.
Adapting the Reiki principle slightly, this is how I feel:
(not) just for today, I am very grateful.