This morning, as I was enjoying my coffee, the fire alarm started blaring in the hallway in my condo. I looked in the hallway expecting the usual false alarm, but instead saw a haze of smoke and neighbours trying to figure out the source. 

The fire department had been called and I could already hear the sirens from the nearby station (Can I just give a heartfelt shout out to the Calgary Fire Department! So grateful!). I launched into emergency mode and gathered the items that were important in that instant. My pet parrot, Mango, our laptops and cables, the baby pictures, purse, keys, jacket, Reiki class bag. Called my husband to pick me up. Son, safely at school. 

I was operating on adrenaline and yet oddly clear headed. The whole time I kept hearing, “That is replaceable. You are not.” Even those things that we think we cannot live without are really nothing compared to our own wellbeing. I took relatively few things with me and I would have taken even fewer if the smoke was any worse. 

In the end, it was mostly just smoke, with no damage at all to my unit. But in the middle of it all, and, thankfully, no real world fire experience, it prompted a genuine fear response. The kind of boost of adrenaline that allows you to get away from danger. 

After we were allowed to return, after the carbon monoxide levels had returned to low levels, I acknowledged that I was still reeling from the rush. Knowing what I do about the nature of stress, I wanted to return to my normal state as soon as I could. 

I put on some essential oil blends that I made for each of the Reiki symbols and I texted and few of my practitioner peeps to ask for some distance Reiki. I told them my intention, “All is well. I am irreplaceable. I am loved.”, and I settled myself in to receive a session. Several people immediately responded and I felt the energy flowing and releasing. After about an hour of resting and receiving Reiki I felt back to normal. 

More than that, I felt the energy healing old injuries and moments in the past where I also had a flood of adrenaline in my system. 

So, as always I have a new appreciation for Reiki. Every session and every experience has something new to teach me. 

I am so much more than my possessions. I am rich in the relationships I have with amazing people. I am grateful for the kind and capable firefighters that are just a few blocks away. I am immensely grateful for my family and all of my many, many blessings. 

The clearest lessons are often unplanned.