The Art of Coming Back to Yourself

Not everyone chooses healing. In Shaylini's case, healing chose her. A world-renowned Reiki Master Teacher and Practitioner, she works from the Mandarin Oriental's iconic London spas - Hyde Park and Mayfair, and travels globally to properties including Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, bringing an ancient form of healing to soothe modern-day concerns. Her clientele spans celebrities, executives and everyday seekers, all arriving at the same table for the same reason: to come back home to themselves. We spoke with Shaylini to understand why she does this work, and why now, more than ever, the world needs it.

You grew up in a deeply spiritual environment. How did that eventually lead you to Reiki specifically?
I was raised in a spiritual environment that was deeply rooted in the ancient wisdom of mantras, meditation and yoga - all of which work deeply with energy. I am, and always have been, spiritually inclined by nature; it is the very core of my being. Many years later, during my adult life, I was at a wonderful Ayurvedic retreat in Kerala, south India, where I experienced my first Reiki healing treatment. This work with universal life energy - also known as chi, ki or prana, frequency and vibration was so profound that I haven't looked back ever since.

 

For someone who has never encountered it before, how would you describe Reiki?

Reiki is a profound healing life-force energy that flows through all living things. It is a completely natural, non-invasive, holistic healing technique that works to activate and strengthen the body's healing processes - restoring mental, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

Walk us through what actually happens when someone comes to see you.

My sessions begin with an in-depth consultation where we cover all of the client's healing needs. I then explain exactly what the session will entail and how the Reiki healing or chosen treatment works. The client is then asked to simply lie down on the healing table, relax and be ready to receive. I say a deeply healing mantra at the start, followed by some guided breathwork, and then begin the healing. I practice both hands-on and hands-off techniques, depending on the client's requirements. The session ends with a healing chant, followed by an in-depth discussion about what came up for them, and what came through to me during their healing.

Is Reiki for everyone, or is there a particular person who needs it most?

Anyone looking to achieve optimum health on all levels of their being and return to their natural state of internal peace and balance. The aim is to release energies that are out of alignment and raise your vibration back to its utmost health and peace. These treatments are incredibly beneficial for anyone looking to release stress, anxiety and emotional imbalances, and to heal physical pains - inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, back pain and sleep difficulties, to name just a few. 

Where are you based and where can people find you?

I am based in London and provide treatments at the Mandarin Oriental in Hyde Park and Mayfair. I also travel throughout the year to various properties - including Emirates Palace Abu Dhabi, and provide distance healing to all of my international clients.

What are you most proud of in your career so far?

During my time at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles, I received a wonderful mention in Forbes: "There is nothing better than being pampered by the best in one of LA's most oasis-like five-star hotels. The visiting practitioners are leaders in their respective fields and are invited to the property from all over the world. Regular experts in residence include the London-based Reiki master Shaylini." That meant a great deal to me.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

The only constant is change.

How do you switch off and come back to yourself?

Barefoot, connecting back to the earth, and going for long walks in nature.

Where does your inspiration come from?

Inspiration comes to me through inner guidance, nature, music, dance and art.

What is your secret to doing what you do, and doing it well?

Do what you love, and the universe will respond.

And finally, is there a quote or a philosophy that guides you?

Connection doesn't care about the laws of the land. Your soul will be pulled to the places it belongs.

To book a session, contact Shaylini at [email protected] or visit thesacredself.co.uk | @thesacredself.shaylini