What is your background?
I grew up a farm boy in northwest Ohio, youngest of four children. Love for nature became a part of who I am as I experienced its beauty and mystery during my childhood. My focus changed to science, however, when I obtained my Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and Master of Business Administration from the University of Toledo. For the time being, in-depth exploration of the mysteries of nature was relegated to the back burner.
I began my working career as a design engineer with a large manufacturing company in Ohio, then married and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1984. We added 3 children (a girl and then boy/girl twins) within 2-1/2 years of our wedding day. I worked as a project manager for two different general contractors, then as a construction consultant. Between a very active career and raising family, I did not think much more about science versus mystery. I was much more focused on just surviving life.
More recently I became a part owner in my own construction consultant company.
What got you interested in Reiki?
As my career evolved and my family grew older, I was more receptive to trying other things. I had always been a “glass is half full” positive attitude person, but life seemed to be telling me there was still more to it. Enter - Reiki!
I had never heard of Reiki, but my wife saw that the Reiki Education and Research Institute (RERI) was holding an open house. I hesitantly agreed to go with her. Hearing about Reiki and feeling the energy captivated me. I was hooked. I began the journey towards doing, exploring, and gaining knowledge when I started classes that fall of 2012. I obtained my Master level training by winter 2014, but I’m still learning and will be forever.
When did you know Reiki could make a difference in your life?
From the minute I was introduced to Reiki at the open house I knew that it would make a difference in my heart. I continue to experience that.
My positive attitude was tested by things my wife went through, with the most difficult being when she passed away in October 2015 from cancer. Reiki helped me through that time period and continues to provide me love, light, and energy to see beauty and wonder in the world. This includes remarrying to the beautiful spirit some of you now know as Sharon (Sharon Price to those of you who do not know her yet).
My positive “half-full” glass is now at least ¾ full and, sometimes, completely full!
How do you plan to use Reiki going forward?
I use the principles that I learned at RERI each day in my life and plan to broaden my current, mostly self-use, to providing Reiki to others in the future as I become “more” retired.
Why are you volunteering for RERI?
These are exciting times and as I come to recognize and understand more about Reiki, I feel the connection between our energy and that of all around us. I am continuously amazed by my experiences of energy working with and through me. Through Reiki I am more open and aware of the essence and beauty in others, nature, and even myself. It includes simple things, such as experiencing truly what is around me including the “talk” of birds, rustling of leaves and branches, or even feeling the sun’s warmth on a cold day, but at the core it is understanding that we all have energy, are energy, and share energy with all things in the world. I still have a long way to go to fully appreciate and understand Reiki, but I look forward to taking on that challenge and continuing to grow. I hope to help others experience such feelings by attending RERI functions and volunteering for the fall retreat planning committee.
What are your interests outside of Reiki?
Living on Lake Norman in Mooresville, NC I have been able to again experience the love and wonder of nature. I take our three dogs for daily walks and try to run or kayak every morning. I am now semi-retired, so have been able to spend time on things other than work such as being actively involved with our church, doing home projects, assisting Sharon with some of her art projects, and doing various volunteer activities with charities.
What is your favorite: place to visit… food…book/movie?
My favorite place to visit is the North Carolina mountains for a hike especially to a waterfall. I cannot mention any waterfall singly because all that I have visited were beautiful in their own special way making each one a favorite place. A favorite food is a difficult choice because I love many foods and can eat most any type, but if forced I would say warm apple pie with vanilla ice cream. With a sweet tooth, I can easily substitute many other types of pies, cakes, or other desserts into that favorite food slot! My favorite movie, especially with Reiki in mind, is Avatar. It vividly portrays the connection between man, nature, and other beings and how the energy/life force is so vital for us to recognize and embrace. For me, Reiki facilitates this recognition and connection.
