Client Story: Brian's Journey With Reiki, Breathwork, and Mindfulness
This story comes from Brian, a member of the Naval Special Warfare (NSW) community, as part of our ongoing Client Stories series, where clients share their experiences at Healing Arts Center.
I had my first session with Victoria a year ago. To be completely honest, I wasn't sure I would return. It wasn't that I didn't enjoy the experience or fail to see the benefits. That night, I had the best sleep I'd had in ages, all without medication. I woke up in a great mood, and even my wife noticed the difference. Still, I couldn't imagine how I'd fit this into my already packed schedule.
On a whim, I texted the office to ask if Victoria would be willing to meet me before work. I expected her to say no, or maybe even respond curtly. But to my surprise, she agreed. She works with the military, and her business partner is a veteran, so I figured it was worth a shot. Oddly enough, that ended up being the only time I needed to ask for an early appointment.
During our brief chat, we discussed self-care and the importance of making time for myself, especially with retirement looming and time feeling like my biggest obstacle. We started incorporating breathwork and mindfulness into my Reiki sessions, which made a real difference.
Reconnecting With My Body
In a short time, I noticed myself making choices that actually reduced my stress. Victoria taught me body mapping, helping me recognize when my body was reacting to stress. For so long, I had been disconnected from my body, only registering physical pain. As I began to tune in, catching myself with a clenched jaw or tense shoulders, I realized how often I was worrying about things beyond my control or trying to solve problems no one had even asked me to fix.
A New Outlook
I gained a whole new outlook on life in the first few months of attending sessions. I credit my emotional and mental well-being largely to Victoria for showing me ways to help myself and improve in daily life outside of our sessions together. I regained control of my thoughts and emotions. I have incorporated the phrase "going with the flow" into my lifestyle. Meditation was also introduced to me as a way to stay calm and open my mind. I have changed my mindset and strive to look for the positive side of everything, and I have set goals that keep me motivated and excited for the future.
Opening Up
Reiki, mindfulness, and breathwork opened up an entirely new world for me. As I continued these practices, I found myself becoming more open and honest, not just with myself, but with my spouse and Victoria as well. Tuning into my feelings and physical responses made it easier to express my genuine thoughts and emotions. This new openness led to deeper, more meaningful conversations and stronger relationships in every part of my life.
Moving Into What's Next
Now, with retirement just weeks away, I find myself deeply appreciative of the work Victoria does with the NSW community, a group I'm proud to be part of. Her dedication and understanding of our unique challenges have made a lasting impact on me. It's rare to find someone who truly "gets it," and I value Victoria's commitment to supporting veterans and active service members deeply. As I move into this next chapter of my life, I feel a sense of gratitude, for the healing I've experienced and for the community I've found through her care.
If you're part of the NSW or broader military community and want support navigating stress, transition, or reconnecting with your body, Healing Arts Center offers Reiki, breathwork, and mindfulness sessions tailored to your experience. You can also read another client's story on trauma-sensitive Reiki for veterans.
For other client’s stories: https://www.healingartsvb.com/blog/what-reiki-feels-like-when-youve-spent-years-on-guard-a-veterans-story
To schedule with Victoria email info@healingartsvb.com or https://www.vagaro.com/healingartscenter
