Meet Nicole Walter | Reiki Master Teacher and Practitioner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Nicole Walter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nicole, how has your work-life balance changed over time?

The concept of balance is elusive. Maybe prioritization is a better word, and we can learn to benefit from prioritizing ourselves more – hopefully, with the support of our employers.

In the past, I thought (wrongly) that I was navigating a healthy work-life balance. I knew deep down it was more of a failing juggling act, but I felt stuck and scared of change. I had to get over my resistance to change very quickly when, like so many others at the time, my corporate work-life balance imploded in March of 2020. Suddenly released from corporate America, my focus moved overnight from all work to all family and staying afloat during the first few months of a worldwide health crisis.

I eventually swung the other direction, focusing all my efforts on my personal Reiki business and increasing my commitment to help others through Reiki. I poured my time into teaching, training, and conducting distance Reiki sessions. But, my failed juggling act continued, just in a new direction. The whole year, I didn’t slow down enough to take care of myself, thinking I needed to forge ahead – thinking that slowing down equaled failure. My body and health caught up with my imbalanced efforts, and I had to reprioritize again – this time, putting my health first. I’m still learning how to go slower and be in flow, but Reiki is a wonderful companion in continually showing me how to get grounded, centered, clear, and lead from my heart. Now, when I teach Reiki or take a client, it’s because it’s in true alignment with my values and skills, and I trust I can shine better as a more authentic teacher and practitioner.

For me, leaving corporate America forced me to find a better relationship to my concept of balance. Perhaps the balance comes in recognizing ourselves as more important than our output and recognizing that personal fulfillment comes from within. My lessons were painful at times, as I’m sure they have been for others, as well. I hope that a societal shift takes place moving forward by placing a focus on personal wellness in the workplace so that others can benefit from these lessons in a less abrupt manner.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

There are so many wonderful Reiki practitioners and teachers, and I’m thankful to be a student of some of the best. When I get to step into the role of Reiki teacher, I trust that I shine by teaching in an accessible, relatable manner. Being a former college English teacher, I’ve focused on making any subject mater comfortable and attainable, and I bring that dedication into sharing the practice of Reiki.

But, I can also get in my own way – I tend to over think and overanalyze to my own detriment and to the point of self-doubt. Thankfully, in the practice of Reiki, it’s encouraged to step out of our own way and into our own highest self, trusting that will come to be in the right way. The more I can embrace flow, the more I can lead with my heart and get out of my own head.

I want others to know that irrespective of whatever they’ve gone through, and even if they feel like an imposter, they’re powerful – undeniably, beautifully powerful.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh, wow – well, being a graduate of UCLA, there was a time I lived in LA knew and had a lot of recommendations. I’d be dating myself now with all the changes the city has undergone. But, if you’re into the beach and don’t mind a drive south, I can show you around the waves and sand in San Clemente.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d love to give a shoutout to a collective of teachers and lightworkers in OC at Dharma Yoga House. This amazing group includes (but is in no way limited to) Laura Love, Monica Cook, Cassie Crow, Marjorie Woodbridge, Aurelie Glorieux, Stephanie Yeager, and the wonderful community of Dharma Yoga House, a donation-based yoga collective.

Website: auluminatereiki.com

Instagram: @auluminatereiki

Facebook: @auluminatereiki https://www.facebook.com/auluminatereiki

Yelp: Auluminate Reiki https://www.yelp.com/biz/auluminate-reiki-san-clemente-2?osq=auluminate+reiki

Image Credits
Ken Donnellan; Jeffrey Werve; Laura Love