Strengthening Connections Across Europe

by Gavin Ford : ERG President | UKRF Governance & Operations Director

It has been an exciting and positive few months for the European Reiki Group as we continue to strengthen relationships across Europe and build momentum behind a number of important projects.

One of the greatest strengths of the ERG has always been its ability to bring together Reiki organisations from different countries, creating opportunities to learn from one another while working towards shared goals. This year alone we have welcomed new representatives from Sweden, Austria, Romania and France, alongside Italy joining the group for the very first time with two new representatives. The growing diversity of voices around the table is bringing fresh energy, ideas and perspectives to our work.

We have also been delighted to welcome Ernesto Pirsch from the UK Reiki Federation as ERG Secretary. Ernesto has already made a significant contribution, helping to strengthen communication, organisation and collaboration across the group.

In early May, many of us travelled to Sweden for our annual face-to-face meeting, held alongside the 20th anniversary celebrations of the Swedish Reiki organisation, Förenade Reikiförbundet i Sverige. We received an incredibly warm welcome from both the board and members, who made us feel at home from the moment we arrived.

The celebrations began on Saturday with a wonderful day of learning, discussion and community. Alongside inspiring presentations and conversations, we had the opportunity to learn more about the remarkable progress being made towards introducing Reiki into medical and healthcare settings in Sweden. These discussions highlighted both the opportunities and challenges involved in bringing Reiki into wider public awareness and professional practice.

On Sunday morning we attended the Swedish organisation’s Annual General Meeting before coming together for the ERG meeting in the afternoon. One of the most encouraging developments was seeing several of our newer representatives stepping forward to join steering groups and project teams, helping to drive forward key initiatives across Europe.

The visit also gave us the opportunity to strengthen the friendships that sit at the heart of the ERG. On Monday, our Swedish hosts took us on a tour of the beautiful Skåne region, including visits to a historic monastery and the famous Ale’s Stones. The day concluded with a moving ceremony overlooking the Baltic Sea, creating a memorable moment for everyone who attended.

During the visit, former ERG President Nico Michielsen formally presented me with the foundation stone of the European Reiki Group (pictured right). As this was the first time we had been together since I took on the role of President, it was a particularly meaningful moment and a reminder of the strong foundations that have been built by those who came before us.

Alongside these developments, we are continuing to modernise the way the ERG communicates and supports its member organisations. A new international media team is now in place and working across our email communications, newsletter and social media channels. We are also preparing for the appointment of a new webmaster who will lead the development of a more modern, communication focused website.

One of the most exciting aspects of this work is the opportunity to make greater use of emerging translation technologies. By doing so, we hope to ensure that Reiki practitioners across Europe can access information, resources and updates in their own languages, helping us build a stronger and more connected international Reiki community.

The future of the European Reiki Group is looking incredibly positive. With new people joining, new ideas emerging and greater collaboration than ever before, we continue to move forward together, united by a shared passion for Reiki and a commitment to supporting practitioners across Europe.

Strengthening Connections Across Europe

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