10 Year Anniversary Celebration Party.

Reiki Federation Ireland celebrated its Ten Year Anniversary on 9th November 2013 in The Stillorgan Park Hotel. Thank you to everyone who attended and those who celebrated in spirit with us. It was a superb night. It started with a mulled wine reception, followed by a welcome and brief history of RFI, a lovely meal and lively dancing with a magical DJ! The best of the night was in meeting old friends and making new friends.

For some it was their first event with RFI and a great way to be connected. The night was a celebration of all that has happened with Reiki in Ireland over the last 10 years and also celebrating Us as Members and all that Reiki has brought into our lives. We have had over 800 people who have been members over the 10 years, a great achievement.

During the Welcome address we reminisced about all that we have been involved in over the past ten years. Reiki Touching Lives in 2007, Tools to Empower Your Reiki in 2008, Deepen Your Energy Experience in 2010 and Enhance Your Energy Experience also in 2010. RFI met with the Dept. of Health & Children in 2011. Also to mention all the Mind Body Spirit Shows that RFI participated in, attendance at the Irish Cancer Society Conference and the many charity events RFI members supported.

Glo Health now covers Reiki as a benefit for Clients of RFI Practitioners. RFI are in continuous discussions with three other Health Insurance Companies, Laya, Aviva and Hospital Saturday Fund.

Recently RFI launched Reiki Shares Nationwide which is a great support to RFI Members and non-Members. Even though RFI has achieved a lot, it is not about achievement. RFI is about connection and people. So where did it all start?

In 2002, two people had a vision, a vision for a strong community to be a voice for Reiki in Ireland.

Thankfully they took action on their vision. They sent out letters to as many Reiki people they could find and invited them to attend a National Gathering in Portlaoise. Over 80 people turned up. A volunteer committee of 11 people was formed and they worked for a year to create the constitution and framework for RFI.

RFI was officially launched at the first AGM in Mullingar on the 17th Nov 2003.

Angela Gorman and Mary Tuohy were the two committed Ladies with the vision. Angela could not attend the celebration and sent her best wishes to everyone. Angela was thanked for her commitment, dedication and all the time she gave to RFI over the last number of years. Mary Tuohy was invited to the floor. On behalf of everyone here and in RFI, Mary was thanked for all her work and commitment and following through on her vision with action and where it has taken us today.

Reiki has come a long way in Ireland because of this federation and Mary and Angela were the seeds for that to happen.

Brigid Maher was thanked in her absence. Brigid was on the volunteer committee and was the first Chairperson. She was completely dedicated to a strong, clear constitution and as a result of her work and eye for detail, RFI has a very strong foundation and has grown well as a result of this.

We have honoured and thanked the seeds, Mary and Angela, our strong foundation Brigid and next is the backbone of RFI, the centre support - Rosemary Lowe. We have one Lady on the committee that deserves big thanks from all the committee and RFI members. Rosemary Lowe joined the committee in 2006 as Honorary Secretary for three years and Chairperson for one year and then was ex-officio committee member for two years and back on committee as Membership Secretary. She has supported almost every working group. Rosemary has been a super support for myself as Chairperson and any new Committee Members. Rosemary was thanked for all she has contributed with her wealth of experience and dedication and commitment to RFI.

And lastly Liz Cullen was thanked for organising the whole night for all of us.

We all went on to enjoy a super meal and great dancing.

It was a memorable Celebration.

Patricia Sheehan

Feedback was received after the event. Below are some comments from RFI members present:

- "Thank you for a lovely evening on Saturday for the 10 year anniversary. It was great to see everyone and I loved the inclusive energy on the dance floor. It was wonderful to be there! Thank you all."

- "Thanks for a great night on Saturday. I had a great time and met some wonderful people. Namaste."

- "Well done on a wonderful party on Saturday, the balloons were amazing, the food was great and the banter and chat fantastic. I felt it really marked where RFI have come over the years and was wonderful to be a part of it."