My Spiritual Journey
My awakened spiritual journey began in March of 2006 when I finally was able to work on a program of recovery from alcoholism. I had walked a spiritual path in the past; in fact as a young child I had a deep desire to be a Lutheran minister. I had a crisis of faith back in 1996/1997 and slowly over time spun out of control. I was spiritually bankrupt, and it was a 12-step program that once again gave life to that divine spark that I believe is in each of us.
The program was just the beginning. My freshman year of college a co-student gave me a book called Embraced by the Light. It opened me up to new ideas. I devoured the book in a day, and went to give it back to her. She told me if I liked that book, then I would love a book by Neale Donald Walsch titled Conversations with God. I read that book and have read almost all of the other books that he has since written. They have had such a profound impact on who I am I have started a free discussion group that meets once per month.
If you would like to know more about these books and ideals please visit our group website at meetup.com. These books, combined with the program of recovery cemented in me a new way of thinking, a new way of living, and essentially a new way of being. I’ve continued my studies of those materials and have expanded my knowledge by studying metaphysics.
I have come to find that the principles in the 12-step program, as well as the ideas discussed in CwG (Conversations with God) are all based around metaphysical and esoteric principles, but give a person an applicable approach in applying the concepts in your everyday life.
I am also an ordained minister through Fellowships of the Spirit School of Healing and Prophecy. I am also a certified Metaphysician through fellowships.
As an ordained minister, I can practice Reiki and other hands healing techniques. legally in the state of Ohio, where “hands on healing” may only be done by a physician, a nurse, a massage therapist, or an ordained minister.
Reiki
As a teenager, I remember wanting to be a healer of some kind. At that time I didn't even know what that meant. I wrote this down in my journal over 10 years ago. When I started on my spiritual path, and I learned about Reiki, it seemed like a natural fit, it felt right. I found a teacher on the west side of Cleveland. I learned Reiki and was attuned by Jan Hauenstein. She was knowledgeable about more than just Reiki and the training was a very well rounded experience. I encourage you to visit her website. Reiki is not something that can be learned from a textbook. Reiki is learned/passed on through an attunement process. The lineage for my attunement is below:
Dr. Mikao Usui
Dr. Chujiro Hayashi
Mrs. Hawayo Takata
Iris Ishikuro
Arthur Robertson
Jan Hauenstein
Hank Setala
Reiki is just the tip of the iceberg. As I have learned and experienced other healing modalities I have learned that Reiki is just one of many styles of healing. I believe that no matter the choice of modality, the effectiveness of the experience is affected most by the willingness of the client to accept and do there own inner work, AND for the willingness of the practitioner to continuously do inner work to ensure that they are as clear and unblocked a vessel as possible.
The healing does not come "from" the practitioner it comes "through" the Practitioner. The true healing experience is between the client and God. The practitioner serves merely as a vehicle for the work to happen.
Though I believe that nothing else is needed for healing then Love, God, and the Willingness to be available to be a vessel for divine work, I also believe that tools such as crystals, turning forks, smudging, meditation bowls and other things, are physical representations of intention. We are spiritual beings having a physical experience, we are still physical beings in this moment. This being the case, I feel that tools such as tuning forks or crystals can have a profound impact on an individual. Also, knowing something (that we are all one, that we are all children of God) from an intellectual perspective is one thing, and from an experiential perspective is quite another.
I mention this because I hear many practitioners say (and say with confident conviction) that you can "will" anything into, or out of beingness. While on an absolute level I accept that this is true, I also know that myself and many of my clients have not ascended yet. In other words even though we know this, we are not all in a place where intention by itself is effective as a stand alone process. I believe that "effective" or what I call "congruent manifestation" Incorporate thought word and deed, as well as aligning the Body, Mind and Soul.
Today, I am continuing my studies in Esoteric Philosophy, primarily by studding the works of Alice Bailey (see my link page under Lucis Trust) And taking as many classes and workshops as time and money will allow. There are many classes locally, but I have found some of the most in depth training to be at Fellowships of the spirit in Lily Dale New York. If you had to chose to take one class, the Spiritual Insight Training is a must. After taking the class it gave me a new clarity. While it may not be everyone's path to be a practitioner, going through life without access to one's intuition is like driving through life with a blind fold on. As you continue to do inner work and unlock the spiritual gifts that in fact all of us have by divine right, we go from driving blind to driving with a navigation system. It is a night and day difference (no pun intended) If you would like to talk about the program they offer feel free to contact me, and I would love to tell you more and answer any questions that you have.
Lastly I have found that a essential part of my growth is to be of service and to teach. I lead a conversations with God discussion group, and am working on starting some other groups with the intention of spiritual development. Check back from time to time for updates, and join my mailing list if you would like to be notified as some of my projects come into manifestation.
Always be the student, always be available to be of service for you fellow man and God. Walk through life as much as possible hand in hand with the spirit of the universe. (GOD)-Good orderly direction, beats (ego) edging God out any day of the week. I hope I can be a part of your growth in minimizing your ego, and maximizing your God self.
Nameste
Rev. Hank Setala
