Meet Anjali Desai | Reiki Master

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

Hi Anjali, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
I’ve learned that work life balance is a daily intention and practice. When I was younger, I believed being a workhorse and working late into the night was a badge of honor, the only way to earn respect and be promoted. Most people I know started working at 18 and will continue for the next 45-50 years. After having children, I started questioning why I was working so hard if I was missing out on “living life” and enjoying time with my young children, friends and family. I constantly felt like I wasn’t giving enough nor succeeding in either area. Balance became even more important when my special needs daughter was hospitalized for a month. I had to take medical leave and it made me take stock of how I spent my time. I learned to practice it intentionally so that I could give the appropriate attention to both personal or professional needs as needed. I no longer felt guilty taking care of my child even if it meant a client had to wait. Being a good employee did not mean working all the time and sacrificing time with my family. Being a good employee means having balance and peace in my life so that I can be my best when I’m at work.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m a Reiki master. I help people find peace and feel well within themselves. In the stressful environment that we live in today, I can be the anchor that we all look for in stormy seas.

My reiki work was born out of a deep personal challenge. I was at an extremely low point in my life and felt stuck, alone and misunderstood. I was suffering from anxiety, PTSD and fears that I never realized I could have. Yet I was determined to not use western medical practices to treat it. This led me to Reiki and for the first time in a very long time I felt seen and heard. Little did I know then that it was not just the start of my healing but also my practice.

I strongly believe what sets me apart is my empathy and compassion. We all face some form of hardships in our lives; some more than others. I have been there. I have hit rock bottom and I know how you’re feeling and what you might be going through. There is no judgement, just complete acceptance. Combined with the healing energy of reiki, I can help initiate your healing journey like I started on mine.

This is what I love most about my work. I get to help people. Sure, that is what everyone says, but it is true. I have the wonderful opportunity to guide people who want to participate in their own personal growth or development. It is not only for the people who are extremely distraught, but also for those who carry so much without knowing how to set it down and become free, or for those who keep going in circles feeling stuck. Sometimes it just takes being with people that understand you without having to always explain yourself – it is a different kind of comfort.

I constantly remind myself and others that each flower blooms in their own time. There is no right or wrong. Just because your flower doesn’t bloom in your expected timeframe doesn’t mean that it won’t bloom at all. Trust in yourself and in the process.

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.
There are two areas in Southern California that I would take them to. One area would be Los Angeles. I would take them for brunch at Blu Jam Café, walk around Melrose Trading post and window shop (buying is allowed too!). Next adventure would be to trek Runyon Canyon. When you get to the top, the view is beautiful and serene. The Self Realization Center is always a wondrous place to get centered. The energy there is calm, quiet and you feel very settled and grounded in the midst of the Los Angeles hustle and bustle. Lastly, a show at the historic Pantages Theatre is a must.

The second area would be Orange County. We would spend a day in Laguna Beach perusing the art galleries and hanging out at Emerald Beach, my favorite part is that it is secluded and the blue-green water is magnificent. I would take them to The Camp in Costa Mesa for an afternoon and treat them to pizza at Folks, their pizza crust is chewy, crispy and bubbly.  The simplicity of the menu ensures each item is crafted with repeated excellence. Great food should always end in dessert! I am partial to many ice-cream spots like B. Candy, Hans Homemade Ice Cream or Confetti. B. Candy has original homemade flavors and time old favorites like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry.  Their flavors are on point and they do not skimp on portions or flavor.  Hans Homemade is a must for me because they are the only place that has Coffee and Oreos.  The best of both worlds in one flavor.  Confetti is so much fun.  You get Italian ice with custard and the flavor combinations are limitless.  There are so many wonderful places to see and visit, it would take months if not years to visit them all.  These are a few of my tried and true spots.  They never disappoint.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There isn’t a specific book or person that propelled me into this life. It is the cumulation of many experiences and interactions. I have been truly blessed to be surrounded by strong, independent and creative minds. This community has encouraged me, come alongside me and continues to cheer me on. My husband, mom, aunt and all the mothers from my children’s school who took part in coordinating my children’s care while I was in Thailand for 3 weeks completing my Reiki Master certification.  My Reiki Master, Roshni, who encouraged me and showed me how to help people in a gentle and effective way. My children, who constantly cheer me on and who make me want to be better each day.

Website: www.letitflow555.com

Instagram: LetitFlow_555

Image Credits
Renee Vigil at Rvigilphotos