A Soulful Reset: My Transformative Reiki & Restorative Yoga Journey in Edmonton
This past Friday night, I took a leap and ventured to Edmonton for a reiki and restorative yoga session in the Himalayan Salt Chamber at the Hyperbaric Health Spa. I didn’t have time to overthink it. I had just driven five hours to get there, arriving right before class, and all I could do was throw on my socks, fill my water bottle, and show up—curious, open, and ready for whatever magic was about to unfold.
I had no expectations, but what I got was an experience that left me feeling deeply centred, grounded, and lighter than I had in a long time.
The Space: A Sanctuary of Calm
From the moment I stepped into the spa, I felt as though I was entering a space crafted for tranquility. The atmosphere was refreshingly inviting, and it didn’t take long for me to feel completely at home. The Himalayan Salt Chamber offered a whole other vibe. Imagine soft salt beneath your feet, walls constructed entirely of salt bricks, and the soothing sound of water trickling from the far end of the room. It was dimly lit and serene—so serene that it seemed like the outside world had just faded away. An altar was present, and everything about the space contributed to a sacred feeling, as if it were designed specifically for this type of deep, restorative work.
It was easy to relax into the moment. It was one of those settings where the environment itself did half the work for you.
The Energy of the Moment: Year of the Snake Vibes
I didn’t plan it this way, but the timing couldn’t have been more perfect. The session took place right before Chinese New Year, and with it, the Year of the Snake was entering. Snake energy is all about transformation—slow, steady growth, and shedding old skin. This energy is deeply connected to the feminine, intuitive, and mysterious side of ourselves. It’s the perfect time to let go of what no longer serves you and focus on the inner growth that’s been waiting to happen.
As we moved through the session, I felt this energy in my body—slow, intuitive, and deeply transformative. It felt like we were all in the perfect place to begin shedding layers of old energy, allowing ourselves to become who we were meant to be next. The snake is powerful medicine when used with awareness, and I knew it was working its magic on me.
The Session: Flowing, Releasing, and Healing
The session was a beautiful blend of gentle restorative yoga and Reiki healing. Christina guided us through slow, intentional stretches that allowed the body to release tension and breathe into spaces that had been holding onto stress. I’ll be honest: At one point, I felt like I was melting into the salt-covered floor. It wasn’t just the floor that felt soft—it felt like everything around me was softening, too.
As Christina led us through the movements, Arden moved around the room, offering Reiki energy to enhance the process. Together, they created an incredibly peaceful and supportive atmosphere. It wasn’t just about the poses or stretches; it was about letting go, surrendering to the moment, and allowing the energy to do its work.
And then… something shifted.
I felt like I was floating in pure nothingness. For a moment, I was transported into this vast space, like I was inside my own heart, floating freely and expansively. It was overwhelming, but in the most peaceful, comforting way. It felt like I was coming home to myself—deeply relaxed and at peace.
And then Christina gently said, “Let go.” And just like that, I was released. Tears came without warning, but they weren’t from sadness. They were the kind of tears that come when your soul finally gets to exhale after holding on for far too long.
The Guides: Calm, Focused, and Disciplined
Christina and Arden were exactly what this experience needed. They were so focused and calm, holding space with such care and grace. They didn’t rush anything. They didn’t force anything. Instead, they let the healing energy unfold naturally, giving us exactly what we needed in that moment.
They were both incredibly skilled and so present, but they also knew how to step back, allowing the energy to flow without interference. It was like they were just there to guide, not to lead, and that made all the difference.
The Aftermath: Calm and Clarity
When the session ended, I felt like I had just woken up from the most restful nap of my life. It wasn’t just physical rest—it was emotional and spiritual peace, too. I slept deeply that night, and the next morning, I woke up with this quiet, centred energy that has stayed with me ever since.
I’ve been moving through life with more ease and grace, letting things flow and simply allowing the world around me to be what it is. I’m focusing more on myself—on my growth, my peace, and my intentions—and less on what’s going on around me. The calmness from that session hasn’t just been a one-time thing; it’s become a part of my daily rhythm.
A Little Nudge for You: Try Something New
If you’re ever feeling like you need a reset or just a moment to breathe, I highly recommend stepping outside of your comfort zone and trying something like this. I know it can be hard to try new things, especially if you’re not sure what to expect, but trust me—sometimes those are the experiences that surprise us in the best way. You might just find that, like me, you’ve been holding onto things that need to be released. And when you make space for that release? Magic happens.
Sometimes, you just have to show up. You might be surprised at what you find on the other side.