Faces of Long Island celebrates the uniqueness of everyday Long Islanders. In their own words, they tell us about their life experiences, challenges and triumphs. Newsday launched this social media journey into the human experience to shine a light on the diverse people of this wonderful place we call home.

‘I wear many hats, but essentially, I am an energy worker, a teacher and a therapist. They all blend pretty much together.’

KAITLYN GAJEWSKI, PATCHOGUE

“I wear many hats, but essentially, I am an energy worker, a teacher and a therapist. They all blend together. I started my reiki journey eight years ago. I’ve been professionally practicing for seven years. I always knew that I wanted to help people. I didn’t know what direction that was going to leave me in, so I studied a whole bunch of things. I went to school and graduated with my bachelor of science in psych. Then I decided I didn’t want to be a conventional therapist.

“Every time I was doing jobs, they felt nice, but it wasn’t pulling at my soul. And for years, reiki was nudging me. Every time I was like internally having like one of those moments, a little angel in the form of a stranger or a coworker would say, you should try reiki.

“I tried it because I heard it could help me physically. And it did. But it also helped me on so many other levels. It changed my whole life, changed my whole awareness about myself. I was so unaware of the stuff I was carrying — trauma, heartbreak, everything. It just slowly helps you see that in a gentle way so that you can move it. Six months after, I asked to learn it, and my teacher nearly hopped out of her chair. She was like, ‘This is what you’re supposed to be doing!’

I love to help people, and it’s all about the energy and the person’s willingness to have the experience.

“Reiki could be defined in so many words, but simply put, I like to say it’s the soul massage you’ve been waiting for. It’s a practice that helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system. The practitioner channels the energy that’s all around us through them and guides it into the person’s body to help push out, gently guide out, the stagnant energy within them that’s causing them discomfort or worry.

“When people come in and I ask them what their intention is, I really believe everything should be intentional. And when we’re more intentional, the energy is more directed, so they receive more of a directed outcome. So, what is it you want to let go of? Or if you can’t think of anything you want to let go of, what is it you’re creating space for?

“I love to help people, and it’s all about the energy and the person’s willingness to have the experience. I’m just the bridge, but still, I’m witnessing it, you know, and it’s a true honor every time.”

Interviewed by Maggie Melito

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Faces of Long Island is produced by Newsday Consumer Marketing. This content does not involve the reporting and editing staff of Newsday’s Editorial Department.