Episode #147 From Burnout to Healing: Mary Riposo's 20-Year Reiki Journey

Mary Riposo"s
journey into Reiki begins with childhood illness and a grandmother who taught her about Christian mysticism—experiences that cultivated both a rich inner world and sensitivity to energies beyond the physical. Working as a psychologist with a crushing caseload, Mary found herself at a breaking point when building renovations exposed her to toxins, triggering mysterious symptoms conventional medicine couldn't resolve.

A chance encounter with Reiki at a wellness fair changed everything. After just ten minutes in a chair session, Mary felt an energy surge that set her on a path of discovery. What began as self-healing evolved organically into a profession as clients witnessed her transformation and sought her guidance. Twenty years later, Mary has built a thriving practice, co-owns a wellness center with her yoga-teacher husband, and mentors practitioners worldwide.

Mary dismantles common misconceptions about Reiki, particularly the idea that practitioners "give" energy to clients. Instead, she explains, Reiki awakens what's already within us—a perspective that empowers both practitioner and recipient. She shares candidly about business challenges, from overcoming introversion to learning money management, emphasizing that failures became stepping stones to her success.

For practitioners, Mary's experience founding the CNY Reiki Association highlights the profound importance of community. Her advice to those starting out is refreshingly practical: don't compare your beginning to someone else's established practice, expect and learn from setbacks, and focus on finding the system that resonates with you rather than collecting multiple certificates. If you're curious about energy healing or building a spiritual business, Mary's blend of wisdom, humility, and practical experience provides a roadmap for the journey ahead. Ready to awaken what's already within you?

Mary Riposo is the co-owner of Infinite Light Center and the founder of the CNY Reiki Association. A Reiki practitioner for over 20 years, Mary teaches and shares the healing benefits of Reiki for both people and animals. 

Mary has completed training in Usui/Holy Fire Reiki, Holy Fire Karuna Reiki, Gendai Reiki, as well as both the Japanese and Western (Takata) Reiki lineages of Usui Reiki. She is also an ICRT Animal Reiki Master.

Before she began practicing the system of Reiki, Mary was a psychotherapist in private practice. Her own wellness journey led her to Reiki, and since then she has made it her mission to teach and share the system of Reiki with others. 

Mary is dedicated to making the practice and teaching of Reiki more professional and accessible. To that end, she has authored a number of books, including Reiki manuals and Reiki Journals, Workbooks and Practice Trackers for students and other Reiki Master Teachers. 

Mary believes that everyone should have access to the wellness benefits that the system of Reiki provides, and feels that practitioners do their best within a supportive community. 

Mary's wise and gentle manner, coupled with her keen intuitive abilities cause her to be sought after as a teacher, healer and mentor to clients worldwide. Mary resides in Central New York with her husband, Tony, founder of Infinite Light Yoga. 

For more information about Mary Riposo's Reiki classes, sessions and products, please visit www.InfiniteLightCenter.com and www.MaryRiposo.com. 

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From the curious beginner to the Season Master Teacher
All Energy workers of all systems and all levels.