Meet Asha Surti | Reiki Master Teacher

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

Hi Asha, how do you think about risk?
As humans we fear the unknown, and often stay comfortable even though our soul knows risks are necessary to get to our next level of growth. There have been many times in life that I had to look fear straight in the eye-and despite it being there, take a leap of faith.

One of my first big leaps was traveling to Thailand solo in 2016 and completing my Reiki Master Training. At the time, I did not have much financial backing to do this. However, the pull and desire led me to taking a risk for myself and career. While I was in Chiang Mai, I had this deep sense of inner knowing that I was with the right teacher in the exact setting I was supposed to learn this healing technique. I felt an instant sense of peace and freedom by showing up for what was the beginning of a major shift in my own healing, as well as in my professional work.

Ultimately, I let go of my ten year career as an Occupational Therapist, and took a risk in starting my own Reiki practice in Hoboken, NJ. I now own and run a successful energy healing practice (Reiki Traveler LLC established in Jan 2017) and teach all levels of Reiki. Taking big risks despite having fear, has led me to building a dream life where I run my own schedule. I have freedom to travel and hold sacred retreats in various places (NJ, Sedona, Bali, Hawaii). I’ve connected with lifelong soul family, learned about different cultures, as well as my own capabilities and strength.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Little did I know that my ten years of practice as a clinical Occupational Therapist would set me up for my own Reiki practice today. Reiki Traveler was born in Jan 2017 in Hoboken, with many unknowns. The mental chatter would float in often, “Who in the area would truly be interested in doing this deep work? What if this doesn’t work out? Why would they choose to come to me?” Eventually I realized it was time to calm the low vibrational thoughts, and take the leap. My background as an OT had set me up to understand various diagnoses from anxiety to cancer to even prenatal struggles. I was always interested in a holistic approach and providing quality of care. I realized by working for myself, I would ensure adhering to that level of practice.

One of the hardest things was leaving behind a secure job behind in a school based pediatric setting, and moving into my parents house for one year to save financially in order to start building Reiki Traveler. It was definitely one of the toughest years of my life! I began renting office space from an acupuncturist one day a week in Hoboken, which then built up to two days a week, to eventually three, to then full weeks. It was a journey, and I have to admit much of my family did not believe this was the right path for me- as they believed security was through career stability. I fought many internal and outer struggles, yet kept pushing my practice forward. The words of Nicholas Harris luckily kept coming back to me: “You are a true teacher and are meant to spread this healing forward.”

I learned that in life, we must drown out the voices of others (even if it close friends and family) because no one knows your path or truth but YOU! Stay close to the ones who believe in you and feed you with positive energy.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Eventually my Reiki business led to traveling more and organizing retreats, and living in Cottonwood, AZ for the last nine months. Several of my students have come out to obtain healing in the Sedona area, learn Reiki, hike with me and visit sacred sites like Amitabha Stupa and Peace Park and the Chapel of the Holy Cross.

Part of the retreat experience also includes sacred cacao ceremonies, which we have done outdoors in vortex areas like Bell Rock, Airport Mesa, and Red Rock Crossing/Crescent Moon Park. Reiki is conducted outdoors in nature, with my colleague Emily Sprauer who provides a beautiful sound healing experience (owner of High Desert Mermaid based in Sedona).

A fun fact: I am also a big foodie! When I organize a retreat, there is always time for delicious food and dining experiences. My ultimate favorite is Mariposa Sedona, as the food is Latin inspired and they have the most amazing sunset views (I recommend the outdoor patio and booking a reservation months in advance). Local favs also include the Local Juicery of course to grab a healthy juice before hiking, and Vino di Sedona to unwind those sore muscles and enjoy a glass of wine with live music from local bands.

Cottonwood and Clarkdale are surrounding areas of Sedona which have become favorites of mine, from the cute tasting rooms (Merkin Vineyards is a fav), to Violettes Bakery which has the BEST breakfast (especially waffles) in the area.

If you’re into crystals and card readings, my go to spot is Crystal Magic in Sedona. From chimes and sound healing tools, to all sorts of crystals and card decks- you will be in heaven shopping for your energy field!

If seeking to relax with a massage or in person energy work one on one, my favorite is Namti Spa. They also take walk ins so you can squeeze in a session upon your convenience.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have to thank my mentor and teacher Nicholas Harris, seventh generation Reiki Master and owner of Practical Healing based in Chiang Mai Thailand (https://www.practical-healing.com). He was the first to state that a big part of my path was to teach Reiki, even though I did not believe it at the time. He saw my truth before I was even capable enough to, and I am forever grateful to him!

I have to thank Elizabeth Gilbert, an icon and of course as we all know- the author of Eat, Pray, Love. Her story inspired me to take a leap and travel solo around the world, as well as continue writing. I had the pleasure of meeting her once at a sound healing bath in NYC, and her authenticity provides so much light to others!

Lastly, I must thank my late aunt Urmila Surti, who was a Reiki Master herself in the village of Kondh, India. She exposed me to Reiki at a young age, and I believe is still present with me when I do sessions.

Website: www.reikitraveler.com

Instagram: ReikiTraveler

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reikitraveler/        

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/reiki-traveler-hoboken-4