Chakra Rising: A Journey of Alignment and Transformation

I first met my Reiki teacher, Jordenelle Tsugawa in May 2022. At the time, I received a distance Reiki session from her and purchased a couple of oils. After that, we lost touch.

Becoming a Reiki practitioner was always something I wanted, but I wasn’t sure who my teacher would be or whether I’d receive my training in person or online. All I knew was that I would look into it after finishing my grad program.

In early June 2024, my cosmic sister (sistar) told me that Jordenelle was offering a free Level 1 Reiki attunement. I was thrilled and immediately knew this was divine alignment. First, it was free—and just before this, I had asked my cosmic family for signs of a teacher I was aligned with. Then, bam—here was Jordenelle again!

I had no idea what Chakra Rising fully entailed, only that it included information about the chakras. During my Reiki Level 1 attunement, Jordenelle announced an opportunity to win a full scholarship to the course—and I won! Once again, Spirit confirmed I was exactly where I needed to be.

A Portal of Healing & Shadow Work

Since joining Chakra Rising and committing to my own shadow work, I’ve realized that this course is more than just teachings—it’s a portal and vortex (which was confirmed in December).

I spent over a month working through the Root Chakra before moving into the Sacral Chakra. This journey wasn’t rushed—it was deep, intentional, and transformative. Through the course, I also received my Reiki Level II attunement in divine alignment during Mercury Retrograde in August. That 21-day portal was intense but in the best way possible. It allowed me to see reality with new clarity and shed outdated beliefs that no longer served me.

The support within our Telegram chat has been warm and inviting. I’ve noticed how many of us move through death and rebirth cycles at the same time—it’s a sacred container where we are all collectively rising in our own ways. But, of course, it’s up to each of us to do the work and commit to our healing.

Chakra Rising Winter Solstice Retreat

For the first time, I flew to Portland, Oregon in December 2024 to attend the Chakra Rising Winter Solstice Retreat in Kelso, Washington. The only person I knew in the group was my sistar—I hadn’t met anyone else in person before. One of our sisters picked us up from the airport and took us around Portland before we headed to the retreat.

The retreat lasted two days and two nights, and from the very first night, I could feel that we had entered a magical portal.

1st Night: Entering the Portal

🌙 Sound bath
🕯️ Setting intentions for the retreat
🔥 Protection candle magick
💬 Deep, soul-nourishing conversations

That first night, nothing else mattered from life—not gossip, not getting upset over things that don’t feed my soul. What mattered was the work we are doing here on Earth.

Candle magick. I am in the baby Grogu hoodie.

2nd Day: Winter Solstice & Sweat Ceremony

🌿 Sweat Ceremony – a sacred ritual honoring the womb, death, and rebirth. It was filled with plant allies, songs, and the presence of all four elements—earth, air, water, and fire. That day, we experienced hail, rain, and thunder—it was pure magic! Before Chakra Rising, I had never heard of a Sweat Ceremony, and my experience was incredible.
🍵 Kava Bar – a cozy and friendly space to unwind, play games, and enjoy the earthy taste of Kava (which, fun fact, slightly numbs your tongue before returning to normal).
🔮 Road Opener Ritual – performed right on the streets of Vancouver, sealing our experience with intention and magic.

A Powerful Death & Rebirth

Upon returning from the retreat, I was immediately thrust into one of the most transformative deaths I’ve ever experienced. The retreat opened a door within me, and Spirit guided me into deeper healing and evolution.

This journey is ongoing, but one thing is certain: I am rising. We are rising.