Journey of Compassion: Understanding Europe’s Refugee Crisis through Immersion and Reiki

The refugee crisis at Europe’s borders remains one of the most urgent humanitarian challenges today. Behind the headlines and statistics are real people facing complex, often dangerous situations. To truly grasp the depth of this crisis, it requires more than distant observation—it demands presence, listening, and learning from those living and working in these conditions. From February 4 to 9, I will join Felix Oldenburg and dedicated partners on the ground to visit refugee camps along Europe’s borders. This journey is about understanding the realities faced by refugees and the organizations supporting them, and exploring how civil society, research, and technology can respond with care and responsibility.

Alongside this immersion, a small group will participate in Reiki Level I training led by Aude Firmin. This practice is not a replacement for structural solutions but a tool to build personal resilience for those working in emotionally demanding environments. This post shares the purpose and structure of this unique journey, highlighting how compassion, learning, and healing can come together to support meaningful change.

Refugee camp entrance at Europe’s border, showing tents and pathways

Understanding the Refugee Crisis through Immersion

Visiting refugee camps offers a chance to move beyond statistics and media portrayals. It allows us to hear directly from refugees and humanitarian workers about their experiences, challenges, and hopes. This immersion is coordinated with partner organizations and researchers who have long-standing experience in the field. Their insights guide the visit to ensure it supports ongoing efforts rather than disrupts or sensationalizes.

Listening to Stories on the Ground

Refugees often face harsh conditions: overcrowded camps, limited access to healthcare, uncertain legal status, and psychological trauma. By spending time in these environments, visitors can:

• Hear firsthand accounts of displacement, loss, and survival.

• Understand the complexity of migration routes and border policies.

• Recognize the resilience and dignity of individuals despite adversity.

  
  

This approach fosters empathy and a deeper understanding of the systemic issues affecting refugees.

Supporting Civil Society and Research

The trip aims to strengthen connections between humanitarian actors, researchers, and technology experts. By learning from those working daily in these settings, we can:

• Identify gaps where technology or research can improve aid delivery.

• Develop long-term strategies that respect the dignity and rights of refugees.

• Avoid reducing people’s realities to mere images or headlines.

  
  

This collaboration encourages responsible and informed responses to the crisis.

Reiki Training as a Tool for Resilience

Working in refugee camps can be emotionally and ethically demanding. Humanitarian workers often face burnout, secondary trauma, and moral dilemmas. The Reiki Level I training offered during this journey provides a practical way to build personal resilience.

What Reiki Offers

Reiki is a healing practice that promotes relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional balance. It helps practitioners:

• Manage stress and emotional fatigue.

• Cultivate mindfulness and presence.

• Strengthen their capacity to support others without losing their own well-being.

  
  

This training is not a substitute for systemic change but a complementary practice to sustain those engaged in challenging environments.

Integrating Reiki with Humanitarian Work

The training is part of a broader program called Angel House Immersion, which combines Reiki, intuitive leadership, and humanitarian practice. Participants include entrepreneurs, creatives, and conscious leaders who seek to align their personal growth with ethical leadership and service.

The Structure of the Angel House Immersion

The six-day program takes place in Athens and Samos, two key locations connected to the refugee crisis in Europe.

• February 4–5 (Athens): Preparation and integration days to set intentions and build community.

• February 6–7 (Athens): Core Reiki Level I training and attunement led by Aude Firmin.

• February 8–9 (Samos): Humanitarian immersion in refugee camps and podcasting sessions to share stories and reflections.

  
  

Up to 25 international participants join this experiential journey, creating a supportive space for learning and healing.

Why This Journey Matters

This trip is not about visibility or publicity. It is about showing up with care, humility, and responsibility. By engaging directly with the realities at Europe’s borders, participants can:

• Develop a grounded understanding of the refugee crisis.

• Build meaningful relationships with those working on the front lines.

• Explore how personal healing practices like Reiki can support sustainable humanitarian efforts.

  
  

For anyone working in migration, integration, humanitarian response, research, media, or related fields—or those who feel called to contribute meaningfully—this journey offers a unique opportunity to connect, learn, and grow.

How You Can Engage

If you are interested in this work or want to support refugees in a thoughtful way, consider:

• Reaching out to organizations active in refugee support.

• Learning about the challenges and needs of displaced people.

• Exploring practices like Reiki to build your own resilience.

• Sharing stories and insights responsibly to raise awareness without sensationalism.

  
  

Showing up with empathy and respect is the first step toward positive change.