Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing, founded by Dr. Usui in the 1800s. Practitioners use a gentle approach where they lay their hands either softly on the body or hovering a few inches away from the body, channeling universal life force energy and sending it to the parts of the client that need healing.
This form of healing is not tied to any specific religion or belief system, it can be applied for various needs, in the realms of mind, body, and spiritual healing. Clients are led into a meditative state, and practitioners focus the energy they are channeling from the universe to the client, visualizing healing rays of light or even different colors related to parts of the person needing the most energy. This work has been gaining popularity in spas, wellness retreats, yoga studios, massage therapy work, cancer treatment centers, dialysis centers, and holistic healing and counseling centers like ours.
The philosophy of Reiki is based on five main principles:
"Just for today, I will not worry. Just for today, I will not be angry. Just for today, I will do my work honestly and with integrity. Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings. Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and to every living thing."
These principles are universal, and elements of them can be found in nearly every religious text, self help book, 12-step program, or counseling textbook. At their core are the precepts of not judging yourself too harshly, taking each day one step at a time, practicing gratitude, and being kind to yourself and others. These simple rules can serve as guidelines for a happy life for all, not just those trained in Reiki practices.
Broken down into their 5 unique parts, these guidelines serve as a handbook for happiness and peace of mind. Letting go of anxiety and anger, the two emotions behind most of our dis-ease and relationship strains; committing to honesty and hard work; having gratitude for our many blessings; and following the golden rule, or the practice of "ahimsa"...do no harm...kindness to ourselves and others...
If we only could see that the simplicity of these values can so easily be applied to our every day lives, what a change we could make for ourselves and those around us.
How can you put these basic principles to practice in your life today? Could you start with just one? What differences can you envision in your life if you were able to embody these ideals?
This is your invitation to expand your path, explore your beliefs, find space in your life to practice the mindful practice of these principles. The greatest journeys begin with a single step in the right direction, how will you change your life today?