Welcome to the Dimensional Reiki blog, where I will keep clients, friends and followers updated on new information about my own path and promotions for the business. Look here for education on Reiki and my thoughts on spirituality in general. ~Dimensional Reiki is managed and operated by a certified level 3 Master Teacher in Pottstown, PA.~
Saturday, June 8, 2013
Inspiration and Education - images to enlighten and encourage
Reiki Box
A helpful focus for distance healings is the Reiki box. It can be ornate or more simple, just choose a box that speaks to you of being secret and safe - for this box will be holding important things! For magickal practitioners, you can place in the box things that will help you think of distance magick, such as white feathers (representative of Hermes, the messenger god) or healing (such as crystals, herbs, or even statuettes or images of gods such as Imhotep or Asclepius). Place inside the box, on one sheet of paper or many small slips, the names of individuals near or far who require Reiki’s healing energy. Seat yourself, meditate for a moment on these individuals. Then, charge the box - perform a Reiki session on it as you would on a person, using Reiki symbols such as Cho Ku Rei and taking your time. After that, you may add names at any time, if you know someone who is in need of healing. “Recharge” the box every 2-3 weeks or so by performing another Reiki session on its contents. This is also a good way to meditate on the fluid nature and interconnectivity of Reiki - it really is “universal life energy.”
Cho Ku Rei
Cho Ku Rei
“Cho Ku Rei (pronounced ‘cho-koo-ray’) literally means ‘Put the power here’ or ‘Increase the power.’ I think of it as an ‘on’ switch for Reiki. Traditional Japanese Reiki Masters translate this symbol to mean ‘Focus.’ Practitioners often say its name silently before all uses of Reiki, or draw it on their hands before all sessions. I do this sometimes, but not always. Cho Ku Rei increases the power and flow of Reiki whenever used. It can be drawn with the spiral counterclockwise, its original form, or clockwise. Magickal practitioners often feel the clockwise version… adds power, while the counterclockwise version removes unwanted energy.” - From Magick of Reiki by Christopher Penczak
“Cho Ku Rei (pronounced ‘cho-koo-ray’) literally means ‘Put the power here’ or ‘Increase the power.’ I think of it as an ‘on’ switch for Reiki. Traditional Japanese Reiki Masters translate this symbol to mean ‘Focus.’ Practitioners often say its name silently before all uses of Reiki, or draw it on their hands before all sessions. I do this sometimes, but not always. Cho Ku Rei increases the power and flow of Reiki whenever used. It can be drawn with the spiral counterclockwise, its original form, or clockwise. Magickal practitioners often feel the clockwise version… adds power, while the counterclockwise version removes unwanted energy.” - From Magick of Reiki by Christopher Penczak
Quotes
"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mystical. It is the source of all true art and science." -Albert Einstein
"What lies before us and what lies behind us are small
matters compared to what lies within us. And when we bring what is
within out into the world, miracles happen." -Henry David Thoreau
"To see a world in a grain of sand,
And Heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour." -William Blake
And Heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand,
And eternity in an hour." -William Blake
“The work is done, but how no one can see;
‘tis this that makes the power not cease to be.” -Tao te Ching
‘tis this that makes the power not cease to be.” -Tao te Ching
"Light up the darkness." -Bob Marley
Interview With a Student
-the following is an interview with one of DR’s students, who has achieved her own Mastery-
What was your initial response to Reiki?
I’ve been a pagan and a student of holistic medicine for many years, so the concept of energy healing came somewhat naturally to me. I can understand how it would be more difficult to accept for others, but between my own paganism and my family’s Episcopalian background, the idea of healing through the “laying on of hands” seemed perfectly viable. During my first encounter, I felt it quite strongly (as sort of a tingling sensation, almost like getting goosebumps), and was able to work with the energy and practice on my own after my first attunement. My second attunement came with a deeper understanding of Reiki symbols and their purpose, and by the time I received my mastery it had become a daily part of my life.
How long did it take you to achieve your Mastery?
From the time I received my initial attunement, until receiving my Level 3 degree, I’d say it took about six months. For some people it might take less time, for others I’m sure it would take more. I was fortunate, Gary was a feature in my life at the time so I was able to seek guidance and instruction whenever I needed. I was spending time with a circle of spiritual people so it helped me to maintain my focus - also I did most of my studying over the course of a summer, which seemed to help. My schedule was mostly empty and I was able to devote my time to practicing what I really wanted to do.
You said that Reiki is a part of your daily life. How so?
I won’t lie - I’ve struggled with clinical depression and bipolar disorder for most of my life. A mental illness like that can make it difficult to focus on the positive energy that is Reiki. There have been times when I refused to tap into the life force at my very fingertips, out of sheer stubbornness. Reiki, while not issued directly from the practitioner, does require a certain degree of conviction to channel properly, and there have been moments where I just didn’t feel that. It can happen to anyone. But I would encourage them to not give up. Reiki is a big part of my life as a spiritualist, a friend, a wife and a mother. When received from another, it helped me to battle the very issues that made me lay it aside in the first place. When my son cries over his new teeth or a tummyache, I can tell him it will be okay and mean it (Reiki is so wonderful to use with babies because it’s completely safe and also gives them the sensation of spiritual mother-comfort they crave, I love that). I have a Reiki box for distance healings on my altar and use it regularly, it gives me a sense of peace to know that I can aid my friends and family, near or far, if they need me - even if I can’t be there in person, I know that my positive, healing intentions, through Reiki, will reach them. And yes, I use Reiki on myself. I’ve been sickly most of my life - diabetes, fibromyalgia, and the various complications that can stem from those disorders. Reiki helps to keep me in good health and good spirits so that I can go about my days positively.
How have you connected with others in the Reiki community?
I’ve attuned two other students, one to Level 2 and the other to Level 1. We’re still working on studying together - in both cases it’s a long-distance relationship so we’ve been taking our time. It’s really satisfying to me to see someone who really needs it unlock their abilities and use Reiki to help themselves get on a positive spiritual path. It’s been very rewarding, definitely worth the time and study. I’ve made contact with a practitioner of veterinary Reiki (4pawreiki.com), and her abilities are really amazing. I think it takes a special kind of person to use this energy to connect to animals in the way she has, and I’d really like to learn to do so myself. More and more I find that when I mention that I have my Reiki degree, others are responding with recognition and enthusiasm - even those that have never experienced Reiki firsthand know someone that has, or has a friend who is a practitioner. It’s very encouraging. I look forward to the day when energy healing is just a matter of course, something that is understood and accepted by everyone - because that would be something that would work to everyone’s advantage.
Any other comments?
I would like to point out that while I am such a strong proponent of Reiki and its benefits, both spiritually and physically, I also have some faith in the medical establishment. Reiki has enriched my life and made me healthy and at peace in a way that in my younger years I didn’t think possible, but I do have a medical doctor whom I see if something is truly wrong. Reiki can work alongside conventional medicine, hand-in-hand with traditional methods, there is no reason not to. I’ve seen it brought onto the playing field in the ICU at University of Pennsylvania hospital, in a prominent local psychiatry and therapy office, in veterinary medicine and even in prisons. If you or a loved one are admitted to a hospital, ask if they have a Reiki practitioner on staff or if they would be willing to invite one. The answer might surprise you. Energy healing has been recognized in Eastern medicine for thousands of years, and Western medicine is finally starting to take it seriously as well. Get involved, ask questions, spread the word and the energy however you can. Blessed be.
What was your initial response to Reiki?
I’ve been a pagan and a student of holistic medicine for many years, so the concept of energy healing came somewhat naturally to me. I can understand how it would be more difficult to accept for others, but between my own paganism and my family’s Episcopalian background, the idea of healing through the “laying on of hands” seemed perfectly viable. During my first encounter, I felt it quite strongly (as sort of a tingling sensation, almost like getting goosebumps), and was able to work with the energy and practice on my own after my first attunement. My second attunement came with a deeper understanding of Reiki symbols and their purpose, and by the time I received my mastery it had become a daily part of my life.
How long did it take you to achieve your Mastery?
From the time I received my initial attunement, until receiving my Level 3 degree, I’d say it took about six months. For some people it might take less time, for others I’m sure it would take more. I was fortunate, Gary was a feature in my life at the time so I was able to seek guidance and instruction whenever I needed. I was spending time with a circle of spiritual people so it helped me to maintain my focus - also I did most of my studying over the course of a summer, which seemed to help. My schedule was mostly empty and I was able to devote my time to practicing what I really wanted to do.
You said that Reiki is a part of your daily life. How so?
I won’t lie - I’ve struggled with clinical depression and bipolar disorder for most of my life. A mental illness like that can make it difficult to focus on the positive energy that is Reiki. There have been times when I refused to tap into the life force at my very fingertips, out of sheer stubbornness. Reiki, while not issued directly from the practitioner, does require a certain degree of conviction to channel properly, and there have been moments where I just didn’t feel that. It can happen to anyone. But I would encourage them to not give up. Reiki is a big part of my life as a spiritualist, a friend, a wife and a mother. When received from another, it helped me to battle the very issues that made me lay it aside in the first place. When my son cries over his new teeth or a tummyache, I can tell him it will be okay and mean it (Reiki is so wonderful to use with babies because it’s completely safe and also gives them the sensation of spiritual mother-comfort they crave, I love that). I have a Reiki box for distance healings on my altar and use it regularly, it gives me a sense of peace to know that I can aid my friends and family, near or far, if they need me - even if I can’t be there in person, I know that my positive, healing intentions, through Reiki, will reach them. And yes, I use Reiki on myself. I’ve been sickly most of my life - diabetes, fibromyalgia, and the various complications that can stem from those disorders. Reiki helps to keep me in good health and good spirits so that I can go about my days positively.
How have you connected with others in the Reiki community?
I’ve attuned two other students, one to Level 2 and the other to Level 1. We’re still working on studying together - in both cases it’s a long-distance relationship so we’ve been taking our time. It’s really satisfying to me to see someone who really needs it unlock their abilities and use Reiki to help themselves get on a positive spiritual path. It’s been very rewarding, definitely worth the time and study. I’ve made contact with a practitioner of veterinary Reiki (4pawreiki.com), and her abilities are really amazing. I think it takes a special kind of person to use this energy to connect to animals in the way she has, and I’d really like to learn to do so myself. More and more I find that when I mention that I have my Reiki degree, others are responding with recognition and enthusiasm - even those that have never experienced Reiki firsthand know someone that has, or has a friend who is a practitioner. It’s very encouraging. I look forward to the day when energy healing is just a matter of course, something that is understood and accepted by everyone - because that would be something that would work to everyone’s advantage.
Any other comments?
I would like to point out that while I am such a strong proponent of Reiki and its benefits, both spiritually and physically, I also have some faith in the medical establishment. Reiki has enriched my life and made me healthy and at peace in a way that in my younger years I didn’t think possible, but I do have a medical doctor whom I see if something is truly wrong. Reiki can work alongside conventional medicine, hand-in-hand with traditional methods, there is no reason not to. I’ve seen it brought onto the playing field in the ICU at University of Pennsylvania hospital, in a prominent local psychiatry and therapy office, in veterinary medicine and even in prisons. If you or a loved one are admitted to a hospital, ask if they have a Reiki practitioner on staff or if they would be willing to invite one. The answer might surprise you. Energy healing has been recognized in Eastern medicine for thousands of years, and Western medicine is finally starting to take it seriously as well. Get involved, ask questions, spread the word and the energy however you can. Blessed be.
Chakra System
Chakra System
The
chakra system is a series of energy centers that travel up the body from
base to crown. There are seven major chakras and various minor chakras
that can be discussed in detail at another time. “Chakra” means wheel,
and if energy were visible to the naked eye on this plane, each chakra
would look like a spinning wheel of light. While these energy hubs have
been used by practitioners of Eastern medicine for thousands of years,
recent developments in Western medicine have discovered that each of the
first five chakras has a corresponding main nerve ganglion on the
spine, and the brow and crown chakras correspond to the pineal and
pituitary gland in the brain (this brief overview will not cover these
details but they will be explained later). Each chakra has a specific
function in an individual’s emotional, spiritual, and physical health.
Each chakra also has a corresponding element and each is typically
represented by a colored mandala with a specific pattern (as shown in
the diagrams posted previously).
Root Chakra (earth) physical identity, survival, basic instincts
The root or base chakra’s color is red, color of sexuality and vitality. It is located between the sexual organs and the anus, at the base of the spine. This is the chakra responsible for our sense of self, our sense of belonging (the safety and security of a well-balanced home or community), our basic needs and primal urges. It is also the chakra that rules over the eliminative system, governing the removal of wastes from the body; and also the chakra that allows for retrieval of new energy from the earth at our feet. If there is a dysfunction in this chakra, it may be due to issues such as a weak sense of self (low self-esteem), lack of connection with one’s inner or higher self, or perhaps a chaotic home life. If our basic needs are not met this chakra’s energy will experience blockages. These blockages may manifest as physical health problems such as fatigue, anxiety, renal or bowel problems.
Sacral Chakra (water) creativity, sexuality, energy
The sacral chakra is located just below the navel, so named because rests near the sacrum on the
spine. Its color is traditionally orange, associated with creativity and joy. This chakra governs sexuality, and someone with a healthy and well-balanced sacral chakra will be comfortable with their sexuality and have a healthy outlook on sex. Those who experience dysfunctions in this chakra may seem repressed or anxious about their sexuality, or shy and awkward in sexual situations. As the sacral chakra is located in the lower abdomen, it is also connected to the spleen, intestines and lower digestive system. Problems that occur in these systems indicate a need to work on clearing the energy of this chakra. It is the chakra of self-nourishment, encouraging us to have a care for our own needs, energy, and potential.
Solar Plexus Chakra (fire) identity, power, sense of self
The solar plexus chakra is located above the navel, in the center of the ribcage. Its color is yellow, the bright vitality of fire, and it is here that our sense of personal identity and personal power rest. This chakra will suffer dysfunctions if we are in a position where our power is not our own, where we are not in control of our own lives - victims of abuse, addiction, oppression. It is here that we get a “gut feeling” about people and things, and here that we instinctively fold our arms protectively when feeling anxious or afraid. It is also the chakra that governs the stomach, liver, gallbladder, and adrenals. Dysfunctions may manifest as issues with weight, eating disorders, hormonal imbalances, stomach ulcers, and more. To balance this chakra we must be in control of ourselves and at peace with ourselves.
Heart Chakra (air) love, social identity, acceptance of self and others
The heart chakra allows us to experience pure love, compassion, and empathy. When we say someone has a “broken heart,” we are referring to a dysfunction in their heart chakra. We are born with open heart chakras, as evidenced by the openness and earnestness of children, but over time experience and social conditioning teach us to believe that it is safer to be less vulnerable; and the heart chakra begins to shut down. This chakra helps us to relate to and accept others, to recognize others as kindred spirits, and perhaps most importantly, to love ourselves as divine creations. Problems with this chakra can show themselves as poor circulation or heart trouble, but also as depression and a feeling of isolation. Because of the chakra’s location and its association with the element of air, issues with the lungs and respiratory system can also be traced back to the heart chakra. Its color can be green or pink, both colors universally associated with peace and compassion.
Throat Chakra (sound) creative identity, self-expression
The power of the spoken word is highly underrated. A mother’s voice telling a child that everything is okay, makes everything okay. Enough people on a streetcorner saying, “Looks like rain, doesn’t it?” And it will rain. The throat chakra is representative of the creative power of our words, and how we govern our lives with the words we choose to speak. If we speak only truth, are honest about our feelings and seek to educate and uplift, then our throat chakra will be in good health. If we repress our feelings and choose not to speak on them, tell lies or choose to speak words of hate and anger, the chakra will reflect it. Physical problems can include sore throat, swollen tonsils and adenoids, tooth and oral problems, or upper respiratory infections. The throat chakra’s color is pale blue.
Brow Chakra (light) sight, clarity, perception, reflection
Those at all familiar with spirituality should recognize this chakra. This is the brow chakra, more commonly known as the Third Eye. It rests on the forehead, directly between and slightly above our two physical eyes. This chakra governs our sight, both inner and outer. It affects our intuition and our ability to see things clearly - literally and metaphorically. If the brow chakra is dysfunctional, it may manifest as ocular problems or migraines - or it may make it difficult for the person to view themself or others clearly. Someone with a clear brow chakra is able to rely on their intuition, to carefully examine themselves, their motives, their beliefs and identity, and to do the same with others. Clairvoyants rely on this chakra to exercise their special gift. The inner eye’s color is indigo.
Crown Chakra (spirit) connection
The crown chakra, is, quite simply, our connection to the divine - our tether, if you will, to the energy and Oneness of the universe. It is the location of the “silver rope” that those who have had an out-of-body-experience see, it is the place that anchors us during astral projection. It is the place children unconsciously angle toward the heavens when they bow their heads to pray. It is the place many Reiki practitioners feel energy flowing into them to be delivered to the patient, just as they feel
negative energy leaving through their feet to be recycled into the earth. Its color is white, or often violet.
Root Chakra (earth) physical identity, survival, basic instincts
The root or base chakra’s color is red, color of sexuality and vitality. It is located between the sexual organs and the anus, at the base of the spine. This is the chakra responsible for our sense of self, our sense of belonging (the safety and security of a well-balanced home or community), our basic needs and primal urges. It is also the chakra that rules over the eliminative system, governing the removal of wastes from the body; and also the chakra that allows for retrieval of new energy from the earth at our feet. If there is a dysfunction in this chakra, it may be due to issues such as a weak sense of self (low self-esteem), lack of connection with one’s inner or higher self, or perhaps a chaotic home life. If our basic needs are not met this chakra’s energy will experience blockages. These blockages may manifest as physical health problems such as fatigue, anxiety, renal or bowel problems.
Sacral Chakra (water) creativity, sexuality, energy
The sacral chakra is located just below the navel, so named because rests near the sacrum on the
spine. Its color is traditionally orange, associated with creativity and joy. This chakra governs sexuality, and someone with a healthy and well-balanced sacral chakra will be comfortable with their sexuality and have a healthy outlook on sex. Those who experience dysfunctions in this chakra may seem repressed or anxious about their sexuality, or shy and awkward in sexual situations. As the sacral chakra is located in the lower abdomen, it is also connected to the spleen, intestines and lower digestive system. Problems that occur in these systems indicate a need to work on clearing the energy of this chakra. It is the chakra of self-nourishment, encouraging us to have a care for our own needs, energy, and potential.
Solar Plexus Chakra (fire) identity, power, sense of self
The solar plexus chakra is located above the navel, in the center of the ribcage. Its color is yellow, the bright vitality of fire, and it is here that our sense of personal identity and personal power rest. This chakra will suffer dysfunctions if we are in a position where our power is not our own, where we are not in control of our own lives - victims of abuse, addiction, oppression. It is here that we get a “gut feeling” about people and things, and here that we instinctively fold our arms protectively when feeling anxious or afraid. It is also the chakra that governs the stomach, liver, gallbladder, and adrenals. Dysfunctions may manifest as issues with weight, eating disorders, hormonal imbalances, stomach ulcers, and more. To balance this chakra we must be in control of ourselves and at peace with ourselves.
Heart Chakra (air) love, social identity, acceptance of self and others
The heart chakra allows us to experience pure love, compassion, and empathy. When we say someone has a “broken heart,” we are referring to a dysfunction in their heart chakra. We are born with open heart chakras, as evidenced by the openness and earnestness of children, but over time experience and social conditioning teach us to believe that it is safer to be less vulnerable; and the heart chakra begins to shut down. This chakra helps us to relate to and accept others, to recognize others as kindred spirits, and perhaps most importantly, to love ourselves as divine creations. Problems with this chakra can show themselves as poor circulation or heart trouble, but also as depression and a feeling of isolation. Because of the chakra’s location and its association with the element of air, issues with the lungs and respiratory system can also be traced back to the heart chakra. Its color can be green or pink, both colors universally associated with peace and compassion.
Throat Chakra (sound) creative identity, self-expression
The power of the spoken word is highly underrated. A mother’s voice telling a child that everything is okay, makes everything okay. Enough people on a streetcorner saying, “Looks like rain, doesn’t it?” And it will rain. The throat chakra is representative of the creative power of our words, and how we govern our lives with the words we choose to speak. If we speak only truth, are honest about our feelings and seek to educate and uplift, then our throat chakra will be in good health. If we repress our feelings and choose not to speak on them, tell lies or choose to speak words of hate and anger, the chakra will reflect it. Physical problems can include sore throat, swollen tonsils and adenoids, tooth and oral problems, or upper respiratory infections. The throat chakra’s color is pale blue.
Brow Chakra (light) sight, clarity, perception, reflection
Those at all familiar with spirituality should recognize this chakra. This is the brow chakra, more commonly known as the Third Eye. It rests on the forehead, directly between and slightly above our two physical eyes. This chakra governs our sight, both inner and outer. It affects our intuition and our ability to see things clearly - literally and metaphorically. If the brow chakra is dysfunctional, it may manifest as ocular problems or migraines - or it may make it difficult for the person to view themself or others clearly. Someone with a clear brow chakra is able to rely on their intuition, to carefully examine themselves, their motives, their beliefs and identity, and to do the same with others. Clairvoyants rely on this chakra to exercise their special gift. The inner eye’s color is indigo.
Crown Chakra (spirit) connection
The crown chakra, is, quite simply, our connection to the divine - our tether, if you will, to the energy and Oneness of the universe. It is the location of the “silver rope” that those who have had an out-of-body-experience see, it is the place that anchors us during astral projection. It is the place children unconsciously angle toward the heavens when they bow their heads to pray. It is the place many Reiki practitioners feel energy flowing into them to be delivered to the patient, just as they feel
negative energy leaving through their feet to be recycled into the earth. Its color is white, or often violet.
Basic Reiki FAQ
Basic Reiki FAQ
What is it?
“Rei” in Japanese means “universal” and “ki” means “life energy.” Reiki itself dates back over 2000 years to ancient Tibet, where it was used for healing. However, it has been recorded in one form or another in multiple societies at many points in history. It is the equivalent of Chinese Qui Gong. It is similar in form and function to the energy Jesus used to heal the sick (e.g., “the laying on of hands”). Every living thing has its own energy matrix. Scientific research has proven that a field of bioelectric energy surrounds human beings, and that this energy can be manipulated. This field is Reiki, it is inherent in our being and ties us to the boundless energy of the universe. Reiki does not require intensive training, but does require a series of attunements to assure safety and effectiveness. We may feel Reiki as a sense of warmth or tingling, sometimes a vibratory sensation in our palms.
How it Works
The universe is a living being and requires no instruction. As such, the healing energy we draw from the universe requires no direction or effort. We are not the healer, we are merely the channel through which the One (of which we are all a part) chooses to heal itself. Reiki can be turned on by a mere thought or intention or, if it aids the practitioner or the client, a verbal cue (such as “Reiki on”). As a living energy, Reiki knows where to go, what to do, and when to stop. It is not possible to harm using Reiki (though it is possible to inadvertently draw from one’s own life force to heal, or to absorb the negative energy of another while healing - this is why the Usui method of Reiki has had safeguards built into its attunements for generations). Because energy is everywhere and all energies are interconnected, Reiki does not need contact to work. It can be sent across two inches, from one outstretched palm to another - or, with a thought, over 2000 miles.
What Can I Expect From a Reiki Session?
Everyone experiences Reiki differently. Some experience warmth or tingling, or a relaxation of tension. Some experience a relaxation and a stillness that is present more in mind than in body. Some even fall asleep! And some, rarely, feel nothing at all. This is not an indication that the Reiki is not working - more often it is an indication that the person’s aura, their bioelectric field, is damaged. This can be a result of ill health, stress, abuse, or many other factors; and is one of the reasons a Reiki session is performed. Reiki is particularly well-suited for treating ailments of the spirit, but as a basic study of the chakra system will tell you, physical ailments often have their root in the spiritual realm. Reiki is usually given to someone sitting or lying in a comfortable position, fully clothed. Traditional meditative poses are excellent, if possible. The practitioner’s hands are placed on or slightly above the body, in 22-24 different positions to ensure energy is distributed evenly to all points in the body. The Reiki recipient is free to do whatever feels natural during the session - sleep, meditate, talk, or just rest quietly. Background music or incense may be used, at the practitioner’s and/or the client’s discretion.
“Rei” in Japanese means “universal” and “ki” means “life energy.” Reiki itself dates back over 2000 years to ancient Tibet, where it was used for healing. However, it has been recorded in one form or another in multiple societies at many points in history. It is the equivalent of Chinese Qui Gong. It is similar in form and function to the energy Jesus used to heal the sick (e.g., “the laying on of hands”). Every living thing has its own energy matrix. Scientific research has proven that a field of bioelectric energy surrounds human beings, and that this energy can be manipulated. This field is Reiki, it is inherent in our being and ties us to the boundless energy of the universe. Reiki does not require intensive training, but does require a series of attunements to assure safety and effectiveness. We may feel Reiki as a sense of warmth or tingling, sometimes a vibratory sensation in our palms.
How it Works
The universe is a living being and requires no instruction. As such, the healing energy we draw from the universe requires no direction or effort. We are not the healer, we are merely the channel through which the One (of which we are all a part) chooses to heal itself. Reiki can be turned on by a mere thought or intention or, if it aids the practitioner or the client, a verbal cue (such as “Reiki on”). As a living energy, Reiki knows where to go, what to do, and when to stop. It is not possible to harm using Reiki (though it is possible to inadvertently draw from one’s own life force to heal, or to absorb the negative energy of another while healing - this is why the Usui method of Reiki has had safeguards built into its attunements for generations). Because energy is everywhere and all energies are interconnected, Reiki does not need contact to work. It can be sent across two inches, from one outstretched palm to another - or, with a thought, over 2000 miles.
What Can I Expect From a Reiki Session?
Everyone experiences Reiki differently. Some experience warmth or tingling, or a relaxation of tension. Some experience a relaxation and a stillness that is present more in mind than in body. Some even fall asleep! And some, rarely, feel nothing at all. This is not an indication that the Reiki is not working - more often it is an indication that the person’s aura, their bioelectric field, is damaged. This can be a result of ill health, stress, abuse, or many other factors; and is one of the reasons a Reiki session is performed. Reiki is particularly well-suited for treating ailments of the spirit, but as a basic study of the chakra system will tell you, physical ailments often have their root in the spiritual realm. Reiki is usually given to someone sitting or lying in a comfortable position, fully clothed. Traditional meditative poses are excellent, if possible. The practitioner’s hands are placed on or slightly above the body, in 22-24 different positions to ensure energy is distributed evenly to all points in the body. The Reiki recipient is free to do whatever feels natural during the session - sleep, meditate, talk, or just rest quietly. Background music or incense may be used, at the practitioner’s and/or the client’s discretion.
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