When the participants of the June 10 Healing Circle arrived at Mariandale in Ossining, NY, they expected to spend some time in meditation and have Reiki practitioners place their hands on them. Instead they experienced the healing presence of international Reiki teacher Frans Stiene. In his trademark jovial and grounded way, Frans shared his wisdom, stories, and joy of decades of Reiki practice. He explained and showed that the system of Reiki is so much more than just hands-on-healing. Many people define Reiki as a hands-on-healing modality only. But Reiki is a way of being, not just a way of doing. After all, we are human beings and not human doings.
Imagine the ripple effect of a smile. When a person smiles at us, we generally smile back. Automatically our mood lifts. We feel better. Research even exists that 20 seconds of smiling can already alter the neurochemistry of our brains by reducing stress levels and increasing the production of feel good hormones. 20 seconds is all it takes to shift a person’s mood. Try it for yourself…
In the system of Reiki, we have the precepts. To me, the precepts are the guidelines, foundation and heart of Reiki practice:
Just for today
Do not anger
Do not worry
Be grateful
Be true to your way and your being
Show compassion for yourself and others.
Just for today can sound like a very long time. Sometimes we can only be present for one breath at a time. As Frans shared with us in his talk, just for today can also translate to just for this one moment, just for this one activity. This makes it more manageable and brings mindfulness to daily life. When I feel less anger, I experience more calmness. When I feel less worried, I can be more focused. When I am grateful, I can appreciate the people and things I would otherwise take for granted. When I am true to my way and my being, I am honest with myself and feel good about my decisions. When I show compassion for myself and others, I am more caring, loving and generous.
You don’t have to be a Reiki practitioner to tune into this healing presence. We can all tap into this innate healing power. No healing hands are needed. Your healing presence is already within you. It is accessible 24/7, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, day and night. When we escape the prison of our own confused mind, our perspectives can change. Just for today, give it a try… and start with a smile.