For many, Reiki is a healing art. The art of hands-on healing. But Reiki is so much more than just hands-on healing: Reiki practice promotes self-healing and personal growth through spiritual discipline [read the full blog post here].

In the system of Reiki, we have several ways to connect with this life force energy. We can connect through touch, through mindfulness and meditation practices, through visualization or even sound in the form of chanting. All these techniques are rooted in what we call the Reiki precepts. To me, the precepts are the guidelines, foundation and heart of Reiki practice - and they are as follows:

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.

When I am less angry, I experience more calmness. When I am 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 can make choices based on my values. When I show compassion for myself and others, I am more caring, loving and generous.

And don’t we all need a little bit of more compassion right now?