Four years ago, I attended a workshop for Reiki Masters with Phyllis Furumoto. She was the granddaughter of Hawayo Takata, the woman who brought Reiki practice out of Japan and to the world. Phyllis was also one of the 22 Reiki Masters trained by Hawayo Takata.
What I took away from this meeting is that every time I receive or practice Reiki I make a conscious choice – and that Reiki gives me what I need, not what I want.
For many, Reiki is a healing art. The art of hands-on healing. Especially when people first turn to a Reiki practitioner seeking help for a physical or emotional ailment or challenge. They think that the laying on of hands will work as a magic wand, taking all their pain and problems away. Ideally, within one session. But healing is an inside and insight job and our own responsibility. How can I expect to run a marathon when I don’t even run a mile a day?
But over time, as we receive Reiki regularly (or even practice it on ourselves), we are given the possibility to discover that Reiki is also a spiritual practice.
Spirituality can be a loaded word. That’s why I love this definition of spirituality by Brené Brown:
“Spirituality is recognizing and celebrating that we are all inextricably connected to each other by a power greater than all of us, and that our connection to that power and to one another is grounded in love and compassion. Practicing spirituality brings a sense of perspective, meaning, and purpose to our lives.”
When I can experience life, or each day, with less anger, less worry, more gratitude, and more compassion, I am in a better place. A better place to choose. A better place to connect. The Reiki precepts teach us how to do this. One moment. At. A. Time.
May you have PEACE, LOVE & CALM – today and every day.
About Andrea Deierlein & Thrive Reiki, LLC: Andrea's work specializes in helping people transform the pain of life challenges and daily adversity through the practice of Reiki. She helps people struggling with stress, anxiety and overwhelm, to relax, calm down and breathe again. Focusing on stress management and the mind-body-connection, her clients shift out of survival mode, build focus and resilience. Connect with her on www.thrivereiki.com or follow her on Instagram @andreadeierlein