What is Reiki?
Reiki is a natural healing art that helps balance the energy in our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies, thus activating our ability to self-heal. Discovered, or most likely rediscovered, by Mikao Usui, a Japanese monk, in the late 19th century, Reiki can be translated to 'spiritually guided' (Rei) 'life force energy' (Ki). A Reiki Practitioner channels what is called 'universal life-force energy' through her hands, often enabling deep relaxation and a meditative state within the client which can help reduce stress and promote wellness.
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In order to become a practitioner, a person must go through training and be initiated in a ceremony whereby the Reiki Master transfers the system of healing to the student. There are three levels of Reiki, each activating different healing energies.
Reiki is not affiliated with any specific religious doctrine or belief system; but, rather it relies on the understanding that there is a beautiful, divine cosmic energy that intelligently and lovingly guides all things. Reiki can never do harm and always works for the highest good.
By inviting Reiki into our lives, we invite the magic of the sun, moon, and stars.
Why do I practice Reiki?
I joke that I am an 'Accidental Reiki Master' because I was not aware when I signed up for my first Reiki class that it was a certification course. But after I completed my training, it was clear that Reiki coming into my life was no accident, it was part of my soul's path. I had recently launched From the Earth Creative and began to own my creative talents as healing gifts, so energy healing work seemed a natural addition to FTEC's vision.
Some people look at Reiki simply as a natural healing system, which it is, but others emphasize the spiritual path that Reiki awakens for many people. I fall into the latter category. Practicing Reiki has invited me to embody my highest self, to express my love, joy, and gratitude with honesty and vulnerability, and to honor my emotions--painful, ugly, and beautiful--for the teachers they are, It reminds me every day that surrendering to love and trusting in the limitless wisdom of the universe is always a place of strength healing.
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When a person is first attuned to Reiki, she/he agrees to start and end each day with this simple prayer:
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Just for today, do not worry.
Just for today, do not anger.
Honor your parents, teachers, elders.
Earn your living honestly.
Show gratitude to every living thing.
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As we start to embrace these deceptively simple principles, we begin to live a life from our heart which in turn aligns us with the highest part of ourselves. .
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What happens in a Session?
A Reiki session in person typically lasts from an hour to an hour and a half. The client remains clothed and relaxes on a massage table. Because I first learned Reiki in the state of Virginia in a time where it was illegal to touch a client unless you were a doctor, nurse, certified massage therapist, or clergy, my sessions do no involve much (if any touch). I work above the body within the energy field (aura) of the body. For many practitioners, Reiki is a hands on modality, but is not massage or acupressure. Reiki works with energy.
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When I am doing a Reiki session, I am in a very 'open' state that allows the universal life force energy to flow through me and, as a result, my intuition and empathic abilities are heightened. While it is not 'Reiki', I often get information about my clients that can help them on their path.
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In most of my sessions, I use the frequencies of crystals and essential oils (also not Reiki, but very useful!) to support the healing.
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What can Reiki help with? Anything!
But it's particularly useful in times of stress, transition, change, chronic pain and illness, depression, fatigue, new beginnings (think new job, relationship, buying a house, etc.), if you're feeling stuck. Most of us lead very busy lives, so it's easy to get ourselves out of whack. Reiki can help restore a sense of balance and wellness.
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For animals, Reiki is an equally powerful tool in promoting wellness and most are highly receptive to treatments. Like humans, animals get out of balance, too, with similar stressors.
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As a Reiki Practitioner, I am not 'healing' people or animals. The 'spiritually guided life force energy' that flows through me helps my clients (furry or otherwise!) live in balance and thus promotes wellness that comes from within.
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