I grew up with a very loose understanding of what Reiki (pronounced ray-key) was and that is primarily due to the fact that my dad works in one of the Eastern medicine fields. Even with that slight knowledge rolling around in the back of my mind, it wasn’t until I went through the process of completing my Reiki First Degree that I really started to not only know what Reiki was, but to fully feel what Reiki was as well.
My hands have always been slightly warmer than the rest of the people in my family and I thought that was because I was just designed differently. Then one day I was at a group meditation with my younger sister where they had Reiki Healers standing around the circle in case someone was in need of them as we navigated an emotional meditation. I sensed my sisters emotions welling within her so I put my hand gently on her back. I imagined sending healing into her and eventually her breath returned to a calm gentle inhale and exhale.
When she opened her eyes she turned to me with a sparkle in her eye and said, “wow! That Reiki healers hands were so warm! I felt so much better with their energy.” I looked at her a little perplexed and said, “the Reiki healers weren’t near us, that was my hand on your back.” She was completely shocked and told me I needed to pursue Reiki. The idea that had been trickling and percolating for years before had finally received a push and I started to search for a Reiki Master. I thought after my attunement to Reiki that my hands would not be quite so warm because now I was trained on how to let the energy flow, but the exact opposite happened. Now that the energy knows it can flow freely my hands are warmer than ever! In fact, some of my family and friends now refer to me as “Hot Hands”. They now even get warm when I’m out in public and a stranger could benefit from Reiki! I don’t always know whom it is being directed to so sometimes I just let the energy flow, knowing it will find the person it is intended for. So if you’re ever out in public and suddenly your mood lifts without reason, maybe some of that Reiki energy has found its way to you!
Now, my understanding of Reiki is evolving even as we speak. By no means do I claim to be an expert, for in fact even by the Canadian Reiki Association standards, I am still technically a student. Everyday I am learning more ways that Reiki is useful and growing my connection. So I will share some of what I have learned and experienced thus far.
Reiki
The International Center for Reiki Training defines Reiki in the following way:
“Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen “life force energy” flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. If one’s “life force energy” is low, then we are more likely to get sick or feel stress, and if it is high, we are more capable of being happy and healthy. “
( https://www.reiki.org/faq/whatisreiki.html)
One element I wish to clarify from the above excerpt is that in order for Reiki to be effective you do not technically have to “lay your hands” on the client. Yes, many people choose to grant their Reiki practitioner permission to appropriately “lay their hands” because they find an added level of relaxation occurs by the light pressure. However, if touch is not feasible due to injury or the receiver does not wish to be touched then the same level of healing can occur with the practitioner holding their hands slightly above the body.
Etymology of the word Reiki
Reiki is composed of two Japanese words: Rei, meaning universal, and Ki meaning life force. Just as the above definition states, we all have this universal life-force flowing through us, which when flowing fully allows us to feel relaxed, alive, and joyful. When the stresses of life become too much or if our health declines (often the result of stress as well), our life force energy slows down. Sometimes if it is chronic stress or negativity we harbour our energy can even get blocked. Reiki is a way to help release those blocks (more to come on that later).
History of Reiki
The style of Reiki I practice is called, Usui Reiki, after its founder Mikao Usui. I have included a link below for the full history of Mikao Usui as it is too long and too detailed to address here. ttps://www.reiki.org/faq/HistoryOfReikiToCopy.html
Although he did not “invent” Reiki—since there was life and therefore life-force on Earth before him—Usui, is the founder whose lineage I learned from. Mikao Usui taught his students who became Reiki Masters, who then taught the Reiki Master who then taught the Reiki Master who then taught the Reiki Master etc. etc. who taught my Reiki Master, who then taught me. Much like a family tree, except we do not share the same DNA.
I am not a Reiki Master, though I could become one someday. First, I took my Reiki I (first degree). My next step towards Reiki Master would be my Second Degree before finally working towards Reiki Master. However, for now I am content learning at this level and seeing where it takes me.
Hopefully, I have touched on a few aspects of Reiki that have brought you knowledge and understanding—or even better it stirred up more questions and curiosity! There will be plenty more tidbits of insight and information as I continue to walk this path. I welcome questions and comments and will do my best to answer them in a timely manner!
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Happy Monday and may you be lead to all the people, places, and things that joyfully grow your soul.
-J
Lightbearer Reiki 