The Reiki Principles, which you can ponder whether or not you are initiated into Reiki, were developed by Mikao Usui to encourage us to become more conscious in our thinking to extend the practice of Reiki beyond a simple hands-on healing technique. I find they are particularly helpful during challenging times such as the one we are currently experiencing.
Just for today do not worry – When I worry, I find that it separates me from other people. Lost in my own thoughts and feelings, I am less aware of what is going on around me. I don’t notice the needs of others because I am so preoccupied with my own inner drama. So this invitation to let go of my worry just for today is a useful practice that helps me to re-connect with those around me and often this leads to me offering or receiving the support that’s needed.
Just for today do not anger – Being in a state of anger also separates me from other people. I am in opposition, ready to fight. This is a normal response to stress, but not a state that helps me feel good. I experience temporary release of my feelings by having good shout or bashing a pillow, but what transforms it into better feelings is acceptance. When I accept what is ‘just so’, I re-connect with reality and my kinder self, which is much more effective at creating change. The changes I make may only be very small and might not be what I wanted to happen when I became angry, but I can feel less helpless when I start to do something, especially if it is some kindness for another person.
Honour your parents, teachers and elders – I have been fortunate to be able to stay in close contact with my mother during the lockdowns. Many people have found themselves unexpectedly separated from parents and grandparents during the pandemic. Teachers have also been separated from their students. Many people have found creative new ways to connect with loved ones and students. Perhaps we are all more aware of how we honour our parents, teachers and elders by remaining connected with them in whatever way we can.
Earn your living honestly – Not being able to teach in person raised the question of whether I would teach 1st and 2nd degree classes online. For me this would not be earning my living honestly, because the way I teach Reiki is in the Oral Tradition and giving initiations without being physically present with the student is not in integrity with this. However, I have discovered new ways to connect with people who have already learned Reiki via the internet. I’ve discovered there are different ways to help Reiki students develop with a creative approach to online sessions.
Show gratitude to every living thing –Walking in nature every day, no matter what else is happening, I give my grateful attention to the trees, birds, flowers and insects that surround me. And reptiles! To my complete surprise I encountered a lizard in my garden this summer and we spent several minutes watching each other. I was grateful for the beauty of this encounter, which lifted my spirits. Connection with living things through gratitude is healing and supportive in these challenging times. Remembering not just to be grateful, but also to show my gratitude I find a useful practice as it takes me out of my busy head and reconnects me with something much greater than myself and offers the perspective that ‘this too shall pass’.
