Lasting Healing in 2021

One of the teachings of Reiki is that for there to be lasting healing, there needs to be a change at the non-physical levels of mind/emotions and spirit.  As we begin 2021 with a worsening Covid-19 situation in the UK, I have been wondering how this teaching applies to this situation.  In the same way that a serious illness can change the direction of a person’s life in a positive way, could this pandemic be the wake-up call that changes some of the assumptions and old patterns in our world, so that we can become healthier? 

I have seen in my own health how, when there is no change at these unseen levels, old patterns will repeat and although there may appear to be healing on the physical level, these symptoms will return because the cause is still there.  Just like when the virus seemed to have gone away because people

were not spreading the infections so much, but returned when people returned to their previous habitual patterns of behaviour before and during Christmas. 

I have experienced this in healing my type 2 diabetes – I can reduce my blood glucose levels by cutting out sugar for a while, but when I go back to old habits of eating high carbohydrate foods, they rise again.  To maintain healthy glucose levels, I needed to change my thinking and remember the consequences of eating more sugar.  Decisions made based on unconscious habit will simply result in a relapse, so I need to be aware of what I’m eating and find other ways to be comforted that do not involve cakes and bread!  It is also helpful to heal the underlying need for comfort, which is where Reiki self-treatment is wonderful, being carbohydrate free and soothing!

So what sort of change is needed for the world to heal from the coronavirus?  I would suggest that our only way out of the repeating patterns of reduction then increase of infections is for there to be change in people’s thinking, emotional and spiritual state.  Why do some people find it difficult to follow the guidance that protects us from catching and spreading the virus?  Do they really not care about the well-being of others?  Or is it that they lack the capacity to think beyond their own lives and understand the consequences of their actions?  What is the mental/emotional/spiritual state that causes this?

What can we, as Reiki practitioners, do to help the world to heal?  The Reiki Principles invite us to change our thinking and emotional state, so one thing we can do is to remember and act on them.  Our Reiki practice encourages self- responsibility and also care for others, so we can remember these qualities too in all that we do.  I have also found that simply by giving and receiving Reiki treatments change happens – often quietly and simply, through the shift from stress to a relaxed and creative state of being. 

I believe this pandemic is a tremendous opportunity for our world to change and heal on many levels.  My wish for 2021, therefore, is for global healing that comes through change that fosters greater consciousness and a willingness to engage with difficulty to expand our capabilities, so that all humans can thrive.

Welcome Changes

Although summer has lingered, there’s a feel of autumn in the air.  Soon the clocks will change and winter won’t be far away. As someone who loves sunshine and warmth I always feel a little resistance to this seasonal change, but having Reiki has made flowing with change easier, and this autumn is bringing me many exciting changes...

One of the changes I’m getting used to is being a different size.  For many years I’ve struggled with being over-weight.  After listening to my intuition during Reiki self-treatments I finally discovered a solution that, with some determination, has worked and I now feel confident that my new shape and size is here to stay.  One of the challenges of this is accepting that some of my much loved clothes just don’t look good on me any more! 

Another wonderful change is being invited to offer Reiki treatments and classes at Reflections in Ludlow.  I had been feeling that Helena Lane was not ideal, given that it is often noisy.  I was therefore delighted to be welcomed to work at Reflections, which is really central and easy to find.  It’s a much more peaceful place and what is also great is that I can also teach classes there.  I know that in the past I would have been a little nervous about changing from the familiar to a new place and whether it would work to do treatments there, but with the help of Reiki to overcome my anxiety, I am just really excited!  I also feel that Reiki helped me to connect with Sam, the owner, which is a connection I feel very positive about.

Another change that happened this year is stepping down from my 5 year role on Reiki Association Council.  I was just getting used to not having this time-consuming role in my life when...

Around the same time as the new clinic space materialised I was invited to join the Executive Director Team for Reiki Foundation International, a charity that supports the practice of Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki and in particular Phyllis Fururmoto and Paul Mitchell who jointly hold the Office of Grand Master.  At first I was resistant to the idea, not wanting to go back to a lot of voluntary work that would eat into my paid work time.  However, having discussed it with Phyllis and Elaine who is guiding the team, I saw that this could be a good way to take forwards what I have learned in the last 5 years, as well as giving me more opportunities to learn.  Finding CPD opportunities never seems to be a problem for me, as long as I’m willing to accept change!

I have previously spoken of how Reiki seemed to give me a boat with which to float more comfortably on the ups and downs of life, rather than battling the waves and frequently becoming overwhelmed.  I’m now feeling as if Reiki has given me further transformation and it’s more like I have a surf-board than a boat!  Change can be a challenge, but I find that Reiki helps me ride it more comfortably.