I am often questioned, “What is Reiki?” when someone learns I am a Reiki practitioner. In the beginning of my practice, my first thought was “Reiki is both form and essence. How do I include all of this in a couple of words?”
My current answer is “assisted meditation”, placing the focus on what a Reiki session with me might feel like in the beginning. The other person almost always nods their head “yes” and tells me they could probably use something like that.
I find that a lot of people sense it would be nice to cultivate a connection with silence.
But where does one start? There are so many ways to choose from it can feel daunting. Our ceaseless, chattering mind is always telling us there is way too much to Do. It doesn’t seem possible that there could be any value in investing an hour to just Be; to explore what it feels like to rest our mind while we are still awake.
A Reiki session could help you take the first step.
How does Reiki work?
In short, I don’t know. Here’s what I can report though. My Reiki practice has expanded my personal life and my professional life, and healed some physical ailments in ways I can’t explain—except that my daily Reiki practice was involved.
I have come to know it is a gift to have a physical form that I can move around and care for. My magnificent mind is a gift to experience fear, worry, anger, guilt and shame … and choose differently.
I find it easier to practice:
- choosing balance; sitting with sudden dramatic situational changes instead of immediately jumping to judgement and action
- choosing allowing instead of rigid control which has brought tangible support in ways I’d never have imagined
- choosing compassion for myself and others because we are ALL doing the best we can (and that’s enough)
- and most of all, choosing Unconditional LOVE for everything and everyone, even if I am choosing a different way for myself
As I began treating others professionally, it exponentially increased my knowing that something was going on. When I was initiated as a master, it felt as if teaching others this way of Being was where I’ve been headed all along.
“Yes, yes.” You may be saying, “But How Does Reiki Work?”
Any Internet search will provide you with many—and often conflicting—stories, histories and theories. There have been a few small-scale scientific studies, none have definitively found the mechanism of action that proves how Reiki works.
And here’s how I feel about needing “proof” right this red-hot moment,
“If we could loosen the grip we have on the mechanical view of our own bodies and the body of the world, many other possibilities might come to light.”
Thomas Moore: Care of the Soul : A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life
Scientifically, “how Reiki works” is still a mystery. My sense is the answer may remain a mystery for some time to come. The longer I practice Reiki, the more I feel at peace with that.
What happens in a Reiki session?
In-Person Reiki Session
Most people who try a Reiki session with me appreciate its effective simplicity. My role is to serve as a facilitator in your healing journey. I do not medically diagnose or prescribe medical treatment.
Reiki sessions are not intended to be a substitute for any medical protocol or medications prescribed by your doctor. I encourage you to inform her or him about your Reiki sessions as this type of clinical observation could increase collaboration.
You will remain fully clothed except for your shoes during the Reiki Session. If you wear glasses you will probably be more comfortable taking them off. You may also want to remove your watch or other jewelry, but it is not necessary.
The Reiki session consists of respectful, light touch on various parts of your body. If an area is extremely sensitive I will place my hands several inches above your body. I will rest my hand in each position for several minutes and move completely around the chair. If you feel uncomfortable at any time, for any reason, I encourage you to let me know.
I generally follow a standard set of hand positions. However, the hand positions and length of time in each position may vary from session to session. The reason for this is based solely on the sensations I receive from our connection.
Distant Reiki Session
Wondering how this is possible? I offer this analogy. When you FaceTime with a loved one, do you feel better afterwards? This is because you were both intentionally connected at a Heart Level.
A Distant Reiki Session works in a similar way, with a twist. A Distant Reiki Session supports mindful silence and the opportunity to Hear Your Heart. Your Animating Force. Your Source of Wisdom.
What am I doing during a Reiki Session?
Throughout the Reiki Session I endeavor to be fully present and empty of expectations; deeply connected with your perfection, gently holding a safe space in the present moment, where infinite possibilities ignite. If I do have a sensation, I acknowledge it and return to the present moment without judgement or interpretation.
I support your budding awareness of how powerful you really are.
After your Reiki session …
I will ask you how the session felt for you. We may briefly discuss your experience although it is not necessary to enjoy the benefits of the session. Your sharing is always kept confidential.
Over the years my clients have reported that the Reiki session has brought forth insights about what they are going through, and clear decisions about the next steps to take. Sometimes pain is softened to a more manageable level or gone completely. Or, they feel more relaxed than they have in years. All responses hold value.
Reiki is a subtle, cumulative healing modality. You will probably feel better for many hours after a your Reiki session. To feel its effects for longer periods outside of the Reiki room, it is suggested that you schedule 4 to 8 concurrent daily or weekly sessions. I offer reduced rates for those interested in this protocol.
Subsequent sessions on a monthly or quarterly basis will help keep you aligned and humming at optimal healing levels.
When we feel better we can more easily care for others
The foundation of Reiki rests in the value of taking care of our self first before attempting to care for others. My practice includes giving myself a Reiki session every day.
If you find value in our Reiki sessions I encourage you to learn this spiritual healing art to care for yourself. Especially if you spend most of your waking hours caring for others in your personal and/or professional lives.
I regularly offer classes or individual instruction throughout each year if you are interested in exploring this option. This link has information about classes.
Each person is unique, and so the possibilities of how Reiki can support the healing process are enormous. Why not experience it for yourself? Here are my rates for Reiki sessions.