Reiki has fast become one of the most popular healing modalities of recent times, with many often attracted by the"ease" and allure of being able to access such an incredible source in the space of just a few days. However once the initial excitement fades away we tend to find some students lose interest too soon or even stop, prematurely bringing their Reiki journey to an end before it has even truly began. Sadly this means many practitioners therefore never really get to experience the full potential of what Reiki can offer.
Reasons often come down to common traits we tend to carry such as: fear, doubt, frustration and insecurities. These tend to surface when there is an expectation of results, or when we compare ourselves to others. These triggers however are usually tied in with our own clearing after a workshop. Subtle aspects start to surface in order for us to see the areas we need to refine to keep evolving. They are a key part of your Reiki journey and healing and the only way to work overcome them is through regular practice.
After Level 1...
As with all things, practice and dedication is required if you wish to see genuine change. The training and attunements are simply the beginning stages. Over the coming months and years it is the practitioners own effort and self work that determines the level of growth and connection to Reiki. The more effort made towards spirit, the more you will naturally merge with Reiki. If we stop practicing, then our learning will also effectively stop.
Each practitioner connects to Reiki differently. Some feel the energy, whilst others receive visuals or physical and emotional feedback instead. As you progress you will notice your connection will continuously evolve as and when you are ready. Therefore do not rush the process or become disheartened when you do not see/feel results. The external part of ourselves often want quick fixes, exciting abilities and immediate results, however inner growth is much more subtle and refined. Be patient and trust the process :)
How often?
Each practitioner will vary however giving to others is one of the best ways to evolve your practice. When we choose to help others without expectation, we receive more help from source to benefit those we help which naturally has a positive impact on our own wellbeing. Daily self practice is also another great way to improve your practice. A short treatment morning and night is a great habit, however also ensure to dedicate time for a full treatment regularly if you want to receive the full benefits. Swap practice with other students are also a great way to enhance your practice and support one other on your path.
A well balanced treatment practice should include:
Self Practice: Important for strengthening and deepening our own inner connection. Regularly clears out stagnant energy /toxins to improve overall well-being.
Giving: Encourages us to help and develop more compassion towards others. Purifies our motive by giving to others without expectation.
Receiving: Allows us to put our own needs first from time to time, and develop better awareness to when our energy system needs attention.
BENEFITS
Hands on/off practice offers much more than just the physical benefits and developing sensitivity. They are often the main source of intel for our inner work. Feeding us subtle clues and insight to reveal the hidden parts of ourselves that block us. Treat each treatment as an opportunity to unravel the many layers of the soul.
Double Clearing
During a treatment Reiki circulates smoothly through both practitioner and client, clearing out any stuck energy/toxins to benefit both giver and receiver. When we choose to give openly and freely to those in need, you will naturally find your Reiki will evolve with time in order to further assist those you help as well as your own growth.
Refinement
As you deepen your practice, you will often find the clients drawn to you are connected to your own clearing. Reiki works in mysterious ways, and you will find the"help" you receive will tend to come through the circumstances, people and experiences you encounter. Keep a journal and reflect regularly. Pay attention to key emotions, themes or reoccurring patterns, as well as any particularly intense treatments. These subtle messages provide the fuel for your inner work.
Emotional Connections
One of the main ways we can evolve is through our personal interactions with others. When we give to others it is a chance to build on positive aspects such as respect, humility and compassion. Varied practice on people also provides an excellent opportunity to step out of our comfort zone and place ourselves under a little self pressure. This allows us to see the subtle traits within and our responses. When a client triggers you or doubt sets in ask yourself why. Learning to deal with different emotions and reactions allows us to build important life skills such as resilience through our practice. Use your practice to better understand yourself.
ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO PRACTICE
There may be moments when we are too busy, overwhelmed or disconnected, and it feels necessary to take a break. Never force your practice, as it will end up having the opposite effect. We all need an occasional break and it is important to allow yourself time to also process what comes up. Hands on practice is just one element of the system so although it is essential, there are still many alternative ways to keep practicing. During these moments it can be a good time to revisit some of the other important elements within the system.
Gokai | 5 Principles
"The miraculous medicine to cure all diseases." These simple principles taught at Level 1 are often seen as the foundations. Master Usui believed that everyone had the potential to self heal if they followed these 5 principles in daily life. Unfortunately the significance they once held are often overshadowed by the physical/side benefits from Reiki. From time to time go back to basics. Find ways to integrate them into your routine, such as setting daily small goals or meditation to embody each principle. Experiment and see what works best.
Shirushi | Symbols
Initially introduced as a way to help practitioners develop a stronger connection, the symbols are an important aspect but like the principles the true relevance and benefits are often lost over time. If you find yourself rushing through them before a treatment or when cleaning your space, it maybe a sign to revisit and rebuild your connection. Spend time connecting when you draw and genuinely feeling a shift in energy before moving on to the next. Meditate on each one to deepen your own understanding of what they mean to you, as well as finding creative ways to use them such as on your crystals, food, plants and work tools.
Self Work
If you have learnt additional tools, then utilize them to help piece together the clues for your self work. The pendulum is one of the best tools to accompany you on your self exploration, assisting you to help identify the deeper layers and patterns to release. Set aside time each week to reflect on your practice and find a key area to focus on for a period of time. Try to remove any expectations of results as this tends to lead to frustration. Deeply ingrained traits can realistically take years before we are able to truly overcome them. Make a conscious genuine effort to work on it daily, and trust the subtle shifts are beginning to take place.
LIFE LONG PRACTICE
Reiki is a life long practice, and as a practitioner our training never really stops. Daily life with all its outer distractions is the best training ground we can ask for. When we are able to maintain a regular practice regardless of outer disturbances, it is a sign our inner efforts are beginning to come through. Set a realistic routine, if you can only dedicate 15 minutes each day then make this your habit. In the long run this will be far more beneficial then an intensive 2 week holiday period every 6 months.
Notice when and where you feel resistance in your practice- self treatments, distant, self scans, certain individuals? Question and explore the reasons behind it. These are often the areas where we should place more focus. Inner work is not meant to be easy, so if you find your practice too simple, relook at it and find ways to keep evolving and challenging yourself.
We hope all practitioners will continue to keep using this wonderful tool to assist their Path. There are no limit to the wonders of what Reiki can bring! Keep up the practice!
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