• as a noun – (a thing) I know Reiki
• as a verb – I’m was Reiki-ing a client
• as an adjective – Reiki was flowing very strongly
• as an adverb -While giving Reiki in this one area there was strong byosen.

An unexpected feature I noticed was that there appeared to be two (possibly more) camps which spoke of either “doing Reiki” or “being Reiki”.

Now you might be thinking is there really a difference between these two thoughts.  When I was a novice or beginning Reiki student I might have said: No, not really. As I might have assumed both phrases to mean the same thing – a person was just a practitioner of Reiki and thought nothing else of it.

Skip forward a number of years, and after learning a number of different styles and I have a different point of view, hence this post. 

In my mind the act of doing is implying an action outside of ourselves. For instance, when washing dishes by hand, we normally say “We are doing the dishes”. For some this activity is a chore, or it can be used as a focus for meditation, an opportunity for the washer and the dryer to discuss the day’s activities and I’m sure you can come up with other scenarios. So you might be wondering how does this apply to Reiki? Well, it has been my experience when I used to “do” Reiki it was mechanical. A set pattern or way of giving Reiki to myself or another person. In fact, on occasion I even viewed Reiki as a chore; as it was something else that I had to cram into my overbooked daily schedule. By “doing” Reiki I was disconnected from the experience. This does not mean that my hands didn’t get hot, or I wouldn’t feel a clients’ ache or pain on some part of my body. At the time I didn’t notice, but there was something missing and I had no idea what it was.

As my personal experience with Reiki grew and matured, I became less interested in having the “strongest, most powerful – knock your socks off” kind of Reiki. A friend one time shared with me that when I gave Reiki to her it felt like soft kitten kind of energy. My ego felt insulted, how could kitten soft energy do anything? Then I remembered a phrase that is often said at Christian marriage services – “love is patience, love is kind, it is not boastful” and I began to understand. I realize that this desire for power was a need, want, craving of my more than human ego.

So what is “being” Reiki all about then? A person who is being – in the words of Eckhart Tolle is someone who is in the moment. Ahhh…. and if I’m in the moment then I am not looking outside of myself but looking inside.  This thought then leads to the first line of the Reiki – Gokai – Just For Today (Kyo Dake Wa). Being mindful of my thought, word and deed – am I being kind or compassionate to those whom I meet during the course of my day?  And so began the internalization of the rest of the Reiki Principles. This internalization included learning them in Japanese, as I am a firm believer that words spoken in their language of origin hold a different vibration than the translation.  We have all heard jokes that are very funny in another language that when translated into English don’t seem so funny. I view the Reiki principles in the same way.

This is the version of the Gokai – 5 Principles I use. It has made a difference to my Reiki practice saying them in Japanese, and some of my students also notice a difference in theirs.

• Kyo Dake Wa  ~ just for today
• Ikaruna ~ do not be angry
• Shin Pai Suna ~ do not be worried
• Kansha Shite ~ be grateful
• Gyo-o Hageme ~ do your duties fully
• Hito Ni Shin Setsu Ni ~ be kind to others

You can find many different versions of this on YouTube – maybe I’ll add my own one day 

By having a better understanding of Byosen and internalizing the Gokai, (I feel) has lead me to become a better Reiki practitioner and Master. This internalization has put flesh on the bare bones of the traditional hand positions that I first learned in Takata-Usui Shiki Reiki. Hopefully, my students get a sense of this rich Reiki tapestry. My clients have reported a positive change in the Reiki they receive, so maybe I am on the correct path with all of this.

So I will follow the wise words of the founder of Reiki ~ Mikao Usui-sensei “Chant these words in the morning and evening” as I sit on my meditation seat and endeavor to “BE” Reiki. In this way I will become empowered and hopefully a little enlightened. It was this goal of attaining enlightenment that lead Usui-sensei to sit on Mount Kurama. I look forward to tapping into that Universal Spirit wisdom and thank you for sharing this journey on the Reiki path.

One day while trying to rustle up more clients for Wednesday Reiki Day at hospice  – I approached a fellow volunteer who also is a Reiki practitioner and asked if she would be interested.  Her response caught me quite off guard, ” No, thanks I’m feeling fine, so I don’t think I need any Reiki.”

So it got me thinking?

1. When do most people receive Reiki?
2. Do only sick people need or want Reiki?
3. Is it bad to have Reiki when your feeling healthy/fine?

In most Reiki traditions the beginner student is strongly encouraged and is recommended to administer Reiki self-healing every day. It is an opportune moment for some quality ‘me’ time.  Yes, I mean some self-indulgent, doing this for me – kind of thing. It is not very common in my North American culture to invoke a time-out from life and have some ‘me’ time, but it is becoming a necessity.

Meditation is ‘me’ time too.  Taking time to reflect on the day’s events – could I have been kinder or more compassionate when listening to a co-worker un-burden their trials and tribulations of the moment?  Was I quick to judge another based upon superficial evidence?  Or, am I being ground down my the rat race?

Just as North Americans are seeing the value of mediation, we Reiki practitioners need to see the value in Daily Self-Practice.  Initially, as a beginning student we may not feel much. I know I didn’t feel any of the Byosen sensations in my hands for a number of months, but then again I wasn’t using Reiki on myself daily. Maybe if I had;  the ability to feel those sensations may have started sooner  or not. Over time the palms of my hands got hot, and then hot and sweaty, and then I got hot too.  Thankfully, the more I went to the teacher sponsored practice nights the whole body flame I was experiencing ceased and returned to a warm glow in my palms.

Reiki is not something you do only when you feel like you need to do something – when someone or a loved one is under duress. Reiki can be thought of as a pro-active preventative countermeasure to help us stay in balance. We would never think of only having a bath once a year as they used to do in Medieval Europe.  Nor would we only brush our teeth on the day we go to the dentist. In my mind Reiki shouldn’t be thought of this way either.

If we want to stay in balance when walking that fine high wire we call life will require us to use our Reiki more frequently. Reiki is not like the good china we only bring out on special occasions, it is good enough for everyday.

As for the questions I posed at the beginning of this blog – I have no answers. If your inclined leave me a note. Thanks!

(http://www.asa.org.uk/ASA-action/adjudications/20016/Christina-Moore/TF_ADJ_50896.aspx)

Unfortunately for Christina – but thankfully for the rest of us – she is the canary in the Reiki or Complementary Health  coal mine. What do I mean by that you may be thinking? We the practitioners of Complementary health are being taken to task when advertising our wares.  Gone are the days when we could make health claims however veiled as anecdotal or as testimonials.

The person who filed the complaint against this practitioner took issue with “The aim of crystal healing is to restore wholeness, balance and health on all levels – emotional, mental, spiritual as well as physical” was misleading and could not be substantiated.

The ASA felt that similar claims were being made when discussing Reiki. They also felt that when the website stated it could help more serious health conditions like strokes or high blood pressure it might lead a consumer to think that Reiki could be used to the exclusion of standard medical care.

When Christina mentioned the research studies which show how Reiki has helped people in certain situations the ASA dismissed these thoughts by saying the research had not been published in a peer-reviewed medical journals and therefore such statements were unacceptable.

In light of what the ASA discovered her ad was found to be in violation of CAP code (Edition 12) rules 3.1 (Misleading advertising), 3.7 (Substantiation) 12.1 and 12.6 (Medicine, medical devices, health-related products and beauty products).

In closing, the action that the ASA took against Christina Moore was “to have her remove the references to serious medical conditions and other illnesses and to ensure that they held robust, clinical evidence before making efficacy claims for their therapies in the future.”

I don’t know about you but I’m going to revisit all my business promotional material. The last thing I need is to have a review like this.  Some of my friends have said I should not buy into the fear as I will attract that kind of thing. Well, if I follow the Buddhist belief of Right speech and Right action, then I feel more confident that I won’t run afoul of the law.

While it may seem that society is warming up to the idea that Complementary Therapies can help in their lives, we have to be mindful when putting it out there. Cheers and good luck!

Addition August 2011 – I just found a peer-reviewed medical magazine  with an article on Reiki – http://www.medpagetoday.com/Psychiatry/AnxietyStress/28116

Follow the link and please share widely. Thank you from my heart to your. 

https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/event.php?eid=161598590570250

Each year we are plagued and have our emotional heart-strings pulled by various charitable organizations who want some of our money for a worthwhile cause.

Pretty much everyone knows that April in Canada is Cancer month.  The selling of daffodils is a big fundraiser and awareness campaign put on by the Canadian Cancer Society.

That is why this article published by hubpages.com is so important.

http://hubpages.com/hub/Scientists_cure_cancer__but_no_one_takes_notice

When I worked in some of the local health store shops, we would have customers share with the horror stories of their loved ones dealing with cancer. Some had positive experiences with the treatment process while others did not. Pretty much 95% of the teller’s of these tales said they would not go through this experience again. These former caregivers decided to take a proactive stand regarding their health and began researching what other options were out there.

Rene Cassise is a Canadian nurse who learned about a herbal cancer treatment in 1922.  While initially she knew of only one herb, she subsequently found out about others and combined them to create a unique formula called “Essiac”.  She opened a practice and helped a lot of people. Eventually the Province of Ontario shut her down, here is a link to her story.

http://www.healthfreedom.info/Cancer%20Essiac.htm

In a 2006 report put out by the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance almost $400 million dollars was spent on research.  Figures for the United States are from the National Cancer Institute – they spent $4.97 billion in 2009.

Worldwide Cancer research is a multi billion dollar industry. That’s a shame really – when so much suffering and lives are at stake. You would think somene or anyone might be interested in the hubpages article, right?

If anyone knows her whereabouts please contact the Ann.
Here is a link to a recent blog.

http://www.reikioutreach.com/

Thank you,

How do you feel about this subject matter?

If this topic is close to your heart and someone starts trashing “your style”, do you get defensive or let it slide?

I guess it all boils down to what you were taught by your first Reiki teacher and  how attached  you are  to the subject matter.  I’ve seen this topic on the Reiki Learning Lounge and  Reiki Digest and yes, I have read a fair bit of acrimony  on this subject.

Long time Reiki Master and researcher – Robert Fueston recently shared this comment:

…”at what point is it no longer Usui Reiki (Usui’s style of utilizing Reiki) and is someone else’s style of Reiki. I think at some point, with so many changes, Usui himself would not recognize his own system if he were to come back and view what is being taught as his style today. If people change the system, what they have is another system, so the honorable thing to do would be to change the name. Barbara Weber Ray did this (The Radiance Technique) as did many others. It helps avoid confusion in the long run. I am not saying other styles don’t work, I am just saying that there is honor in changing the name if the system no longer reflects Usui’s own teachings”.  http://reikidigest.blogspot.com/2011/03/all-reiki-is-usui-reiki.html

It’s like telling an Irish, Scot or Welsh native that they are English. These natives would tell you in no uncertain terms that they are definitely Not English. You would be very lucky if this comment didn’t land you a punch or two. This is the same premise I’m using with Reiki. Based on Robert’s working definition then I would have to reply NO, not all styles are the same. Granted these other styles work, but still they are not the same.

When I was still new to Reiki, the idea of more styles and symbols seemed important. Looking back, this may have been my ego reflecting the attitudes of my culture/this age; bigger, better, stronger, faster. All these things are external attributes, none of them reflect or suggest looking at my own microcosm within. Now, I realize it is this component of going within that set’s reiki practitioners apart.

I wrote in a previous blog Takata’s Wise Words (2010/08/15) that Reiki is about the Spirit and Mind becoming healthy before the body.  The Hikkei a Q & A that was between Usui and an interviewer mentions a similar thought – “train and develop the mind and body, first the mind should be healed and secondly the physical body be made healthy so as to walk on the right path of humanity”.

I would interpret this as meaning going within, wouldn’t you? Who else can heal your mind or spirit? Sure, a person could receive psychiatric or psychological care to uncover hidden wounds and expose old traumas but ultimately it is you the patient who determines if you will release that old baggage or not.  Change our attitude, change our life.

By going within we are re-connecting to ourselves, that small quiet voice within that sometimes gets drowned out by our modern day world. Calming the mind helps to focus our attention and what we pay attention to. In my mind we are more in the moment and able to witness life as it unfolds. Responding as opposed to reacting.

My Japanese teachers: Hiroshi Doi, Hyakuten Inamoto and Tadao Yamaguchi  emphasize the importance of being a clear channel through which Reiki flows. Being truly present for ourselves and our clients is the best thing we can offer and the embodiment of this thought.

If we are so caught up as I once was on the externals; making sure the room was smudged of all negativity, setting up the essential oils, crystals and other things I thought were needed – are we not just going through the motions? Are we not humans who are “doing Reiki” as opposed to “being Reiki”? Wouldn’t this act of “being Reiki” tie in with attaining enlightenment and inner peace – Anshin Ritsumei?

These are some of my thoughts that get generated by reading things about Reiki, what are yours? Thank you for your imput as it helps define my own thoughts.

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

On Saturday April 16th, I will be participating with a group of incredible licensed healers and practitioners in a Day of Healing and Hope for Japan.

The event will take place from 10:00 am-5:00 pm, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Westchester
236 South Bedford Rd. (Rt. 172)  in  Mt. Kisco, NY

Treat yourself to a session of restorative healing, massage, reiki, Jin Shin Jyutsu, IET, Alexander Technique, semi-private yoga and more.  Session tickets will be available in 15 minute increments. Choose a 15 minute sampling, a 30 minute session or even a full hour if that suits you best.

There will be a Silent Auction with many items to choose from along with Raffles.  Delicious food and refreshments will be available throughout the day.

Also, at 12 Noon, there will be a meditation/prayer circle, sending Healing, Love and Light to All the People, Animals, Land and Waters of Japan, so if you can take 15 minutes to join us from wherever you are, that would be great.

ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE SENT TO THE JAPAN SOCIETY EARTHQUAKE RELIEF FUND, as they have stated that they will absorb all administrative costs, and will
distribute 100% of the proceeds to grassroots groups in Japan who will use the money most efficiently to benefit the victims/survivors of the Earthquake and Tsunami.  Their website is www.japansociety.org/earthquake

You can check the following link on Facebook for further information as it will be updated frequently: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=159682880756008

Please help us spread the word about this community event and great cause.

I look forward to seeing you!

~Ginny

Name of ceremony:
“Let’s send our thoughts of love and gratitude to all water in the nuclear plants in Fukushima”

Day and Time:
March 31st, 2011 (Thursday)
12:00 noon in each time zone

Please say the following phrase:
“The water of Fukushima Nuclear Plant,
we are sorry to make you suffer.
Please forgive us.  We thank you, and we love you.”

Please say it aloud or in your mind. Repeat it three times as you put your hands together in a prayer position. Please offer your sincere prayer.

Thank you very much from my heart.
With love and gratitude,
Masaru Emoto
Messenger of Water

The story-teller cracks up and laughs hysterically, while you their friend smiles and tries to giggle.

I think the same can be said when we start bringing cultural concepts and ideas from another ethnic group into our own. Unless we are exposed as children to the subtle cultural clues of that ethnic group we as adults may never truly know that culture no matter how much we immerse ourselves in it. Confused? Let me explain.

From my limited understanding of the student – guru relationship, I have been lead to believe the following:

• A student or novice would approach the guru asking for instruction. Depending on the organizational structure of the group, the student may ask the guru or one of his/her assistants.
• Once accepted the student is informed of the do’s and don’ts and code of conduct required of them. The style of dress, the daily routine, chore list assigned, length of stay and fee for training.
• At the end of the prescribed period of instruction the student will be properly trained in this area of study.

On the surface this seems pretty normal however the subtle detail of the guru’s word being law may not have been spoken.  Therefore, if you are asked to scrub floors at three in the morning, you do it gladly because your guru felt it was necessary. Or you may have a martial arts instructor abduct you from your home in the middle of the day or night to take you to your first training test.  Your trust in the guru/shur-fu  has to be unquestionable.

Now if we were to transplant this entire scenario here to North America would it truly fly? Would people buy into this kind of training or treatment? Probably not.  The rules are different here in my house.

If I want to go home at the end of the day and do whatever, I will.  If I want to participate in a weekend retreat then fine, I’ll abide by those rules then. But spending 6 months to a year – an hour from my home having to follow this regime maybe not.

The same can be said for the practice of Reiki.

It has been said that Japanese students meet with their teachers weekly for two reasons. One to receive reiju and the other to practice. The act of practicing opens the energy channels of the student so they can accommodate more Reiki flow. It also assists the student practitioner in increasing their hand sensitivity awareness (byosen). The reiju -  reinforces the connection to Source. The practice class helps to establish community and sharing on multiple levels.

Does this same connection happen outside of Japan? While I don’t have any hard facts to back this up, I would say probably not.

In my view some students come to practice classes because of their Teachers. It could be for a couple of reasons: one is personal to the student, the other due to the charisma of the Master – how often do students put their teachers up on a pedestal and want to emulate them?

Why do students’ do this?  All of us are the same, we put our pants on (usually) one leg at a time.

Why does this happen?

In my view it is related to the scenario above. The transfer of the mystical and enlightened East into North America.

From my perspective Reiki Masters are teachers who guide their students on how to use Reiki.  These same teachers are only Masters of themselves and no one else. The more I travel down the Reiki road, it feels like the less I know.  Just like when I got out of highschool, thinking that I was “all that”. Now I recognize how little I really did know but put on a brave face.

Over the past 16 years of practice Reiki has taught me many things about myself. It has also assisted me in becoming a better practitioner for my clients and a better teacher for my students.

In my view a Reiki Master is not about being able to tell my students their destiny, nor does it involve being the centre of their universe where they can’t breathe without my permission. Frankly, my ego doesn’t need this adulation.  Each student is an autonomous being who needs to decide their own path, make their own mistakes and learn by them. In this way they learn, grow and develop into spiritual beings instead of restrained, unruly children.

I’m not saying that the Master/Teacher does not instruct the student, as that it the nature of their relationship. It is more like mentor and protegee, there is guidance not control and never retaliation or retribution.

If my students choose to go to another Reiki Master for instruction for any level they can do so. Congratulations to them for taking ownership. They do not need to come to me and ask my permission. Unfortunately and sadly, I have had students come from other Masters who have done so.

As a Reiki master I can only be the best I can be for myself.  If others choose to ask how I achieved my accomplishments then I share the steps my path took.  By lighting the way for another hopefully, they don’t trip and stubble on the same stones I fell over.  However, they are the Masters of their own destiny and the path is perfect for them.

Thanks you for reading my thoughts, wishing you continued enlightenment on your path.