What is Reiki?
This much asked question has been answered in many different ways, from single phrases to epic essays and textbook dissertations. I ask each person who practices Reiki to ask this question of themselves, and to really explore the answer. Reiki is a Japanese term for universal energy. The practice of Reiki is the practice of working with this energy.
A Reiki practitioner understands that everything is made up of energy. The same energy that is moving in you is moving in everything else. The wind that shakes a tree, the smile that erupts on a child's face, a fart, a sneeze, a thought, running, sitting, dreaming. Everything is energy. Everything. Everything we do is the result of energy moving, whether we are conscious of it or not.
As we move through life our energy constantly changes. Sometimes we feel like we have a lot of energy, and sometimes we feel sick or tired. Sometimes our energy is excited, sometimes we are grouchy or sad. Our bodies respond to how our energy is moving. If we breathe deeply, we feel more relaxed. When we are afraid, we stop breathing and we feel tense or tight.
A Reiki practitioner realizes that they can open up to the universal energy that is in everything and use it to help heal. A Reiki practitioner allows themselves to consciously move the universal energy with the intention of healing. This healing energy gives you the chance to relax, release, revitalize, or repair - whatever you need to get your energy flowing in the right direction. It is actually so simple it can be hard to accept.
When we 'do Reiki,' we invite universal energy to move through us. The energy flows through us and out of our hands. A Reiki practitioner does not massage, press, poke, or manipulate your body in any way. They gently put their hands on or slightly above you, and they let the energy flow out of their hands and into you. Reiki practitioners can also work on themselves by placing their hands on their own body. The energy moves through their hands and right back into their own body.
Reiki is safe. Reiki is effective. Reiki works. Reiki moves energy and motion creates change. Reiki is healing. Reiki is not a philosophy, a religion, or a belief. It is Universal Life Energy. Reiki is not a special gift. It is something that everyone has, and everyone uses. The practice of Reiki is the practice of working with what is already there. It is developing your innate gift - a healing habit. Once you awaken this gift it lasts a lifetime. Anyone can learn Reiki.