8 Invaluable Lessons from a Reiki Teacher

There are no right or wrong way to teach Reiki at its various levels and as Reiki Master/Teachers we are guided by the original teachings of Dr Mikao Usui and all the teachers that followed along our lineage. We also impart our own understanding, experience, and wisdom to our students, creating a foundation from which they can eventually practice and even teach Reiki themselves.

Within this context, I would like to share some of the practices and wisdom that I have found invaluable in my role as Reiki Master/Teacher:

1. I mainly teach Reiki on a one-on-one basis. My teaching practices evolved significantly during and after COVID-19 lockdowns, which created the need of prospective students for one-on-one teaching. Even today I am amazed at the number of students who prefer one-on-one teaching than class set-ups. One of the biggest advantages of teaching on a one-on-one basis is that Reiki is taught on a very personal and individual level with due cognizance of where and how the student is in terms of their awareness and personal journey. I would teach a “newbie” differently than a student who has already been involved and exposed to energy, spiritual, and complimentary healing. Offering a “generic” Reiki course in a class situation would bore some students and may be over the heads of others. Obviously, there are disadvantages to this way of teaching Reiki, such as a lack of peer interaction. This is, however, easily addressed through Reiki Shares. It is also more time-consuming and less profitable than teaching on a class basis. Personally, I teach because of my passion for Reiki rather than for financial gain.

2. One-on-one teaching provides greater ease and comfort for students to engage in meaningful questions and conversations. Students are less inhibited from interacting with me than they would be in a class situation.

3. I do not teach Reiki 1, 2 and 3 in the shortest possible time. There are teachers that teach Reiki 1 to Master’s Level over a single weekend – this is contrary to the original teachings and intention of Dr Mikao Usui. One CANNOT become a master overnight – it takes time and practice.

4. After each level I ask and encourage my students to complete their 21-day self-healing before moving on to the next Reiki level. This gives the student the opportunity to practice Reiki on and within themselves and to do their own healing. As Reiki healers we have to, at least in part, heal ourselves before we can ever attempt to help others in their healing process.

5. I encourage my students not to rush into Reiki Masters Level – they need to feel ready to commit to the intention of being a Master, i.e., the teaching and spreading of Reiki out into the World. Reiki Masters Level is not a status symbol and badge we wear but a responsibility we take on and embrace.

6. Between each Reiki level I ask my students to do and submit five case studies. This is not to serve as a test of their abilities but rather to encourage them to become aware and mindful of Reiki and the practice thereof. Having to document the details of a Reiki healing session and asking for their clients’ feedback are good practices in becoming a Reiki practitioner. It also assists me as their teacher and mentor to identify any misconceptions and misunderstandings of Reiki and the application thereof – this helps me to improve my Reiki teachings to better support my students.

7. Teaching Reiki on a non-on-one basis allows for greater flexibility. A student and I can schedule the teaching sessions to suit both our needs – both in terms of time and finances. I also provide prospective students with various options in this regard and make it as easy and convenient as possible for them to embark on this journey.

8. One-on-one teaching allows me to customize my Reiki teaching to offer courses as a combination of on-line and in-person lessons. This enables me to instruct students in more remote parts of my country, South Africa. There are many teachers in the urban centres with a great shortage of teachers in the rural and more remote areas. It is, however, not uncommon for students from remote areas to visit the city on occasion. Being flexible and customizing Reiki teachings allows me to accommodate these students far better – to their benefit and the benefit of widening the reach of Reiki.

We all need to follow our inner guidance when it comes to our role as Reiki teachers. There is much truth in the saying that when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. But it is also true that the teacher will draw the students that are “right” for them. Having evolved my Reiki courses to cater for teaching on a one-on-one basis has attracted students that prefer this way of teaching – not all students benefit and enjoy large groups and classes. I enjoy teaching this way – it is very fulfilling for both my students and me. It is my happy space… And my wish for you is that you too may find your happy teaching space.

Article by Thea van der Merwe, Ph.D.

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Thea van der Merwe, Ph. D. is a nationally and internationally trained holistic energy, certified and experienced Master Reiki Practitioner, qualified in Usui Reiki, Reijukido, Karuna® Reiki, Karuna Ki Reiki, Crystal Reiki, and Gendai Reiki. She obtained the title of Shihan (full master/teacher), the highest level in Gendai Reiki Ho. Besides her greatest passion which is Reiki, Thea is also a spiritual shaman, healer, and teacher, offering readings as a way of accessing spiritual guidance. Her journey of personal discovery, growth, and healing started back in 2005 when she was personally in need of healing and searching for something more than what conventional medicine and therapy could provide. Thea is currently nationally and internationally registered with the South African Reiki Masters Association and The Reiki Healing Association respectively – both professional associations for the local and global Reiki communities, working to promote the wide-reaching practice and healing effects of Reiki throughout the world and where the primary philosophy is that together, we can do so much more. You can get into contact with Thea van der Merwe at viterra.co.za, which is her website, and at facebook.com/viterrahealing on Facebook.