I was at a point in my life where I was making some big changes. I flew from Utah to Las Vegas for the day for a job interview. I made great time, rented a car, and found my way to the hospital where I was supposed to have my interview. I was about an hour and half early, so I found a Subway sandwich shop next to the hospital to grab some lunch. As I was eating my sandwich, I noticed a woman across the store who was trying to wrangle four young children and an elderly parent. From my perspective, this woman had been through some rough times. In my mind I could perceive drug abuse, alcohol abuse, multiple baby daddies, etc. As I watched her frustration of trying to get her tribe fed, Reiki started to speak to me. Reiki told me that, yes, she has had some rough times in her life, but to look at what she is doing now. As I continued to observe, I started hearing the words “provider, care giver, and supermom.” I started to beam Reiki to this beautiful woman who was doing the very best she could. Reiki taught me to seek for understanding in all things that day.
Reiki teaches us to remove judgment of others. As we progress through our Reiki journey, we allow the judgment of ourselves, and others, to fade away with the need for ego also. When we are coming from a place of ego, we are in fact judging ourselves and others. Judgment separates us from each other. Reiki builds bridges of understanding of differences and creates a place of peace despite vast variances in points of view and culture.
I wish that after receiving my first initiation into Reiki that magically “poof” I no longer had judgment, anger, or worry. Reiki is transformative but is gentle and respects our ability to learn and grow as we are ready for higher levels of consciousness. There have been times I have pondered why Reiki would send me this client or that student. More often than not, they were sent to help me to learn an important principle. I find that Reiki loves creating these synergistic connections where both parties receive great benefit.
It is all about our Reiki clients and students. It is never about us.
Several years ago, I was teaching a Reiki class, and one of my students lived on the “fringe.” She had been homeless and addicted to drugs. She was then living in a home with many other people. She was no longer using hard drugs. She took on a role in her community to assist those who were still using harder drugs. After one of the Reiki placements and practices in class she blurted out, “Wow, can you imagine what this will feel like while high?” At first, I was shocked. I took the time to express my perspective that with Reiki I prefer to not be in an artificially altered state but attempted not to shame her on her thoughts, and I explained that I did not have the ability to fully understand and appreciate her views. And while my beliefs of drug use and Reiki have not changed, my perspective of this student has drastically shifted. Reiki whispered to me that I had no idea of the journey she had been on. She had made great changes in her life. She was serving and helping a population that I could never reach. Reiki taught me to respect this wonderful woman who had very different ideas about what to value. I was to learn to love her, her healing journey, and the beautiful gifts she has for humanity.
I could have left that class upset about a student who “ruined” my class. Yet Reiki taught me that it wasn’t my class but my student’s class. It taught me a beautiful lesson in trying to understand the perspective of another. I know that my students learned a great deal from that class, but I know that I was taught so much more than I ever thought possible.
Reiki builds connections in compassionate care.
While I was working as a Registered Nurse in an Intensive Care Unit, I would strengthen and use my Reiki every shift. I had many shifts where Reiki was vitally important to my work. Reiki taught me to treat everyone like a friend: coworkers, patients, and family members alike when possible. I had several instances where I was asked to assist with a combative patient during a procedure, turn, or bed bath. I would walk into the room and call out to them by their first name. “Hi Samuel! How are you doing?” The patient would often reply with an “Oh hi,” and I would engage them in conversation. Reiki would give me a glimpse of that patient’s true nature, which then helped me to interact with them. Through Reiki, I was able to connect with them and developed patience for what they were experiencing and assisted them in difficult situations. Often, I would have coworkers remark to me “Oh, you know Mr. Sanders?” And I would reply no, but I treat everyone like they are a great friend.
In every case, Reiki showed me the immense love that the Universe has for them, including prisoners who had committed horrible crimes. It taught me such an important lesson on the vast love that is being showered down on each of us. Reiki is available to everyone who will receive it. And it is important to remember that Reiki is available to you too whether you feel like you deserve it or not.
Reiki has shown me on numerous occasions that there are many different perspectives on life situations. This insight has helped me view numerous world events and religious beliefs in different ways. It has taught me that what I have believed in may be true, but another person can think very differently and also have truth in their life.
Allow Reiki to build you a bridge of understanding to all situations and people you encounter. This perspective does not require you to change your beliefs but will help you appreciate and understand others in deeper and more compassionate ways. May you continue to find peace and healing through the gift of Reiki.
Article by Jay V. Jackson
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Jay V. Jackson is a Senior Licensed Reiki Master Teacher with the International Center For Reiki Training (ICRT). He teaches Usui/Holy Fire III Reiki I &II, and Reiki Master. He also teaches Holy Fire Karuna Reiki, and the ICRT Animal Reiki Classes. Jay also teaches Reiki Crystal Healing Introduction, Crystal Healing Intermediate, and Crystal Healing Advanced Teacher classes.
Jay has been practicing Reiki since 2003. He has been licensed as a massage therapist and is also a Registered Nurse. Jay is the founder of Illumine Wellness. In October of 2023 Jay left bedside nursing to move to Ecuador to focus on providing Reiki healing sessions and classes full time. Jay is passionate about assisting others in their Reiki Journey.
Jay’s website is www.reiki-healing-arts.com, and his email is jay@illuminewellness.com. You can also find him on Facebook at ReikiHealingArtsTraining.
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