Every human is in pursuit of inner peace and tranquility! Yet, making the mind quiet is a big challenge. The constant swirl of thoughts, anxieties, and desires often hinders the profound stillness sought in practices like Reiki and Yoga. As a practitioner deeply immersed in both disciplines, I have embarked on a personal journey to unravel the mysteries of the mind and explore how the combination of Reiki and Yoga can be a transformative force in achieving mental serenity. Both Reiki and Yoga converge on a crucial element of well-being: ‘the power of a tranquil mind’.
The dynamic interplay between mental stillness and emotional harmony in both practices and their shared focus on mental mastery recognizes the potential for synergistic growth in fostering inner peace and well-being. This article delves into the concepts of Yoga and Reiki, recognizing them as unique yet intertwined paths to a fulfilling life.
The significance of the mind in Reiki is prominently exemplified through the Sei He Ki symbol, which holds a profound meaning of ‘God and man become one’. Positioned as a higher vibrational symbol, Sei He Ki serves as a gateway to the subconscious, embodying peace and harmony. Its role extends beyond the conscious mind, addressing the mental and emotional realms within the practice of Reiki. This symbol, translated as ‘Earth and sky meet’ or ‘Earth and sky become one,’ masterfully navigates the balance between the creative (emotional) and orderly (mental) aspects, visually resembling the two hemispheres of a brain.
Sei He Ki acts as a gateway to the subconscious, allowing practitioners to bring insecurities, fears, and imbalances to the surface. This process initiates a transformative journey of introspection, fostering the gradual understanding, acceptance, and love for oneself. Beyond its role in overcoming mental obstacles and addictions, Sei He Ki serves as a catalyst for true spiritual awakening and the harmonious commencement of the self-healing process.
The culmination of the yogic path is reflected in the concept of Chitta Vritti Nirodha, meaning the “cessation of the fluctuations of the mind”. This profound idea envisions a stilling of the swirling vortex of thoughts and desires, ultimately leading to a state of pure consciousness and liberation from suffering.
Chitta Vritti Nirodha, in essence, underscores the importance of mastering the mind for self-realization in yoga. The term itself encompasses the calming of mental fluctuations, leading the practitioner to experience union with the Divine or the Absolute Reality.
Finding the Stillness Within the Storm
While their approaches differ, Reiki and Yoga converge on a shared destination: the tranquil mind. Yoga, with its emphasis on self-discipline and awareness, prepares the ground for Reiki’s energy flow. A mind stilled through meditation provides a fertile ground for Reiki, allowing the harmonizing energy to work more effectively. Conversely, the emotional balance and clarity fostered by Reiki can support the yogic journey by reducing distractions and anxieties that impede progress.
The significance of the mind in yoga is epitomized in Patanjali’s Eightfold Path, a fundamental aspect of Ashtanga Yoga. The goal is not the complete cessation of thoughts, but rather for quieting the fluctuations of the mind. This subtle distinction implies achieving a state of inner stillness and clarity where thoughts arise and pass without clinging or judgment. Here are seven key steps that can help bring about this state of tranquility:
1. Build a Good Life, Quiet a Busy Mind
Think of the 5 Principles of Reiki and Yama & Niyama as a rulebook for kindness, honesty, and contentment. Just like a clean and clutter-free room helps to relax, living with good values reduces worries and negativity that bounce around in the head.
2. Body Zen, Mind Zen
Chiryo in Reiki and Yoga poses (asanas) are like exercises for the mind too! Holding positions and moving with control calms the nervous system and gives the brain a break from everyday hustle. When the body feels good, thoughts settle down more easily.
3. Breath Like a Wave, Thoughts Like Foam
Breathwork (breathing exercises) are like training the breath to be smooth and steady, instead of choppy and frantic. This calms the whole system down, just like watching gentle waves instead of stormy seas. Less nervous energy, less mental chatter!
4. Tune Out the Noise
Imagine the senses are like five open windows letting in all sorts of sights, sounds, and smells. Gassho and Pratyahara (sensory withdrawal) is like gently closing those windows one by one. With fewer distractions, the mind can focus inwards and find its quiet centre.
5. Laser Focus, Scattered Thoughts No More
Think of Reiki Symbols, Mantras and Dharana (concentration) as picking one shiny object in a room full of things and just staring at it. The longer we focus, the less we notice all the other stuff. This trains our mind to stay on track and not jump from thought to thought.
6. Meditation Magic
Reiji-ho and Dhyana (meditation) is like taking concentration to the next level. It’s about keeping our attention gently focused on that one object (like the symbol, mantra or breath) without getting caught up in any other thoughts that pop up. With practice, the mind becomes calmer and clearer, like a still lake reflecting the sky.
7. One with Everything
Samadhi is the ultimate state of quiet, where our mind completely merges with the object of our focus. It’s like becoming one with the breath, the symbol or one with the present moment. In this state, thoughts don’t even arise, there’s just pure awareness and inner peace.
This article is just a starting point for your exploration. As you delve deeper into Yoga and Reiki, you will discover endless possibilities for personal transformation and connect with the profound wisdom embedded within these ancient practices. I hope this effort to bring forth the convergence of both practices will help you embark on a journey where stillness and harmony intertwine to reveal the radiant light within. Remember, the path to inner peace is paved with both discipline and openness.
Article by Reiki Master Supriya Nair
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Dr. Supriya Nair, IMD, PhD has been a Reiki and Kriya Yoga practitioner since 2008. A conduit between the scientific and spiritual worlds, Dr. Supriya has a profound fascination for the healing arts. Apart from holding the title of Usui Reiki Master Teacher, Dr. Supriya is a certified Health Coach and proficient in various integrative medicine modalities. She is also the author of "Train Your Brain to Unchain Your Pain."
To get in touch with Dr. Supriya, you can reach out via email at suprianair@gmail.com or connect with her on Facebook at facebook.com/supriyanair111 and on Instagram at instagram.com/proconscious.cafe.
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