There have been numerous books and articles written about the origins of Reiki how it works, the symbolism involved and techniques used to gain the optimum effect, all of which are interesting and informative and provide the reader with a wealth of information, if not necessarily a greater level of knowledge and understanding.
At the risk of alienating oneself from mainstream Reiki ideology it has to be said that Reiki is universal and as such is first and foremost a subjective personal experience and in the ‘great out there’ beyond the limitations of our physical senses we can’t really know for sure, or say with any degree of certainty what Reiki is. We think that if we put a name or label on something it automatically conforms to our definition but this isn’t always the case. This was pointed out to me by a friend and Reiki student who was a research scientist at Newcastle University at the time. He went on to explain that what we perceive as Reiki sensations and effects be they heat, cold tingling, elation or euphoria are simply expressions of our physical senses in response to an ‘external’ stimulation whatever that may be.
Image by AlicePopkorn
The above comments are in no way meant to dismisses or devalue the origins and purpose of Reiki, it simply refers to the working relationship between our brain and its physical senses that define and determine the nature of our perceived reality, and Reiki may be nothing like we think it is beyond the accepted limitations of our five physical senses. Given our limited knowledge understanding may be prudent to acknowledge how little we do know and proceed from this point with an open mind.
Leaving generic definitions aside for a moment and accepting the above premise for the sake of a healthy discussion and debate, let us turn our attention to the often overlooked but ‘very real’ power that helps create and unify what we may describe as a Reiki experience, whatever you believe the source of that experience to be. In the process we may get answers to some of our questions and in the process be sign posted to some the knowledge and understanding we may have been searching for.
So what is this mysterious and magical ingredient that makes things possible? You; or more precisely your attention and intention are the catalytic power that makes change possible in your physical world, without it nothing happens and on an energy level the creative force that some describe as Reiki remains undisturbed.
There are three things in life that determine the depth and breadth of our experiences; what we focus on (attention) what it means to us, and what we choose to do about it (intention). In short how much time we invest in thinking about something, the value we place on it and the action this stimulates. The outcome of this simple three step equation is an experience; the quality of that experience is defined by the quality of the inspiration and processes involved, if the components are faulty (negative) then ultimately the end product or the experience will be flawed. Some may call this Karma, but Karma is the chain reaction of cause and effect by another name.
Put simply energy follows intent; thought is the architect of creation and attention and intention are building blocks it uses. If you don’t believe me put it to the test and prove to yourself the power of truth demonstrated. Look around the room you are sitting in reading this article, now focus on an object you would like to physically move from its present location if only for the duration of this little exercise. If you focus on it, get up and move it before sitting back down you have completed the above three step process and created a new experience/result/outcome. If on reading this you make a comparison between this and say the complexities of Reiki or using symbols to send distant healing and feel the above example is too simplistic, you may not yet fully understand the principle of energy following our intent.
Image by mbtphoto (away a lot)
Firstly let me state very clearly that Reiki whatever it may be does not require our approval or acknowledgement for it to exist; our failure or inability to embrace it merely restricts its effects in our life and our belief or disbelief has no real bearing on its existence. As such it requires neither symbols techniques nor mantras for it to work, our attention and intention merely works with what already exists in this case Reiki energy and our physical reality (the present moment) to create a new outcome/result/experience. Hopefully one free from the limitation of our own expectation and conditions as to what we want to happen.
One of the greatest handicaps we place upon ourselves is the belief in the ‘Reiki must do’s’ and that their use in some way improves the quality of the Reiki a person receives. If we accept for the sake of this discussion that Reiki is a creative consciousness expressed in our minds and our actions as unconditional love then we must also accept that it’s infinite in its presence, power and jurisdiction and its quality can’t be strained or enhanced by our actions. This last comment will be much to the disgust of the negative ego that would have us believe that it alone is the centre of our personal universe.
You may say that distance healing requires the use of the Reiki distance healing symbol because that’s what we have been taught, but in reality this precept couldn’t be further from the truth. Through our knowledge and understanding of Quantum Physics it is now an accepted fact that we are energy beings inseparable from the energetic fabric of the universe we are a part of. Most of that fabric is invisible to the naked eye and any idea of separation is an illusion again created through the limitation of our physical senses that provides our brain with neurological data that it requires to define what it perceives as real in a ‘physical’ world. Even the most solid of objects is in reality 98% ‘empty space’, what we call physical matter is nothing more than solidified energy defined and designed by its vibrational frequency, increase that frequency and the visible will become invisible as its molecular structure changes. ‘Solid matter’ is infinitesimal compared to this invisible energy that makes up who and what we are and the universe we are a part of. What we see as distance or empty space between solid objects is the fabric or matrix that provides the backdrop against which all solid objects are both illuminated and animated.
Once we are able to grasp this concept the sending Reiki to another person is as simple as giving it to ourselves because we are one and the same and coincidently this is one of the reasons why when we give Reiki to others we automatically treat ourselves in the process. All we require to send Reiki to another person no matter how far away they are is our attention and intention. Attention provides the focus and our intention provides the impetus. In thinking it it’s done, as energy of our attention is directed by the power of our intention. Again this may be far too simple for those who believe that something as complex as sending Reiki to the other side of the world navigating all manner of barriers and time zones requires complex strategies to achieve the desired outcome.
If we look at this problem from a purely physical perspective I would have to agree but once we let go of this limiting viewpoint and begin to see things as an energy continuum without breaks, barriers or limitations we literally come full circle and return to the point of attention and intention.
One of the major precepts of Reiki is that it goes where it’s needed and not where we or the recipient may want it to go to; this shows an infinite consciousness beyond our limited understanding of the cause and effect of illness and disease, so we must ask the question which came first the precept or the teaching practice because they appear to be at odds with one another.
Symbols, hand positions and Reiki techniques all work; they do so because they are underwritten by the use of our attention and intention within the energy matrix we call the universe, it’s impossible to separate attention and intention from the Reiki experience or any creative process. Everything man made exists because it was initially instigated by the creative duo of attention and intention. As a Reiki teacher I believe its part of my responsibility to help my students learn how to think, but not what to think so I teach all of the above in addition to both the Western and Eastern version of the Reiki story. From that point on I encourage the student to think for themselves as they put what they have learned to the test and develop their own Reiki practice based on the theory and their own experiences. It all works but each student must find their own path and if necessary break new ground and old beliefs in equal measure.
Image by waithamai
Hand positions generate much interest and discussion. When I was taught first degree Reiki I was shown hand positions for the head and body but only down to the waist, my teacher hadn’t been taught full body hand positions so she chose to teach her students only what she had been taught no matter how illogical it appeared from a teaching perspective. From my own personal experience the most powerful hand position I have ever used on a regular basis isn’t to be found in a Reiki manual, it’s simply holding the persons hand. Even if the person knows nothing of Reiki ask any parent, lover or care giver the power of gently getting hold someone’s hand, its simplicity belies its power to calm, comfort and reassure, all of which are elements in the healing process. Holding another person’s hand is one of the most natural and instinctive actions we can take, it’s unobtrusive and can be far more appropriate in an everyday real life situation that calls for a Reiki treatment away from a treatment room with its treatment table, candles and soothing music.
All of these are cosmetic; they work but we should remember that it’s we that need them and not Reiki. Being universal means that it must be applicable in all situations and as Reiki practitioners we must be able to adapt to any situation life presents us with. Imagine if you will you are sitting having a coffee in a busy shopping mall when you notice someone distressed and in your opinion in need of some Reiki. Using discretion, discernment, caution and common sense in equal measure you have to assess how to achieve that without being obtrusive, insensitive or getting arrested for being a public nuisance. Even if the person appears to be approachable they still may not appreciate any kind of physical contact from a total stranger and even holding their hand may not be an option, so we require a plan B in order to help them and that’s where your attention and intention comes into its own. Attention and intention without exception are our plan B in every situation.
Reiki through touch is a beautiful thing, but it’s only one option and should never be considered the be all and end all, the greatest tool in our Reiki toolbox is our imagination and the way we use it. Reiki can be given in any way we choose and the only limits are those formed by the boundaries of our imagination. If we return to the above shopping mall with its noisy music, confusion and claustrophobic throng of busy shoppers rushing by, you may be able to approach the person to ask if they are ok and offer some assistance but not everyone is comfortable with physical contact or being approached by a total stranger and they could find it intimidating and threatening. If it’s a sweet old lady we may be overcome by compassion and the desire to help, but what if it’s someone who is dirty and unkempt and appears to be living on the streets and under the influence of drink or drugs. Maybe they are the ones who look threatening and intimidating and trigger some of our own deep seated negative beliefs, values and fears. With the best will in the world we can be faced with a multitude of obstacles that could get in the way of our desire to help another person so we must be able to call on other means to achieve our goal.
We can give Reiki with our eyes as our attention and intention will automatically follow our line of sight and our train of thought, simply by looking at the person we can direct Reiki to them. Our breath in the form of spoken words as we express our desire (another term for attention and intention) silently to ourselves or quietly out loud for that person to receive the help they need. However caution is required in any situation for if we stipulate how we want that person to be helped we are trying to restrict the infinite by setting limitations on what’s available to the person.
We are also inadvertently taking responsibility for that person’s current state and saying that we with our very limited knowledge and understanding know what’s best for them. Better that we simply ask that they receive the help they need if they are willing to accept it. This then presents us with another apparent contradiction in as much as we are told that we must always ask the person for permission to give them Reiki. I would never dream of getting hold of anyone to give them Reiki without first discussing it with them and only if it was appropriate to do so, but we have to be able to differentiate between clients receiving Reiki treatments with the accepted protocols and what I define as a real life scenario that calls for emergency Reiki first aid intervention.
I was taught that I must always get the persons permission before giving Reiki, while at the same time we should always send Reiki to the people who are victims of natural disasters. Again this felt like a contradiction to me that required applied common sense to resolve the apparent confusion. If it’s ok to give Reiki to 2,000 victims of a natural disaster without their individual or collective permission then it must be ok to give it to one person who is in need of it, and our inability to gain permission won’t negate its effects or call for divine retribution on our part. What we must be able to do is think on our feet and where appropriate let go of the ‘must do’s’ and use our imagination and common sense in equal measure to achieve our goal which is to help those in need, if they are willing to accept the help that’s available to them.
Reiki is neither intrusive nor dictatorial; it never forces itself upon us or overrides our free will and freedom of choice. For those who say ‘Reiki changed my life’ no it didn’t, if your life has changed for the better it’s because you changed. In many ways Reiki is like the help we get from spirit in the form of requested advice and guidance, it is given freely but the choice is always ours as to whether we take the advice and guidance or not. If we want it in our lives we must be willing to actively invite it in or at least be receptive to it on one level or another. Even if we send Reiki to someone who doesn’t want it, it isn’t wasted for it will either go to someone close by who is open to it or it will simply return to the source (not us) from which it originally came thus completing a full circle.
Going back to Quantum Physics for a moment; all of the energy that has existed or will ever exist does so in the here and now it’s neither created or destroyed by our actions, in birth as in life and death it simply changes from one state of being or form, to another. When we send Reiki to someone we wish to help it may be accepted with gratitude or it may not, but it’s never wasted for as we use our attention and intention for the benefit of others we help heal ourselves in the process for we are simply a part of the whole of creation.
Image by Salmando
The secret of Reiki empowerments or Reiki treatments lies within the attention and intention of the Reiki teacher or practitioner, it can be as complex as you want it to be, or it can be as simple as it is meant to be. All forms of elaboration comes from the self; and it’s the self that looks for the three “R’s” of result, reaction, and response, the greater the response the greater the satisfaction and sense of personal achievement and a job well done. The power of Reiki comes directly from the source whatever we believe that to be, the I come’s from the self that believes it is separated from the source, the teacher knows that the thought of separation is an illusion created by an illusion of me, myself, or I. We can never be separated from the source or the power it creates, and the teacher’s empowerment is a demonstration of their knowledge and understanding of this fact. We do what we know, if we say we know but don’t do, we neither know nor understand.
The created can never be separated from the creator; nor can the created be greater than its creator, even the most complex and wondrous creation is no more than a reflection of the power that created it, it comes from the source but it’s not the source itself. In the same way the teacher knows that the words and thoughts they use are not the power of their intent, they are merely a projection of that power made physical. The goal is to move beyond the simplest of empowerments and go directly to the source, to move beyond the words, beyond the thoughts, and even beyond the need for conscious intent. The secret of empowerments lies in not just doing less, but also understanding more of our connection to the power that created us. In the moment we realise that it’s not about making something happen, it’s about being one with that power and allowing what needs to happen to come about. The more we understand the less we need to consciously do; until we reach the point where we stop trying, stop doing, and simply connect with the power that created us. We become still and from that stillness all that needs to be, will be.
A teacher uses their attention and intention via the empowerments as a means of awakening the student to their own connection with the source, the connection already exists but the student must be made aware of it in order for them to be able to develop and grow. This energy continuously flows through the teacher, through the student before returning to the source, thus completing a continuing circuit of creation and recreation. In this way the teacher demonstrates a way; firstly through the spoken word, then through the application of techniques, that lead to the attention/intention based empowerments and beyond, where knowledge and understanding raise us above the need to do, and allow us to just be and relax into that symbiotic relationship between the creator and the created an expression of the source whatever it may be It’s in this state of being, this stillness of acceptance that we discover the true nature and secret of attention and intent.
Article by Phillip Hawkins
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A Reiki practitioner since 1999, Phillip started teaching Reiki in 2000 and using those skills and abilities he has spent the majority of the last seventeen years working with a wide range of social and educational needs including Autism and ADHD. Working with addicts dependent on alcohol and drugs, people whose lives were extremely violent and abusive, and others who had to deal with severe mental health issues. This has enabled him to work extensively in the private sector, schools, colleges, education and care in the community, the prison service and psychiatric units.
In 2016, Phillip decided to semi-retire from full-time employment to concentrate on developing his career as a published author and the setting up of his Reiki personal development programme at the Chilton Community College.
Thank you … This article resonates with me , I felt you put into words what I knew to be so …
Hi Derry
So pleased that you read the article and that you were able to relate to it. Thank you for taking the time to post your comments, its greatly appreciated.
Regards
Phillip
Hi Philip. Loved reading this. Do you have an email address So i could contact you directly? Think you might have an insight to a few nagging questions i have.
Great work!!
Hi Kelyan
Thank you for taking the time to read the article and your kind comments. My email address is [email protected] please feel free to drop me a line any time with any questions or just to let me know how your Reiki development is going.
I’m so pleased you enjoyed the article and it has helped you in some way.Now that you have my email address don’t be a stranger and let me know If I can help in anyway.
Regards
Phillip
Dear Phillip,
Thank you for such a wonderfully articulated post on a subject that has been an intrinsic part of my journey. There were several things you said that resonated deeply with me, and let’s just say, this is exactly what I needed to read today! Do let me know if you have a blog or anywhere else you write/publish as I’d love to follow!:)
Best,
Meghna
Meghna
Firstly let me say thank you for taking the time to read my article and then posting your generous comments. I’m so pleased you enjoyed reading it and that you got so much from it on many different levels. I have written for Reiki Rays since its conception so there are numerous articles for you to read throughout 2013.
My email address is [email protected] so keep in touch and let me know how your Reiki studies are going or if I can help in any way.
Regards
Phillip
Phillip,
What a truly enlightening article.
You have so eloquently simplified what I also believe with regard to energy, intention and action.
I would greatly appreciate your insight on my journey.
Would it be possible to contact you by e-mail for assistance specific to guide me on my path?
Thank you for taking the time to share your valuable thoughts and experience.
With Blessings,
Mary
Hi Mary
So pleased you liked the article and it was able to help you in some small way. Please feel free to contact me on [email protected] and I will be happy help you with your studies and Reiki practice.
Talk soon
Phillip
Phillip, I,too, enjoyed this article very much. As a Reiki Master Teacher, I would like your permission to use this article in my classes. I appreciate how you so eloquently and thoroughly have explained how intention (and attention) is the key to Reiki. I always tell my students, Reiki is so simple yet so profound. Thank you for this article.
Hi Denise
Thank you for taking the time to read my article and posting your kind comments. Please feel free to use this article in your classes all I ask is that you acknowledge the source of the material. Please consider any of my work a resource to be used for the benefit of your students if you feel the content is appropriate to their needs.
Please let me know if I can be of further help in any way
Regards and thanks
Phillip
Phillip,
I thank you for writing this article. I would not claim to be trained in Reiki however your points on attention and intention were incredibly insightful. I am a seeker of truth and wisdom, nothing more. I read and study to enable me to be the channel I was created to be. I do however have more questions than answers and would be pleased to receive your viewpoint and input if possible.
Thank you again.
Bright blessings,
Melody
Hi Melody
You are very kind, thank you. My email address is philhawkins [email protected] now that you have made the initial contact please feel free to get in touch with me any time you wish to discuss your questions. If you are a seeker of truth and wisdom the you will have come across Reiki many times before in the form of knowledge and understanding which as I’m sure you know is the basis of all truth, wisdom and healing.
Hopefully we will talk soon
Regards
Phillip
Thank you Phillip for your perceptivity. It was such a joy to hear someone else voice insights that I also have come to believe through my practice and teaching experiences. I have always taught my Reiki level 1 students that they could send Reiki long distance by their intention and it is not restricted to the use of symbols. Most importantly, thank you for your opinion on permission. I have had so many practitioners tell me that we should not send Reiki without permission. This never resonated with me. Again, I have taught my students that there are many instances when asking permission is not practical or always appropriate… this is especially important when teaching children’s classes. Thank you also for the scientific explanations and discussion on how intention and attention relate to Reiki. I also love that you brought up the importance of “getting out of the way” knowing only Source can truly define the greatest good. You have expressed so eloquently ideas that have been core to my experience. I would also like to ask your permission to share this information with my students and peers. Thank you! Thank you, for the validation!
Shanti
Hi Kimber
Thank you for taking the time to read the article and your kind comments. My email is [email protected] and I look forward to discussing our shared beliefs on what Reiki is and how it works on a down to earth practical way. Please use my work in any way that you feel would benefits you students, all I ask is that you acknowledge the source.
Regards
Phillip
This is easily the most outstanding article / thoughts on Reiki I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Thank you Philip for putting out these wonderful words. I so agree with everything you say, and it has helped my mind stretch further.
Wonderful day and lots of Reiki love to you,
Darpan
Darpan
Thank you you are very kind, so pleased you enjoyed the article. Please take the time to let me know how your Reiki studies and practice are developing.
Kind regards
Phillip
Yes. This article speaks to me as well. As a L-1, I an trying to acquire as much knowledge as possible. I have read some contradictions in many articles, including you must go buy this…, you must use …. symbol, or attuned at ….level. if I am understanding correctly, it is all about attention and intention; with love, and not driven by ego? This renews my trust in my ability! Thank you!!!
Hi Christopher
Pleased you like the article and it was able to help in some small way. Please let me know how your Reiki study and practice is coming along.
Regards
Phillip
Thank you so much!
Hi Christine
You are welcome, glad you liked it and you could relate to what I was saying. Don’t be a stranger let me know how your studies and practice are progressing.
Regards
Phillip
Love your words and work Phillip, could read your articles all day long! You always make so much sense to me, always make me stop and think, really think… thank you x
Hi Jackie
Thank you so much you are very kind. Pleased you enjoyed the article and thank you for taking the time to get in touch. Please let me know how your Reiki practice and studies develop.
Kind Regards
Phillip
Hi Phillip,
I found this article really insightful. I am at the beginning of my Reiki journey and find that so many of the profound questions I am asked and I ask myself have been answered here. Thank you
Hi Liz
Thank you for taking the time to read the article and your kind comments. Please keep in touch and let me know how you progress with your studies.
Regards
Phillip
Thank you for your insightful article, it follows a discussion I had yesterday with another Reiki Master. I thought I was part of a few who saw Reiki in your light. So many are hung on tradition that they overlook the uniqueness of Reiki. Tradition can have its place and I mean no disrespect to those who follow that path.
Thank you again.
Karen
Hi Karen
Pleased you enjoyed the article. Tradition has its place and its only right that it does so but tradition has its limitations and almost set in stone. Tradition deserves to be respected but it should never take the place of knowledge and understanding and the desire and ability to think about what we are doing and why. As a teacher I have a duty of care to teach all of my students ‘how’ to think and not what to think.
There has to come a time when the student must take responsibility for their own learning and begin to question what they are being asked to consider and believe. Reiki works but there is so much stuff attributed to Reiki that comes under the heading of cosmetic add ons that serve no real purpose other than pampering to our ego. All progress and development begins with a question and Reiki is no different. keep it real, keep it fun and what ever you do….keep asking questions and if you are told ‘its tradition…say thank you and move on.
Please keep in touch and let me know where your own journey takes you
Regards
Phillip
Bom dia! ola, Hello, I am taking its first steps in Reiki! Almost in the end of level 1 and I feel I still have so much to learn, I’m still taking its first steps in Reiki.
As I’m doing Reiki every day, sometimes I felt lost but through time I have come to find meaning spirituality. It has been a journey of discovery, of complementarity between faith and Reiki.
Reiki came into my life with attention to help me personally, and the intention to stay under the 5 principles of Reiki to evolve spiritually.
I have read and absorbed everything as I read about Reiki and when I found out through facebook rays reiki I was more enthusiastic !!! I love everything that you,Philip, have written … its my desire to read and look for knowledge.
This article in particular is fantastic for my path!
thanks for sharing! OBRIGADO
Best regards,
Carla
Hi Carla
So pleased you enjoyed the article and it was of help to you. In many ways we are all on the same path and no one stands any higher than anyone else. Your comments help me on my own personal journey, thank you.
Don’t be a stranger and let me know how your studies and practice progress.
With regards and gratitude
Phillip
Thank you for sharing these words…. I have bookmarked it and intend to read it again to fully absorb what was shared. What you say resonates with me and gives me the permission I so seriously required to let Reiki flow through me, in they way that seems natural and positive. I am not much on rules and “doing it right”, more of a “where the rubber meets the road” kind of a person. With my guides I will be meditating, thinking, journaling and asking for more ways I can come home to the Universal energies way of being with me, so I might share and heal myself as I direct it towards others. I do work with animals, many I cannot physically touch…. attention and intention will continue to be my greatest tool…. Thank you
Hi Dianne
Thank you for your kind words. Rules are man made and in this case are an attempt to reduce the infinite to a size our ego can accept and deal with. The only permission you require is your own so that you become an expression of the Reiki energy you use.
There are some schools of Reiki that are big on rules and must do’s and if you are a person who needs these guidelines then all well and good, but if like you and I there is a need the freedom to discover what lies beyond the limitations and boundaries set by others. All development, knowledge and understanding begins with a question….usually asked by those with the courage to ask why?…what if?…would it work if…?
The only healer is the energy we work with that we have called Reiki. All healing comes from and through the creator what ever form that creator takes in your own mind. We are nothing more than channels for that healing energy to flow from the source to the recipient, and the greatest healing we can share is the knowledge and understanding that we are all connected to the source and the greater the connection the greater the healing as we take responsibility for the way we live our lives as an expression of that spiritual connection.
It sounds like you are doing great work, thank you for sharing your thoughts and beliefs with me.
Regards and gratitude
Phillip
Thank you.
Jesus
You are welcome. Pleased you enjoyed it
Regards
Phillip
Hi Phillip, have just read your article Attention & Intention and can’t express how much it moved me. I had such a ‘yes’ moment as it confirmed so much of what I had been feeling but was doubting myself because sometimes have been influenced by other’s perceptions of what is the ‘right way’ to invoke Reiki. I thank you so much and also have gratitude to Spirit for leading me to this wonderful information. Love & a big hug, Trace
Hi Tracey
So pleased I got a Yes from you lol. Its so easy to get side tracked and confused as to whats right and wrong so please don’t beat yourself up over it. Different isn’t just ok….its necessary as an expression of our freewill to choose requires alternatives to choose from and because they are all underpinned by our attention and intention some form of result is guaranteed.
What you have to do is figure out what resonates with you (what you feel comfortable with) and then use your A&I to establish and build a working relationship that suits you. If you are constantly ill at ease, confused and doubting yourself all of the time the only person you will be giving Reiki to is yourself as it tries to help you find your own path which will allow you to relax and let go of those doubts and fears. The Reiki technical term for all of this negative stuff is blockages or crap if you prefer which have to be dealt with first before it can flow freely and go to where its needed….in you and the person you want to receive Reiki.
A lot of people miss the point that Reiki is meant to be fun and that its far too important to be taken or given seriously.The problem with seriousness is that it has the ability to smother ingenuity and stifle spontaneity, and if we are not careful what started out as fun and exciting can become a chore and begin to weigh us down. The pleasure is gone the desire becomes a duty, responsibility becomes a burden and the spark of enthusiasm is lost.
Find out what works for you then go for it….be happy, have fun and above all else keep it real by maintaining a healthy balance between grounded reality and your spiritual development, and you will be just fine. You will also find that the people that need you will seek you out and in doing so provide you with the proof you need that you are on the right track.
So glad to be of help, now and in the future. All love and big hugs received with thanks.
Phillip
Hi Phillip, What an amazing and welcome article you have given us. I have to admit that I was one of those people that thought that you had to do everything by the book, with no side stepping otherwise it wouldn’t work. I was so pleased with your insight as it has set me free to be creative and go with the flow and not be fearful that I was doing it all wrong. I breathe a sigh of relief as you have confirmed what I felt deep inside but didn’t dare contradict the teachings that I had received and articles that I had read. You are truly blessed, thank you. Big hug from me to you.
Hi Michele
Thank you for that you are very kind. One of the first things Reiki does is help heal the mind through the introduction of knowledge and understanding which is a pre-requisite to all healing be it of the mind, body or the spirit. It was once said that the most painful experience for mankind is to accept an new idea and I think this is true to a certain extent.
All development and progress starts with a question…usually when we question the status quo and ask….. what if? Tradition has its place but it should never be at the expense of truth or knowledge and understanding or else we would be still living in the dark ages.
Be true to yourself and apply common sense in all that you do and bring grounded reality to your spiritual and personal development and you won’t go far wrong. Let those who believe in must do’s follow their own path and don’t waste your time trying to defend your own beliefs the universe is big enough for all of us. At all times ask yourself….does this feel right for me? if it does go with it…if it doesn’t leave it alone and move on, you may come back to it further down the line or you may not…either way its ok.
Don’t be a stranger and let me know how you are getting on with your Reiki and your personal development…. [email protected] All hugs big or small recieved with thanks and gratitude.
Phillip
Hi there, I am happy to have your insights to reiki written here in terms i can understand and kept simple. I was born into a Catholic family but never resonated with a conditional god. I liked to think there had to be a god who existed as the watcher and mediator for man. I feel a deep earth connection and followed more a pagan belief. I have been practising reiki 2 for nearly 5 months and found your writings touched me, especially because you keep it simple, that healing is instant without the “cosmetics”. I feel grateful to read this before getting set in ways that might not evolve. I have always had thought to heal and sent that intent before studying reiki I’m glad to see you write that as a natural human gift.
Thankyou
leone
Hi Leone
Thank you for taking the time to read the article and posting your comments. We all must find our own way to be true to ourselves whilst at the same time being caring and compassionate for others. Reiki as we think of it doesnt really exist, its just a name we have given to the infinite (the creator) to make it small enough to get our heads around it and so that our ego can take credit for what we do.
There is only one power and that is the creator who ever or whatever you believe that to be, and all healing knowledge and understanding comes to us from that source. Our actions can neither diminish or enhance that power, as part of its creation we can never be separated from it and Reiki is a spiritual teaching that helps us develop and grow into the connection which is our spiritual birthright.
Regards
Phillip
I LOVE synchronicity! I am a Reiki Master and as I completed my step-by-step Reiki self-treatment this morning I had this feeling that I was making it way too difficult. I am a very process-oriented person and I realized that I have started controlling this just as I like to control other things in my life. No wonder my self Reiki hasn’t had the same peaceful, healing and satisfying result that I’ve experienced many times when I just relax and let it flow without so much direction by me. Your article validates this for me and reinforces that I just need to trust myself and trust the energy and RELAX! Thank you so much! Love and Light!
Hi Jana
Glad you liked the article. I think that anyone who is passionate about anything in life can and does get carried away ba little by trying to control the ‘experience’ so that we get as much out of it as we can, and I don’t think there is anything wrong with that. I once read that experience is the one thing we never have when we need it the most….that is when we are learning, when we gain it , it becomes second nature and we forget about trying and simply do what is required, when its required in the knowledge and understanding that its this that provides the optimum results we are after.
We always see doing stuff as a form of control but to do less in order that more can be experienced and achieved is a real demonstration of personal control. This requires knowledge and understanding (another term for experience), trust and patience which I’m sure you have.
Because life is in a state of constant flux/change we have to adjust sometimes on a daily basis in order to respond to the changing moods, experiences and circumstances so that brief moment of stability and pleasure when we think to ourselves….yes! I got it right and it worked…should be enjoyed but if we try to hang onto that passing moment and use it as a ‘this is it’ bench mark we can miss many more opportunities waiting to present themselves to us that may lie outside of the box that we have labeled ‘what works’.
I think the problem for all of us is that we think we must in some way contribute to this ‘healing’ process but miss the fact that without knowledge and understanding healing of any kind is impossible. We do not heal anyone other than ourselves, we can’t we are not healers in the truest sense of the word, we are facilitators, channels if you will and in the process of healing ourselves through the aquisition and application of knowledge and understanding we are given the chance to learn the lessons necessary that we may then have the tools, skills and experience to help others heal themselves.
When we learn to relax, let go and be gentle with ourselves healing takes place it has no choice, not because we have created it by doing something, it was always there we simple had to move our stuff out of the way in order to see and experience it. Maybe healing is about discovering who we really are and choosing the health and wellbeing that already exists and is to be found in knowledge and understanding.
This article proves what I have thought all along – Reiki is just the same as spiritual healing. Using the symbols is just like using mantras in meditation and helps to put the Reiki practitioner in a meditative state – if you can do this without the symbols it is fine.
Hi KTK
Reiki is a brand name that we have attached to a conscious energy that is the source of all healing regardless of what we want to call it. If you like this please check out a recent article of mine entitled ‘Reiki before it was Reiki’.
Regards
Phillip
congratulations and thank you for this clarification.
you just put your finger on the pi of life….
hope our brothers can make it a goal…
Eduardo
Eduardo
Thank you for taking the time to read my work and then post your comments. I’m pleased you enjoyed it and it in some way resonated with you. Contact me anytime you need to on [email protected] or check out my facebook page.
Regards
Lovely article, thank you!
Ellie
Thank you. Pleased you enjoyed it
Wow! This article so very strongly resonated with me. I have just completed my L2 and through my journey so far I have always felt the need to simplify the things I have been taught.
Then my ego kicks in and tells me it can’t be that simple, however your article has confirmed what I know, it is simple, everything is simple and everything is connected. The answers are as simple as the oneness I feel in the gap between breaths. This is the second article of yours I have come across this week, both have touched me. Thank you I am most grateful. xx
Hi Cherie
Pleased you like the article and it resonated with you. I think its in our nature to complicate things and sometimes we just need to take a moment to step back and ask ourselves whats going on. Our ego is a part of us and it isn’t all bad but we should be careful not to give it more power or credit than it deserves. Ego can provide drive to achieve things but its up to us control it and keep it in check and on the right track.
Reiki is as simple as you want to make it. The symbols and hand positions work because they are underwritten by our attention and intention. This is why distance Reiki is possible and why it can be given by our sight, breath and through the written and spoken word. Energy follows our intent, what we focus on we empower and energise.
Keep it simple and adopt a common sense down to earth approach and you wont go far wrong. If I can help in any way don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Thank you for expressing my understanding of Reiki so perfectly.Now I know that I am not alone in my way of thinking. Thanks again – Namaste’
Baerbel
Glad you liked it and it was able to help you in your own development. Check out my fb page Phillip Hawkins Reiki where you will find further answers to your questions.
Regards
Phillip
Philip this is a great article and such a relief. what about concepts of grounding and shielding , protection from negative energies in the universe, other’s aura and evil forces. how do I handle all that. thanks in advance
Jaya
Thank you for reading the piece and letting me know your thoughts on it. The energy we work with is infinite and as such all we have to do is be open to it and willing to work with it. We can’t add anything to it, or diminish it in anyway by our actions, thoughts to the contrary come from our ego, but its this energy we have labelled Reiki that provides us with the ability to ground and shield ourselves through the use of our attention and intention. The same principle holds true when we think of all forms of energetic protection.
We may use physical expressions of these things as a starting point, but they are simply meant as a teaching aide, a development tool until we reach the point where we understand the concept of intention and apply it to achieve the above outcomes. Using our attention (what we focus on) and intention, (what we wish to achieve) we aim to do less and less physically until we reach a point where we appear to be doing nothing, yet everything that needs to be done, is done.
Our intention is personal to us, so its important that we use our imagination to create a positive visualisation that works for us to achieve a positive outcome whether its grounding, shielding or protection. The raised awareness that comes through our work with Reiki can make us susceptible to picking up stuff from the energetic field that surrounds us, but it’s also our salvation as intention is a powerful expression of spiritual awareness. I visualise the energy I work with as a golden white fluid or liquid that either flows from the universe through my body to earth to ground me, or a projected reflective screen surrounding me as a form of protection.
Your raised awareness is protection in itself from negativity or perceived ”evil”. Energy is attracted by a mirror image it resonates with, if your energetic frequency is high and comes from a place of unconditional love, negativity/evil will be repelled and unable to find anything in you that it feels compatible with. What we must do is ensure our thought, beliefs and actions reflect this higher level of awareness. If you feel you need additional protection use the above to create it in a way that feels comfortable and works for you. It doesn’t matter what anyone else does or doesn’t do, its your intention and if it works for you that’s all that matters.
Reiki works as does our intention; when we relax, trust and get our doubts and fears out of the way we can find within it everything we need.
I hope this helps
Phillip
Hi sir…I really enjoyed your article. It educated me a lot about reiki and it’s nature. I got much more clarity about it. Since last 9 years I practising reiki with huge amounts of it’s benefits. Your article is very helpful to understand reiki with eastern and western philosophy with modern quantum physics. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this fantastic article; it’s exactly what I needed to read right now. As a newly attuned Reiki practitioner I was concerned about “doing it right”. After reading this article I now know that as long as the intention is focused, all is well.