Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master
Long before I started using Reiki, I used freewriting journaling in my own life, as well as suggested the practice to many psychotherapy clients. This process helps us to express our thoughts and feelings about a topic where further exploration is needed, or beneficial.
The process begins with choosing a question, or statement, to explore. Here are some examples: What aspect of my spiritual belief system makes me uncomfortable? Why do I feel angry when my partner has an opinion different than mine? How do I see myself – and how does that make me feel? The list is endless. Write the question at the top of a blank page.
Then, state silently, or out loud, a brief intention, such as, “Today’s journaling exercise will help me to find my answers.” Some people like to add a short prayer from their faith tradition to obtain spiritual connection and guidance. Others like to take a few deep breaths, or use another calming technique.
Next, let the pen flow! Write down everything that comes into your mind, immediately – with no judgment, commentary, or second thoughts. Do not try to make whole sentences, use correct grammar or punctuation, or make it easy-to-read. Simply write it down. When your thoughts and writing hand stop, read your question again. If you have new thoughts, write them down. If not, you are done. Sometimes, the length of the journaling may be a few paragraphs; other times, it may be many pages.
Take a few minutes, close your eyes, and relax. You may need to calm yourself again; some thoughts may have felt disturbing, unpleasant, or painful. It is necessary to clear your mind, body and spirit of any residual negative energies.
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Then, read your writing. Sit with it, contemplate it, and soon you will experience new levels of understanding. Over the next few days, read it again. In fact, many journal writings will spurn new questions and areas for further exploration. You may find several new topics for future journaling.
Journaling is a very effective method frequently used in self-improvement work. But, add Reiki to the mix, and it becomes even more dynamic. Now that Reiki is an integral part of my journaling work, the results have truly been amazing.
When it’s time to journal, Reiki is the first thing I do. I clear the room of any negative energies; I give Reiki to myself to achieve calmness and openness to Divine guidance; I use Reiki on my pen and journaling book; I send Reiki to the entire experience. The healing, loving energies assist in the flow of ink to paper. Sometimes, it seems I am barely thinking at all; the pen is moving quickly, as if guided by the Divine.
New levels of wisdom come to light through the phrases on the page. This greater wisdom is both from the Divine, and from our higher selves – the part of us that knew the answers all along. In our complicated lives, it can be difficult to access this knowledge. But, if we really think it through, and listen to (and trust) our own intuition and wisdom, we will make the right choices in our lives.
Journaling, especially with the support of Reiki, is an effective method to access what we already know!
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Deborah Lloyd is a Usui and Karuna Reiki® Master and certified holistic therapy practitioner, providing Distant Reiki sessions and training in Asheville, NC. Deborah is the author of two books, 22 Messages from the Archangels; and, Believe and it is True: A Story of Healing and Life Lessons. She is also one of the co-authors of Reiki 101: 101 Answers for Your Reiki Questions. Reach Deborah at deb@deblloydhealing.com and on Facebook at Deb Lloyd Healing.
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