The Expansiveness of Reiki

Article by Angie Webster

When I began to work with Reiki energy, I wanted to understand it. I wanted to know what it was and to be able to define it and speak about it with precision. I wanted to tell exactly what it did and how it did that. I very soon realized that I was not working with something definable. I was working with something beyond the limits and scope of the limited perspective I have while thinking in human terms.

When we look at Reiki with the eyes of limitation, we may think only of what it can do to make us feel better or happier. We may look at how it can relieve our sorrow or anxiety. Reiki is wonderful for these things, and will often create amazing benefits in the relief of physical or emotional pain fairly immediately. It generates a lovely feeling of serenity and peace. But it also goes beneath the pain or unhappiness, right to the root of the problem. Reiki heals the underlying imbalance.

Our energetic imbalances show up in numerous ways in our lives. These are not good or bad, they are simply areas that are available to be shifted and healed. If they are creating difficulty or pain in our lives, triggering upsetting emotions, we can choose to look for different ways to do things. We can seek healing. True and lasting healing does far more than simply get rid of the pain or trigger that brought the underlying problem to your attention. This would only result in the pain returning when the unhealed problem remained. True healing seeks out the inner cause of the problem so that it can be resolved. This is what Reiki helps to bring about.

What is the ultimate use of Reiki? Relieving our pain? Balancing our emotions? Better mental wellbeing? Greater spiritual wellbeing? Deeper Connection to God and all life? Greater understanding? Seeing the truth of who we are? Self-acceptance and self-love? Compassion and service? It is all of the above and much more.

The ultimate use of Reiki is limitless. It is not definable by what it is able to do, how it benefits or how it works. It is not possible to speak of Reiki in truly accurate terms, because our terms are limited and finite. We can only do our best, always offering the full respect and honor that we are only pointing in the direction of the fullness of Reiki. It must be found within each person. The most complete and lasting healing is about this inner seeking, more than about the simple relief of a particular discomfort or life issue.

When we open our hearts fully to Reiki and live as Reiki every day, we have a deep and connected experience with the world, our bodies, other people and all life. By living as Reiki, we see that the Universe communicates with us through all of life, all the time. We see that we are never alone and we see that Reiki is not separate from us. This comes with openness to Reiki and the Universe, awareness, and regular practice. Even when you make a practice of living as Reiki and opening your heart to the expansiveness of it, you will need to keep reminding yourself to open to it; to keep returning to it. Your heart will forget at times as you get caught in the day to day busy-ness.

It certainly helps to set the intention at the beginning of each day to invite the Divine to work through you via Reiki. Ask to receive help in opening your heart to this expansive energy. Ask to be fearless and to release any human concepts about how the Universe should present itself. Ask for any help you may need to go through your day, such as strength, courage, support. Then open yourself to seeing all the ways you already have these and be open to seeing if there are other ways you have not yet noticed. Ask that you remain connected to the Divine Flow of energy all day. Ask that you be shown how you are supported. Ask that you be shown opportunities to be of service and for growth as you go through your day and that you be open to noticing them and acting upon them.

Each day, begin to notice all the ways the Universe is speaking to you through life. Be open to the ways you are given to be of service and to grow. Some of these may challenge you. Be grateful for all of them. Notice that you are always connected to Divine Life Force. Only your thoughts restrict your access to it. Allow it to flow freely and you will be forever amazed at the wonder of life.

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Angie Webster made a significant contribution to the Reiki community, with a particular focus on Animal Reiki, which she had a deep affection for. As a knowledgeable Reiki Master Teacher and Author, she conducted online courses on energy healing, herbalism, flower essences, and personal growth.
She is the author of “Animal Reiki: How it Heals, Teaches & Reconnects Us with Nature” and “Reiki from A to Z”. Currently, Angie has decided to retire from her professional life to devote more time to her health, family, and the little joys of life.