Article by Angie Webster
When we begin our path to spiritual growth and healing, it can be a very exciting time for us. New understandings may fill us regularly and we may see the world expanding before our eyes in ways we never imagined. Our whole lives change as our perception changes. Often, at least in the beginning, that can lead to an enthusiasm to shout the news of what we now see to anyone who will listen, hoping they will feel as good as we do! While our intentions are good, we tend to quickly forget that the things we are talking about would probably have gone right over our heads not so long ago.
Talking about Reiki or other metaphysical or spiritual things with those who are not involved in them can lead to alienation or fear when it is done in a pushy or overbearing way, even if your overall intention is to be helpful or to share your story. We have to be careful to share only the amount and type of information that the person is capable of understanding. Think of a small child who asks a very basic question about life. It is best to tailor the answer to the child’s level of understanding. Most three-year-olds who ask how where babies come from aren’t ready to comprehend the entire sexual reproduction process.
We have to try and see the discussion through the eyes of the person we are talking to, communicating in a way that is useful to them and that relates to their experience. When you choke someone on too much information, you are causing overwhelm, not creating healing. Offering what the person can digest, even if it is far less than the total truth, plants the seeds for later understanding when they are ready. They may ask questions, or they may not say anything. Maybe they will come back later wanting more information, when they have had time to process.
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The feeling that we must convert others to our way of looking at things or that we have a need for them to see our new way of viewing the world after we have a profound healing or a spiritual awakening can be very strong at first. It triggers feelings of anger, confusion and isolation in many people as they realize that the majority of the world is trapped in a state of illusion that is causing suffering. Once we see there is a possibility to view the world another way, we want to share that with all of the others. But just as we got there when we were ready, they must do the same. Healing must always come from within a person. There is no other way for it to happen. While we can support those who are ready, we can never do it for them and no one can force it on anyone.
When we see those strong feelings of wanting others to see things through our new lens, it is a call from our own soul to continue our inner healing work. When we have a strong need for others to change or conform, even if we think it is in their best interest, we are still stuck in illusion, as well. There are many layers to the healing work we do to release our identity with ego and our belief that our happiness comes from outside ourselves. If it is repeatedly triggering us that others don’t view the world as we do after we find Reiki or spirituality, then we can say “thank you” to the signal to look more deeply at our own shadow self. One question you might ask yourself is “How am I judging my past self?” Or, “How am I comparing myself to others?” Not only does this healing help us grow, but it helps us to truly see how to best relate to others in a way they can feel comfortable.
While we do want to be who we really are, and find friends who we can connect with easily, we can speak in terms that are more easily received by others. We are all at different places, and have different paths. There is not a wrong way to get there. Particularly when talking to students and clients new to Reiki, it helps to be open minded to all paths and every point on the path.
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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.
Hello Angie, beautifully and very very precisely written article. You have really read a human mind/ psychology and explained it. Thank you to focus on such issues. Blessings.
Thank you for your kind comment! Blessings to you as well!