When I did psychotherapy work, I loved using simple visual analogies with clients. One favorite is the swimming pool, used when clients were struggling to move forward in making a major change. This is how it worked. I ask the client to imagine herself standing on the concrete, at the shallow end of the pool, dipping her toes into the water. This corresponds with her decision to engage in therapy, being on the precipice of change. But, she remains hesitant to commit herself fully to the water, carefully checking out the options, and taking small steps to change. Eventually, she goes into the water, staying in the shallow end, lowering herself slowly, still feeling trepidation, and maybe even fear.
The perils of the deep end are unknown. Perhaps, it is safer to stay in the shallow water because it is familiar, although not too satisfying. Slowly, she moves towards the deep end of the pool, full of promising opportunities. She always has the choice to delve deeper, or to return to perceived safety – just like the therapeutic process.
The healing process of Reiki is similar. When a person completes any level of Reiki training, there may be a hesitation to fully embrace the modality. Life circumstances may make it seem difficult to find time to practice frequently. Perhaps, other people make negative comments, or ask challenging questions, about its effectiveness. Seeds of doubt are planted within the thinking mind.
The Reiki path is most effective when we jump in the deep end, with both feet, immersing our body in water, making a strong commitment to “take the plunge.” There are opportunities for exploration of our thoughts and beliefs, and many lessons to be learned. We soon discover the more we open our hearts and minds to Reiki energies, the more we grow in all areas of our lives. Because Reiki connects us to the Divine Energy of love and healing, our spiritual development usually grows in many unforeseen ways.
Just like a person in therapy has a choice in making a full commitment, so do Reiki practitioners. This does not refer to whether or not a practitioner opens a Reiki practice; not everyone is called to do so. A Reiki practitioner can be fully committed to helping family and friends, to his self-healing and self-growth, living in the deep waters. Likewise, a Reiki practitioner who offers sessions to the public can be living in the shallow waters. He offers a needed service to others, but he has not embraced the Reiki ideals in his own life.
A Reiki path calls us to live our full potential. The full potential for one person can look very different than the full potential of another person. Reiki can guide us to what our life purpose is, whenever we decide to explore all the possibilities. Life purpose actions always resonate within our heart; this resonation is an affirmation that we have made the best choice for our own soul growth.
Standing on the edge of the pool, simply dipping in our toes from time to time, sets limits on our lives. It is not the best approach to Reiki, to our personal emotional and spiritual growth, or to the many choices in our lives. Embrace Reiki fully to bring many blessings into your life!
Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master
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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.
Your article speaks to me. I am ready to fully embrace Reiki. Since my first attunement there have been so many distractions that it is almost impossible to practice and meditate daily as I should. I get reminders from ” spirit guides” or archangels to remember the promises I made to continue to learn on a regular basis. It’s very hard to do so when life keeps us busy and distracted.
Colleen,
I understand exactly what you are saying. Our busy world presents challenges to us all the time. One way I get the truly important things accomplished is to “schedule” them into my day. Many times, I meditate and practice Reiki first thing in the morning – before the alarm goes off and the house is still quiet. And, it is much easier to live in peace when the day begins this way!!
Many blessings to you,
Deborah
Great idea, Deborah. I try to do this but I get up at 5:30 AM to get ready for work. But I will commit to finding another time on days I cannot meditate and practice Reiki first. Maybe as soon as I get home. I am the first home most days. Thank you for your reply.
Blessings and light to you,
Colleen
Colleen,
I love your idea of practicing Reiki as soon as you get home….the transition from work to home can be difficult, some days. This would assist in bringing calmness and peace to your evenings!
Blessings,
Deborah