Article by Kriss Erickson
Our world is very much the world of “doing”: of producing measurable results. Even in energy work such as Reiki, case studies have been and continue to be done to prove that sharing Reiki produces measurable results: lowered blood pressure, reduced swelling, relaxation of muscles and nervous system, and more.
While measurable results are important when a population is learning to work in a new arena, as humanity is working in more and more energetic areas, to put too much energy into creating results can create a heroic mindset.
The Heroic Mindset
The heroic mindset is a little similar to the scientific mindset in that it focuses on fixing, saving, or manipulating. It implies that there is something that the Reiki practitioner needs to do to help the recipient arrive at a balanced state, rather than simply relying on the interaction with universal frequencies such as Reiki.
While the heroic mindset focuses on energetic tools rather than physical manipulation, it still implies that we must have the strength of experience, skill, body or will, to make a specific outcome happen. Which, of course, also implies that there is a specific outcome that must happen.
This is one reason why it is not wise to call ourselves “healers” when we practice Reiki. To call ourselves “healers” sets the expectation that not only can we heal others by calling in Source energy, but that there is something “wrong” that needs to be healed. A strong dependence can be created by the recipients as well, as they expect the Reiki practitioners to “fix” them instead of empowering themselves to work directly with life-force energy.
The heroic mindset implies that a “hero”, whether our own selves or assistance from someone else—is needed. Which holds us in a space of need instead of in the present moment of choice and creation. It also implies a hierarchy among the aspects of body/mind/spirit. Since the heroic mindset tends to be more spiritual, it places more importance on the spirit than the mind and finally, the body.
What this does is shackle the body by labeling it as least important. It also labels the lower frequencies, (dimensions 1 – 3) that the body works best in, as “dense”, “negative” or “less important”. It can even label the body as less important than the mind or spirit.
What this does is dismiss the body’s amazing ability to go beyond what we perceive as the “lowest point”, beyond what the mind can perceive and what the spirit has experienced before, to create its own unique “zero point”. The potential for unique interaction with established steps creates moments of transformation.
Image by Red_Raccoon
Shamanic Aspects of Reiki
A shamanic/spiral mindset remains open. It is like walking a labyrinth, where no matter how many times you walk what appears to be the same labyrinth, each experience is uniquely different. The shamanic/spiral mindset does not set expectations based on previously-established steps or expectations. It does not see as a goal, to “heal” any specific aspect, but to experience all and learn from all aspects.
As Reiki practitioners, our goal is to hold space for whatever experience, learning or transformation that the recipient needs, to occur. We are present for, but not in charge of, any shifting that the recipient chooses to make. There are twelve energy portals, that we also call dimensions, in this world, that create the established order that we come to know as existence. The mathematical reason for this is that twelve is easily divided—into halves, quarters, thirds—so “logical”, more easily understood, labeled and defined.
But there is energy beyond our own established order, whether that established order is how the Earth works as a whole, or how an individual has chosen to work with fear, anger or other challenges. The thirteenth portal is the maverick—both the “zero point”—the pivot point, and the point at which a current spiral of reality is created or dismantled.
By holding space for another option, one totally unique to the Reiki recipient, we hold a shamanic mindset. We can view the thirteenth portal, or option, as the point at which we allow the undefinable aspects of our spirit interacting with Source, to create change. This neutral space, full of potential, is the space we hold when we ask for a portal of energy to be opened in the First Pillar of Reiki. This is the space we hold during Reiki sessions, trusting that the transformative thirteenth dimension will appear and be activated by the recipient.
The established system is a circle: you know that if you move from step one, you will arrive at two, and so on until you reach the end of the cycle when it begins again at one. The thirteenth step represents not a circle, but a spiral, that, as you walk it, instead of eventually returning to number one, you will inevitably come to a unique “next step”—the thirteenth spiral. The thirteenth spiral is the indivisible prime that appears when there seems to be no next step. This is the moment of transformation: the frequency of change.
Remaining Open is Essential
As Reiki practitioners, all we need do, whether we are sharing Reiki with ourselves, or with others, is remain open to the potential of the appearance of the energy of change—the thirteenth spiral. What this moment of transformation is for you can be completely different from what it is for someone else. It is your “zero point”. Your point of decision, invention, and creation. The—until that moment—unknown opportunity for change: the window of transformation.
The thirteenth spiral is the wild card. One step beyond and outside of the established order, creating its own unique frequency. One step is all that is needed to shift what we call a “reality” and create a different spiral. It is the moment of wonder as we see, feel or sense an energetic shift. We could say that it is the moment of direct interaction with Source energy.
Expectations are Limiting
As Reiki practitioners, it is important that we don’t create expectations of what could happen in a Reiki session. As soon as we put even one expectation on an interaction, we have limited and diminished what we perceive can happen in that interaction. We have also stepped between the Source and the recipient, creating the potential that the recipient will feel that you are responsible for or that they have to have your approval before they make any changes.
The shamanic/spiral mindset reminds us that we are not in charge of or responsible for, anyone else’s process. It helps to broaden our awareness so that we recognize the benefit of all aspects of life. It helps us to be more aware of the moments of seemingly ‘miraculous’ transformation from a place of disease to a place of homeostasis. All aspects of the process are honored as you or your Reiki recipient embrace the benefits of each life experience.
Most importantly, the shamanic/spiral mindset reminds us that we are simply holding space for change to occur. No amount of experience or energetic training enables us to make changes for anyone else.
Honoring Infinite Possibility
As Reiki practitioners, we can practice staying in a neutral space where we honor infinite possibility, by meditating each day. As you meditate, be aware of any expectations that arise. If they do, simply broaden your perspective until you can release the expectation. You can practice this mindset in your daily interactions with others in a similar way. Whenever you feel pressured to diminish your mindset or place restrictive labels, take a breath and broaden your mindset. Speak to the energy of the situation rather than insisting on specifics or trying to meet the expectations of others.
Trust is essential when entering the space of change. Trusting in the natural process of the inner Source interacting with the universal Source will assist you in remaining open to the possibility of transformation.
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Kriss Ericksonn is an Usui/Tibetan, Atlantean. Crystal, Karuna®, Ra-Sheeba and Lightarian Reiki Master Teacher, a certified Acutonics Practitioner and the founder of the Elemental Frequencies Dragon Reiki system. She teaches and shares Reiki from her home in Everett, WA. Kriss also creates energetic art that she sells at art fairs, composes original music and is a published author. Reach Kriss at www.risingspiralsreiki.com/ and at [email protected].
That article put into words what I felt but didn’t know how to express even to myself. You’ve given me renewed confidence when I had been questioning my path. Thank you so much.