Article by Deborah Lloyd, Reiki Master
Holding space is a term that I have learned to embrace. The first time I heard it spoken, by a shamanic intuitive healer, it seemed strange. I did not understand its meaning. Over the years, however, I have learned to accept, and embrace, the concept. It is certainly what we do during Reiki sessions.
Holding space is defined as being fully present to another human being. You walk along with them, and you do not judge the journey they decide to take. You provide an experience of unconditional love and support, allowing them to make their own decisions. As Reiki practitioners, this is the essence of what occurs during sessions. We facilitate the experience of a person connecting with the Universal Life Force energies, based in the unconditional love that is available to all persons.
Many people do not have, or recognize, the unconditional love that is always available. Due to many experiences of conditional love, whether it is expressed by parents, love partners or work supervisors, they believe they are not good enough to be wholly loved. Unfortunately, some religious organizations reinforce this concept by judgmental teachings. It is truly a prevalent, and sad reality for many people.
When a Reiki practitioner provides the space for unconditional love and healing, it can be a life-changing experience for the receiver. It is not unusual for the receiver to feel overwhelmed and start crying, start to shake or feel goose bumps, or sleep soundly. When one feels totally loved, especially when it seems like a “first time” experience, it can be overpowering, and comforting.
As we know, Reiki’s healing energies surround us, and are within us, every minute of every day. Even though the healing energies are present, we often forget about them, and we forge on in our busy lives. We often do not access this blessing. Due to free will, we choose when to recognize and access these energies. The Universe is very patient and “holds space” for us, whether we connect with it, or not.
Daily, or frequent, use of Reiki self-treatments is certainly one of the best ways to connect to unconditional love and healing. There are certainly other ways, and we should utilize the methods that resonate with us individually. Meditation, prayer, community gatherings, religious rituals – whatever ways work for each of us are the right ways! Remember, the Universe “holding space” means there is no judgment, only opportunities to be loved and healed.
Each of us can recognize how our decision to become Reiki practitioners is a great blessing. In the process, someone held space for us – we may have wrestled with the decision; we may have thought we were not good enough; we may have said we don’t have the time or the money to take a training class; the excuses were endless. Yet, we overcame all of them and moved forward. None of us knew where the decision would lead us. Many of us are totally surprised by how much Reiki has changed our lives. Give thanks for our Reiki Masters and others that held space and allowed us to embark on this journey.
This may be the ultimate lesson in “paying it forward.” Just as someone helped us, let us extend the invitation to others. Unconditional love and acceptance is within us, and surrounds us. We allow this experience to happen during every Reiki session. For this, we are grateful.
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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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