Self Reiki with an Art Journal

Article by Carrie Anderson

One way that I like to use Reiki, is by using it as a guide to bring forth inner thoughts, subconscious concerns, or as a tool for some color therapy. sketches, doodles, drawings, images, or splashes of color. To practice this, I would recommend that you have a blank piece of paper and a selection of art supplies that you might want to use. I’m often drawn to graphite pencils, but I also keep oil pastels and colored pencils on hand. I also have a sketchbook that acts as a visual journal.

Things that you might want:

• Colored Pencils
• Oil Pastels
• Watercolors
• Drawing Pencils
• Plain paper
• Sketchbook

Once you have your workspace set up, think of an intention for this visual journey. Then while performing gassho, allow the Reiki to enter you. Think about your intention. Then using the Reiki, bring it to your blank piece of paper and through the paper. Allow it to be a channel for your Reiki energy.

Essentially, you are infusing the paper with the Reiki energy. Next, you will want to use the Reiki energy on the art supplies. Sense which supplies are the correct ones for you on this day and for this journal art. Throughout this visual exploration, I continue to use Reiki to help select the next color, pencil, shape, line, or to show where to add shading or erasures. I also allow intuition and Reiki to help me decide when this visual journal entry is complete for each session.

When you are ready to begin, if there are any images that have come to you then you may begin drawing that on the paper using whichever pencil, pastel, etc., you were drawn to during your Reiki intention and meditation. If there is no specific image that you want to explore, then using your intuition begin to doodle. Let the pencil or paint direct your hand. See what forms, when you are not actively trying to make a certain image. Let your subconscious come to play on the paper through the medium, shapes, and lines.

What this practice does, is actually several things at once. The pure act of just drawing or sketching is relaxing. It draws you into the texture of the paper and the colors that you select. This is a form of mindfulness. Being able to just be, in the present, with your sketchbook and supplies. You can also use this as a form of self-actualization. After you feel that your image is complete, take a step back and look at it with fresh eyes. What immediately strikes you? This is not an exercise in making art. This is using Reiki to help express yourself, a way to see what is on your mind, to see a visual of your conscious and subconscious mind. Do the colors that you have selected mean anything to you? What did you feel while using certain colors? Did you opt to not use color? Is there a certain feeling or sense that you are aware of once you see your sketch? Are the lines and shapes that you have drawn symbolic of a situation that you are going through? Were certain emotions or thoughts brought out by certain shapes or movements on the paper? Take some time to think about how you felt and what you thought while you were making this visual journal entry.

I do try to do this weekly. I can find myself drawing for almost an hour. I begin with no pre-conceived notions of the end product. I do have a sketchbook that I keep specifically for this type of Reiki journaling. Each entry is a representation of that day or time. None ever look similar and this always helps bring me peace of mind and clarity of thought.

I hope you are able to enjoy trying out this exercise using Reki, art, mindfulness and are awarded with satisfaction of creating a unique visual journal that represents you.

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Carrie earned her Ph.D in Metaphysics and Energy Healing through World Metaphysical Institutes. She is a Reiki Master Teacher, Animal Reiki Master Teacher and holds degrees in several types of Reiki. Her focus is on Distance Reiki. Carrie is a Master Level Psychic Intuitive and gives daily readings. She combines Reiki and Divination to create unique readings. She is accredited through World Metaphysical Association and Council of Holistic Healers. She also has certifcations in Teen Guided Meditation,. Additionally, she is a Professional Yoga Facilitator with a focus on Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and Yoga Nidra. Carrie is a co-author with Mellisa Dormoy for the book, “Easy Mindfulness for Today’s Teens”. She is an active member of the Natural Healer Society and may be reached at www.caresreiki.com