Article by Patti Barker Kierys
Reiki has enriched my life in amazing ways. That is why I find it puzzling that many who learn Reiki do not practice it for themselves or others. Also, many are very hesitant to learn it or receive a treatment. Before writing anything further, I wish to say that I honor, without judgment, whatever another person desires to do. With that in mind, I have a few observations I wish to share with the hope it may help with the decision to make Reiki a part of your everyday life.
Over the years I’ve heard a variety of reasons why Reiki is not a part of an individual’s life. I am hoping to address the different reasons for those who wish to learn and personally connect with Reiki but are hesitant to do so. If in the end, the choice is not to embrace Reiki that is perfectly acceptable. We have the right of choice whatever it may be. Hopefully, once we have knowledge of Reiki, we choose not to deny it and decide to consider the possibilities of a new modality.
A few of the benefits of Reiki are the elimination of pain and decreasing anxiety. Reiki is also a great stress releaser, encourages relaxation and clears the mind. For those living with a disease or chronic ailments, it may be beneficial in big and small ways. It has been life changing for me. My hope is the following will help you consider accepting Reiki as a healing gift for you. As a reminder, Reiki can do no harm.
1. Fear of the unknown or something new
We are all guilty of holding back from something we might want to do because of fear. For me it was meditation. Silly as it may sound, I felt that if I meditated I would not come back from that inner place. My daughter, who is my Reiki Master-Teacher, taught me to the contrary. I was open to working through that unrealistic fear and I have developed a meditation practice that works for me. I am thankful I did. Becoming a student of Reiki will change your life in many, many ways. I cannot say it often enough, Reiki can do no harm. Try to open your mind and heart to Reiki without fear.
2. Do not have enough experience with Reiki
Once you have learned Reiki, try not to put pressure on yourself to be perfect. Whatever you have attempted in life, it takes time to be proficient at it. Remember the saying practice makes perfect. In this case, you don’t have to be perfect merely practice when you can. It will become easier and automatic the more you do Reiki. Let it be. Do not over think it or the process. Try not to doubt your abilities. Embrace them. You are capable of doing more than you ever realized. Keep pursuing your dreams and goals.
3. Reiki is too good to be true
Many feel it is not possible that simply placing hands on a specific area of the body may heal oneself or another. Although you may not know the answer or believe it possible, what do you have to lose? Reiki is an addition to your tool box for healing. It does not replace any other area of the medical field. Try it and it may surprise you. Be open to the possibilities.
4. Can’t afford Reiki
The cost of a class can be a challenge for some. I have a standard charge for each level, but consideration is given to the student’s financial position. I am always willing to work with a student because I want everyone to have the opportunity to receive this healing gift for life. Once you have found the Reiki Master-Teacher you wish to learn from, discuss your financial situation with the teacher. Chances are you will be able to work out an arrangement beneficial to you both. Do not let the lack of money deter you. Be creative and you will find a way for it to work for you and your Reiki Teacher.
5. Personal beliefs that differ from Reiki
I know there are times when it is difficult to believe or understand something totally beyond our knowledge and comfort. We may be fearful that it goes against our belief system. It is not easy to move beyond what we believe to be true and be willing to welcome a new belief. Religious beliefs sometimes hold an individual back from practicing Reiki. It is unfortunate if we let faith base institutions make us feel that we cannot take part in something beyond its belief system. Reiki can be an amazing enhancement to someone’s spiritual beliefs. It does not hinder but enhances whatever we believe and do in our lives.
6. Reiki won’t help me
Many are discouraged after suffering with chronic ailments for years and feel there is nothing left for them to do but accept their situation. Also, many feel whatever their situation, Reiki will not help them. Reiki is not the cure all, but it has been proven that it can assist in the healing of many ailments. There are times you may not even feel or notice any change, but it doesn’t mean that Reiki is not working for your best interests. You are worthy to receive the blessings of the universe. Be open to the possibilities and you may be amazed.
7. Too busy – not enough time for Reiki
Daily life can be very stressful and demanding. It may seem that a schedule cannot be changed to include one more thing. By adding Reiki, you may improve every aspect of your daily routine. Self-healing with Reiki can be a plus not a negative. You can do Reiki anywhere and at any time for as long as you wish. It can be as little as five minutes or as long as an hour and beyond. Try it for five-ten minutes and see what it brings. You might find your day less stressful and more peaceful as you hurry to complete your tasks. The following are a few examples of fitting Reiki into your day: Upon awakening in the morning, taking a shower, sitting in traffic, before entering a meeting, on your lunch break (important to take one), waiting to pick up the children, and before you fall asleep at night. The more you do it, the more experienced you will become. You may find even in the beginning you may help yourself or someone else. Try not to doubt yourself and your abilities.
In closing, Reiki has been a part of my life for almost twenty years. I find it to be a blessing and an amazing healing modality. I am still learning as I fill my life with the continuous flow of Reiki. My joy is teaching people the art of Reiki and how it can enrich their lives each and every day. May you enrich your life with the healing gift of Reiki.
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Patti Barker Kierys is a Reiki Master-Teacher, artist and author. She is trained in all levels of Usui Reiki and is certified in Ligtharian Reiki I and II. She has been practicing Reiki for almost twenty years. She is a lifetime member of the Reiki Healing Association. Upon retiring after 45 years in the legal field and as a Senior Paralegal, she decided to expand the Reiki experience to the next level. In 2014, she formed The Art of Reiki and offers training in Reiki as well as individual Reiki sessions. Patti can be reached at pmkierys@att.com and on Facebook – Patti Barker Kierys
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