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Question by Gayle:
Hi,
I have a question. I recently received my Reiki II attunement in Traditional Usui Reiki. I also practice as a witch and I am accustomed to working with the concept of self protection. I have found the need for that in my life in various situations and what Usui Reiki seems to be saying, as I understand it, is that there is no need for self protection and to take it a step further not only that there’s no need for self protection but to self protect is actually an expression of lack of compassion and could hinder us on our path to grow spiritually and to become effective Reiki healers.
This is confusing to me because I actually have a situation at work with a troublesome fellow employee, a colleague, which I feel requires me to be fairly guarded in what I say and how I conduct myself at work. I don’t know how to apply Reiki principles to this situation in a way that actually feels real to me and practical. This is not a safe individual as I see it and I don’t anticipate that I’m going to change my mind about it any time soon; so I’m wonder if you could somehow take what I have just said and make a question out of that. Is it OK to self protect on the Reiki path?
Thank you very much!
Answer by Angie Webster:
Hi Gayle. This is Angie Webster with Reiki Rays. Thank you for your question. The debate about self-protection is something that I struggled with as well, so I can understand your confusion and need for clarity.
There are differing opinions among Reiki practitioners and people on a spiritual path, in general. Some say that we should take care to guard ourselves from those who might harm us, due to their own lack of awareness, lack of health, or lack of boundaries. Others believe that we are all one and so to protect yourself from someone is to block part of yourself out. They feel it lacks compassion to protect yourself energetically.
Personally, I feel that though we may all be one ultimately, at our True Source, we are not experiencing ourselves that way in this realm. We are experiencing ourselves as separate and individual beings, all of whom have forgotten our oneness to varying degrees. It makes complete sense to me to use protection for ourselves.
We are all on our own journey and are at different places. We can still have compassion for those that are still finding their way to the path of their own understanding and care for ourselves at the same time. We expect doctors to wash their hands and wear protective garments while treating infectious patients and that’s not lacking in compassion. It is only practical and safe. They couldn’t care for themselves or others if they allowed themselves to become infected as well. It’s the same for us.
Being on the Reiki path doesn’t mean you have to let down your energetic guard. It also doesn’t mean that you have to remain in situations you feel unsafe in. Listen to your own instincts and follow those, in all things, regardless of what anyone says or teaches. Your intuition knows just what you need.
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