What Has Reiki to Do with Ego? “Everything”

Article by Cheryl Valdebenito

Reiki and Ego are associated? Well, maybe “Nothing” would be a right response as well. The fact is that when our ego is balanced, we know when to let intelligent thought give meaning to that which we’re experiencing. Simultaneously, we are then capable to appreciate that as a vessel of energetic being, we sometimes need simply to be (as in, get out of the way) in order to let our ego self go so the universal life force energy can have its way.

This may sound like mindless chatter to some, so let’s consider further. An online search for dictionary definitions of ego produced this (summarized) information:

“Ego” is a Latin and Greek word meaning “I”, often used in English to mean the “self”, “identity” or other related concepts; the self, especially as distinct from the world and other selves. Additionally: (a) In psychoanalysis, the division of the psyche that is conscious, most immediately controls thought and behavior, and is most in touch with external reality. (b) An exaggerated sense of self-importance; conceit. (OR) Appropriate pride in oneself; self-esteem.

For the sake of this article let us say this: My ego identifies me from all other external beings. It allows me to acknowledge my importance in the life-stream of the universe. It allows me to have self-esteem, confidence in who I Am. Supposing that description is accurate, an associated perspective might also allow this thought: Should I then perceive myself to be more or less important than any others, I could fool my (conscious) self into believing that I might have greater or lesser ability or benefit or potential or significance.

In truth, we all have access to the Source of Reiki. What makes us more or less effective as practitioners may be nothing more than releasing our ego in order for the universal energy to do its job. When we allow that the un-conscious is truly at work, and acknowledge that we are just a channel in which it is working, we then have the capacity to be “good” at what we do. At that precise moment of recognition, we are disengaging our ego.

Ego allows us to discover and express our own self-confidence, which creates an opportunity for our giftedness to shine. It is also true that we can become so focused on being the best we can be, and thus take our understanding of self to an ultimate level of perfection in our mind, that we lose our sense of balance. This may be so whether in the practice of Reiki or anything else in life.

If, however, we are doing Self-work daily to clear those expressions of ego that no longer serve, we may be less likely to fall into this language: “I” healed her….through “my” sessions with him, his cancer went into remission…because of “my” teaching ability, “my” students are extraordinary. If anyone catches themselves in this spiral of thinking, remember this definition from Brahma Kumaris —

“Ego is attachment, inside my consciousness, to an incorrect image of my self which I then mistake for myself. When the attachment takes place, you lose your sense of identity in the image of the object of attachment which you create on the screen of your mind.”

In the practice of Reiki, we invite the energy of the higher self in co-creation with Source energy (I Am), angels, and guides to bring their blessings to the table to be used for the best and highest good of whatever/whoever is before us. We work on our Self before we work on others. Whether in prayer or deep meditation, we ask that our work may be effective and that our ego may be in check so that healing may occur.

As people who practice Reiki with self-confidence, we may accept our good points with humility and simply dare to be great in its practice. In that moment we may know our own happiness too. As ego is released, we are open to a higher connection with the energy of others. Our abilities strengthen while offering Light through the Source to those seeking relationship, guidance, healing, and perhaps so much more. Namaste.

Cheryl Valdebenito, Usui Reiki Master Teacher, is a native of the USA now living with her husband Ricardo in the Santiago Metro area of Chile. Most of her adult life she has advocated for and utilized holistic health methods. In 2007 she became certified in quantum biofeedback for stress and pain relief, and in 2010 made a fulltime career shift to help others learn how to help themselves. Today, Valdebenito offers both hands-on and distance energy work with Usui Reiki, SCIO Quantum Biofeedback and Spiritual Health Coaching. Access BARS sessions, BioMat and Young Living oils are available at Clinica de la Luz. You may reach her via her Facebook page, http://www.light-life-energy.com/ and by email: Cheryl.LightLifeEnergy@gmail.com