Thoughts for November 2008

Once again I am feeling Unexpected joy as we find the new President of the US to be a man with heart, integrity and intelligence. I had lost some faith in our leaders for some years now and hadn't realized how much I was allowing that to impact me. When I cried with relief and happiness at the announcement tonight, I realized I had some thoughts and beliefs to change about our Canadian leaders too. It gives me a renewed hope and optimisim on a deeper level. And I feel proud once again to be a North American. I feel it is easier for all of us to do our parts with an inspiring and heart-centered leader. And I know that we must continue to heal and change ourselves and our immediate circles of influence in order to bring our soul to this world.

I am also feeling deeply inspired to share more with you about Reiki. “Reiki” is a Japanese word meaning spirit/universal (rei) energy or power/life force (ki). The word is pronounced “ray-key”. I believe Reiki is love – universal love which is the fundamental life force flowing and pulsating in all living things and so pure healthy energy. Many different cultures and spiritual paths recognize this “spirit energy”. Some examples of this are Chi, light, prana, life-force, divine energy, cosmic consciousness or universal energy.

Reiki is one of the most ancient healing methods know to humanity. It is thought to have originated in Tibet and India (referred to in ancient Sanskrit writings 2500 years ago) and was rediscovered in the 19th century by Dr. Mikao Usui who was a Japanese monk. The Usui System of Natural Healing has been passed down by Reiki Masters since that time.

Reiki is a system for channelling the universal energy. It is a natural and simple healing method which allows you to absorb more life force energy. The person giving Reiki channels energy through their body and it is released to the person receiving Reiki, most often through the hands. The person giving Reiki treats a client by performing a sequence of hand positions either lightly touching or hovering just above the client’s body. This vitalizes the client’s life force and balances the energy in their body. And because the practitioner or Reiki giver is used as a channel to conduct the Universal Life Energy, no personal energy is drawn from the giver. The energy flowing through actually recharges and heals the one giving as well.

A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects that include relaxation and feelings of peace, security and wellbeing. Many have reported miraculous results. Reiki is a simple, natural and safe method of spiritual healing and self-improvement that everyone can use. It has been effective in helping virtually every known illness and malady and always creates a beneficial effect. It also works in conjunction with all other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery.

An amazingly simple technique to learn, the ability to use Reiki is not taught in the usual sense, but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. This ability is passed on during an "attunement" given by a Reiki master and allows the student to tap into an unlimited supply of "life force energy" to improve one's health and enhance the quality of life. The Usui Reiki system has three levels of attunement which are passed through a Reiki Master. Its use is not dependent on one's intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone. It has been successfully taught to thousands of people of all ages (including children) and backgrounds. While Reiki is spiritual in nature, it is not a religion. It has no dogma, and there is nothing you must believe in order to learn and use Reiki. In fact, Reiki is not dependent on belief at all and will work whether you believe in it or not. Many people find that using Reiki puts them more in touch with the experience of their religion rather than having only an intellectual concept of it. Importance is also placed on living and acting in a way that promotes harmony with others. Dr. Mikao Usui the founder of the Reiki system of natural healing, recommended that one practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.

I have to admit I was guided towards Reiki for quite some time and resisted. I was astounded to discover I experienced the first attunement, in May 2006, as one of the most sacred events of my life and had beautiful visions and an immediate opening of energy flowing through my hands. I have learned this is common for many, though experiences are really varied. The commonality is that everyone can do this – the healing opens in everyone. I have completed my training and can now pass this wonderful gift to those of you who want to receive it. You can give yourself treatments as well as family and friends and pets, and/or you can start a healing business.

... wishing you wholeness and happiness, with much laughter, love and light, Lorie