Reiki Simplified For The Curious

I love Reiki because basically, it is a very simple, experiential, enjoyable healing technique and in the same breath it is so very profound. Reiki is the name given to this system of natural healing for the body and mind, developed by Dr. Mikao Usui who lived in Japan during the the 19th century. The ‘Rei’ means ‘universal’ and the ‘ki’ means ‘life force energy’. Reiki is also referred to as a path to personal growth.

While many people cannot yet physically see ‘Ki’, physics explains that energy exists in everything and that it’s everywhere. It is in the air we breathe, in the food we eat, in the light from the sun and the moon. Inanimate objects have energy too, just lower frequencies of energy, though.

This Life Force Energy is the creative force behind all of life. It is that which nourishes and sustains natural life cycles such as cycles of birth, life and death of all living things. When we are connected with this energy through Reiki or through Prayer or Meditation we will feel less separate from other living beings and things. Rather than separate or isolated, we feel more whole within ourselves and within all of creation. We feel a greater sense of unity to all that surrounds us. We also start to feel supported, safe, and confident to be all that we are.
This Life Force is within us. It is a subtle energy that exists within our bodies and minds. It also exists in plants, flowers, trees, rocks, minerals, and crystals – in nature.

For me, taking walks in nature has a very healing effect. Part of me doesn’t know how it actually happens, but I don’t need to know because I experience a shift in my subtle inner energies. If I feel pre-occupied or anxious there is hardly anything else more effective to calm me than a walk among “my” trees. After I emerge out of their natural care, I am new again. Magically, anxiety is far removed from me. This healing effect happens each time. It always works. Amazingly, the natural energy from the trees, rocks, sun etc. has a corresponding effect on my body, my mind, and my spirit.

This Life Force Energy runs through our bodies through subtle energy pathways called meridians. When these pathways are blocked or out of balance because of stress, let’s say, illness can result. Like other alternative/complimentary therapies, Reiki helps the body, mind, and spirit to rebalance itself and to unblock the energy pathways .This promotes health and well being in us.

Reiki does not have any dogma or belief systems attached to it. It is practiced in almost every country in the world. Thankfully, its healing intelligence transcends religious, cultural, and political boundaries. It can fit practically into any lifestyle physically, mentally, and spiritually. It is truly universal.