ReikiOne.com Newsletter
Archived issues of this newsletter are available for viewing at http://www.reikione.com/cgi-bin/news.cgi . In the West, there seems to be this insidious tendency to make things unnecessarily complicated, almost on the basis that if it's more complicated, it is better. We have to take things and make them bigger and better, we have to add stuff. In Japan, of course, they seem to go in the opposite direction, paring things down to the bone, getting rid of any unnecessary frills and flounces, leaving us with the pure essence of a thing, simple and elegant. Think of Japanese garden design, flower arranging, the tea ceremony, and you will see what I mean. This contrast can be seen in the practices of Western Reiki and original Japanese Reiki. Western attunements, for example, tend to be quite complicated affairs. There are lots of different W estern ways of connecting you to Reiki, some of them quite contradictory in terms of the way that they are supposed to work, but they do all work. Some have lots of puffing and blowing, some are more restrained. Some have lots of tapping and patting, others don't, some attune your hands, and some attune your fingertips. Some have different rituals at Reiki1, Reiki2 and Master levels, while others have exactly the same rituals but you repeat the process a different number of times at the different levels. They all involve your head: they are busy, you are drawing symbols, saying names, putting things in different places and saying various affirmations in your head. The Japanese approach is rather different. In Usui's day a simple, elegant connection ritual called 'Reiju' would have been used. Reiju is the same in its form at all levels and is a lovely energy dance, rather like following the flowing form of Tai Chi or QiGong. Reiju is not a 'head' activity, because you simply merge yourself with the energy and follow the form. It is a real pleasure to carry out, as anyone who has learned it will attest. Reiju is pure simplicity. In some Western lineages there are rigid sets of hand positions that you have to follow, in all treatments. Some people are taught that not only must they always use these 'correct' hand positions, but they must also spend a set amount of time in each hand position. They move their hands like robots from one position to another on hearing a 'bell' on one of a number of special CDs used as a guide. Yet Usui's method took a simpler approach: rather than following a standard set of hand positions, you were expected to work at developing your intuition so that your hands were moved by the energy to the right places to treat. The hand positions you used would change from one person to another, and from one treatment to another within the same person, based on their individual energy needs; a simple and eleg ant approach, free from dogma and rigidity. But it is in the use of the Reiki symbols, the Reiki energies, where there is perhaps the greatest gulf between Usui's original method and the techniques used in the West. In the West, Second Degree Reiki involves being 'attuned' to three symbols, two that can be used when giving treatments and a third used in the 'sending' of Reiki long-distance. These were not 'new' symbols that were introduced to the world by Usui after a moment of enlightenment, as the Mrs Takata-inspired history of Reiki tells us, but existing symbols that he appropriated into his system quite late in Reiki's history. Depending on what lineage we have, we are taught different ways of using these symbols. In one lineage you may be taught to use all three symbols in each and every hand position when you are treating someone. Another lineage will tell you that the second symbol is hardly ever to be used, or is only to be used in a narrow and pr edefined set of circumstances. In most lineages the first symbol is seen as some sort of 'power' symbol that makes other symbols stronger, and you are taught to put the symbols on top of each other, or mix them together. Some people have developed quite complicated arrangements where you use one symbol, and then put another on top, and then another one, and then another one, and so on. This technique has been called the 'Reiki sandwich'. But are these approaches an unnecessary complication, and could there be a simpler approach that might be more effective in practice? We Westerners seem to focus more on the Reiki symbols than in Japan. For example, according to Hiroshi Doi, the Usui Reiki Ryoho Gakkai ('Usui's Reiki Healing Association') does not use the Reiki symbols. Students are shown the symbols out of historical interest, but they are expected to work directly with the energies that the symbols represent. We also know that most of the people that Mikao Usui taug ht were not given symbols, but used other approaches to connect to the energies that in the West we use the symbols to represent. What is interesting too is the way that Usui had his students use these energies, because it challenges the Western way of using symbols. Rather than being some sort of 'power symbol', the first energy was seen as focusing on the physical body, it was seen as a physical healing energy. The energy feels strong in your hands, undoubtedly, but that's because you're feeling with your physical body and the energy resonates at just that frequency. This was the solid energy of earth. The second energy was seen as producing harmony, it was celestial energy, working on the thoughts and emotions, rather as the second symbol/energy is seen in the West. So now we have energies that will deal with healing the body, mind and emotions, the whole spectrum. Not only that, but these energies were used individually, on their own, not mixed endlessly wi th other energies and symbols in complicated arrangements and sequences. You chose an energy using your intuition, and you focused on it. By focusing on one thing, rather than trying to do lots of things at the same time, you intensify the effect. Isn't that simple. Comments or thoughts? Would you like to be a guest columnist? Email Teri at teri@reikione.com. Comments? Suggestions? Complaints? They don't have to be about the newsletter, just about Reiki or other healing topics. Be heard! Send them in! teri@reikione.com Have an experience you'd like to share or comments on an experience posted here? Email it to me: teri@reikione.com. Visit ReikiOne Press at http://www.reikione.com/pubs.htm for colorful, easy to use Reiki Manuals.< BR> Send in your Reiki Haiku today! The formula is simple - 5 syllables in line 1, 7 syllables in line 2, and 5 syllables in line 3. That's it, 3 l ittle lines, 5-7-5. teri@reikione.com. This column features a different question each week for your musing, opinion, and response. Comments received will be published in the next issue. Last week's question came from Ayse: My friend and I are both Reiki II. We practice sending reiki to each other. The reason that I ask is because when I send reiki to my friend who is also a Reiki II sometimes she forgets to sit down and goes about her chores. When she remembers,she does state she feels relaxed. and vice versa. So my question is- When sending Reiki to some one, does the person who is receiving the reiki have to be sitting down? Next week's question comes from Nicholas: i have a viewpoint i'd like to put before the group: 'all actions are correct as it is karma acting, even bad things!' therefore Send your comments to teri@reikione.com with "Discussion" in the subject line. Have a question you'd like to ask our readers? Send it in! teri@reikione.com. If you miss answering a question from a past issue, please feel free to still send in your comments, please just reference the question you're replying to. Please send your ideas/experiences/thoughts/pitfalls on starting and maintaining a Reiki practice to teri@reikione.com. Read a good book or heard some good music, healing-wise? Write a review and I'll include it in the newsletter. Email your review to teri@reikione.com. Would you like your site featured here? Just send me the URL and a brief description - teri@reikione.com. "Come have a look over here", says Bubba, "It's Zeb Jones' grave, God bless his soul, he lived to the ripe old age of 87." "That's nothing", says Earl, "here's one named Butch Smith. It says here that he was 95 when he died." Just then, Jeb yells out, "But here's a fella that died when he was 145 years old!" "What was his name?" asks Bubba. Jeb lights a match to see what else is written on the stone marker, and exclaims, "Miles, from Georgia." If this newsletter has been passed to on to you and you'd like to subscribe, please visit http://www.reikione.com/subscribe.htm. Please do not reply to this email. Advertisers are solely responsible for ad contents. Any listing in this newsletter does not imply an endorsement. ReikiOne reserves the right to refuse publication of submitted material it does not deem appropriate or suited to this newsletter or to edit submissions for length and/or spelling corrections. To contact me with feedback, questions or just plain happy thoughts, email teri@reikione.com. You are getting this email because you opted in to ReikiOne.com Newsletter
ReikiOne Newsletter - 092903
By
Teri Moore posted on Sun, Nov 2 at 7:32pm:
ReikiOne Newsletter
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a free service of ReikiOne.com
~~one world one universe one source~~
written and compiled by Teri Moore, RMT & editor
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Volume 3 Issue 26
Sunday, September 29, 2003
ISSN 1534-1747
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The ReikiOne Newsletter is an opt-in, weekly zine available by subscription only; subscribe/unsubscribe information is at the end of this newsletter. We neither use nor endorse the use of spam nor do we share our email list. If you enjoy the ReikiOne Newsletter, please forward it to a friend.
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IN THIS ISSUE
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Reflection by Teri Moore, RMT & editor
Reader's Corner
Reiki Experience
Teaching Reiki
Reiki Haiku
Up for Discussion
Growing your Reiki Practice
Music/Book Review
Links of Interest
Just for Fun
Submission Guidelines
Copyrights, Disclaimers, Subscription Info
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~~Reflection~~ Teri Moore, editor & RMT
Guest Columnist, Taggart King: Simplicity and Sandwiches © 2002 www.reiki-evolution.co.uk
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~~Reader's Corner~~
Sharon, on last week's Reflection column: I love your comments and feel the same way at times and then I remember what a blessing Reiki has been in my life and what a wonderful community that I belong to.
Gillian, in response to an earlier Discussion topic from Marion: The wounded healer. It is the wounded part of ourselves which enables us to be truly empathic whilst offering healing to other people effectively. Nonetheless its important to remember that our own skills as a Reiki channel improve as we undertake our own personal healing, the two things go hand in hand. We need to take personal responsibility for our own healing process on an ongoing basis. This is particularly important at an emotional/mental level to ensure that we are not projecting our own ills onto our clients. Nonetheless its also important to remember that our definition of healing as Reiki practitioners is fundamentally different from conventional medicine. Our approach is holistic and less focused on the end product, i.e. healing of a physical symptom. As we are aware a physical symptom can reflect inappropriate thought processes, which filter into the emotional field before manifesting at the physical level. Many people still do not fully understand that concept. I had a problem with my shoulder which went on and on and on. A Reiki one student more or less said, 'Well then you are not practising what you preach!!! Little did she realise....!!! If we are lucky and it is to the highest good then we may well receive an instantaneous healing, but quite frequently our healing involves altering our perception of things, which then initiates a huge energy shift. With a deeper understanding then we are able to maintain this shift, true healing is about being able to maintain the energetic shift and acquiring a new level of conscious awareness. But also remember that Reiki is about unconditional love and acceptance of ourselves as well as people at large . It is a very big step to accept ourselves just the way we are in the first place. So it is important to take the above into consideration, although of course as Reiki practitioners and Reiki Masters we are also responsible for taking proper care of our bodies through proper exercise and nutrition regime as well. This will help us held the higher frequency as well. Each Reiki Master or practitioner contributes their own uniqueness to their practice, and so its a question of attracting the clients who are appropriate for you. Therefore it should not be about your Reiki being better than anyone else's, Reiki is Reiki. At the moment I am working with my Reiki Master students over a period of approximately six months towards their master status. This enables them to integrate at a slower rate, and to really absorb the ins and outs of Reiki so that they themselves can ultimately pas s the craft on. I am much happier with this slower approach and I think they are as well. The sessions we have together are quite remarkable and something I consider myself very lucky to be a part of. Hope this is helpful. I would also be interested in how many other Reiki Masters have taken a similar approach to master attunements, and any experiences they care to share.
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Visit the ReikiOne Press at http://www.reikione.com/pubs.htm to check out all the Reiki Student/Teacher Manuals offered!
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~~Reiki Experience~~
From Katy: A girlfriend of mine is a director at a nursing facility for Alzheimer's patients and began a holistic program to incorporate therapy for the patients. She asked if I would volunteer, and I agreed to do Reiki. I'd like to share my experience because I was a little apprehensive practicing on a stranger (so far I've only Reiki'd friends and family), and this woman in particular is deteriorating cognitively and is extremely agitated in the mornings. I put on relaxing music and lit a candle and gave her a half-hour of Reiki. It was truly a moving and beautiful experience, for both of us. She was very relaxed as I positioned my hands over different areas of her body.While I had my hands on her head, at one point she took my hand and cradled it against her face. My hands were extremely warm and this lady had been shaking from cold before the session. She was warm, sleepy and comfo rtable while receiving Reiki and I truly felt at peace myself. That feeling stayed with me long afterwards and I look forward to my next Reiki session. Reiki is beautiful!
RESPONSES to Katy's Experience
Karyn: Thank you for passing along your experience at the Alzheimer's facility. The part where the woman put your hand on her face had me in tears. What a beautiful experience, for both of you. You've inspired me to look into offering Reiki at such a facility myself. I've been wondering where to offer it - AIDS clinic; retirement home; hospital; massage facility - but haven't been really resonant with any of those choices. You may have catalyzed me into a decision - thank you!!
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From Elaine: I have been Reiki Level II certified for over a year now and still feel too inexperienced to "use" it as in a 'professional' setting where I charge a fee... However, I am a Massage Therapist and MANY of my clients comment both during their massages and after, on the 'warmth'/'heat' coming from my hands. Many have asked, during the massage if it is my hands or an electric blanket on their body... I do not use any symbols or prayers re: Reiki before or during a massage.
In fact, I have never done a "Professional" Reiki session. I have, only once, done "Reiki" on my sedated brother in law, during his last suffering from Cancer in the hospital. He never regained consciousness to comment one way or the other, if he felt any effect, but we felt good knowing I was 'doing it'. I was, even then, so unsure of what/how I was doing, I contacted the person who certified to seek guidance. She confirmed that as long as my intention was there, I was a simply a tool for healing ... while I believe her words and continue to work on my confidence in regard to offering Reiki as a professional service... I am AMAZED at how many clients comment on the 'heat' from my hands, while receiving a massage. Could it be that that force of life energy is working through me, without the symbols, just because I am certified?
RESPONSES to Elaine's Experience
Shawn: It is clear to me that Spirit is channeling healing energy through you to your clients. When you are working on your clients, are you "Intending" for them to feel better? Energy always follows Intent. Your act of intending for them to feel better is activating your Reiki. I believe that just as people pray in church for their loved ones, or mothers hold their baby's boo-boo, everyone has a natural ability to channel Healing Energies. I see Reiki as widening that channel and also offers a procedure to follow where we can leave our left brain at home and just Trust in the process. Your work with Reiki seems to have widened your channel to the point where you don't even have to intend directly for it to flow strongly enough for others to comment. It's clear to me that you're a gifted healer. keep up the good work!
Jo: Elaine, I know how you feel. I have been a Usui Reiki Master for about 4 years now. I'm a member of quite a few online groups. People have sent me distant attunements, which I had no idea was possible. With an open mind and a little confidence, I've learned a lot these past 2 years. You have the ability to channel Reiki because you were attuned to it. Sometimes it will "come on" when your near, or when you put your hands on someone in need. That's it! My dream is to have an office, charge for the healing session, but give the attunements free to all that cannot afford it. My confidence though is not quite there yet. Although this is the first time I've every written to this news letter, I've learned much and have enjoyed reading it. Thank you all.
Karyn: It is my understanding that Reiki flows whenever you have your two hands on someone or on something. You have been attuned, so the energy will flow. The symbols help to direct your intent, but you don't need the symbols for the energy to flow. Maybe when your clients comment on the heat you could explain that they are
also receiving Reiki. I've found that hardly anyone I've mentioned that I'm a Reiki practitioner to has been offended or scared, mostly everyone is interested and wants to learn more about Reiki. I'd say about 60% of them either know what Reiki is or have heard the word but don't really know what it is. And pretty much everyone who has received Reiki through me has enjoyed every minute of it. So your clients probably aren't any different from the people I meet. Please have confidence in yourself as a Reiki channel. As you gain more confidence by sharing Reiki you will come to reall y, REALLY love it and want to do it more and more.
Jan: As you are attuned to Reiki it will flow automatically. In my experience if I forget to use the symbols the Reiki still flows, as mentioned previously in discussions it is the intent that is everything. The symbols are just an extra tool. You are a channel for the universal life force energy, if that person needs Reiki and it is for their highest good, it will flow. Reiki is a beautiful energy which can do no harm enjoy it, trust it and enjoy it, and don't be nervous about using it.
Jean: The Reiki energy is indeed being channeled when you work with your massage clients, and symbols are not necessary for you to be a clear channel for the energy. Of course, the warmth that your clients feel is Reiki. Perhaps it would be helpful if you could have more opportunities to use Reiki in an informal setting with friends and family. How about setting up a series of Reiki "exchange" treatments with a fellow Reiki student? It could be someone who was in your particular class, or another Reiki person you may know. The more you intentionally use Reiki, the more confident you will become. Any uncertainty about how or what to do when giving Reiki will fade away the more you use it. And, if you don't already have one, a good, comprehensive Reiki manual is in order. If you feel the need for a refresher class, you might ask your Reiki teacher if such an opportunity would be available. Some teachers provide o ngoing Reiki sharing groups for just that purpose, and also to share Reiki treatments, of course. Your growing recognition of Reiki's presence will also be helped as you regularly do Reiki for yourself. After getting to really know it as you gain more experience, you may wish to consider offering "professional" treatments gradually in your massage business. I know someone who offers either/or, or a combination of both modalities. The reality of Reiki will become a matter of "knowing" for you, rather than a matter of "believing", or "hoping". Reiki is like a good friendship. Let it bloom by being with it often! Blessings to you!
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Visit the ReikiShop at ReikiOne.com for Reiki clothing, hats, tote bags, mugs, Reiki boxes, etc. Also available, Om&Yoga clothing and accessories, Goddess stuff, and Reiki posters! http://www.cafeshops.com/reikionep .
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~~Teaching Reiki~~
If you'd like to share your teaching methods or ideas on Reiki, please send them in! teri@reikione.com.
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Healing Image eCards! Visit http://www.reikione.com/cardcenter.html
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~~Reiki Haiku~~
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~~Up for Discussion~~
Prema: I have tried giving Reiki to a person walking on the streets, as he had problems in getting proper sleep. The next day when questioned he stated that he did not feel the energy or heat passing as his attention was on the traffic . But after half an hour of my giving reiki to him ( I had told him the time I send Reiki) he was longing for sleep and later he had a sound sleep. I think that if the receiver is in a lying position than the person can feel the reiki energy passing through. Reiki works equally for the person who is moving about.
Karyn: The person receiving Reiki doesn't have to be sitting down, or doing anything in particular. The energy will still go to them. I have found when sending distance Reiki, however, that if the receiver is in a receptive state, sitting or laying down calmly and meditatively, they seem to feel the energy more than if they are mowing the lawn or something. I think (personal opinion only) that they are more open to the energy if they are part of the session, like they kind of suck it in like a vacuum, as opposed to having it flow to them. I love the idea of you and your friend sending Reiki to each other. Right before Hurricane Isabel struck here in Virginia Beach, a friend sent me an email saying that she had created a sacred space, and Reiki'd it to me. That made me feel so good that I sat down and did the same thing for other friends who were in the path of the hurricane. I don't know if it was the Reiki, or karma, or just pl ain old luck, but nobody in the Reiki sacred spaces had any major damage.
Morgan: I think it is a wonderful thing to partner up and send Reiki at an appointed time so both parties are able to fully participate in the experience by sitting or lying down. However, we do long-distance Reiki all the time on individuals who are unaware of what is happening. They are going about there daily business without sitting or participating and the Reiki sent is no less potent.
don't worry about actions being right or wrong, they are always right for the evolution of your soul and the 'mass soul' of the universe. comments??
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~~Growing your Reiki Practice~~
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~~Music/Book Review~~
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~~Links of Interest~~
White Dove: My new website at http://www.energymedicinecabinet.com has a free healing attunement each month. For the month of September the Energy Boost Attunement is featured. If you would like to try it, it is available on the site. I hope you will check it out!
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Join the ReikiOne WebRing! Visit http://www.reikione.com/webring.htm to sign up!
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~~Just for Fun~~~
Three guys, Bubba, Earl and Jeb, were stumbling home late one night and found themselves on the road that led past the old graveyard.
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I accept most any submissions for this newsletter, as long it somehow relates to the topic of Reiki and/or energy work. Send to teri@reikione.com.
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The ReikiOne Newsletter is a publication of ReikiOne.com and is copyrighted by Teri Moore, 2003, except where indicated otherwise. All rights reserved worldwide. Reprint only with permission from copyright holder(s). All trademarks are property of their respective owners. All content provided as is. No express or implied claims made herein.