Anger - A Normal Human Emotion

Anger is a powerful human emotion that we all experience. It is often ignited by personal triggers that propel us into a state of heightened emotion. In these moments, we often create stories around the source of our anger, intensifying the turmoil.

Physiologically, anger tenses our muscles, quickens our heartbeat, raises our blood pressure, and we can forget about the grounding nature of our spiritual practice.

However, this isn't to say that anger is never helpful because it is. It can motivate us to combat injustices and help us to be agents of change. It can also teach us about establishing boundaries and, if used thoughtfully, can even strengthen relationships. Yet, it can also have the potential to be harmful to those who love and care for us.

One way to untangle ourselves from anger is to have an awareness that it is there. Odd as it might seem, sometimes we get so carried into a state of fight or flight we are unable to acknowledge what’s happening. It's important to remember that anger is a normal emotion, and we all experience it. Once we recognize what is happening, we can take a few moments to breathe deeply into the belly, which helps to regulate strong overwhelming emotions. Taking a walk can also help release tension in the body and allow us to see things more clearly. And, of course, engaging in meditation, self-compassion, and reflective journaling can be helpful for us to have a deeper understanding of the things we hold deep inside.

"My anger is trying to tell me something. Anger always carries information, but its message is seldom immediately clear. Befriending anger includes finding ways to retrieve this message."

— James D. Whitehead, Evelyn E. Whitehead in Shadows of the Heart

Does Reiki Really Work?

I recently received an email from a potential client who asked me the question many people want to know, “does Reiki really work?”  It was perfect timing, as I had just strained my lower back while lifting my rambunctious puppy into the bathtub.  The evening of the injury, I could barely get up and down without excruciating pain.  I spent that night flat on my back in bed.  Unable to sleep soundly, each time I woke up, I did self-Reiki.  For two days, I continued with my daily self-Reiki practice and meditation.

Then, on the third morning, I woke up and bingo, no more pain.  I don’t mean the pain was lessened, I mean zero pain.  No problem sitting up or down or walking or bending over.  It had simply disappeared.  The day before I had considered calling the doctor, as I had never experienced anything quite so painful and exhausting.  I have to say that even though I’ve been practicing Reiki since 2007 and have seen countless patients and clients helped in remarkable ways, even I was surprised to have the pain lifted so quickly and efficiently. 

While Reiki is most often associated with hands-on healing for others, the main focus of the practice is self-care.  This makes perfect sense, since if we don’t take care of ourselves, it is difficult to hold a space of loving compassion for others.  As my teacher, Frans Stiene, always says, “I can’t give you a cup of tea if I don’t have one myself.”  The system of Reiki provides the perfect tools for a daily self-care program, including hands-on healing for the self, meditations, mantras, symbols and contemplating the Reiki Precepts.  This work allows our minds to be freed up in order to create space for our bodies to heal.  When we are balanced in body, mind and spirit, we are better able to let go of the grip of physical and emotional pain, anxiety, worry, stress, fear, resentment, anger and an abundance of emotions that we frequently carry around for a lifetime. 

Reiki is an incredible gift for others as well.  When I was still practicing as a registered nurse and providing Reiki for patients each day, it was remarkable how many of them were able to gently fall asleep even though they had been experiencing 10/10 pain scores prior to their sessions.  Patients would describe experiences such as “a sense of relaxation and peace,” “no pain or disturbance was entering my body,” “a gentle shower of love,” “feeling strong and in control,” and “providing a getaway from the stress of surgery.”

So, does Reiki work?  It sure does.

Reiki Precepts

 For today only,

Do not anger

Do not worry

Be grateful

Practice diligently

Show compassion to yourself and others.

Mikao Usui, Founder of Reiki

Looking Inside

Spending time in contemplation can be painful. While these past few months of solitude and self-isolation have created an abundance of opportunities for me to finally spend time to look inside, I have to admit that I’ve frequently found that I have searched for everything within the realm of possibilities to do except sit down on my meditation bench. You know you’re in trouble when cleaning the toilet bowl is much more appealing than exploring time in seiza!

Looking inside is difficult and emotions arise and then avoidance occurs. We aren’t always taught how to deal with this part of meditation practice. So what do you do when restlessness in meditation practice occurs? I’ve discovered that I am finding a deep sense of joy in my time spent outdoors, walking my dog at nearby parks or meandering into the state forests and game lands. I’ve learned a lot just by being Nature’s quiet observer.

On a recent morning stroll, I noticed a beautiful river birch. While I’ve always observed these trees from a distance, this particular one really drew me in. If you aren’t familiar with this particular species, it has the most incredible cinnamon colored bark, which curls and peels when it reaches maturity. I couldn’t help but think of the analogy we use in Reiki practice of peeling away the layers of things that we’ve been carrying for a lifetime to reveal our innate bright light. The things that always keep inner peace an arm’s length away. Anger, fear, worry, insecurities, pain, trama, hurt . . . and the list goes on.

Nature is a magnificent teacher. The river birch doesn’t stop peeling away – it’s a continuous process throughout the lifetime of the tree. It grows, peels and uncovers and maybe another layer grows over a previously uncovered one. Some parts fully exposed and some still hidden. It’s a process of gentle revealing and there’s no need to rush things; it takes time.

The important lesson is that we find some way to explore our “stuff.” Don’t get me wrong, I get plenty of time on my meditation bench, but sometimes we can find other ways to observe and be present. It’s all about what feels right and natural for you.

Grandmother Mind

            Mothering is difficult.  I remember being nine months pregnant with my first child and sitting by myself in the nursery.  I smiled, rocking gently back and forth in the sturdy oak chair that fit perfectly into the room decor.  Everything was in its place and was ready to go.  I sat quietly with my hands placed lovingly on my belly and thinking of how perfect everything looked.  There was a stack of newborn diapers on the changing table, the cloud wallpaper was seamlessly placed on the ceiling and the crib was polished and the linens crisp and clean.  I was convinced that I was going to be the perfect mother, avoiding all the pitfalls every other mother had ever encountered.  This was going to be a piece of cake.

            It didn’t take me long to realize how naïve and unprepared I was for motherhood.  Every experience was and continues to be brand new.  I went through the neatly stacked newborn diapers in less than a day and spent many, many hours on that hard, wooden rocker in the middle of the night, soothing and nursing my infant daughter.  Being a new mother was challenging and honestly, a little bit scary.  However, there was one thing that helped me through every formidable moment and that was the presence of my mother.  Selflessly and without hesitation, she offered to move into our spare bedroom for several weeks to assist me in establishing a routine.  She prepared all of the meals, cleaned the house and stuck her head in the nursery door at 2:00 AM on those nights when the crying seemed endless, offering her love and support.  She duplicated that same altruism when my son was born two years later.  

            That was almost 35 years ago and she is now 94 years old.  My children consider her their best friend and closest confidant.  She has been their champion in every hurdle they have ever encountered.   She is that Grandma that had mountains of toys for them to play with and secretly caved into all of the things that were on my “please don’t do” list.  It took me many years to understand that she wasn’t trying to undermine what I was doing; she only wanted to see them have their every wish and more fulfilled.  She has always cherished their smiles, laughter and the endless and abounding love they offer her.  

            In Buddhism, there is a concept known as robai-shin, or grandmother mind, which was first taught by Japanese Zen Master Dogen, the founder of the Soto Zen school. It represents overwhelming kindness, compassion, and empathy.  It means being selfless and offering unconditional love and support - feeding your children and grandchildren before you feed yourself; offering the warmth of a blanket, when you, yourself are freezing and always offering kindness.  My mother adored her father and her favorite story about him is one in which she describes him offering his coat to a complete stranger who was standing out in the cold.  He simply gave it away no strings attached.  This is an essential element of robai-shin; there is no expectation for giving, no hidden agenda.  Everything that is offered is done so through the lens of kindness and compassion for the betterment of humanity, much like the practice of Reiki. It is an offering of love.

            Although I am still unsure that my mother fully understands Reiki, she has never wavered in her support of what I’ve chosen to be my life path.  While my siblings still roll their eyes, my mother understands how important and life changing Reiki has been for me.  She has been my model for Reiki photos, touts to her friends how wonderful it is and is my biggest cheerleader.    However, what she will never fully understand is that she paved the way for this journey. 

She taught me to be kind, compassionate and giving.  When my brother was critically injured in a motorcycle accident when he was a teenager, I watched her gently care for him and nurse him back to health.  Whenever I was sick as a child, she would carve out a cozy space for me on the sofa, cover me with a soft warm blanket and soothe me with a loving touch.   

            There is no doubt that mothering was and still is challenging for her.  Just like most families, ours has its fair share of dysfunction; siblings who haven’t talked in years, hostilities that somehow can’t be tamed and occasional angry words and actions.  Through all of it, my mother has been an open vessel for attempting to bring peace, harmony and understanding to every situation.  She continues to hold a space of love and compassion and hopes that one day, all will be resolved.  

            When new mothers give birth, they begin a journey of uncharted waters with the best of intentions.  The years fly by and each moment is a new learning experience.  The lesson lies in embracing the wisdom of the grandmother mind and approaching each challenge with a heart of peace and actions filled with a bottomless well of understanding and compassion.   

Originally published in Therapeutic Thymes Magazine

Addendum: My beautiful, kind, compassionate mother transitioned from this life to one of ultimate joy on April 13, 2020. She will be greatly missed.

Helping the Wounded Healer

        Traditionally, when we think of the word healers, we might envision doctors, nurses and those in health care professions. However, from a more holistic perspective, there are an abundance of practitioners who lend their gifts to facilitating the healing of others.  Those of us who constantly give of ourselves frequently feel over-extended, burned-out and suffer from physical, emotional and mental exhaustion. Further complicating this scenario is that we are oftentimes hesitant to reach out and ask for help because we don’t want to be perceived as weak or powerless.

            In many instances, those who choose healing professions have a history of being deeply wounded. Whether it be physical, emotional, sexual or spiritual trauma, our direct experiences of immeasurable suffering somehow gently guide us to be more fully open to understanding the plight of others.  Through this knowing, we are able to create a healing space of empathy and compassion. This is a common theme in every corner of the world. Christine Downing (2006), mythological scholar and educator, eloquently notes, “That woundedness, illness, suffering are a prerequisite for taking on the role of healer is a truth recognized in the myths and rituals of traditional cultures throughout the world”[1].

            How then, can we can effectively help others without experiencing burnout and potentially facing a deep dive back into our own dark well of pain? Sometimes when we assist others it uncovers another layer of suffering within us that we need to acknowledge.  How do we know when that happens?  Maybe it is a tendency to anger more easily or worry about things we have no control over.  Perhaps we are feeling insecure, which can make us more judgmental.  It may be that we are taking on too much, which leads to feelings of resentment and exhaustion.  How can we explore our inner being to promote a greater sense of balance and harmony and what can we do to nurture our soul?  All of these questions require thoughtfulness, self-compassion and insight. 

            We first need to acknowledge and recognize that we need to delve more deeply into caring for ourselves and find ways to nurture our inner-being. Self-care requires self-discipline and is an essential component for those in healing professions.  And, it needs to be a daily practice.  If we decide to play the violin and take lessons once a month, we are not going to be very good violinists; in fact, no one is going to want to listen to us.  The same is true with our spiritual-care practice; we must carve out time each day for a routine that becomes ingrained and consistent.  Life is hectic and our schedules are full, so we need to take a serious look at our priorities.  For just one day, write down everything that you do and be honest and diligent about it.  Most of us spend at least some time on social media, watching television or sitting in front of a computer screen, which often lends itself to creating additional stress and worry.  Try stepping away from those activities for ten minutes, take a walk and consciously think about breathing. 

            If you have given meditation a try and you find it challenging, try a walking meditation without your phone.  Think about connecting with nature by taking a stroll and looking at the trees, listen to the birds and feel the wind on your face.  The Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku, which translates to forest bathing, or spending time in nature, has been proven to boost immune cells, reduce anxiety and depression, lower blood pressure, increase our energy and improve sleep.[2] During a nature walk, allow the body to experience its calming effects.  If it is raining, let the rain touch your hands.  If it is snowing, stick out your tongue and catch some snowflakes!  All of these sensations are reminders of the healing power of the earth. 

            Another simple tool for relieving stress is to giggle and laugh and remember that sometimes it is OK to not take things too seriously.  Laughter releases endorphins, brings oxygen to the lungs and eases tension, all of which strengthen your immune system. There are even laughing meditations that you can find on the internet. After you have had a good laugh, check in with yourself and see how your entire body and mind are feeling.  Give yourself permission to have some fun each day and make it a priority to do something that brings you joy.  

            Journaling is also an effective way to reveal and release unhealthy feelings that we might be carrying.   Writing down our thoughts can be an effective tool in recognizing old patterns and ways of being.  We can then make the conscious choice to either embrace them or lovingly look at them, realize they do not serve us well, and then let them go.  When journaling, keep it simple and allow your thoughts to gently glide onto the paper.  There are no rules; perhaps you might only write down one or two words or draw a picture.  The goal is to allow your feelings, whether good or bad, to be expressed in a healthy way.  Journaling will also allow you to track how you are feeling and give you the capability to look back on past events and see how far you have grown. 

            Setting boundaries is also essential in maintaining overall wellbeing.  If you have a professional holistic healing practice, let clients know before they arrive what your expectations are and the time-frame you allotted for them.  Honor and respect yourself and your clients will do the same for you.  If you are feeling exhausted and overwhelmed, it could be an indication that you need to re-evaluate your ability to say “no” and set limits.  Remember that the more time you give others permission to invade your personal time, the less time you will have to spend on self-care.

            Are we all ever completely healed from our wounds?  Once again, Christine Downing  explicitly notes, “I have come to recognize for a long while when I thought of the wounded healer, I really had in mind the healed healer, the once wounded healer who wounds are now healed.”  However, she suggests “a perspective from which our wounds are not something to get over, to put behind us, to hide, but an integral part of our being”.  Embracing this aspect of ourselves allows us to innately build conscious compassion for others.  As we do so, we must keep ourselves balanced and harmonious by committing to daily self-care practices that nurture our body, mind and spirit.

[1] Downing, C. (2006).  The Wounded Healer. Gleanings.  Lincoln, NE:  iUniverse

[2] Kuo, M. (2015).  How might contact with nature promote human health?  Promising mechanisms and a possible      central pathway.  Frontiers in Psychology, 6, doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01093

Originally published in Therapeutic Thymes, Winter 2019, Issue 13

Starting Your Own Reiki Practice

 Are you a Reiki practitioner who might be considering starting up your own professional practice?  If so, there are many different aspects to think about which require careful planning and thoughtfulness.  One of the first things you might want to ponder is why you want to express Reiki as a business.  Has this been a passion for you since the day you took your first Reiki class or is it just a way to generate extra income?  Having a successful and abundant practice requires the heartfelt intention of helping others and being confident and secure in your practice.  

            You may want to begin by setting up a healing space. Are you considering creating the business in your home?  If so, it is important to check the zoning regulations in your area as some municipalities or housing developments have strict rules regarding home businesses. If you decide to rent a space, ensure that you will be able to financially sustain your business by carefully planning your anticipated expenses.  You may want to consider investing in a software program to track your income and expenses.  Additionally, there are many Apps available for tracking your mileage, which you will be able to deduct as a business expense.  Initial investments should include a sturdy massage table, sheets, blankets, pillows, a music player, speaker and also some simple and basic décor.  

            Keep your space clean and uncluttered and remember that many people are sensitive to odors, even certain aromatherapy smells.  Additionally, if your practice is in your home and you own pets, make sure that your clients are aware of that prior to their appointment time. Keep into account that clients may have had traumatic events related to animals and may also have a history of allergic reactions.  Also, as much as animals are incredibly healing, a barking dog or jumping cat can be very disruptive during a Reiki session.

            Creating a name for your practice will be important on many levels. It will help you to attract clients and also be imperative when you set up your business structure.  Think about whether you may want to form an LLC or a sole proprietorship.  Seek out a business mentor, such as SCORE, which provides free, confidential business advice in addition to workshops and events, which can help you in every aspect of setting up your business.  If you are thinking about developing a website, be sure to check to see if the domain is available and if is, secure it as soon as possible.  

            Once your business is established, you can begin advertising and getting your name out to potential clients. In addition to word-of-mouth referrals, consider setting up a social media page specifically for your Reiki practice. Posting daily inspirational quotes and promoting your practice will help people to have an energetic feel of what you are offering.  Designing attractive business cards and distributing them throughout the community will allow you to network with business owners and have them connect a face to a name.  Once you begin to generate income, you may also want to consider budgeting for advertising in a local holistic magazine.  Additionally, seeking out holistic health fairs and expos to offer your services will give you an opportunity to expand your practice and meet other practitioners who can help guide you.  When clients schedule with you, make sure that one of the questions on your intake form asks about how they heard about you.  This will help you to track what forms of advertising have been effective. 

            Know the practice laws in your state regarding the use of touch.  In Pennsylvania, it can be found in Pennsylvania Statues, Title 63. P.S. Professions and Occupations (State Licensed) Section 627.13.  Other Professions. It is important to keep up with the current laws of your state and know the scope of your practice.  Furthermore, it is the responsibility of every professional Reiki practitioner to carry Reiki liability insurance, have a code of ethics they practice by and be a member of a professional Reiki organization.  These organizations will also be able to support you with helpful articles, research, products, and business tools in the growing your practice. Additionally, you will also have the opportunity to list your name as a Reiki provider, which is another helpful way for clients to find you and know that you have a professional practice.  

            Charging a fee for your sessions and/or classes is sometimes challenging for Reiki practitioners.  Remember that money is a form of energy and sometimes we have to explore the thoughts we have about it, which may include fear, insecurity and lack of abundance.  A monetary exchange does not mean that we are not compassionate, understanding or giving, but rather that we value what we are offering.  Think of it as an equal exchange of energy and set an intention of abundance for your practice.  Letting go of any type of resistance will allow for a free flow of energy to attract the clients that value what you have to offer.

            Professionalism and clear and effective communication are also fundamental elements in growing your practice.  Make sure that you are able to set clear boundaries with clients at your first meeting.  Many clients like to share their stories and as a Reiki practitioner, you are going to want to hear them.  However, setting time limits will allow you to stay on a schedule and also value their time.  One way to do this is to allow 15 minutes before and after your session for clients to share their thoughts.  Boundary setting can be difficult, but it is also an essential component of caring for yourself.   Remember, too, that your role is as a professional Reiki practitioner, not as a counselor or health care provider. Crossing boundaries will not be helping your client, but will disempower them from working on their own self-healing process.  If you feel as though your client needs additional talk therapy, suggest that they look into acquiring a life coach, certified counselor or psychologist. 

            Documentation of client sessions and safeguarding client confidentiality is of paramount importance.  Ensure that you have a comprehensive intake form, consent and keep detailed session notes. Not only will this help you to keep track of your client’s progress, but it will also help you to establish professional standards of practice.  Additionally, in the rare occurrence of a liability action, you will need to provide documentation of the client’s sessions.

            Lastly, but most importantly, in order to keep yourself fully grounded and focused, a self-Reiki and meditation practice are crucial for selfcare.  In the excitement of starting your own practice, it is very easy to overextend yourself and experience burnout.  Make sure that you take some time for yourself each day.  Remember that the outcome of the system of Reiki can be found in the Reiki Precepts developed by the founder of Reiki, Mikao Usui:  For today only, do not anger, do not worry, be humble, be honest in your work, and be compassionate to yourself and others.  If you go out into each day holding the Precepts in your heart, you will shine your light to everyone you see, which will help you to attract abundance in your practice.

Originally published in Therapeutic Thymes Magazine.

What to Expect From Your First Reiki Session

Quite frequently clients who schedule a Reiki session may have never experienced a treatment before and are curious as to what to expect. Will it assist in alleviating stress and anxiety, reduce insomnia or relieve chronic migraines? The answer always lies within the clients themselves as they are in charge of their own healing process. The Reiki practitioner simply acts as the vessel for the energy, allowing it to go where it is needed most. Since Reiki is a holistic energy healing modality that helps to create balance in mind, body, and spirit, it could be that while the client is seeking relief from knee pain, a deep emotional release might occur instead. What is important to remember is that each Reiki session is unique.

Finding a Reiki practitioner for your first session may be as easy as doing an internet search of Reiki practitioners in your area, getting a referral from a friend or attending a community Reiki clinic. You should seek out a practitioner who feels right for you and do not hesitate to call or e-mail them with any questions you might have prior to the session. Prices may range from a donation to one hundred dollars or more, depending upon length of the session and the experience of the practitioner. A typical session lasts forty-five minutes to an hour. Most professional practitioners belong to an organization that is connected with their Reiki lineage and will display their Reiki certificates. The practitioner may have you fill out an information form, sign a consent and keep confidential notes related to your session.

The Reiki practitioner should always spend time with the client before the session confidently explaining what it is, how it works and how the treatment will proceed. It is imperative that the client feels safe and is well informed. Additionally, there should be an adequate amount of time given to discuss the client’s needs, intentions and expectations. While Reiki can be used for anyone regardless of age or medical diagnosis, it is important to emphasize that Reiki is not a replacement for traditional medical care. However, it can be used as a safe complementary therapy and there are no medical conditions it cannot be used for.

The Reiki treatment is typically done on a massage table, the lights are lowered and quiet, gentle and calming relaxation music is played. The client remains fully clothed and shoes, glasses and any bulky jewelry are removed. Sheets, blankets and a bolster under the knees are provided for the utmost in comfort. The client is always in charge of the session and a strong rapport should be encouraged between the practitioner and client. The client’s comfort is the first priority and any need to reposition or add or remove blankets during the session should be clearly communicated. Some people feel as though they must lie absolutely still for an hour (which is extremely difficult!). However, it is not unusual for the client to fall asleep or go into a meditative state during the Reiki session. Snoring is always welcomed because when the body is in this relaxed state, it is better able to work on repairing itself. If the client is comfortable with closing their eyes during the session, it is strongly encouraged so that a deeper relaxation may occur. Throughout the session, the practitioner typically remains silent, allowing the client to deeply relax into the treatment.

Reiki is frequently done with a gentle touch; however, it can be done completely hands-off for those clients who might not like touch. Sometimes people who have experienced physical or emotional abuse, severe burns or sometimes even chemotherapy prefer that the treatment be done completely hands-off. This does not make it any less effective for enhancing over-all well-being and the self-healing process. The Reiki practitioner should always inform clients exactly where they might be touching. Traditional hand placements that are frequently used include areas on and around the head, neck, upper chest, abdomen, knees and feet, as well as the shoulders, elbows and hands. Some practitioners may ask the client to turn over during the session and hand placements on the back will also be used. Whether hands-on or hands-off, the Reiki practitioner is trained to allow the energy to flow to the client, who receives it as needed. There is no attempt to manipulate the energy in any way, as the practitioner is trained to release all ego and be in a space of non-judgment and compassion.

It is important to remember that you, as the client, are very much a part of the Reiki session and your healing process. Many people ask if there is anything that they need to say or do during the treatment. It is always helpful to set a clear intention to be open to the energy going where it is needed most. The energy of Reiki has its own intelligence and intuitively knows where to go on its own. Although this might be an abstract concept for many people, those who experience a session often understand it more thoroughly after the session is completed.

Occasionally a client might ask if any areas were “blocked” in their energy field. The role of the Reiki practitioner is to facilitate the healing process, not to diagnose or determine where there might be energetic blocks. Speaking in these terms can bring fear into the Reiki session and also make the client feel less empowered. As an example, if I said to my client, “I feel a block in the area around your heart” they may feel as though there is a serious physical issue and begin to worry. Fear and worry are not part of the system of Reiki; there is only loving kindness and compassion. The beauty of Reiki is in its simplicity – just allow the energy to flow. There is no need for interpretation, as that only allows the ego to be involved and will not serve the client’s best needs. Our bodies have the innate ability to bring about balance and the body knows exactly where to accept the energy as it is needed. This does not mean that the practitioner does not feel energy movement; they frequently do, and as such may spend more time in one place until this feeling of energy movement passes.

During the Reiki session clients may feel waves of subtle energy gently moving through their body. Others may experience heat or coolness from the practitioner’s hands and perhaps even see comforting colors or visions. While these are normal responses, it is also completely common to “feel” nothing during the session, but still be left with a sense of deep relaxation, overall wellbeing and inner peace. What is important to remember is that Reiki works on all levels, so even though there might not be a physical sensation, the energy could be working on a deep emotional or spiritual level.

Reiki is very experiential and because each one of us is very unique, it is quite difficult to explain what might occur during your session. However, the following two examples may give you some idea of what a session might be like. “Patricia,” is someone who many would term a Type A personality. Always on the go until her head hits the pillow, she was initially wary of trying a Reiki session. She anxiously stated, “How am I going to lie still for an hour when I can’t even sit still for a minute – and my mind is always racing!” When the session was started she was encouraged to take a few slow deep breaths and have the intention that the energy will go to where she needs it most. She smiled, closed her eyes and after several minutes had a deep exhalation and then, in a matter of minutes, was gently snoring. After the session was completed she stated, “Wow, that was so relaxing and I think I may have even fallen asleep for awhile!”

Another client, “Beth” who is in her early fifties and had recently been diagnosed with lung cancer was having significant pain issues. Towards the end of her session, tears were streaming down her cheeks and although she reported a lessening of her pain, what impacted her most about the treatment was “an overwhelming sense of pure love.”

Because Reiki is so relaxing and clients frequently fall asleep or go into a meditation state, after the session is completed the client is gently awakened and given a few moments to sit up slowly. The client is then given the opportunity to discuss the session and the practitioner should be prepared to answer any questions they might have. Drinking water is always encouraged after a session as it helps to facilitate the cleansing process. This sometimes takes the form of tears or even a runny nose and is always a good sign as the body is finding its way back to balance and ridding itself of things that are no longer needed. Many clients choose to have follow-up sessions on a weekly or monthly basis to help them maintain a sense of wholeness and wellbeing. Additionally, as the client becomes more familiar with what to expect during a Reiki session, they become more open and receptive to receiving the energy.

Your first Reiki session can bring about personal change, inner balance, clarity and a spark in your intuitive guidance. Although many people are content with receiving routine Reiki sessions, many are so impressed with the results that they want to learn the practice for themselves. Taking a Reiki class gives the student the ability to begin a daily self-Reiki practice. This may open the door to a journey of deep personal healing and self-discovery that is often life changing.

Originally published in Therapeutic Thymes Magazine

Reiki for Animals

Reiki has become a common practice for restoring balance and wellbeing for people, but it is also a healing modality that can also be used for animals. Our pets are usually the first ones who come to us when we are in need of mental, emotional or spiritual healing. We are already energetically connected with them. When they are in need of help from us, Reiki can be a beautiful, healing and compassionate gift.

My first experience with energy healing and animals took place 26 years ago when my husband and I owned a small horse farm. We also had an adorable black pygmy goat named Elvis. One day, one of the horses accidentally stepped on Elvis’s pastern bone and broke it. I began calling around to veterinarians, and at that time there wasn’t a large selection for farm animals, so I called the one and only number I could find. The vet came out to the farm, examined Elvis, and taught me to hold my hands a few inches above Elvis’s pastern and allow energy to flow. I was incredibly skeptical as I had never heard about energy healing, but I did it, and it worked! After several weeks of daily treatment, his pastern bone was completed healed.

After I learned Reiki in 2007, I began to use it for my family and my pets. My horse, Starr, had developed a small bump on her chest that began to increase in size. My veterinarian biopsied it and the results came back as pre-lymphoma and she suggested it be monitored. In the meantime, I started sharing Reiki with Starr and within a few months it completely disappeared. Several years later, my son’s dog Dharma, was hit by a car and had a traumatic brain injury and broken paw. For several days she had to be kept at the veterinarian’s office to receive intravenous medication and fluids and I would go there each day, crawl in her crate and gently share Reiki with her. With the help of traditional medicine and Reiki, her brain injury resolved.

During all of these experiences, I used Reiki intuitively with the animals, but wanting to learn more, I invited my friend, Kelly McDermott-Burns, who is a student of Kathleen Prasad, the global leader in animal Reiki and founder of Animal Reiki Source to come teach an animal Reiki course in our area. Kelly brought an entirely fresh perspective on offering Reiki to animals in a way that made complete sense. Just like offering Reiki to humans, she instructed us to ask the animal if they would like to receive Reiki and then set an intention that the energy go where it is needed most for them. The next part was quite different than what I had been doing previously. Kelly suggested that we sit in a space of quiet meditation, allowing Reiki to flow from every pore of our being and wait for the animal to come to us when they were ready. This was different than the direct hands-on practice I had been doing previously. The animal will lead the way; if they are ready to receive, they will come to the practitioner. There is no need to do a series of hand positions because more than likely, the animal will turn his/her body towards the area where they would like to receive it.

A few weeks after the Animal Reiki Class, I had the opportunity to try this new technique. One of the horses where I board my horse had come down with a case of colic. This is a very serious condition in horses and the owner asked me to try Reiki to see if it would help. I quietly entered her stall and could see that she was in distress. She was anxiously touching her nose to both sides of her belly, which is an indication that she was experiencing pain. I stood in the corner of her stall, took a few deep breaths, set an intention and asked if she wanted to receive Reiki and allowed the energy to flow. After about ten minutes she walked over to me and pushed her belly up against my hands and stayed there for several minutes. Then she walked away for several minutes and then came back, offering me the other side of her abdomen. After a few more minutes she walked away again, turned her hind end towards the opposite corner and was able to move her bowels. In a horse with colic, that is exactly what you want to happen. The horse’s owner and I looked at each other, smiled and then cheered with relief.

All of these experiences have helped me to grow in my own Reiki practice. I know that Reiki is not an “on/off” practice. The goal of facilitating the healing of others, whether it be animals or humans, is “being” the energy all the time. How we do that relates directly back to the outcome of the system of Reiki, the Precepts. For today only, do not anger; do not worry, be humble; be honest in your work; and be compassionate to yourself and others. We can’t help to heal our animal friends if we come from a place of anger or if we are worried whether or not it is working. If I go into a session with an animal thinking I know what is wrong, then I’m coming from a place of ego, which is not humble and will not be helpful. Being honest in my work is in perfect alignment with being true to my way and my being, just like our animals. They come to us without judgment; they are open and accepting. Being compassionate to ourselves might be jump-started by first showing compassion to our pet; it is a reciprocal action.

The Reiki journey is always interesting and insightful. My 14-year old Jack Russell Terrier, Ruby, has always been very aloof to receiving Reiki. She would sometimes come to receive it, but then would jump off the sofa after less than a minute and take a spot on the floor and go to sleep. Lately, however, she is my constant partner in my daily meditation practice. She anxiously waits for me to prepare my tea in the morning and when I ask her if she is ready to go with me to do my Reiki meditations, she hops down the steps to my studio and snuggles next to me on her meditation blanket. She is also a constant presence when I teach my Reiki classes. She picks one student and cuddles up with them for the day. She has even participated in a session that I had with a young child. He was slightly nervous and she wanted to get on the massage table with him. They both received and shared the healing, calming and loving energy of Reiki.

Animals shelters and rescue organizations are also now recognizing the value of Reiki in helping to bring calm and peace in an incredibly stressful environment. Reiki helps to restore balance and ease the body towards healing in body, mind and spirit. It is important to recognize that just as with humans, healing is always on the animal’s own time schedule. We must let go of our own agenda, timeframe and release any expectations that we might have for healing to take place. In shelter and rescue situations, this can sometimes be extraordinarily difficult to do. Having a strong Reiki self-practice and meditation routine can help us come from a very grounded place so that we will be in the best position to help our animals friends. For more information about bringing Reiki to shelters, please visit the non-profit organization founded by Kathleen Prasad, Shelter Animal Reiki Association (SARA) at https://shelteranimalreikiassociation.org.

Originally published in the Fall 2018 Issue of Therapeutic Thymes Magazine

How Taking a Reiki Class Can Help to Heal Your Mind

             Quite often people think that Reiki is a hands-on healing practice for others, but in truth, it is a practice to rediscover what we already are - spiritual energy.  It’s a journey to find the True Self, or that inner light that innately shines within us.  That light is often hidden and covered up by the hurt, pain and false beliefs we accumulate and carry with us.  The beauty of the practice of Reiki is that during a Reiki class, the student will learn how to work on peeling away those layers by practicing the meditations and techniques learned within the system.  It isn’t something magical – it does takes work.  However, when you put forth the intention and effort, every aspect of your life has the potential to become easier and lighter.  You will be able to shine your light and facilitate the healing of others, just by being you.    

            Reiki is based on Precepts which the student learns to use in their daily meditation practice.  They begin with:

            For Today Only, which refers to being in the present moment.  So, if we are able to hold this space of the Precepts for even a short time, it will help us to begin to heal our minds.  

           Do not anger.  This first Precept does not mean that you won’t ever be angry again. However, it does mean that we can explore where our anger is coming from.  What are the triggers and how can we best work through them.  What deep place does this feeling come from and how can we explore ways to release our hurt and disappointment?  When we are quick to anger, we also cause our bodies to become incredibly stressed.  Stress leads to a multitude of physical problems, including high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes.  

            Do not worry.  As you are reading this blog, think about the things that you have already worried about today.  The world challenges us every day with this Precept.  We are usually worried about things that haven’t happened yet and quite frequently, the things we worry about don’t come to fruition.  Learning to let go of worry means working on staying in the present moment and releasing the fear of the future.  The system of Reiki gives us the meditation tools to help with this.

            Be humble.  Reiki embraces the concept of oneness or non-duality.  Recognizing that we are all in this together creates a feeling of “being right mind” and releasing the ego.  When we release our own agenda, we can focus more on kindness and understanding. Being humble also keeps us in a mindset of gratitude.

            Be honest in your work.  This Precept can also be interpreted as being true to your way and your being.  The way in which we do that is by being diligent with our Reiki self-practice routine and meditation practices.  

            Be compassionate to yourself and others.  We can’t begin to show compassion to others unless we are compassionate to ourselves first.  This means having a strong self-care routine and nurturing yourself.  We can do that best when we are aware and mindful of everything around us.  Take some time today to pause, be aware of your breath, let your shoulders relax and practice a few moments of gratitude.

            The main focus of the system of Reiki is about embracing the Precepts in all we do.  During a Reiki class we delve deeper into these concepts and much more.  If we embrace this way of being we can help to heal our minds, which will help us become more grounded and focused practitioners. This, in turn, will help us to facilitate holding the space of healing for others.

Turning Sadness into Gratitude - How Reiki Can Help

            Although we often think that the winter blues manifest during the holiday season, quite frequently emotions can be even more heightened after the festivities are over.  Thoughts and feelings can be incredibly volatile during this time of year, especially if we have been unable to process the unrealistic expectations the holiday season may sometimes bring. Additionally, the onset of shorter days with less sunshine may lead to an increase in stress, anxiety and an overwhelming sense of sadness.

           Last year’s post-holiday season was especially challenging for me.  In an effort to help others who may also be experiencing a sense unhappiness and melancholy, I felt moved to share my story and how I was able to turn a very difficult and distressing time into embracing adeep sense of gratitude.  In my despair, I saw myself as having two choices.  I could go into that dark place where my soul sometimes wants to hide and stay forever.  Or, I could fully envelope my personal Reiki practice, which includes self-Reiki, journaling and meditation.  Don’t get me wrong, last year I was in that dark place for almost a week.  Even after diligently practicing Reiki for over ten years, I am still human and metaphorically “fall off the wagon” at times.  Life is full of circuitous routes and there are highs and lows.  Unwittingly, sometimes I still decide to slide on the old jacket of hurt that I wore for so many years.  It feels oddly familiar, but incredibly painful.  The key for me was in recognizing old patterns and choosing to let go of the layers that sometimes decide to resurface. 

            Knowing that I needed to release and rebalance myself both energetically and spiritually, I opened my journal and began to write.  Several years ago, I began to study and write a form of Japanese poetry referred to as waka or tanka, which is similar to haiku.   Waka is arranged in a specific pattern of five lines each containing  5-7-5-7-7  syllables.  The founder of Reiki, Mikao Usui, frequently recited waka written by the Japanese Meiji Emperor who ruled in Japan from 1867-1912, as a form of respect and contemplation (Stiene, 2016).  One of my first poems was written after sitting quietly outside in the early autumn and watching the leaves begin to fall.

Cicadas strong voice

Signals the end of summer

It ends so quickly

Leaves begin to dry and fall

Autumn breezes fill my soul

            However, the waka that I put onto the pages of my journal during the time my heart was heavy and despondent was exceedingly different.  My soul was filled with heartache and despair.

Where do they come from

These deep wails of intense pain?

Pent up anger moans

Anguish as intense as death

Strangles my inner being

            These words were the beginning of my healing process and the beginning of an emotional and spiritual release.  It was also a signal for me to get down to the “work” of my Reiki practice. As I have written before, Reiki is not something magical; it is a diligent practice of working on the self.  It requires embracing and embodying the Reiki Precepts.  They read as follows: For today only, do not anger, do not worry, be humble/grateful, be honest/diligent in your work, and be compassionate to yourself and others.   My soul-searching and healing process had to begin with an opening within me; I was able to begin to do this with writing waka. 

            In my darkness, I had stopped using my meditation bench.  I ignored it.  It just seemed too overwhelming to sit down and do the work.  There is a beautiful quote by the Native American Elder Sa’k’ej Henderson that reads, “To truly listen is to risk being changed forever.” Change can be terrifying and taking time to listen to the heart requires intentional presence. It is often much easier to look the other way.  However, I knew I had to begin.  After I began to chip away at my sadness with writing poetry, I was able to start “sitting” again and contemplating the Precepts.  I started to deeply examine the origin of my anger using my meditation practice.  Where did this anger come from?  How can it be healed and how can I peel away those curtains of sadness and find a place of joy again?  I continued to write.

Emotional wounds

Cut deeply into my soul

How can they be healed?

Only with an open heart

And the power to forgive.

            Forgiveness sometimes seems unreachable and can be extraordinarily difficult.  In forgiving someone else, we often need to forgive ourselves first.  I returned to the Reiki Precepts and began to ponder self-compassion and gratitude.  I was born in the late 1950’s and self-compassion was definitely not something that was nurtured or even discussed; it was much more about helping others, sometimes to the point of exhaustion.  That self-compassion piece is one that continues to challenge me at times and can be elusive for my mind to grasp.  However, one way that I can readily tap into it is with my Reiki self-practice.  Gently placing my hands on my heart and allowing the loving energetic flow of peace to enter my being helps to bring me in harmony with my body, mind and spirit.  As my hands touch my heart, I remember that my heart is also touching my hands; it is a compassionate practice of oneness of all that is. It also helps me to connect with my True Self, which is the spiritual energy of who I am.  This spiritual energy is the definition of Reiki; the divine and loving energy of the universe.

            Using these tools, gratitude began to speak to me.  I have two hands to hold my heart.  I have two feet that I use to walk upon the earth, which help to keep me grounded and centered.  I recognize that I have the ability to breathe deeply and release my worry and fear with each exhalation.  I can hold onto anger or I can choose peace.   All of these things I learned from the practice of Reiki.  It is an empowering tool for self-development, self-compassion and cultivating a deep sense inner peace.  The gratitude is in knowing that Reiki is a practice where there is no giver, no receiver and no gift.  It is the energy of sharing compassion with the self and all sentient beings.

            Although Reiki is often thought of as a hands-on healing practice for others, it is so much more.  It is a tool that we can use to help us during times when we may feel sadness and despair.  It can assist us in releasing false beliefs that we may have about ourselves and gently nudge us towards self-kindness and self-love.  Working with the tools used in the system of Reiki can bring about monumental changes in how we see ourselves and the world around us, bringing with it a deep sense of gratitude.  It is a simple and loving practice that anyone can learn and continues to help inspire me to promote mindfulness, presence and compassion.

Originally published in Therapeutic Thymes magazine, Winter 2017.