Reiki Insights

For me, Reiki has been and continues to be a wonderous journey. It is a path that is very close to being magical. As the Reiki Light comes in to and through you it overflows with positive results on to everyone you meet and everything you touch. I have found that Reiki has lead me into contact with people that I probably wouldn't have met, and has opened the door to better communication with the Creator and my Guides.

Once one is attuned to Reiki it is a Gift that will be with you always. It is much like a muscle…the more you use it, the stronger it is. If you don't utilize it for a time it may "fade" a bit, but with use it will regain its strength.

You have probably come across the words "Reiki channel" in your reading. I personally feel this to be a misnomer…when one says the word "channel" people tend to think of the channeling of information from our GodSelf, or from Spirit or our Guides. I like to think of it as being a vessel.

The Reiki Light comes from the Creator and fills us and flows out of our hands; much like pouring water from a vessel. Also I like the word "vessel" as there is no I in it either. This is a play on words (which I love) and this was both one of the hardest and easiest teachings for me. To put ego aside and realize that I do nothing…Reiki (Universal Light) is for All…I AM the vessel (for female) or hollow-bone (for male) for this Light to flow through. I cannot heal anyone, for it is a joint/cooperative effort between their GodSelf and Guides and mine. It is their responsibility to state their intent to let go of dis-ease, whether it is physical, mental, emotional or spiritual.

This is one of the most crucial teachings of Reiki. The healer must not feel they have "failed" or that Reiki isn't working. Sometimes Reiki works on levels that we cannot see. Another fascinating thing about Reiki is that it knows where to "go" or is needed, so one does not necessarily have to know a lot about biology. Reiki is an ancient method that traces back to Tibet. The Tibetan monks have knowledge of the physical healing, (although they do not call it Reiki) although it was not used for healing, as their focus is on spiritual enlightenment and it was "put aside" as unimportant for their growth. At one time there were hundreds, if not thousands, of symbols for Reiki.

There are many books out that have a wealth of information, Barbara Brennan, Hands of Light is a wonderful book. I am just now beginning to grasp some of the concepts of which she speaks. Another wonderful book: "Reiki Fire" by Frank A. Petter, in which the author has gone to Japan and researched Dr. Usui's past. Many of the stories that are circulating are inaccurate. Mr. Petter also teaches at the Center for Reiki in Southfield, Michigan.

A little about my Reiki training
I was never really lead/guided to pursue the path of healer, as I always associated it with herbs and plants for medicinal use, and this was of no interest to me. I first came across the word "Reiki" in Northern Michigan, at a friend's house. A man came over and the children were in the room with us. He gave Reiki to one little boy, and since my son was standing there, he offered it to him also and asked me if it was okay to touch my son. Both boys consented, as did I, even though I knew absolutely nothing about it and watched the man like a hawk. I started asking questions as my curiosity was piqued.

It was through synchronicity that Diane Stein's book, Essential Reiki came into my hands. I carried this book around with me everywhere, and could nearly quote it…every sentence for a while was prefaced with, "Diane Stein says…" After reading it I was driven to find a teacher. I went so far as to call the publisher to find out how to get in touch with Diane Stein, for an attunement. I connected up with one of the ladies that helps her and got the particulars. I realized after speaking with her that there was no way I could do this as: to go to Pennsylvania to the Women's Conference and the expense of travel, hotel and so many people and the time involved was out of the question. I intended to be attuned to Reiki Now! I started asking friends if they knew of anyone that could tell me more about Reiki…they suggested that I call the sister of one of their close friends…this is how I was lead to my Reiki Master, Nancy.

Nancy was attuned by one of William Rand's students, and that is how we are connected to William Rand and the Center for Reiki. William Rand was attuned by one of Dr. Hayashi's students, who was in turn attuned by Dr. Usui. So, the lineage goes back approximately 7 levels/generations directly to Dr. Usui. I've never been one to put much emphasis on "lineage", however, some reiki practioners do so.