Why meditation is an important part of Reiki
When Mikao Usui, the founder of the practice we call Reiki, put together a curriculum for students, it included meditation as a core necessity, but why?
Usui knew from his years studying different spiritual practices and his own enlightenment process that things like having a clear mind, being an empty vessel, being able to maintain focus on the present moment and having a strong and stable base were essential to being effective at Reiki treatments.
Meditation calms the body, which in turn calms the mind. A calm body and mind is more easily able to sense and feel where healing is needed. Being more attuned to ourselves and/or our treatment recipients allows us to focus on the greatest area of need rather than give a blanket treatment, resulting in a faster and better outcome.
Meditation also helps us to let go of our worry and anger, helping us to be more present to the moment, and more accepting of reality as it is. When I am giving a treatment, my sole focus is on the messages I am receiving from the person's body. In return, it is my experience that their body is responding to my thoughts as if they were their own. Therefore, if I am thinking about tomorrow's chores, I'm not present and their body can't relax either. So meditation helps us to live more in the present on a daily basis, and be more present in our treatments.
Meditation also helps us to release our stuck and stored emotions. Much of the stress in our body is because we are in a fight with life. We don't like certain things and we wish we had more of others. This conflict with reality is the very definition of stress - a resistance to what is. The less resistance in our body and mind, the more easily energy will flow and harmony will be restored.
Meditation also keeps us grounded. When we sit with another, it is important that we do not become overwhelmed by their feelings, challenges and physical sensations. Having a strong and stable base enables us to let life move through us offering a pathway of release for the client. Our non-attachment to their issues could be the very thing that helps them to let a big stressor go.
Clearing muddy waters
Is meditation easy? No, not always! Sometimes it is hard to sit with the reality of life. Life, can at times, appear to be painful, disappointing, frustrating and not what we expected. It takes great courage and strength to sit with the consequences of our confused mind and inaccurate thinking till the muddy waters clear. Discipline and commitment is required to make a meaningful difference as the benefits tend to be small and gradual improvements rather than one giant shift. For this reason, many people try meditation, get frustrated at their progress (or perceived lack of), and give up when they don't see results.
This is why I created an online meditation group. As someone that is socially motivated, in my early years I needed the company of others to encourage me to sit, stay focused and practice. Initially we met in person, but with the advent of the pandemic we moved online and now enjoy a very sustainable Monday night group that meets at 8.15pm every Monday UK time.
The group is like-minded people committed to gaining the health benefits of a regular mediation practice. We start with a group chat to understand the joys and challenges of each other's lives, followed by a discussion on a theme such as gratitude, surrendering the ego or the benefits of rest. This is then followed with a 20 minutes or more meditation relating to the theme that is sometimes guided, and sometimes not. After, there is the chance to ask questions, or simply share an insight into how the practice landed.
If such a group calls to you, there are two ways to join. Sessions can be purchased on an individual basis at £8.50 a session, or a £24 monthly subscription allows attendance to all available Mondays (4 sessions a month). For more details, click the details below.
This opportunity is open to anyone that has trained in Reiki or those with an existing meditation practice. Those wishing to learn meditation or Reiki are encouraged to check the events section and/or reach out and find out when the next training opportunity is.
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