People who take the steps to learn Reiki are driven by any number of reasons. Some want to help animals in their own home or perhaps in a shelter situation. Others want to use Reiki to soothe their children, help a loved one with a chronic condition, or themselves. My students usually explain their desire to learn Reiki as primarily about assisting others—being of service to others. The unexpected gift of Reiki is its power to reconnect us with ourselves. It’s an unforeseen benefit that is subtle, gentle and allows us to look back in wonder as we compare who we are today with who we were before we learned and practiced Reiki. As we practice Reiki, we begin to become Reiki. It isn’t about Doing Reiki anymore, but it can be difficult to describe that concept to Reiki newcomers. Instead of doing Reiki ‘on’ a person, we allow ourselves to become an anchor point on earth for Reiki to become present in our dense world. Our role is not to ‘fix’ anything or anyone because nothing and no one is really broken or ‘less than.’ We simply offer the vibration for others to resonate with, heal with, actually reboot with. Or not. You see, it is not the person in the role of ‘healer’ doing anything other than offering the energetic vibration of what Reiki is. All the results are the choice and acceptance (through energetic resonation) of the person or animal in the presence of Reiki. The body’s physical parts, along with the emotional, mental and spiritual components of Who We Are know exactly what to do all the time and life-force energy is the common denominator of all living things. To set time aside to be in the flow of Reiki for ourselves or offering it to another is all that is needed. There are no special requirements. We learn Reiki to be of service. We practice Reiki and reconnect with ourselves and offer reconnection for others—so they may remember themselves in wholeness. Our simple practice of Reiki in our own lives is a source of Light in this world. It adds to this plane in positive ways and calls to others with a frequency of energy beckoning them back to themselves. To who they really are. In wholeness. In love. Living our lives as we remember our wholeness is a gift unto others. Reiki invites you there. Andrea Kennedy began practicing Reiki in 1995 and practices in Saline, Michigan, for the benefit of both people and animals. Visit www.MainstreamReiki.com for more information. #Reiki

We know what Reiki is—spiritually guided life energy. That’s it. Reiki is the energy. However, In the Reiki community, there has been some differing opinions as to what a Reiki treatment session should or should not include. Some practitioners are drawn to use crystals, essential oils, or drums and sound healing techniques along with Reiki. Then others might share intuitive or psychic information they receive. I’ve listed only a few additions to what may be incorporated into a Reiki session and I’m sure there are many others. So, depending who a person chooses to go to for a session, their experiences and idea of what Reiki is can be substantially different. When Usui practiced Reiki, none of these ‘add ons’ were included. But evolution happens with all things over time, and Reiki is no exception. Some would argue that the addition of other practices in a session is not true to Reiki and that perhaps it is best to keep Reiki practice as close to how Usui and Takata taught. Others say that the quality of the Reiki energy itself continues to evolve and our collective consciousness has grown in a deeper understanding of spirituality which allows us to practice in different ways compared to Usui and Takata. However, Reiki is the energy and it remains the foundation of all Reiki sessions. Is it wrong, disrespectful or complementary and valuable to offer Reiki treatment sessions with crystals, essential oils, sound therapy and/or intuitive messages? Personally, I’ve been on both sides of the fence as both a Reiki master and Reiki client. I can see value and complications with each approach. What about you? What are your thoughts on the subject and has your view changed over time? Please weigh in… #Reikichanges #Reiki #Reikiquestions

I first came to Reiki out of curiosity in 1995. Over these 21 years, I’ve seen BIG changes. When I started, I couldn’t find books on Reiki and what would become the Reiki News Magazine was a flimsy black and white newsletter printing. Perception has shifted and acceptance of Reiki has grown exponentially with practitioners in every state and around the world. Hundreds of hospitals, medical facilities, hospice centers and veterinarians are now offering Reiki here in the United States. While Reiki popularity has increased, the practice now varies widely. This is probably due to the fact that what began as Reiki in Japan has been added to, reworked and changed into a large number of different Reiki-based trainings and practices. I have seen this as a topic of debate in the Reiki community but I’ve also seen a great respect between the various styles. Simply put, however, Reiki is universal life force energy that seems to know how to help you all by itself. This is the common thread that runs through the different Reiki styles I am aware of. So, I’m starting a blog because it’s a thing these days. I’m not really trendy but given how long I’ve paid attention and practiced Reiki, I think I can offer some ideas and perspectives some people may find interesting. I guess we’ll find out. I’m certainly no expert but I do have experience and practice self-Reiki daily. My own understanding of Reiki has evolved and deepened over the years, too. You are welcome to come along and we can chat about Reiki and related topics as they come up. My focus is putting Reiki out there in a mainstream way so more people can choose if it’s something to try. #Reikichanges #Whyblog