I’ve never been a good meditator but I have a helper on my side called Reiki and today I saw what Reiki can bring to meditation in a very clear way. We’ve all heard doctors, scientists and gurus espousing the numerous benefits of meditation for mind, body and spirit. Years ago, I turned their evidence into “shoulds” and, as a result, I tried, I really tried to incorporate a regular meditation practice into my life. After all, isn’t that what a spiritual person is supposed to do? Add to that, my “label” of Reiki Master and the fact that I teach Reiki. So, who was I NOT to be a great meditator, right? I used to use that question in an attempt to guilt me into meditating. But let’s be real. If Oprah and Deepak couldn’t lure me into a regular practice then that negative guilt approach wasn't going to work either. However, I did study many types of meditation over the years with spotty success but a regular practice was just not a priority for me. My latest attempt at establishing a more disciplined meditation practice involves a local weekly mindfulness group I attend when my schedule allows. I've attended perhaps 7 times in the last few months. I certainly enjoy the lovely people attending and sitting with me but I haven’t felt as though I was really following the plan, so to speak. Usually, I allow Reiki to flow and quietly do my own thing. I’m sure I don’t have the mindfulness idea "right" but I show up and that’s a positive step. Besides, no one knows how empty or full my mind is (except me) and I enjoy my time there with these people and their input when we have time to share. Today was so grand and unexpected, however. The truth and depth of my practice washed over me this morning and my awareness opened in a surprising way. For the whole sitting time, I couldn’t stop smiling and my head seemed to move around a lot as if it was dancing to a soft flow of music that even I couldn't hear. At least everyone had their eyes closed but even if they didn’t, it wouldn’t have bothered me one bit. Not in the least. I was so in the flow of Reiki and so tuned in, the joy and stillness and awareness was palpable and all I knew. Until a baby outside the room screamed. As the observer, I noticed how I winced very mildly at the sudden and uncomfortable sound. I found my reaction interesting and then let it go. Silence. In the flow... Screaming. This time, however, I was so serene as the sound pierced the room and my awareness was clear. In that moment, I did not hear a baby scream. Instead, I heard pure emotion being fully expressed. The baby held nothing back and had no worry what anyone thought about her or her behavior. She was simply allowing the emotion to release and express without limitation. It was beautiful. Really beautiful. For as long as it continued, I had no thoughts about it, just simple and powerful feelings of joy as I witnessed her pure expression. Of course, in my thinking mind, I could have had many thoughts and judgements and labels for the situation and the child but I simply did not. I was present to something much higher. After the exercise, as we tuned into each other to share our reflections, I recalled a favorite quote by Rumi. I realized I had been there…in the field…and it was pure wonder and brilliance and joy. I kept that smile for some time after the meditation and realized that indeed, I do meditate. I just seem to do it my way and with Reiki flowing, the experience is truly like a gift. For like a gift, it is unexpected and it stirs gratitude within me. I am thankful. Andrea Kennedy began practicing Reiki in 1995. She sees clients and teaches all levels of Reiki in Saline, Michigan. Visit www.MainstreamReiki.com for more information or to contact her. #reikibenefits #reikimeditation

Are all our problems rooted to our emotions? Here's the case for "Yes!" Our earliest interactions with parents, family and others elicit emotions and then beliefs which create patterns that dictate how we cope and navigate life. In particular, these patterns also shape our perceptions of who we are including our sense of worthiness and how flawed we believe ourselves to be. As a result, what began as emotion leads each of us to create a unique sort of computer-like operating system based on these early experiences. How we relate to others and function in the world largely depends on the operating system and shapes our lives in unlimited ways. This is mostly unconscious because our operating system is camouflaged and intertwined with who we are at our core but we can't separate it out and most don't know where to start. It really feels like us! When we are under stress, the default to the operating system is enforced and we can react with great speed. Think of an argument you had. In the heat of the moment, how did you do? After it was over and you were in the review phase of what occurred, did you ask yourself why you said certain things? I bet you were so wise and could think of many higher options you wish you said or did instead of saying what flew out of your mouth. Furthermore, it's probably quite true that you have reacted and said very similar things before. But if we know better when we are calm, why do we default back to the old stuff? Simply put, we haven't dismantled the patterns that make up our current operating system. With increased awareness, we begin to wake up to the fact that the operating system is outdated and no longer supports us in who we want to be now. Our spirits and minds evolve but the system doesn't keep up. The discord between who we want to be now versus the person we are hearing inside our heads and witnessing through interactions with others becomes uncomfortable. As that gap widens, we often begin to feel anxious, disconnected, confused and perhaps lost. We very much want to reconcile the two ways of being but aren't sure what to do. Reiki has been the bedrock and foundation of my own progress in dismantling my personal operating system and I see it work with clients, too. Somehow, without even knowing all the programming that makes up someone's patterns and the originating emotions behind them, Reiki has a way. Reiki helps us relax into new ways of perceiving ourselves and opens our systems up to new, more balanced ways to be. As we allow an easing to take place, possibilities are there which had previously been unrecognized. Nothing really changes except our own state of being. Did you catch that? It sounded pretty mundane and boring as I typed it. But let me repeat that... Through Reiki our state of being changes. That's pretty big. You see, Reiki isn't about changing your family and life to fit what you think they need to be. After all, that is prescribed by your own operating system. Reiki is about you. It's about addressing that operating system that keeps you limited in your perceptions and experiences which also effects those you interact with. But don't worry. We all do it. It's who we've been. Reiki is inviting us to close the gap between who we choose to be in the present with who we have been as a result of our operating system. Through Reiki, we can make progress in living in accordance with our evolving self. As a result, we feel more at ease, more connected to life, more authentic and relaxed--and from this place, more joy rushes in. Andrea Kennedy began practicing Reiki in 1995. She sees clients and teaches all levels of Reiki in Saline, Michigan. Visit www.MainstreamReiki.com for more information or to contact her. #Reiki #reikibenefits #emotions

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