Reiki Shamanism

I will post more about this at a later date after I finish the book, but I just wanted to say that I am very much enjoying reading Jim Pathfinder Ewing's book, Reiki Shamanism.  I am impressed and he is presenting ideas in a different but well-researched manner.

Origins of American yoga

I have been looking into the history of American yoga and came across this video (there is a typo, the congress actually took place in 1893 not 1863).  The Swami's words are very inspiring and we in the reiki community and other spiritual communities could all take a cue from his words of unity and peace.  There is too much unproductive discord in most spiritual and healing communities.  Discord can be productive and cleansing, but not when people are on power trips or overly protective.

Theta, Sat Nam Rasayan & Reiki

 

Guru Dev Singh

I recently went to ye old bookstore and picked up random magazines to peruse whilst I drank a decaf cuppa.  I came across an article on using the Theta state (a deep, meditative brain wave deeper than the creative alpha state) to heal and in many cases instantly.  It reminded me of Reiki and also of deeper states I associate with Sufism or Kundalini.  So, this made me do a little internet research into the whole concept.  Others have also seen the connection.  The most interesting person I unearthed is Ula Modela, an Usui trad practitioner now located in India, whose Reiki website features all three modalities (and more) under "healing arts" in her side menu.  Ula's website is very comprehensive and informative regarding Reiki and healing. I am very interested in the intersection with Reiki and these deeper states which seem related to 7th chakra.She has a nice entry for thetahealing (tm) founded by Vianna Stibal and for Sat Nam Rasayan, whose main healer is Guru Dev Singh.

How to clear a room

The vibratone is a humorously named and perhaps even funnier looking bell instrument that in my mind is perhaps the best sound cleansing tool I have used.  The link above is where I got the photo and also has sound samples.  I first heard about it being used for energy work about a dozen years ago from Chilean shaman Luz Clara who also uses the scared sounds of the qultrun drum in healing ceremonies.

I loved it and have used it since.  The bell is struck by a mallet and the hole can be covered and uncovered for an other-worldly effect.  You can "point" the bell at your client while striking the instrument and covering and uncovering the aperture.  I like to circle the client or go over the aura or outside the body outline.  I find the tool also effective for space clearing, especially if there are any smoke sensitivities and white sage or other smudging herbs cannot be used.

Reiki and Reiki treatments in of themselves do not require cleansing and in fact are cleansing to the practitioner as well as the client.  Reiki can also cleanse and clear crystals, a room, or any tool.  Before and after treatment, I do think it's nice to clear the room for everyone's comfort and it is useful for grounding and bringing everyone back to the present moment at the end of treatment.  I find the Reiki emotional symbol very helpful, but I do incorporate sound and other techniques for space clearing.

acceptance

I was dismayed by a post that mentioned the "people of Walmart" website.  I had never heard of this site and when I looked it was just as hurtful and shaming as you might imagine.  Clearly smug, there are people taking mostly secret photos of often overweight or differently dressed people followed by horrible comments.  All I could think was that I wish people could be more accepting of others and not feel the need to humiliate or hurt.  It's probably judgmental of me to feel this way, but I can't help but think that we have all been bullied and that it is rather chimp-like to proceed to find someone perceived "weaker" to showcase.  Some of the photos are defiantly proud and I applaud those photo subjects for being free to be themselves without approval or reservations.

All of this is to say, when we are giving Reiki, I think it is important and affirming (for ourselves, Reiki doesn't require this), to find what is beautiful and unique about the person before us and also what is the same or common for all of us.  Without exception, people look so amazing when they are receiving Reiki. Their faces relax, really relax, and you can feel the tension of having to fit in lifting.  Sometimes the face will look like a person from another era and we are reminded of lineage and of the passage of time.  Giving Reiki is giving acceptance and we all benefit from this sort of embrace.  Can we look at people on the street with Reiki eyes and hearts?  Send a little distance Reiki rather than a smirk?

Catholocism

Though I studied the earlier levels with other Reiki masters, my master teacher for the final level was my mother, who is also a very devout Catholic.  It makes me sad to think she now feels conflict using Reiki to heal.  It's been, I think, over a year since the original pronouncement, and since then many have felt they can't share Reiki publicly.  Here is a recent video of a nun who sharing Reiki.

I'm sure everyone's thoughts today are on love and in reading various blogs this morning, it is clear that in the vintage and cooking blogs I tend to read, Valentine's Day and pretty cards are the focus.  My favorite thought for today came from The Kitchn in a lovely post by Dana Velden

Here's a Hafiz poem the blogger cited:

With That Moon Language

Admit something:
Everyone you see, you say to them, 'Love me.'
Of course you do not do this out loud,
otherwise someone would call the cops.

Still, though,
think about this,
this great pull in us to connect.

Why not become the one who lives with a full moon in each eye
that is always saying,
with that sweet moon language,
what every other eye in this world
is dying to hear?

-Hafiz

Oh, if we could just BE the love we wish to see and experience in the world, what a world this would be!  I  think Reiki affords us an amazing opportunity to BE that love.  When you send Reiki or give a treatment, you also experience Reiki.  Your heart is never wilder or freer.  You are never more yourself, yet you are never more connected to another or some aspect of this earthly experience.  Amazing...