Like the rest of North America in November of 1995, I had the wonderful opportunity to witness the release of the Beatles' Anthology CD with its feature song entitled "Free As A Bird". What struck me about the accompanying video was the simplicity of the clip - that being, the simple sound of bird's wings. It is as if the person watching was actually the bird flying out the window, across the city, literally having the freedom to travel from one place to the next, harnessed by its own internal power force. This reminded me of that same internal power force that each one of us carries within ourselves - that inner freedom that I call Reiki energy.
Throughout history, it has been pervasive that society has maintained a "separateness", that being: searching for external answers or directions, instead of peering inward to the self. I have noticed in my own life that it is far too easy to look to someone for answers, instead of taking the thornier path and struggling with my inner self. When we struggle with our inner self, we actually get in touch with that concentrated Reiki energy that flows within us.
But you are still wondering, what is this Reiki energy? Well, the word "REIKI" itself means "Universal Life Energy". It is defined as being that power that acts and lives in all created matter, both in and out of ourselves. The word itself consists of two parts: The REI which describes universal boundless aspects of this energy, while the KI, being the vital life force energy which flows through all living beings.
The form of Reiki, taught and given by Reiki Masters, is an ancient Tibetan art of a natural healing technique that affects the person on all levels - physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Unfortunately Reiki energy at this time cannot be explained along current scientific or even mainstream therapeutic lines of thinking.
Nevertheless, even though it cannot be totally explained scientifically, we owe modern day physics for providing us with the awareness of this tremendous vitality which pervades all existence. For example, we now know that a stone is not "dead"; such a simple thing can constitute an intelligent interrelationship of forces. Everywhere we look around us we see evidence of external bodies powered by internal forces - the internal workings of the Earth, the power of the Sun, our cars powered by the internal motors, and even the birds whose freedom we marvel at. Recently, in the movie "What the Bleep" we see evidence of how positive thoughts and feelings--intangibles, affect the outcome of the nature of water, a tangible.
I have had many clients and students over the last decade who have commented that one of the most important aspects about utilizing the power of Reiki is being open to receiving. I wholeheartedly believe that this is the main key to unlocking your own power. After all, if you have a mental "door" that you are unwilling to unlock, you will never know what is on the other side.
The second key is actually experiencing a Reiki treatment. Treatments involve a gentle laying on of hands over various parts of the body. This universal life energy is channeled through the hands of the Reiki Master or practitioner, creating a deep sense of warmth, relaxation and comfort. These sensations by themselves are indicative of this energy within you being unlocked and freed. Physically, Reiki is known to reduce stress, lessen and even stop headaches, bleeding, heal wounds, to name a few. Emotionally, Reiki energy allows the creation of deep comfort and solace, thereby promoting deeper understanding of the body. Mentally it brings clarity and releases habits that no longer serve the individual's best interests. Spiritually, Reiki allows recognition and strong connection with your inner source, a unity with the self and the universe.
The third key is learning the art of Reiki through classes--this allows that inner potential for self-empowerment to shine through. What I mean by empowerment here is not powering one's ego, but by truly unlocking that power within oneself, claiming it and validating genuine skills and abilities. Learning Reiki allows you to take more control of yourself in many aspects of life. The more it is used, the more Reiki also works in your life to accelerate your personal growth and self-healing. And since Reiki pervades all living things, it works beautifully with plants and animals too.
So why not try Reiki as a way of unlocking that door to your inner self? In order to experience the freedom of the bird, one must first flap those wings that propel that inner power. Give yourself the gift of freedom with Reiki!
Copyright 2005
Olena Gill is a holistic health practitioner and health & wellness coach at The Mind-Body Connection Centre in Errington, BC, Canada. For more information you can visit: http://www.indigocrystalcoach.com or http://www.themindbodyconnectioncentre.com