“Worrying does not empty tomorrow of its troubles…it empties today of its strength.” – Corrie Ten Boom

A while back, I began a discussion on my Facebook page to gain feedback from other Reiki practitioners on what the Precepts mean to them and how they are integrated into their daily life and practice. In this post, we examine the precept “Do not worry” (Shinpai suna.)

I received this very insightful comment:

I was brought up to believe that worrying is what one is supposed to do and that it even somehow will help a situation. It was only due to self-Reiki, and serious contemplation of the Precepts, that it dawned on me that worry was destroying my peace of mind and burdening those about whom I worried the most (who, of course, were those I loved the most). I have gradually reduced my need to control that which is out of my control…

Engaging in worry about the “what ifs”, “when” or “what” robs the people, places and situations around us of our presence and energy. There are times when we do need to feel concern, or engage in future planning, but those should result in positive action, rather than ruminating over the same issues without resolution. Quite often, we tend to worry about things we have no control over, or events that may never come to pass. Another favorite quote of mine is “Worrying is like a rocking chair; it gives you something to do, but it gets you nowhere.” (Glenn Turner) That can end up being a big waste of energy! Sometimes a situation that seemed more complicated or dire at first turns out to be far more manageable.

Worrying can lead to sickness. I’ve seen people experience symptoms that mimicked a heart attack and neurological dysfunction (stroke-like symptoms, numbness in limbs, etc) from internalizing worry. For people with mood disorders, worry can become emotionally crippling. It can trigger chronic pain episodes, like back pain or migraines. Keeping worry in check by maintaining a calm, clear perspective in the midst of uncertainty can help minimize stress and maintain a better state of health.

Shinpai suna suggests more than “do not worry.” It also implies, as Reiki Teacher (Shihan) Gisela Stewart of Simply Jikiden Reiki and I recently observed, having patience. We want what we want when we want it, which is now. And we fret when we don’t get it. Patience is how we express trust in the innate wisdom of the universe to guide and steady us. Patience creates the space for us to receive what we truly need – which may be different from what we want – and gain the insight needed for our personal and spiritual development.

When giving or receiving Reiki treatment, we should also release our worry about what it will do or how effective it will be. It is instinctive for us to want to help others feel better, but our role is simply to be present and observe the flow of Reiki as the recipient begins the process of bringing the body back into balance. As my teacher, Hyakuten Inamoto says, “Reiki does a fine job of healing, not you.” Worrying about whether or not the treatment worked or if the recipient is feeling better places the burden of responsibility for someone else’s healing on us and also falsely identifies our ego with the outcome.

Similarly, when receiving Reiki treatment, we should let go and allow our body (both the subtle and physical aspects) to utilize Reiki in whatever way is needed to bring us back into balance. This is not a process we can force, but we can find ways mentally, emotionally and physically to support it.

Observing Shinpai suna provides us with the trust in Reiki practice to actualize the pure, innate nature it represents, and releases us from fear of what the future may bring. We can welcome life moment to moment and know that we are being supported.

If you liked this post, you might be interested in reading  Examining the 5 Reiki Precepts: Today only, do not anger and Living the Reiki Precepts.
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(photo credit: chefranden on Flickr)

Feeling stressed? Are you carrying tension or discomfort in your body? Would you like to feel more relaxed and peaceful? If so, you may want to experience Reiki treatment.

Dragonfly Reiki is offering a  free Reiki healing clinic at Candler Park Chiropractic in Atlanta on Sunday, January 22 from 11am – 3 pm. Reiki Master Teacher Dana L. Young and several other experienced Reiki practitioners will volunteer our time to offer participants a 15 minute mini Reiki treatment in a soothing setting with ambient music.

Although this is a free service, small donations are always appreciated. Dragonfly Reiki will contribute donations received from the clinic to local programs in the Atlanta area, including yoga for homeless veterans.

Are you new to Reiki? Learn more about its benefits for mind, body and spirit wellness.

We encourage you to sign up for a time slot to minimize wait time, but walk-ins are welcome. Please contact Dana L. Young via email to reserve your space.

Candler Park Chiropractic is located in the Candler Park Connection complex adjacent to the Edgewood-Candler Park MARTA station. The office is on the second floor:

1522 Dekalb Avenue, Ste B.
Atlanta, GA 30307

I’m offering this 4 hour workshop for anyone who practices Reiki, but is specifically designed to provide support for practitioners who are still new to their Reiki practice, or need to get a jump-start after some time away. Anyone who practices Reiki at any level can benefit from the information, hands-on work and community we will share together.

The “Reiki Refresher” workshop will focus on questions and general discussion about Reiki practice, learn hands-on practice for traditional Japanese Reiki techniques, participate in a group meditation and give Reiki treatments to each other.

As part of the workshop, I will also offer a reiju (attunement or blessing) to each of the students in attendance. Traditional Japanese Reiki practice encouraged the practice of giving attunements again to Reiki practitioners in order to help clear and refine the recipients’ energy field. Even those who practice Reiki regularly will feel a boost in their energy after receiving a reiju.

Practitioners attending this class will also be eligible to enter a drawing to win several prizes, including Dr. Wayne Dyer and Louise Hay motivational products and a free 30 minute Reiki treatment!

Space is limited to 10 people. Please contact me to reserve your place by January 24 so I can ensure adequate materials and table space.

Cost: $35 (If you have taken a Refresher with me before, you are eligible for a $5 discount!)

Date: January 28, 2012

Time: 12 – 4 pm

Location: Candler Park Chiropractic
1522 Dekalb Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30307

(Photo credit: Tenize on Flickr)

I am pleased and honored to announce that my Reiki teacher, Hyakuten Inamoto, will be coming to Atlanta in mid-March 2012 to teach his Komyo Reiki Kai Shinpiden workshop.

Shinpiden candidates must have already completed Master/Teacher level training in any Reiki lineage in order to register for the workshop.

What is Komyo Reiki?

Komyo Reiki presents Reiki as it was understood and commonly practiced in the 1930’s in Japan. This system places emphasis on spiritual unfoldment through the practice of Reiki Ryoho, aiming for “satori” or enlightenment.

Komyo Reiki is a “keep-it-simple” Reiki system and practice. The practice motto is: “Put your hands, Surrender, and Smile.” The more peace and balance we cultivate in our lives through Reiki practice, the more we directly experience what Mikao Usui called “the miraculous medicine of all diseases.”

To learn more about the experience of learning Reiki from Inamoto Sensei, read my story of his training I attended in New York City in July 2010.

Workshop information
All four levels – Shoden, Chuden, Okuden and Shinpiden – will be taught as a complete system in a two and a half day intensive workshop. Sensei will also provide an evening talk for non-practitioners and Reiki practitioners to learn more about this healing art and its history. Upon completion of this training, students will be certified as Komyo Reiki Kai Shihans (teachers) and can teach the system to others.

The workshop will be held at the Self Discovery Center (1315 S Ponce De Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30306)

Schedule

Friday, March 16, 2012
6:30 – 9:30 PM: Intro to Reiki (all Reiki and non-Reiki practitioners are welcome to attend)

Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18, 2012
10 AM – 6 PM: Shinpiden training

Monday, March 19, 2012
6:00 – 9:00 PM: Shinpiden training and practice time

Fee for Shinpiden training:  $850.00 – payable by check or cash

A $200 non-refundable deposit must be received no later than March 2, 2012 to secure your place. Full payment must be made by check before March 10, 2012. Payments can be broken into three installments so long as the balance is paid by the day of the class.

If full payment has not been received by March 10, the balance must be paid in cash on the day of class.

Checks should be made out to Dana Lisa Young and sent to the following address:

Dragonfly Reiki
1522 Dekalb Avenue, Ste. B
Atlanta, GA 30307

Please email me for information about hotel options, etc.

If you are interested in his unique opportunity to learn traditional Japanese Reiki from Inamoto Sensei, please contact me via email.

The 5 Reiki Precepts (Gokai) are a deceptively simple set of guidelines for living a balanced and spiritually connected life. Without the Precepts, our practice is like a ship without a rudder, struggling to stay on course.

I began a discussion on my Facebook page to gain feedback from other Reiki practitioners on what the Precepts mean to them and how they are integrated into their daily life and practice. In this post, we examine the precept “Today only, do not anger (Kyo dake wa/Ikaru na)”.

A couple of comments I received were:

I think of it more as “I release anger” because sometimes anger will arise, and when it does, I’ll release it without identifying with it, taking it personally or becoming attached to it.

I think this precept invites us not to hold on to anger (making ourselves ill in the process) or to unleash it on others, hurting them and hurting ourselves, but instead to notice: Wow, I’m angry right now. What might be the reason for that? And how could I respond to the situation that’s causing me to feel like this in a constructive way? From a centred place, it is so much easier to act deliberately rather than reactively. Handled in this way, our anger may help us realise that perhaps we need clearer boundaries, or we need to find a way to stand up for our own needs, etc.

The first Precept “Do not anger” tends to be an emotionally charged one for Reiki practitioners. In my Reiki I (Shoden) classes, students spend a lot of time reflecting on what “Do not anger” means to them, as well as the resistance they feel at this directive. Usui Sensei was smart to list “do not anger” first, because as humans, it is the hardest emotion for us to work with. We feel entitled to our anger about how we were treated by our family of origin, by a former lover or spouse, a scheming coworker, or the person who rudely cuts us off in traffic. Anger is a sword we turn on ourselves. It cuts us more deeply than it does the person or situation to which we direct it. Anger keeps us from seeing the Oneness we share with others.

Anger can be a useful tool. It lets us know there is an issue, an imbalance or a wrong that needs to be addressed. However, all too often we bury, subvert or wallow in anger. It festers and causes illness, dysfunction and emotional separation. It’s unrealistic to think we can simply banish our feelings by reciting “Today only, do not anger”. But as the second comment above advises, we can stop and observe what we are feeling when the emotion arises instead of blindly reacting. Stopping and observing is where our practice truly begins. It’s when we’re able to drop our defenses and be receptive to the message we need to hear.

Sometimes that moment when we stop and observe may be enough to let go of the anger. For example, you may realize the person who cut you off in traffic actually didn’t see you. (It happens!) Or it may remind you of times you were aggressive in traffic because you were in a hurry or momentarily distracted. That pause allows you to see the other person as being probably not that much different than you.

Overstepping boundaries is a common cause of anger and misunderstanding in relationships between people. In close relationships, one person may not realize they are doing it (usually it’s because they have an unmet need they’re subconsciously trying to fill) and it is up to us to identify where the boundary has been crossed, and find a way to constructively address and reestablish a boundary that feels safe without creating additional conflict. Reiki practice can give us enough breathing space to step back from our anger to find a way to approach the other person and address the issue firmly yet with compassion.

During a conflict with family or partner, it may occur to you the tension you’re holding, or other physical symptoms you’re feeling (back or stomach pain, for instance) are deep-seated anger from something in your past you have internalized. Deep-seated issues did not develop in one day, nor should be expect them to be resolved emotionally right away. But with awareness and the tools of our practice (Reiki self-treatment, Sei Heki healing and Gassho meditation) we can directly, mindfully and gently address those emotions and begin to release them in a safe, productive way.

The practice of “Do not anger” is one we must learn to do it without self-judgment. Anger is a natural human emotion, but we don’t have to be helplessly chained to it. If we feel anger arise, we should acknowledge it, but not berate ourselves for what we’re feeling. When we release attachment to our anger (identifying with it, or allowing ourselves to be a victim) we can finally begin to let go of its stranglehold on us.

The imperative “Today only” is a lifelong practice. The Reiki Precepts are designed to bring more awareness to your daily life and facilitate mind/body/spirit balance. As Usui Sensei himself said: “If the mind is healthy, conforming to a path of integrity,then the body becomes sturdy of its own accord.” Anger is a sign that something needs to change, so use the opportunity to deepen your awareness of what may be triggering your anger to bring about healthy change and restore energetic and emotional balance.

If you liked this post, you may also be interested in reading Living the Reiki Precepts.

Hear my teacher, Hyakuten Inamoto, recite the Reiki Precepts in Japanese:

(Photo credit: Andrea_44 on Flickr)

Whether you are looking to achieve greater emotional and physical balance or embark on a deeper spiritual connection, Reiki can help. Reiki is more than just hands-on healing; it is a system of practice that brings about greater mind-body wellness, energetic balance, emotional clarity and a deepened connection to spiritual energy. With regular practice the benefits stay with you for a lifetime.

I am a Reiki Teacher (Shihan) trained in both traditional Japanese Reiki (Komyo Reiki) and ”Western” Usui Reiki (Takata style, or Usui Shiki Ryoho.) I teach Komyo Reiki, but provide the Takata-style Reiki techniques in my classes, so that students have a thorough understanding and context for their Reiki practice.

My Reiki classes and workshops provide plenty of opportunity to practice working with Reiki energy healing on yourself and others. Along with the energetic attunements (reiju), students will receive all the information, tools and ongoing guidance to practice Reiki with confidence. I love teaching and providing support for students as they develop their practice. I have seen a number of students make amazing transformation in their lives as a result of their commitment to Reiki. The potential for miracles is literally in your hands!

Upcoming Reiki classes and workshops:

• Komyo Reiki Level II (Chuden): Saturday, November 12, 2011 (11 AM – 5 PM)
• Komyo Reiki Level I (Shoden): Saturday, January 14, 2012 (10 AM – 6 PM)
• Komyo Reiki Level II (Chuden): Saturday, January 21, 2012 (10 AM – 5:30 PM)
• Reiki Refresher Workshop: Saturday, January 28, 2012 (12PM – 4 PM)
• Reiki Master (Okuden) training: Saturday, February 4, 2012 (10 AM – 5 PM)
• Reiki Teacher (Shinpiden) training: Sunday February 5, 2012 (10 AM – 5 PM)
• Komyo Reiki Level I (Shoden): Saturday, February 18, 2012 (10 AM – 6 PM)

For more information on what is covered in each class, pricing and registration, please visit my Reiki Classes page. All classes are taught at Candler Park Chiropractic in Atlanta, GA unless otherwise indicated.

(Photo credit: www.istockphoto.com)

Here are some recent news articles that are specifically about, or mention the benefits of Reiki for health and well-being. Notice the wide range of issues being addressed with Reiki treatment, as well as the increased integration of this practice into military and consumer health care settings.

Reiki, a Japanese hands-on therapy, works at balancing the body’s energy (NorthJersey.com): feature article about several Reiki practitioners in New Jersey and the benefits their clients receive, including cancer patients and a young boy with a developmental disorder.

Department of Defense National Intrepid Center of Excellence: The National Intrepid Center of Excellence is a program aimed at treating veterans suffering traumatic brain injuries and psychological disorders. Some of the treatments include alternative medicine and holistic therapies such as meditation, reiki, yoga, acupuncture and heart math.

MyFoxBoston video on benefits of Reiki: television news segment that provides a brief overview of Reiki hands-on healing and short demonstration. Notice how relaxed the anchor is after receiving Reiki!

Would-be mums use Reiki (NZ Herald): feature article about how women are turning to Reiki to help them conceive naturally. Stress can contribute to infertility, so the relaxing, balancing aspects of Reiki may make it easier for women to conceive and support their pregnancy.

Complementary Medicine Popular With Healthcare Workers (Medpage Today): In a recent study, 76% of healthcare professionals (providers, technicians and support workers) said they used at least one form of complementary or alternative therapy to maintain a sense of well-being and address anxiety. Energy healing, including Reiki, was on that list.

(Photo © Bob Stockfield; Courtesy: National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine)

Recently, I came across the following statement in an article on the power of positive thinking on a nursing website: “It is said that the average person has 40,000 thoughts per day, of which 80% are negative.  Every time you have a negative thought, your brain releases negative chemicals that make your body feel bad.”

Imagine what would happen if you reduced the amount of negative thoughts per day by replacing them with more positive thoughts? You will increase positive chemical reactions and align yourself mentally and energetically to receive and manifest more things of a positive nature. It is well-known that having a positive mindset aids in recovery from serious illnesses and diseases such as cancer.

Both my Reiki practice and my life coaching practice involve working with affirmations. In Reiki treatment, practitioners are taught to facilitate mental/emotional healing that combines Reiki energy with the use of specific statements for releasing old habits, behaviors and thinking and reprogramming the mind to accept new ones. During the coaching process, I work with the client to define one or more affirmations to be repeated at regular intervals daily to align with personal goals. The language of the affirmations reflects the desired outcome in the present tense. An example of an affirmation might be: “I am experiencing financial abundance. I can pay my bills with ease.”

The practice of affirmations is simple, positive action anyone can take – and yet, why do so many people resist it? I have been told by people that they don’t believe that affirmations work, or that it’s not realistic to trick the mind into believing in a reality that doesn’t (yet) exist. I suspect that lack of faith in the process and poor self-esteem (“I don’t really deserve to be happy/financially stable/in love/living the life of my dreams”) play a role in the refusal to explore practicing the use of affirmations for manifestation and goal-setting.

Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki Ryoho, believed that if the mind was properly aligned, the body would naturally follow:

Firstly the mind must be healed, and secondly,
the body must be made sound.
If the mind is healthy, conforming to a path of integrity,
then the body becomes sturdy of its own accord.

We heal the mind through positive thinking, and in more spiritual terms, what the Buddhists refer to as “right thought.” If we persist in negative thinking by saying, “I can’t” or “this is impossible”, we are limiting our own ability connect with our Divine nature and raise our energetic vibration.

Like attracts like, meaning, if your thoughts are positive, you are more likely to attract positive people, good health and other outcomes in accordance with your highest good. Affirmations are not “Pollyanna thinking.” Through the use of affirmations, you deliberately and thoughtfully taking responsibility for your life by aligning your thoughts with your goals and energy.

As with any other practice, working with affirmations requires time, commitment and awareness. Spend a day observing your thoughts. How many times do negative thoughts arise? How do you feel – angry, frustrated, or powerless? Then practice replacing some of those thoughts when they arise with positive ones, without getting down on or judging yourself. Did you feel your mood lift? Did it give you inspiration for something you could perhaps do differently?

Continue this daily and you may notice subtle changes occurring – something unexpectedly good comes your way or you suddenly have motivation to take a new direction where you previously felt stuck. You may feel lighter and more energetic too. Positive energy is cumulative and the more you accumulate, the more energy you have to draw from to buoy you through challenging times.

Words have power, but we also need to learn how to use them properly to experience their positive benefit. Two terrific resources I recommend for learning to work with affirmations are Dr. Wayne Dyer’s Meditations for Manifesting (I actually have this on my iPod and play it on the car in the morning) and the queen of affirmations, Louise Hay.

(Photo credit: Bark on Flickr)

I’m offering this 4 hour workshop for anyone who practices Reiki, but is specifically designed to provide support for practitioners who are still new to their Reiki practice, or who need to get a jump-start after some time away. However, anyone who practices Reiki at any level can benefit from the information and hands-on work we will do together. The “Reiki Refresher” workshop will focus on questions and general discussion about Reiki practice, learn hands-on practice for traditional Japanese Reiki techniques, participate in a group meditation and give Reiki treatments to each other.

As part of the workshop, I will also offer a reiju (attunement or blessing) to each of the students in attendance. Traditional Japanese Reiki practice encouraged the practice of giving attunements again to Reiki practitioners in order to help clear and refine the recipients’ energy field. Even those who practice Reiki regularly will feel a boost in their energy after receiving a reiju.

Space is limited to 10 people. Please contact me to reserve your place by September 22 so I can ensure adequate materials and table space.

Cost: $25

Time: 12 – 4 pm

Location: Candler Park Chiropractic
1522 Dekalb Avenue
Atlanta, GA 30307

Have you seen this lovely video, “The Breath of Reiki”? It was created by Reiki Teachers Bronwen and Frans Stiene of the International House of Reiki. It is both a short guided meditation and introduction to the practice and benefits of Reiki Ryoho.

Sit back, relax…and breathe in the life-giving aspects of Reiki!