Reiki As A Spiritual Practice

It seems to be a common question in articles, blogs and books with Reiki FAQs asking, "Is Reiki A Religion?" The simple and truthful answer is no. Reiki is not a religion or 'faith'. Traditional Usui Reiki has roots that go back over 2500 years to Tibetan Buddhists, but it is not a part of the Buddhist religion. While Reiki is not a indoctrinated religion, I would say that some degree of faith is involved.

As a Reiki Practitioner, the understanding of Reiki is that it comes from an Infinite Source, The Most High, God, Goddess, or whatever other name for Our Creator you can think of. As this Infinite Intelligence flows, we are able to be of service to those who need us. I believe it is safe to say that most, if not all Reiki Practitioners have a belief in a Spiritual Intelligent Force; I myself cannot imagine operating without this belief. 

Reiki as a spiritual practice gives us guidelines to live balanced, healthy lives, it asks us to take responsibility for our life choices, and our own existence. Reiki as a spiritual practice, asks us to act with positive morals, remove judgmental ways of thinking, speaking, and acting. Reiki gives us the ability to have Infinite Wisdom.

Reiki as a spiritual practice really helps you to "Know Thy Self". I cannot imagine where I would be, or what state of mind I would still be living in without having Reiki in my life. There was never a time in my life where I actually went through such deep self-discovery. I once told someone that Reiki was a platform, a springboard for unlimited fruition of whatever you wish to create for yourself. Some Practitioners go on to have a career in being of service through offering Reiki Healing sessions, while others like myself, will use it in every aspect of life. Reiki sheilds me from negative energy, I seem less and less effected by anger, it just bounces off much faster than before. I use Reiki to center or ground myself when I need to focus on work projects, when driving, searching for a parking space, etc. My greatest reason for becoming a Reiki Master, was that I wanted my children to be raised in this beautiful energy. For that to happen, 'future mommy' needed to Know Herself, and needed to make some changes in life.

Reiki is so much more than a laying on of hands or relaxation technique, it is a gateway to really knowing who you are. I have discovered how much I actually love myself. Sounds simple, we all love ourselves or at least tell ourselves that we do, but rarely do we really know what that means until we do some sorting out of the good, the bad, and the ugly. Looking close up at our own flaws, wether it's the ones we wear boldly outside or the ones we keep hidden from public view, it is no easy task, but when you do and make changes for your self, the love just pours in from your own untapped source. I can say that this is one of many things that Reiki has done for me.

This does not replace religion, there is no baptism, no speech to recite, it is merely a path you can choose or not to choose to take when called to it. There are Reiki Practitioners of all religions, faiths, and cultures, and it is truly beautiful to see them all in one room, with one intention of Love, and being of service.