Living the Reiki Principles

One thing that has helped me along a TON is meditating and reflecting on the Reiki Principles. What they truly mean and ways to use what they can teach everyone! No attunement needed, just the desire to find peace.

These coming articles will be an exciting series, (this is just a teaser), for me because I want to discuss not only what Dr. Usui had in mind for each principle, but my take on them, as well as ways I practice them each day. 

*WARNING* Please bear in mind, nobody's perfect and don't chastise yourself if you catch yourself not adhering all the time. Acknowledge the fact you are human and don't live up to your self standards, then move on from that moment. Dwelling on the past and obsessing will always lead to anger or worry, among other negative thought processes and emotions.

                                                                                                                                       

"Every journey starts with a single step;

Make today your first step into a better future and begin living more joyfully."

- Penelope Quest

These principles were passed down by Dr. Usui. They should be chanted aloud and remembered in your heart every morning.

Just for today, do not be angry.

Just for today, do not worry.

Just for today, be filled with gratitude.

Just for today, earn your living honestly.

Just for today, be kind to all life.

Just for today, love unconditionally.

*Okay, the last one is one that I added because loving all beings unconditionally is not always that easy. If you've ever had a pet or kids you know exactly what I mean.

                                                                                                                                         

Anger & Worry

 

I'm lumping these two together for now because I will be going way deeper into these next time. 

There's a reason "do not be angry" and "do not worry" are first. Anger and worry are the two base emotions that need to be regulated in order to progress in all aspects of your being. 

Anger is usually tied to responses in the past that no longer serve us as we grow personally and spiritually. It's usually triggered when someone/something fails our expectations - or even, more importantly, when we don't meet our own expectations. It may feel strange to realize it, but anger is a conscious choice and typically is a habitual reaction to a particular set of circumstances. We really can choose to not be angry! (Just for today)

In the same way we can choose not to worry. Worry is linked to fear. Fear of the unknowable. Also our own lack of self-belief that we can cope and it tends to center around a "what if?" situation - a future event that is never realized and quite possibly never will be. Worrying can also be a habit we get into, but it is not for those who are "living in the moment", so we can choose to not worry! (Just for today)

"Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate...hate...leads to suffering." - Yoda

Seeing what these emotions are and how they can be managed takes time and practice. And altering your choices surrounding them works wonders. And, of course, ridding yourself of the imperative to be an asshole or burying yourself in self destructive patterns will surely change your perception.

Once you get past the two biggest happiness killers it is all easy, right? *BUZZ* Afraid not. In fact the rest are the easiest to say, but putting them into practice is all about your willingness to let go.

                                                                                                                                         

Living with Gratitude

 

"Be thankful for everything you have now, have had in the past and will have in the future. Being actively grateful will bring even more good things into your life." 

- Penelope Quest 

Being filled with gratitude constantly is no small task. How can you possibly be grateful when you're up to your eyeballs in debt or your relationship is a mess? By appreciating the riches you truly have in life. Friends, loved ones, experience, knowledge, opportunities for growth - which sometimes have a way of being a harsh lesson, but all lessons are intended for your own greatest good. You just have to remember that even in the worst of times there is something to be thankful for. And when things seem their most bleak the Universe also lets you know it has your back, in a sense, through the Law of Attraction. Way more on that later.

                                                                                                                                           

Working Honestly and Diligently

"You are a limitless being in a limitless Universe, 

with the power to create whatever you want." 

- Reverend Simon John Barlow

There are a few ways Dr. Usui's Principle has been translated:

• Work hard
• Do your work diligently
• Do your work honestly
• Be honest in your work.

These all are part of it, but these interpretations sound more geared specifically to the physical/3D realm we are inhabiting currently. Not to mention they have, to me at least, undertones of a consumerist drone mentality, lack of mindful living and no drive for greater things. The deeper meaning has to do with being honest with yourself about who you are. Where in your personal development are you heading and what steps are you taking to get there. Striving to be your best version of YOU while maintaining integrity and following your own moral and ethical compass.

                                                                                                                                        

Living with Kindness

 

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." - Aesop

To be kind to all life. Now it seems self explanatory enough. "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." The golden rule is definitely good policy, but the one being that is most neglected and in need of your kindness is YOU. There is a small, terrified child self that is about to blow into full tantrum mode if not given attention. You just have to be giving the appropriate attention that will serve your greatest good. Once you begin working on loving yourself you will be more accepting of the love you never thought you deserved. Plus, seeing more of what the Universe really wants to give you.

                                                                                                                                          

Loving Unconditionally

"I have found the paradox that if you love until it hurts, 

there can be no more hurt. Only more love." 

- Mother Theresa

I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/mother_teresa_142106

I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love. Mother Teresa
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/robert_a_heinlein_137024

I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love. Mother Teresa
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/robert_a_heinlein_137024

To love unconditionally...This has got to be by far the MOST difficult to accomplish for a day, let alone in a lifetime. Love is the glue of the Universe. It is capable of indescribable power, both positive and negative. 

Though, personally I am still working on this aspect of myself. At least by the time I write this one I will have more insight.

I look forward to the coming articles. There is SO much to go over, but I like the challenge.