Reiki Daily - ReikiDaily.com

This energy

2006-06-20T16:21:00.000-05:00

It's been a while since I wrote, and for that, I apologize.

Today a most interesting thought was shared with me. A person I met voiced the belief that every time we apologize, we surrender part of our life-force to another.

He also said that each time we eat anything — vegetable or animal — we cruelly and sinfully rob it of its own life force.

I am taking time to reflect on these thoughts. I do not agree that an apology is a yielding of energy — an idea that I've stumbled across in books like The Celestine Prophecy.

But I will say, it was a reminder to think about energy once again. Carefully.

And how it connects the apparently separate into One Whole.

Inner Peace ≠ Alone

2006-03-09T07:19:00.000-05:00

For years I have thought
It happens alone
And I've also taught
this... but I have grown

I have taught that Peace
Is found in the soul
Or happens at least
When one meets the goal

Of being Alone
Of going Inside
I could not have known
But I found my guide

She isn't a ghost
Or spirit I see
She's whom I see most
She spends time with me

And so I am glad
And I've become wise
Whenever I'm sad
I think of her eyes

Nana's Dream

2006-02-20T13:07:00.000-05:00

Yesterday a great old mystery was solved. My grandmother left me with a dream when I was a child, a dream from her deathbed — a dream that my mother transmitted to me when I was 18.

I'm 32 now. I figured out the meaning yesterday.

My maternal grandmother Rose dreamed that she was rescuing children from a burning building. Apparently, I showed up ...

(creepy part forthcoming)

... as a grown man.

And I said to her, "Nana, Nana, why are you doing this? You're killing yourself getting these children out of the burning building!"

And Rose said, in her dream, "I'm doing it for you, Rand, I'm doing it for you."

And Rose made my mom promise that she would tell me of the dream when I was grown.

"Tell him, I did it for him."

Never knew what it meant.

Yesterday I'm with Jen, at an intimate memorial service for her very dear aunt who lived with her for 18 years and was in many ways Jen's confidante and teacher.

To get a better idea of who her aunt was, I asked the family to pull out old photo albums and loose photos from long ago.

I was looking at the pictures of these kids — now grown — Jen, her brother Brian, her brother John ...

... the joy on her aunt's face in the photos ..

... the joy on the children's faces ...

... I looked up and I saw Jen playing with her little nephew. A kinder little boy, I've never seen. So polite. So curious. So well behaved. Prettiest eyes. A true little gentleman.

And all of this had time to sink in. And last night, I remembered my grandmother's dream.

When I was looking at those photos, I was filled with something — joy I think — seeing how cute Jen was as a kid, seeing her with her nephew, seeing the brothers all grown (Brian is several heads taller than me) ...

... It reminded me a lot of the childhood I had known, but forgotten. And the pictures of the kids reminded me of good kids in the world, unlike my own experience with kids recently. And ...

... I felt that joy, that hope, that ... something. I hadn't felt it in ... forever. Not at any point when I was married did I feel this feeling of, "Everything's OK. There is hope. There is a future to protect and a reason to protect it. This is it. This is why."

Now, I'm not going to have kids. My mind hasn't changed.

But I'm finding that there's a shift in me today. I'm just a little more future oriented, now that I know that my grandmother saved the children from the burning building ...

... my burning building ...

... that I might have hope. A lot of hope.

Awake

2006-02-01T00:16:00.000-05:00

Awake, my Soul
Rise from dark
Break chains of despair

Now be free
You can see
You're no longer there

Here you are
Now you live
Breathe deep of the air

Love you have
Love you are
Love is just to share

Throw away
all the doubt
And do it without care

Soul you are
and you thrive
Here and everywhere

The art is Black Spirit Rising by David Boyd

Futures and Presents

2006-01-12T07:21:00.000-05:00

We glance into the sky,
At times the energy swells, and our hearts are filled with joy.

We think into the future.
We imagine what it is like.
And we hope for the best.

But pain from the past darkens the sky.
We become confused, fearful and constricted.
The hope for the future — that bright sky — becomes clouded.

We assume we will only see what we have seen before.

If we assume this, we are right.

If instead, we open ourselves to experience —
If instead, we feel the Energy of the Present as it is —
Flowing, nourishing, embracing, reassuring, sustaining, binding —
If we can hear the Universe whispering to us, "It is all right. It is OK" —

We will have found the peace promised by the hope.
We will have found it — right now.

And we will carry it into the world around us.
Our Gift — the one we received —
Kept and given again.

Promise of Peace

2006-01-07T09:25:00.000-05:00

He promised us peace
His Bow in the sky
Never again would
It rain, that we die

And so we survive
Hanging on a thread
Not His own evil
But people we dread

The power within
The great gift of Peace
Is a pursuit that
we can't ever cease

If God himself can
Put away His Bow
Why is it so hard
For us to do so?

The answer is just
We haven't learned how
So few of us living
In the here and now

Projecting our fears
into future time
Missing miracles
occurring sublime

Stop - look around - there
You see it? You hear?
Life is too precious
to waste in your fear

So just become strong
and know that it's true:
No greater power
than peace within you

Morning and evening

2005-11-10T07:42:00.000-05:00

There is a reason the principles state that they should be repeated every morning and evening, during prayer.

The mornings help us motivate and direct our day -- and prayer is self-reflection. When we pray, the intent is most important. Coming before the divine with anything less than total honesty is fraudulent, and the victim is ourselves.

Likewise in the evenings, when we make meaning of our days. The review must be honest -- and according to the principles, if we are not acting with the absence of anger and worry, and are not walking in gratitude and kindness -- we will be missing our attunement to the divine energy that is available to all of us. -- In peace, Wolf

Back to the principles

2005-10-16T16:55:00.000-05:00

The secret art of inviting happiness
The miraculous medicine of all diseases
Just for today, do not anger
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work. Be kind to people.
Every morning and evening, join your hands in prayer.
Pray these words to your heart
and chant these words with your mouth
Usui Reiki Treatment for the improvement of body and mind
The founder, Usui Mikao

Several weeks have gone by since I have last posted anything.

During that time, I have been focused on my dissertation, my social life, and my adjustment to living on my own in a part of New Jersey where I really don't know many people.

All told, it has been a good journey. I am not feeling very overwhelmed. But there are times of sadness and anger, often related to my social life. Sometimes I wonder if the great light that I know I have come to possess the capacity for, over the past several years, is indicative of an even more frightening darkness.

Lately I have become convinced of this. Learning how to embrace this darkness, and use it to understand instead of act, is an ever-present challenge.

Darkness is used to understand.
Light is used to act.

I think this is my new way of incorporating the darkness, instead of pretending it just isn't there.

Back to the principles. -- In peace, Wolf

There and back again

2005-09-27T05:24:00.000-05:00

Life seems to me a series of journeys in and out of different worlds.

Sometimes we carry the memory of those previous worlds we visited with us. Sometimes, in order to survive, we must forget the previous worlds for a while until those memories become easier to handle. And when we are ready, someone or something reminds us of those times.

When that happens, my prayer is that I have the wisdom of an expansive heart. This means the ability not only to have kind (or at least, neutral) feelings toward those who may have disappointed me in the past -- it certainly can't remain there, because disappointment is only the product of the limited human capacity to settle for only the stereotype of how we think others should behave, rather than dealing with the human frailty that we all possess.

No, it means more than that. The wisdom of an expansive heart means being able to look at all my experiences, with all people, as having something important to teach me, as a student and teacher of wisdom (for we are all students and teachers of wisdom, whether or not we choose to accept that responsibility).

When we journey, most often, there is a return. Perhaps a return to oneself, such as one's old values after a departure. Perhaps, a return to memories forgotten about things we have done before. Perhaps it is literally a return home, or a return to talking with someone who knew-us-when.

That return often signifies the end of the journey, or at least an interruption. But having journeyed, we bring back to the old the things we've learned from the new. It creates us into something greater: wiser, more patient, or perhaps less patient to put up with nonsense we've learned not to tolerate from ourselves.

So we are ever going There and Back Again -- on journeys as fantastic in their variety as Tolkien's Bilbo Baggins -- but perhaps the Smeagols and Smaugs whom we must confront in order to make it back home are not other people, but instead, the illusionary monsters and dragons of our own stereotypes that must be conquered in order for us to find joy.

Reiki, to me, is a path of Acceptance. Reiki Energy harmonizes the light and the dark lessons of our past into a present-focused gestalt of wisdom. It helps us recognize that when we have gone There and Back Again, we are very much wiser for the journey and can hopefully pass along our wisdom, chiefly about how to manage ourselves, to others. -- In peace, Wolf

creative reiki

2005-09-24T10:45:00.000-05:00

one of the really noticeable changes that has occurred in my life since i've become attuned to reiki is the desire to create.

in the olden days i was really great at writing critiques of other peoples' creations. i could write well based upon other peoples' research as well as my own.

but to write straight out of my heart. that just didn't happen. out of my head, yes. opinionated, yes. just about anything as long as it wasn't what was going on inside of me, pretty much, yep.

hey, i even taught the mechanics of creative writing without being able to generate an original myself. so go figure. i had lots of form, but little substance. although i did make lots of jump starts at journaling, especially when i was angry.

reiki is changing that. i'm just beginning to notice and i'm thrilled.

in truth, wolf had a lot to do with the birthing of this new baby by giving me a safe forum in which to create. i am eternally grateful.

i'm also grateful to two online reiki groups that i voyeured for a long time before i dared speak a word.

another thing i've noticed is that since i've decided to become a grammar anarchist i've really reached a new height of creativity - evidence of the effect of destructuralization. ;-)

so reiki takes on many many forms. i'm learning not to box it up and wrap it in my preconceived notions.

i thinketh that reiki hath many faces. :-) :) ;-) ;0)

the fields of grace

2005-09-22T07:00:00.000-05:00

dancing with my father god in fields of grace.

this is an image from a song i hear on the radio by big daddy weave. the more i hear it the more vivid, alive the image becomes for me even though mother god would fit as well. maybe even spirit god would fit. anyway, it's all semantics.

it pictures that loving joyous relationship we can have with spirit.

grace just keeps on pouring freely. it's the nature of grace to be abundant, giving, flowing. like the sun's rays we can see shining through clouds.

the infinite faces of grace shine as joy, comfort, strength, peace, healing, teaching, guidance, protection - all available in infinite situations in infinite expression.

the source of grace will never dry up. it is not conditional. the only variable in the relationship is the recipient.

grace, being the vibrant energy it is, can't just sit still or settle in a backwater pool. it is eruptive like the surf splashing up on a seawall. it is gentle like a summer breeze. but always in movement because it is grace.

it flows over us, around us, through us, even from us. if we're porous we might notice it. in fact, i'm willing to say, the more porous we are the more we're able to notice it.

i wonder if grace might be another name for reiki?

willing to be porous, mary

flight

2005-09-19T21:35:00.000-05:00

waiting in traffic i am often blessed by the birds... rows and rows of birds just sitting on the wires above me....

then startled, or not, they suddenly as if with one mind lift off.... many many birds diving and swooping in one direction and then another with all but a few in one accord.

is there a leader that i'm simply not aware of?

might they indeed really fly with one mind? i don't know and it really doesn't matter anyway.

their show is beautiful. the sun shimmers off their wings in varying shades of opalescent silver and grey. the angle each bird holds to the sun determines the brightness of the color it reflects. even its angle in relation to its community effects its shine. the few out of sync add texture to the design of oneness they create.

some in light. some in shadow. taking turns framing each other's glory.

sometimes the birds mount as two separate flocks... flying their own patterns... and then... flying right through each other... each flock maintaining its own individuality. other times the flocks actually swell in the air... combining the two into one... just for the fun of it.

they dance. they swoop. they play. they dive. they chatter. they sing. they light on the wire. they are just being birds. they are doing singly and in community what they do best - being birds.

lightworkers. they are lightworkers...lost in the joy of abandonment... oblivious of me below still waiting in traffic...amazed...expanded in their joy

me too god me too. mary

Harmonization

2005-09-18T18:43:00.000-05:00

To see this blue, green, white and brown orb from outer space, this ship bearing us on a journey through the universe, reminds us of the perfection that is the creation.

When Reiki is evoked -- when we tune into the frequency of the all-calming, all-righting energy -- we are tapping into a sense of the ineffable wonder that is the Divine.

These words here can only describe Reiki so much. They may offer us angles into the reality of what Reiki ultimately is, but never really reach it. Words are only symbolizers, as famous psychoanalyst, anthropologist, and linguist Jacques Laçan noted. They never reach the truth. Plato reached the same conclusion long ago.

In the Jewish tradition, it is utterly impossible to describe God. There are several parts of the Old Testament that reference God covering the eyes of the prophets and priests so that he cannot be seen, "lest ye die." I often wonder at this.

What would be so beguiling to behold, about the Creator, that one cannot behold this being?

The only answer I can come up with is one I've heard before. As perfect as human bodies are in terms of design (if you believe, as I do, that the Creation is already perfect), we are still an extremely limited species -- still very much on a pathway toward becoming something even greater.

Perhaps in hundreds of thousands, or millions of years, our living bodies might be able to comprehend the Divine, without overloading us.

But for now, we have various pathways into seeing the Divine. We see it when we truly Love -- not out of neediness, but out of the purity of becoming a generous spirit. We see it when we experience serenity -- in nature, with a friend. And I think we also reach it many other ways -- meditating, laughing joyfully, even dancing (so I'm told) can take people there.

Reaching out to touch the divine -- to reach that harmony. Moment by moment. This is what we hope for, and what we can decide when we take the time out necessary to appreciate all we have. -- In peace, Wolf

structural anarchy

2005-09-16T16:29:00.000-05:00

i have come to realize that i am bound in all types of structure. one of the most obvious structures i'm caught in is the rules of grammar. having been an english teacher i not only obeyed that structure to the t, but i also made sure that the young'uns did too.

it was love without end: jesus speaks by glenda green that made me aware of how structured i am. now grammar as such was not addressed, but staying within the lines was. jesus speaks of structure being our greatest challenge.....it is our willingness to be dominated by structure that has blinded us to the ways and greater powers of love, he says.

thinking outside the box has been difficult for me personally. but i am learning that there is a real freedom in not following the rules (at least grammar rules. i'm working on the others. these were just the right in my face ones.)

any structure that is not bound by love is too much structure. i think most structure is bound by fear.

i need not go into the details of structuring a child into a human being or at least into what the parental/societal view says a human being is.

and no, i'm not calling for anarchy. but i think i might be calling for an allowing. a letting be. the letting the god in us be god instead of being structured into our image.

i think of god as love. but we can't demand love. we can't confine love. we can't force love. as we allow love to manifest through us it will in turn draw out the love within others.

sounds utopian, i know. been tried and by measurable standards apparently failed or at the very least faded away like a whisper. i don't care though :-)

i'm declaring my freedom. my freedom to laugh out loud whenever i want. my freedom to wear shorts to church. my freedom to be a hippie in retro. my freedom to express my love in loving ways to all beings who are manifestations of the love of god. and i haven't discovered one who isn't yet.

the love of god manifesting in me will always show me how to express in ways that will do no harm. one of the deepest expressions of love is reiki. the reiki heart is moved by compassion.

tho this piece is simple and i haven't yet gotten away from periods and commas, this is the declaration of my independence from structure. from here on out i will color out of the lines and get messier and messier as time goes by. maybe then the gentle loving healing power of reiki will just splash all over the place.

loving my freedom and willing to get messy, mary

Wrapped up - need co-bloggers!

2005-09-15T15:26:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I get a little wrapped up in life. With the start of two new jobs and my dissertation, I haven't been able to dedicate the time necessary to ReikiDaily.com!

So I am seeking co-bloggers.

Do you know someone whom you think would make an excellent addition to the ReikiDaily.com contributors? If so, please e-mail me at wolf@reikidaily.com to let me know.

Thank you!

In peace,
Wolf Shipon

Teachers from the Past

2005-09-10T07:29:00.000-05:00

They, the Ones Before Us
Knew the Ancient Ways
And though they are now gone
We spend most of our days

Trying to recapture
A bit of what They knew;
And in our frantic efforts
We both try, me and you

To find what is important
The Meaning of our lives
And at this simple task
Everyone still strives:

To make sense of living
And our purpose on Earth
To find our sacred mission
To know what is our Worth

But don't think there's no Answer;
There Is and always Was
And each person has
A course for what he does

We have to take a look
Back into our past
To find the ancient Teachers
Who got it, and at last

We'll find One much like us
Struggling with something
That to our modern ears
Has a familiar ring

And from this ancient Teacher
We'll learn to live today
And we will lead our lives
In a much Greater Way

-- In peace, Wolf

Spirals

2005-09-09T06:34:00.000-05:00

Without giving too much away, the spiral is an extremely important part of Reiki. It is the dominant feature in one of the symbols in Reiki II that focuses and empowers the flow of energy.

Ever since learning this, I have noticed spaces and things that feature spirals. I always got the sense that people who decorated with spirals, or used them in designs, were somehow taught in a Reiki tradition or naturally attuned themselves to the power of the spiral.

Have you, too, noticed spirals in more places lately?

I've seen them in contemporary designs more frequently -- I used to notice them on goods sold at places with a contemplative modern feel, like Pier 1 or Bombay Company. Now they're creeping into products at Wal-Mart and even furniture designs.

I really believe the signs are all around us, regarding what's happening with the Universe, as it relates to our own lives. It's quite possible that my own recent reawakening of Reiki in my own life makes me notice the symbol more than I did before. Perhaps this is somehow symbolic of my own re-empowerment.

But perhaps, also, there is an awakening of the sense of power and energy that is occurring universally, as my friend and mentor Nancy has noted in previous comments. -- In peace, Wolf

Cats and Reiki

2005-09-08T06:34:00.000-05:00

Diane Stein, one of the most controversial authors in Reiki for writing her book Essential Reiki, which includes in it the variants of the sacred symbols that she learned (traditionally never published and only passed from master to student), proposed something pretty radical in her book.

It was something that I read several years ago, so forgive me if I get some of the details wrong. But she is under the impression, and I remember this distinctly, that "Cats invented Reiki."

Thousands of years ago, she asserts, before humans had the language to do so, cats were the first species who unlocked the secret to allowing Universal Energy to flow through them and help others.

Nonsense, right? Utter poppycock. Absurd... totally, right?

But have you ever observed a cat spending time with its person when that person is sick?

Have you ever been the sick person, and had a cat who wouldn't leave your side until you were well?

Have you ever been down about something, and your cat seemed to uniquely know?

I've also experienced this with dogs.

I think cats and dogs are both creatures that are uniquely wise to energy, and somehow, they share their connection to the Divine with us when they perceive we need it. -- In peace, Wolf

A new day

2005-09-06T07:07:00.000-05:00

A new day you can know
So let the Reiki flow
And in the way
You set your day
You will change and grow

We all have the time
To reach a thing sublime
As time proceeds
Everyone needs
To heed the inner rhyme

And all manner of sound
For it is all around
And sights we see --
Both you and me --
Will find our common ground

Take time to see your Place
(For there's no time nor space)
For we are all One --
and that's the fun --
We're a divinely gifted race

-- In peace, Wolf

People who "got it": Gandhi

2005-09-04T16:49:00.000-05:00

This is a new series I'm going to start on this blog detailing reminders of the life of people who, in my estimate, "got it" -- i.e. they felt the energy of the Universe that I believe is at work in Reiki, and conducted their lives in concert with its flow.

"Gandhi was inevitable. If humanity is to progress,
Gandhi is inescapable.
He lived, thought and acted,
inspired by the vision of humanity evolving toward
a world of peace and harmony.
We may ignore Gandhi at our own risk."
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Richard Attenborough wrote the following brief history of his life:

Mohandas K. Gandhi was born in 1869 to Hindu parents in the state of Gujarat in Western India. He entered an arranged marriage with Kasturbai Makanji when both were 13 years old. His family later sent him to London to study law, and in 1891 he was admitted to the Inner Temple, and called to the bar. In Southern Africa he worked ceaselessly to improve the rights of the immigrant Indians. It was there that he developed his creed of passive resistance against injustice, satyagraha, meaning truth force, and was frequently jailed as a result of the protests that he led. Before he returned to India with his wife and children in 1915, he had radically changed the lives of Indians living in Southern Africa.

Back in India, it was not long before he was taking the lead in the long struggle for independence from Britain. He never wavered in his unshakable belief in nonviolent protest and religious tolerance. When Muslim and Hindu compatriots committed acts of violence, whether against the British who ruled India, or against each other, he fasted until the fighting ceased. Independence, when it came in 1947, was not a military victory, but a triumph of human will. To Gandhi's despair, however, the country was partitioned into Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan. The last two months of his life were spent trying to end the appalling violence which ensued, leading him to fast to the brink of death, an act which finally quelled the riots. In January 1948, at the age of 79, he was killed by an assassin as he walked through a crowed garden in New Delhi to take evening prayers.

Here are some quotes from Gandhi himself:

Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well.

As long as you derive inner help and comfort from anything, keep it.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes.

Hate the sin, love the sinner.

Honest differences are often a healthy sign of progress.

I believe in equality for everyone, except reporters and photographers.

I want freedom for the full expression on my personality.

In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in an clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.

Indolence is a delightful but distressing state; we must be doing something to be happy.

It is unwise to be too sure of one's own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err.

One needs to be slow to form convictions, but once formed they must be defended against the heaviest odds.

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.

You must be the change you want to see in the world.

You must not lose faith in humanity. Humanity is an ocean; if a few drops of the ocean are dirty, the ocean does not become dirty.

What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty or democracy?

Victory attained by violence is tantamount to a defeat, for it is momentary.

An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.

And my favorite:

Of Western Civilization he once said, "I think it would be a good idea." -- In peace, Wolf

Reiking up...

2005-09-01T07:10:00.000-05:00

This morning the oddest thing happened to me.

I had a dream that I was getting my car repaired, and the bill was getting very large as I was sitting with the guy and going over the charges. I was getting increasingly angry with him, but the Reiki was turning on in my hands. It was calming me, and I did not get angry with him. I was instead very calm. Finally he admitted that he was kidding about the charges and we both laughed.

The Reiki flashed very hot in my hands, and I woke up, and the energy was flowing tremendously in the waking world too.

Kind of odd. It was like a Reiki alarm clock. -- In peace, Wolf

Editor's note: Sorry for my absence the past few days. I have been very busy with dissertation.

Katrina 101

2005-08-29T14:10:00.000-05:00

Katrina has forced me to look at my intentions and my expectations in practicing Reiki. On Sunday night I spent time focusing on peace and Reiki in the midst of Katrina.

One of my groups recommended placing a mirror between Katrina and New Orleans. It was pointed out that these storms, quakes, the tsunami, etc. are reflecting the fear and agitation in the collective consciousness - to be more exact that the storms are drawn to the energy that matches theirs.

We agreed to a "power prayer" at 6:30 CT. I found myself creating clockwise spirals over Katrina's counter clockwise movement.

I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I have to admit to a disappointment that Katrina was alive and well when I got up this morning. I realized I was attached to a different outcome. So now what? Was our prayer a failure? Our visualization? Reiki? Me?

It might be time to look at my intentions. Maybe I ought to focus my intention towards the manifestation of the greatest good for all concerned? But that sounds like such a cop out!!

But in truth, we don't know what's being accomplished here - what great good may be unfolding that we don't understand. Just look at the opportunities that are presenting themselves for people to help others.

"Catastrophes" often bring out the best in people.

Maybe all the energy of the fear and anxiety that arose due to Katrina will be balanced by the energy of compassion and gratitude that will be expressed in its aftermath.

Maybe it's a matter of realizing that everything is perfect as it is expressing in the moment and not to confine it by my judgements. By judging the situation as bad, or even good, I am limiting it thus creating more fear and doubt.

Trusting in the givingness and expansive expression of Spirit frees me up to experience the love in the situation thus realizing the light in the "apparent" darkness.

The energy of this cycle going round and round, faster and faster- trust,love, light,trust,love,light- could create a vortex- the beginnings of Hurricane Reiki!!

In love, Mary

Intuition

2005-08-29T07:35:00.000-05:00

We are not today the person from before
In our lives we change, and alter evermore
Our days past mentor, and bring to fruition
The idea we have a self-definition

But it is not true; tis only memory
The past has not taught us whom we should now be
Instead turn off the words that explain away
The person whom you think you should be today

Let the Source flow through you, let it be your Guide
Let your old stuck patterns, wash away, subside
Notice the world that is; the world that you see
Halt the noise of mind that doesn't let you Be

Once the noise is off, you can intuit Truth
The way that you once did, early in your youth
When there were things you knew; and not from your mind
But known from the Source, our Universal Bind

There are Older Ways, shorter paths to knowing
They're only found when Source energy's flowing
So turn off the thoughts you think of what you know
And let the Higher Mind change you with the flow

-- In peace, Wolf

Connections

2005-08-27T21:55:00.000-05:00

Our friendships that have pure intent
Are the best times that we have spent
Connecting with folks across time
And space to reach a more sublime

Understanding; it's what we do
Seeking to find out what is true
Together we can; me and you
Stumble together, fumble through

And hold hands steadfast till that day
That we will both be there to say
"Sometimes my life was hell to pay
But my dear friend helped guide my way."

-- In peace, Wolf

Anger and the Principles

2005-08-26T09:27:00.000-05:00

Last night someone asked me the last time I got really angry.

I'm sure there have been occurrences of it -- positive of that -- but it's been a while.

She then went on to say that anger is something that is associated with other positive things in life, such as passion.

This reminded me of a conversation that I had with another friend, who said that anger seems to be a way for people to move in their lives. I found myself in agreement with her -- certainly not violent or dangerous anger, though. Anger that inspires action can be positive.

So, when I reflect on Reiki, and particularly the Reiki Principles as passed to us by Mrs. Takata from the Founder, Mikao Usui, I wonder about the proper place for anger.

The principles contain, in the third line, this statement:

Just for today, do not anger

OK, this makes sense to me. Anger seems to be at odds with Reiki energy. I do not feel the energy flow in the times when I experience my anger. I've never felt anger and Reiki flow at the same time. Maybe other people have -- but I haven't heard about it yet.

Maybe Usui Sensei knew this. Maybe he intuited that the energy just doesn't work when our personal Destroyer energy is at work (I see anger this way). And that's not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes things need to be destroyed. I'm not a fan of it, but sometimes it's necessary, right?

But I think the closer answer is in the two preceding lines of the Principles:

The secret art of inviting happiness
The miraculous medicine for all disease
Just for today, do not anger

Ahhhh! There it is! Anger has no place when it is a time to heal and be happy. Now I get it! -- In peace, Wolf

Omnipresence of Reiki?

2005-08-24T21:07:00.000-05:00

In one of my Reiki online groups, we are in a discussion about the pervasiveness of the Universal Lifeforce. There are a few different takes on this in the group.

In my thinking, all things are connected. So when I think oneness, I think One.

Theoretically, one cell of my body contains the blueprint to be able to make a whole new me. Any separation that we feel is due to our own perceptions, not the nature of the Life.

It's getting down to how we view the essence of Spirit. I see It as complete in Itself at any point of Itself - always wholly present, always vital, always surging.

So now as a Reiki practitioner, do I "send" Reiki? Do I manipulate the Universal Lifeforce? Reiki is conscious. I am conscious. In my freewill I can choose the overriding focus in my life.

I'm not deeply schooled in Reiki; I'm learning as I go, literally feeling my way, so this may be part of why I have a problem with the idea of sending the energy anywhere.

"Sending" it implies that it is not there already. Could it not possibly be a matter of "realizing" the presence of the Reiki energy? Channeling? Maybe. Intending? Maybe. Intensifying? Maybe. But is this effecting the Reiki flow, or my view of it?

Wolf pointed out "Where the thought goes, the energy flows." There are indeed different aspects of the whole that we can choose to embrace. That again is our focus, our personal realization. Anyway, I said all this to say, I don't know. I'll be meditating on this for a while.

In love, Mary

Living Reiki

2005-08-23T21:05:00.000-05:00

Years ago in Vermont I saw the bumper sticker "Practice Random Acts of Kindness and Senseless Beauty." It caught my attention. I don't know the origin of the thought, but by now it's public domain - at least I hope so. If not it sure should be. I did a Google search and found all sorts of websites, but nothing on its origin.

Imagine a world that lived by this philosophy - doing acts of kindness and beauty for their own sake, looking for nothing in return.

Simple little things: like opening a door for someone or buying them a cup of coffee. How about lending a listening ear? How about giving up your seat on the bus? How about leaving an extra-large tip - "deserved" or not?

How about mowing a neighbor's yard just because? How about a smile? How about a kind word? How about helping someone to learn to read? How about baking a batch of brownies? How about letting someone out in traffic?

Acts of kindness are not for the receiver only, not for the giver only, but for all of humanity. They add the energy of life. They spread a sense of joy. They can offer hope filling and healing a void. They can expand another's heart with gratitude - or not. That's not the point. What matters is the attitude in the doing. Random acts of Kindness and Senseless Beauty - Reiki with feet on. :)

In senseless joy, Mary

Separations

2005-08-23T07:35:00.000-05:00

The Universal Embrace ... to be able to let go of hatred and fear and accept the totality of All...

... to think about, believe in, and operate our lives out of the knowledge that all separations are but illusions, as Einstein noted ... perceptions created only by our location in the space-time continuum and ultimately a perspective limitation....

To note that the very things we believe are the most vile or painful are actually part of the totality of all that Is, and all that Is Us...

This is the challenge at hand. To stop staring out the lonely window, and note that it's all Here and Now... all that ever was, is, or shall be again...

Everyone who ever was, is, or shall be.

Together. Right now. Without separations. -- In peace, Wolf

Thought and energy

2005-08-22T22:48:00.000-05:00

"Where the thought goes, the energy flows."

This is one of the sayings that is often kicked around in holistic circles.

I want to talk about fear for a minute, with regard to this.

Anything that we hold in our mind as a persistent fear is something that we dedicate a lot of thought-energy to, and so ultimately, we are empowering it with energy. We make it a reality, at least for us, and possibly for others.

We have to eliminate fear in our lives. I'm not saying that we should start leaping off buildings, or taking irresponsible risks. What I'm saying is that if fear is part of our daily experience, we need to find a way to help quell that.

If we don't, we are giving our own personal energy up, to feed the Beast. And if we do that, the Beast gets more powerful.

The antidote to Fear is Love. Fear is always illusory, but by feeding it, we create realities out of our illusions.

Let it go. Embrace Love instead. -- In peace, Wolf

Water

2005-08-21T15:23:00.000-05:00

I am compelled today to write about water, and its essential relationship to Reiki.

As endless as the ancient cycle of water's existence in our world are the number of parallels between this stuff-of-life, and the other stuff-of-life that we know as Ki -- life force energy -- which is the focus of Reiki.

Water has an integral role in Reiki treatment.

Tongue-in-cheek: First, it would be my sincere hope that anyone performing Reiki scrubs his or her hands with hot water before doing Reiki, particularly if you're touching hands and/or faces. While it's true that Reiki is an ancient form of energy medicine going back thousands of years, we do not have to do it as if we were in the Dark Ages. Dirty hands spread disease, Reiki or not!

Technical stuff: Reiki is primarily an energy-cleansing process. It is married to other cleansing processes in the physical body. As such, both the recipient and the practitioner should be well hydrated when dealing with Reiki energy. For it to be effective, it should engage the body's natural cleansing processes. To put it bluntly in a Martha Stuart kind of way: using the bathroom after Reiki is a good thing. And please don't skip the washing the hands there either... *smile*

Philosophically: We speak of Reiki energy flowing as one would speak of water flowing. It is a calm essence that flows through us, through the recipient. It knows where it needs to go, even as in our physical world, water's direction is governed by physical forces that establish necessity of movement (gravity, osmosis, etc). The same is true for the energy. It is governed by the spiritual forces that require its movement.

Physics: Energy is neither created nor destroyed. The supply of water that exists in this world today is the same supply that belonged to earth for eons. The supply of Reiki is constant too. As is the supply of Ki.

Spirituality: To me, Reiki is a way of water. It is a way of detecting the current of life, appreciating it, partaking of it, and participating in it.

Noticing the simple being-ness of water and the being-ness of Reiki, and ourselves, is paradoxically an art never fully mastered, and yet the simplest thing to behold.

The challenge is to simplify through our advancement, and advance through our simplification -- or in the words of the Aikido principles (perhaps not coincidentally another Ki-based art form): "Relax progressively." -- In peace, Wolf

On headaches

2005-08-20T22:11:00.000-05:00

Time for a basic Reiki practice post. Haven't had one of these in a while. Usually our posts tackle larger themes.

OK, so Reiki is hands-on healing method for addressing lots of things. I was trained, "The energy flows where it needs to go" by my first Reiki master, Lance Isakov. It always serves what it wants to first, always does what it needs to do, and doesn't necessarily resolve energy problems in the order we intend for it.

I remember reading a book mentioning that sometimes when people get Reiki treatments, the problem they initially present for is not what is addressed first.

I remember one example of a writer who had writers' block for months, who presented for problems with an ankle which required surgery, according to his doctor. After his first Reiki treatment, he outlined a book that evening -- something he had been unable to do in months. It wasn't until his second treatment that his ankle started to feel better (turns out he didn't need surgery). This is actually a paraphrase of a story I read in Reiki: Energy Medicine by Libby Barnett, Maggie Chambers, and Susan Davidson. It covers Reiki from a nursing perspective and is a great, easily digestible book.

Anyway, on headaches. I find that headaches are almost always a sign that something is really wrong. It's a way for our body to say, "Stop, step back, and take stock."

Thus, I recommend when doing Reiki on a headache, you put your hand directly over the spot where there is pain, and while the energy is flowing, look at what you've been up to with your time.

My experience is that the Reiki will not only relax and soothe the headache, but will illuminate your thoughts about what you've been doing with your time, to point out where there's something out of balance. -- In peace, Wolf

Love

2005-08-19T16:22:00.000-05:00

At this point in my life, my top priorities are to be honest with myself, to love myself consistently and unconditionally. Years ago I'd have thought these goals selfish. In more recent times, I'd have considered them noble, but not attainable, just too idealistic. Now I consider them the bare minimum to live an authentic life. There are so, so many opportunities to hone the skills necessary to achieving them.

We are taught to love our neighbor as ourselves.

Wow! What a double-edged sword that can be!!

Maybe that is why there is so much turmoil in the world today - we haven't learned to love ourselves yet. If we can't love ourselves, how can we love others - truly love, that is. I'm not talking about that adrenaline rush we think of as love or that obsession/addiction we confuse for love or even that neurotic need we call love.

In truth I don't know how to define love. Maybe it's because I'm not even sure what love IS. I think of it as a conscious, life-giving, healing, motivating force, an energy. It is gracious, accepting, expansive, non-restrictive. It is impartial, non-judgemental. It is gentle, strong, persistent, but not overpowering. These are just a few of the qualities of love. But what IS love? In the end, God is Love - the God in whom we live and move and have our being.

Now, shall I try to define God???

In love, Mary

If...

2005-08-18T22:40:00.000-05:00

For today's entry, I'm going to quote a song that I think asks some excellent questions. It's called "Right Where It Belongs" by Nine Inch Nails.

In this song, Trent Reznor questions the nature of our reality. That is the theme of his most recent album, "With Teeth."

I think Reiki allows us to embrace possibilities outside our stereotypes, and on the edge of our previous way of experiencing. I hope these lyrics help you challenge things in a positive way, even though the tone is adversarial.

Paradoxically, adversaries are great teachers. -- In peace, Wolf

Right Where It Belongs

See the animal in its cage that you built
Are you sure what side you're on?
Better not look him too closely in the eye
Are you sure what side of the glass you are on?
See the safety of the life you have built
Everything where it belongs
Feel the hollowness inside of your heart
And it's all
Right where it belongs

[Chorus:]
What if everything around you
Isn't quite as it seems?
What if all the world you think you know
Is an elaborate dream?
And if you look at your reflection
Is it all you wanted to be?
What if you could look right through the cracks?
Would you find yourself
Find yourself afraid to see?

What if all the world's inside of your head
Just creations of your own?
Your devils and your gods
All the living and the dead
And you really are alone
You can live in this illusion
You can choose to believe
You keep looking but you can't find the woods
While you're hiding in the trees

[Chorus:]
What if everything around you
Isn't quite as it seems?
What if all the world you used to know
Is an elaborate dream?
And if you look at your reflection
Is it all you wanted to be?
What if you could look right through the cracks
Would you find yourself
Find yourself afraid to see?

Why our hands?

2005-08-17T22:06:00.000-05:00

Why is it that when people around the world pray, they supplicate and praise with their hands?

Muslims hold out their hands as if to hold or receive the energy.

People practicing various eastern religions create closed loops with their fingers.

Christians often fold their hands together in some way or another.

Even though there is no prescribed way to hold one's hands in any of these religions, people do it.

Why?

Let's look at another custom. In Judaism, there is a tradition among the Cohanim, the priests, to hold out their hands in a very specific way to give the priestly blessing, prescribed in Numbers 6:24-26:

The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you;
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.

Make a triangle with your two thumbs touching each other, and your two index fingers touching each other, and hold it palms out in front of you, and that is the position by which the ancient priests and current-day rabbis deliver this ancient blessing in Hebrew.

But why?

Why are so many statues of Jesus and Mary showing them with outstretched arms, palms out toward the viewer?

I think you already know. -- In peace, Wolf

Mantra

2005-08-16T22:26:00.000-05:00

I have described before the language of Reiki, meaning the words that occur to me when the energy is flowing, as:

Everything is OK.

A sense of reassurance that all is right with the universe, and that it is as it should be.

I want to reframe that for a minute -- offer a new mantra that hits on the same idea from a different angle.

What if this One Moment that we are in, which fills us and which we fill, is a Perfect Moment?

What if all things, as they are, are worth accepting because there is nothing out of place?

What if this leads us to acceptance on a spiritual level?

And what if our ability to accept actually encompasses acceptance of what we wish to change?

For the intention to change must be honored and accepted as well, right? -- In peace, Wolf

Reiki Memory

2005-08-15T15:48:00.000-05:00

This afternoon I was watching a practice session of the Virginia Tech football team -the Hokies.

Now this wasn't imposed upon me; my other option was to sleep sitting up in the cafeteria, so..... It's amazing to see what avenues the Universe uses to communicate with us if we will just pay a little attention.

The narrator was talking about muscle memory. Over and over again (thousands of times, he said) the players would practice throws, catches, tackles. They would assume stances that were not natural to the body's balance and movement and perform grueling exercises. Doing this repeatedly builds muscle memory that responds without thought at the moment of stress or urgency.

Hummm? Could this also be a definition of habit?

These days we are learning much about the brain - not the least being that when we do something repeatedly, it creates a neurological pathway in the brain. The more we do something the more it becomes entrenched as a habit. I'm working on making Reiki not a second thought, not a habit, but a mindfully chosen first response.

Holy Acceptance

2005-08-14T17:41:00.000-05:00

I had a dream.

I was walking through a great city -- it was a large one I had not seen before -- and there were people on the street speaking all different languages. I could not understand them.

One odd thing about this city was that there were no people begging on the streets.

As I looked around, I saw certain people wore a blue bracelet, with a white dove on their right hands. It was pretty -- seemed like some kind of lucite bracelet with the white dove insignia in a different material. Men and women alike wore this bracelet.

I stopped one, and indicated the bracelet. I tried to communicate that I wanted to know what it was.

They saw my difficulty with their language, and kept pointing for me to continue down the street.

So I did. As I was walking I noticed I had no shoes on, and my clothes were ragged. I felt hungry.

The people with the blue bracelets kept pointing me down the street.

Finally I emerged in front of a building with Ionic columns, and the dove in the field of blue above the door. Two men were standing outside the door -- guards, I presumed. I walked through the door, and they stopped me. They scanned me -- perhaps for weapons? -- and patted me down.

Then I was allowed to enter. I entered a room that looked like a cathedral, but not featuring a cross. Just featuring a picture of the dove hanging from the ceiling again, and several round tables with comfortable chairs around them, where people were drinking coffee and talking.

As soon as I walked through the door, and elderly woman came up to me smiling. She put her arms around me, hugged me, and escorted me down a ramp.

Coming down the ramp, I could smell the most delicious stew I had ever smelled. I realized just how hungry I was....

And as I walked in the kitchen, I was seated and presented with a meal. Each person who ministered to me started with a hug. And then I was pointed to a bathroom, given a clean towel, clothes, soap, and my privacy.

I finished, stepped out of the shower, dressed, and was directed to an office with a man who spoke perfect English. He gave me a hug too.

"Welcome to the Holy Acceptance. We practice no creed but Acceptance of others, no matter who they are or what their past is. Here we will help you get on your feet, and you will help others do the same."

I woke up. -- In peace, Wolf

Recharge your batteries - Rejoice!!

2005-08-13T12:44:00.000-05:00

In the Judeo-Christian tradition we are told repeatedly to be in joy.

Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say rejoice. You shall dip out of the wells of salvation with joy. The joy of the Lord is my strength.

So then what is joy? Is it a feeling? an attitude? What is its source? Where is it grounded? Why be in joy?

Joy is an aspect of the Universe that just is; just like the I Am - it is. As individuals we choose the frequency at which we vibrate - consciously or not. We choose peace, joy, fear, anger - all vibrational frequencies. The higher the frequency we choose, the more expansive and lighter our everyday consciousness becomes; the lower the frequency, the more contracted and darker our consciousness becomes.

This doesn't mean that we are not affected by everyday experiences. Of course we are; but our attitude towards them will either grow us or trip us.

So joy is not situational; it is a constant. It's a matter of whether we are accessing it or not. Joy, being an aspect of Source, is Love. Joy upholds us in life's challenges.

All that is available in the I AM is accessed through joy. Joy is grounded in Spirit, not in circumstances. The "feeling" of joy, just like the "feeling" of love, is like the frosting on a cake; but it is not the substance. Joy is based in trust, in knowing, in the sure confidence of the goodness of God.

My own experience has taught me that one can be in the throes of grief, but turning thoughts towards joy can break grief's hold thus allowing the grief to flow freely and be its blessing. For me it was singing, reminding my heart of the presence of God - singing in the midst of sorrow, affirming to my heart the power of joy.

In keeping with the theme of Reiki, joy doesn't make Reiki more powerful. Joy makes us more receptive to Reiki's power.

Editor's note: I'd like to welcome Mary as the second co-author of this blog! Thank you for your contributions, Mary, and I look forward to more inspiring posts like this! -- In peace, Wolf

Reflecting the light

2005-08-12T22:54:00.000-05:00

I have had an incredible week, where I realized that the energy that I'm welcoming into my life to make changes in my experience has come through me and affected those for whom I have been doing my work.

This week, I was told on several occasions by research participants that, "Just talking to you is very calming" or "I felt so much better after our talk."

All I was doing was administering surveys, really. By the book.

But I think that's the light of Reiki. I think when we walk with it, the world around us changes. I believe its effect is not only when the energy is being channeled, but also, that it has a residual effect that transforms us and the world around us.

I hope that others can benefit by continuing to connect with the energy all day, and letting it flow -- In peace, Wolf

Cold - secret to body intuition

2005-08-11T22:52:00.000-05:00

One of the things I've learned over the years while doing Reiki has been to sense, with my hands, where someone may be experiencing pain or tension. Sometimes I can even do it without getting near the person.

I am often asked how I do this. My answer is simple: "I sense it as cold there."

Cold. This could mean many things. The Reiki point of view is that energy often manifests as heat -- if there is good energy flow, that part of the body should at least be as warm as the rest of the body, right?

The more physical-medicine point of view has to do with circulation. Areas of poor circulation get colder in the body.

I think the two ideas are actually at a convergence. One thing I noticed in my own life was that my hands and feet heated up after learning Reiki. They're rarely ever cold now. And I think that Reiki has a part in increasing blood flow by washing away blocked energy that keeps muscles and blood conduits unnecessarily tense and restricted.

But in being able to help people, I bless the cold. It is a really quick way to figure out where the problem is. -- In peace, Wolf

Road Reiki

2005-08-10T22:54:00.000-05:00

Years ago, I came up with an idea to make bumper stickers featuring the Reiki Kanji and the words "Road Reiki" in an Asian-type font.

At the time, there was a lot of talk of "Road Rage" in the news, and I thought Reiki practitioners might have a unique contribution to make on the road.

My partner at the time, who was also a Reiki master, and I had noticed that if you used the power symbol on the road, very often things that were inconvenient or confused would resolve themselves (a person taking up the passing lane, traffic jams, etc).

The other day I stumbled upon several of these bumper stickers, and thought I'd write about Road Reiki again. Now that I'm commuting three hours each way, it was nice to be reminded that it was an idea I tried to advocate.

I still use Reiki all the time when driving -- whether it's to bring myself calm, resolve situations around me, or just send energy to someone on my mind.

If anyone is interested in getting one of these stickers, please let me know at wolf@reikidaily.com and I will send one to you in the mail. -- In peace, Wolf

Bears

2005-08-09T22:14:00.000-05:00

Today, my state's fish and game commission unanimously voted to have a bear hunt in December.

Last time a bear killed someone in my state was over 150 years ago.

But bears are considered a nuisance now -- with an increase in numbers, fewer forests for them to live in due to rampant development, etc., they've been known to go through people's trash, eat people's pet rabbits in outdoor rabbit hutches, and even kill a dog or two.

So our state, in its infinite wisdom, declared that December will feature bear-hunting season for several days.

It still has to get past the commissioner and there will be some public hearings to placate the masses.

Meanwhile, both resident and environmental groups are complaining that the bear hunt doesn't solve the problem of the bears who have learned to come to people's residences (since those bears are not the same ones who will be hunted in the forest), plus, most people are more afraid of some trigger-happy yahoo with a gun shooting their dog, cat, horse or child, than they are a bear coming through the neighborhood and eating some trash.

I am fascinated with governmental power to declare killing OK. Whether it's the death penalty, or a bear hunt, I just don't think it should be within the government's power to sanction, encourage, and participate in the destruction of a life, no matter how much of a nuisance the life seems to be -- or whatever other justification people come up with to satiate their bloodlust.

How does this inflammatory, political post relate to Reiki? Well, Reiki is about affirming and accepting. It is about honoring life. And it is about recognizing the energy that is common to all life.

I don't think there can be spiritual advancement without looking at this world with a critical eye. And we can't practice healing and using life energy without developing a conscience. -- In peace, Wolf

Totality

2005-08-08T22:00:00.000-05:00

We are not able to divide any one part of our experience from any other, and claim it as a unique thing unto itself, without the confluence of the rest of our experience having an impact.

That is why, if some interpret what is written here as "not what I read this for..." then I would ask that person, simply, "How open are you to the idea that everything influences everything else?"

Take two seemingly irrelevant things, and hold them in the space of your mind. Now, think of how seemingly different they are...

... And realize that you just took time to bring these two things together in your mind...
... You just created a link where there was none, according to your own judgment...
... the neurotransmitters in your brain are literally putting two totally irrelevant things together...
... in the same space at the same time.

All in your mind.

This whole universe is like that. As soon as you declare one thing having nothing to do with the other, you have created a link between them. It is a paradox, and paradoxes usually ending up revealing some kind of Truth.

And the truth is, nothing is separate. It's all the same thing. Do a florist and a warrior have anything in common? Of course, under the right circumstances. What about a doctor and a criminal? Surely. What about a Reiki practitioner and a political person?

Of course. It's all linked together.

The secret is seeing the separate for the illusion that it is. -- In peace, Wolf

Bloodless revolution

2005-08-07T21:50:00.000-05:00

These are the colors of revolution. Anarchy. The disestablishment of the rule of law. The end of organization, to create fertile dirt for a better future than the one in which people attempt to now lead their lives.

Why do I write it that way? "Attempt to lead their lives?"

Perhaps because I do not believe that our lives are led by ourselves. Instead, I am beginning to believe that people's lives are led unconsciously -- we are but pre-programmed, to a greater or lesser degree, to do all that we do.

For the benefit of our biological drive to survive as a species.
For the benefit of our communities.
For the benefit of our economy.

But seldom for ourselves. In fact, I believe a closer read of the Declaration of Independence may give us pause, if we think about how little of our lives are really in our control. Read with me:

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.

I think perhaps we are arriving, once again, at a point of separation. It is time to review the trappings of this world in which we live -- this consumerist, planet-unfriendly, isolated and competitive existence to which we have been subjected -- and redesign it. And it must be done bloodlessly, peacefully, but with resolve.

And it begins... with you. With me. Each of us, taking the time to decide what's important and what is not.

In the words of Ayn Rand, start with your first assumption about life, and, "Check your premises." This is the beginning of wisdom -- not a life led and experiences gained, but rather, to turn around and look at life -- to test our assumptions -- and see their unreality. To ask the question again, "Why am I doing this?"

This is a revolution indeed. -- In peace, Wolf

Auras

2005-08-06T22:57:00.000-05:00

Recently I had someone ask me if I knew whether I had a green aura or not.

OK, I have no idea. Interestingly, I can only "see auras" as colorless -- fascinating for me, because I have the worst form of colorblindness anyone can have.

I started being able to "see auras" after doing Reiki, and only then, after realizing that I was not looking for something like other people see. Most people who claim they can see them, see colors.

What I see is a thin line of light surrounding a person or a plant that looks somewhat different in hue than the surrounding light. Either it's a little darker or a little lighter, but I have no idea what color it is.

Sometimes the line of light is thicker around some people than in others. And it can fluctuate on the same person.

What does it tell me? Well, not a lot. But it only happens when my mind and spirit are relaxed enough to see them, otherwise I filter it out.

If you're interested in seeing an aura, the method that works for me is this: Look over someone's shoulder. Relax your eyes and notice the air between the shoulder and the neck. After a minute or so you should see a difference in shade or color immediately surrounding the person. -- In peace, Wolf

Energy things worth trying

2005-08-05T22:48:00.000-05:00

Reiki teaches one how to connect to the Source, allow energy to flow, and even send energy across space and time. It is deeply liberating and comforting. It not only relaxes the body and muscles, but the spirit. It teaches how to find Peace and both give and receive.

But it is also an introduction to energy possibilities. Reiki practitioners become more sensitive to many things. Their natural abilities to connect with other kinds of energy work expand.

Myself, I was surprised to find that I had become more intuitive. Reiki seemed to speak to me about what was going on in people's bodies by having me feel sympathetic pain in my body where the recipient felt it. But most often, I'm able to tell "something is going on" when my hands simply feel the next position coming up as very cold -- meaning the energy isn't flowing. Sometimes if I let my mind's eye follow the source of the cold, and shut off my own thoughts, I can make a pretty intuitive guess with high accuracy how the pain started, from whence it originates, etc.

There are other energy-related practices I've had more difficulty with, though. A lot of people have talked about Astral Projection -- pictured and linked here. I've never been able to really do it. That's not to say it can't be done -- I wish I could. I am probably going to keep trying.

These things are worth trying. Please check out the link, and enjoy the possibilities. -- In peace, Wolf

Calm waters and love

2005-08-04T18:42:00.000-05:00

Reiki's flow occurs to me as calm waters. As it courses through me from the Source, I associate it with unconditional acceptance and love. It goes where it is needed, like love from an incredible, special friend who always accepts you, no matter what.

And on love again, which is so relevant to Reiki, something I heard recently are worth re-telling. I heard one person say to another, "I know I love you because I like the person I am when I am with you."

I thought that was beautiful. It was profoundly personal and took ownership of the feeling -- not "you make me this way" -- no, rather, "I like who I become when I am around you." Subtle, but different.

Likewise, Reiki's love is very much about honoring one's own power and light. -- In peace, Wolf

Image by Wendy Corbett, linked through picture

Love thy neighbor

2005-08-03T22:21:00.000-05:00

Leviticus 19:18

Thou shalt not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of thy people, but thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself: I am the LORD.

Leviticus 19:34

But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.

***

The supposition made here is an interesting one. It presupposes that we love ourselves.

In a simpler time, Biblical times most probably, loving oneself was a natural assumption. In some cultures, it is also absurd to think otherwise. Word has it the Dalai Lama needed help understanding what a self-esteem problem was, and was very sad for Westerners once he grasped the concept.

We are conduits for the Reiki energy, also described as a Love energy. Love flows in pipes that are designed to carry it -- pipes that are accustomed to feeling that energy have a better chance to direct its flow... -- In peace, Wolf

Bad news and truth

2005-08-02T22:30:00.000-05:00

I was looking for references to God-As-Truth in Hebrew and instead stumbled on this. It is the blessing said in Hebrew for when one finds out bad news.

It is the prayer submitting to God's will when something bad happens.

But "Judge of Truth?" This reference to God is very interesting. God is connected with Truth, and in many places in the Hebrew liturgy, God is referred to as Truth.

Take a look back at this entry. I think that the connection to the Source is one that connects us to what is true. I think this is the source of many intuitions experienced in the practice of Reiki. I also believe that the acceptance of what-is is connected to the kind of surrender to the divine that is promoted in the blessing shown above. -- In peace, Wolf

Nihilism, Stoicism, and Reiki

2005-08-01T09:37:00.000-05:00

We build people up in our minds to be more than they are.

It is not the people we see, as they are. It is what we estimate those people to be.

We draw a figure of one around the figure of any person we see. We assume we know who one is.

We never know.

And so when one disappoints us, that one is not to blame for the error or misrepresentation.

It is ourselves.

We made the figure of the person. We assumed we knew it. But drew the figure wrong.

***

Stoicism has a different take on this. Marcus Aurelius wrote something that has had a home as my e-mail signature for years.

If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself but to your own estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment. - Marcus Aurelius (121-180 A.D.)

Or in the words of Trent Reznor, artist behind the sound of Nine Inch Nails, "I just made you up to hurt myself."

***

The question is this: can Reiki liberate us from getting hurt by our own expectations?

I believe so. Reiki helps us reach Acceptance of what is, even if it is not to our mind's liking. Reiki soothes and comforts, and reminds us that all is exactly how it should be -- even in its apparent imperfection. -- In peace, Wolf

The orange

2005-07-31T21:27:00.000-05:00

Can you tell me where you've heard this?

I've been looking for the original citation and can't find it.

People are like fruit. Take an orange, for instance. If you squeeze an orange, juice comes out. If it is sweet, that is what was inside the orange. If it is rancid, that same rancid juice was inside the orange.

People are the same. When they are squeezed, by pressure or adversity, you see what was inside in the first place. If it is sweet, that is what was there; likewise if it is rancid.

Anyone know the original source of this? Lots of people seem to pick up on the theme but I haven't found who first said it. -- In peace, Wolf

Reiki as universal music

2005-07-30T22:25:00.000-05:00

Since I was small, I would sit at the piano and just play for hours. I didn't much care for the restrictions of sheet music -- I wasn't terribly good at sightreading music anyway -- so I would just play. The melodies and harmonies would come to me naturally, and sometimes it sounded good, and sometimes ... well, not so much. But I enjoyed it tremendously and it was a great creative and emotional release.

I do not have a piano these days, and if I did I would worry that I'd upset my neighbors with too much playing. But I do have a little fife (one is pictured) that I picked up when I was very young on a high school madrigal group field trip to Bennington, Vermont. No one ever taught me to play it -- it came with an instruction manual that showed some finger positions and their equivalents. It is a fixed-barrel wood instrument so there's no way to tune it. It's slightly off-key -- half a note flat.

I love the thing all the more for its imperfection. I can sit with it and play melodies I've known, or make up new ones. And whatever comes to me is expressed, until I feel I am done.

Reiki is not too much different. The energy flows without a plan by the practitioner. Sometimes the practitioner receives insights, and sometimes he does not. But it is always about surrendering to the universal music and allowing it to be expressed, for its own sake. -- In peace, Wolf

Loving birds in flight

2005-07-29T22:32:00.000-05:00

The image is La Clairvoyance by Beligian surrealist René Magritte (1898-1967). His whimsical and gentlemanly take on the surreal, and the mystery he left surrounding most of his work, makes him a particular favorite of mine.

In the past week, I have had several people tell me they were thinking of moving away.

One whom I have loved for more than 10 years told me she wishes to move to Alaska.

Another with whom I am quite smitten told me today she plans to move to California in September.

Another friend plans to move much closer to New York City, an old friend I looked up works for the San Bernadino Sun...

And then there are those who I've lost in time. The condifante, whom I've not spoken to in person in years, who wrote me today telling me she still loves me. The other confidante who, try as she might, can't seem to make the time to see me because she is so busy.

What does all this teach me?

It is illusory. The time. The distance. The only thing present with me is Love. The only way to be present with it is to allow Love. The only way to do that is Acceptance. Only Acceptance is Love.

Acceptance comes partly from Faith -- the Faith that we are One, the Faith that despite the evidence given to us by our eyes and clocks, time and space do not truly exist. There is only One Moment, the Now.

The tears I shed missing someone are only child's things, that highlight the beauty of the child within who loves so much. But the wise one, ever evolving, knows that he can only love a bird and be exultant with it in its joy if he can behold it while it is soaring. And that means loving it as it flies. -- In peace, Wolf

Creation point

2005-07-28T22:38:00.000-05:00

"Let us make man in our own image after our own likeness." - Genesis 1:26.

"But of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." - Genesis 2:17.

"The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil." - Genesis 3:17.

Whether you believe, or whether you don't, the creation story out of Genesis points out how human beings bear striking resemblances to the creator so many of them worship. As far as we know, no other animal is capable of mastering time, recording its history, dominating other species and even creating new worlds.

Did that catch you by surprise?

Human beings have been in the business of creating new worlds since the dawn of human imagination. Our fiction is world-creation, and no other species does it. This is expressed in oral traditions, fairy tales, books, television shows and movies. But beyond that, human beings have even begun to create simulated worlds, such as ones in which I've played in my spare time (like my current one, World of Warcraft).

And with mapping the human genome and experiments with genetic material, we are now in the business of creating life itself.

Did you ever doubt the connection to the divine? How can you? The evidence of connection with a creator abounds, when we are becoming the creators. -- In peace, Wolf

Requiem in the Sky

2005-07-27T10:30:00.000-05:00

Today I reconciled with a friend. And I realized something very beautiful....

I looked to the sky. It looked like the colors of a pink rose dipped in gold.

I realized that if I were suddenly and mysteriously to close my eyes and never awaken, that I have, in fact, told everyone who needs to know that they are loved by me. They all know it -- I know I told them. And I thought, "What a gift to know that." -- In peace, Wolf

Acceptance

2005-07-26T22:19:00.000-05:00

Who are the angels in our own lives?

Pictured at left is "Angel of Compassion" from Angelhugs.com, an online angel post card site. The images are beautiful, but evoked in me a more sublime thought.

How do we know when we are being touched by an angel, or a guide, or the divine? Or in the words of Styx, in their song "Show Me the Way":

And if I see a light, should I believe? Tell me how will I know?

I propose the following: in my own experience, the times I have felt the most connected to the divine is when someone, or a quiet voice within me, has offered acceptance, or unconditional love. I believe this is key -- truly unconditional positive regard. Read it again if you're used to seeing that -- unconditional means no matter what you do, you are accepted.

In my field, we talk a lot about unconditional positive regard. It is one of the things that Carl Rogers said was a necessary condition of effective psychotherapy, along with authenticity, active listening, and accurate empathy.

But I think sometimes the professionalization of this unconditional positive regard, which -- to be fair -- isn't often done anyway, somehow cheapens it.

Have you ever met someone who truly wanted the best for you, even when your conduct has been revolting, or shameful?

I believe in that moment, you encountered the divine. You encountered Acceptance. -- In peace, Wolf

Kirlian Photography

2005-07-25T21:57:00.000-05:00

Some things just speak for themselves.

We don't know a lot about what Kirlian photography reveals, but most people believe it has something to do with energy around bodies and objects. This picture to the right is taken from a website put together by a Reiki master named G.L. Phipps.

It is a picture of a Reiki master's fingertips after doing Reiki. The lines are smooth and seem to be at resonance. Click on the website link to compare it to the hand before the session.

Imagine... when we're at resonance with the energy, it is not just the recipient who is transformed, but also the practitioner.

Imagine... being at resonance all the time. Walking through a room, a building, a block, a town, at resonance no matter what is around you...

Would the world change? What if there were many, doing it at the same time? -- In peace, Wolf

The divine paintbrush at sunset

2005-07-24T19:30:00.000-05:00

I recently met someone from Brazil who explained to me that she cannot understand how people in America do not stop what they are doing entirely to admire the evening sky at sunset.

She told me that even in rush hour traffic, she has pulled her car over to the side of the road when the sun started to set, in order to behold one of the most beautiful parts of creation. Moreover, she never wants to become, in her words, "so boxed in that I cannot see it."

I thought this was an incredible insight. Of course, I'm sure it is not true for "all Americans" but it was interesting that she was able to generalize to all of us in this way. She went on to explain that Americans seem to be obsessed with closing themselves off from the rest of the world, shutting the doors to their homes, and entertaining themselves within instead of going out to see the world itself.

Tonight I stepped out onto my porch and watched the sun set. I think I will make this a tradition. -- In peace, Wolf

Zen and the art of making asparagus

2005-07-23T20:00:00.000-05:00

Today I had an incredible time cooking for my family to come over, and enjoying the day with them. I threw open all the windows to my place, and the breeze coming through my apartment over hilltops cooled my place as I marinated, chopped, cooked, mixed, boiled, and seasoned.

I realized once again how simplicity -- non-intellectualized working with my hands and heart to create a meal -- brings me at peace. I turned on music (Enigma's Voyageur album if you must know) and did food prep for hours.

I had an incredible time doing something on the edge of my normal activities, and realizing that the energy connection seems almost clearer and purer when we strip away intellectualism, and simply function in the moment -- In peace, Wolf

Peace all the time?

2005-07-22T07:16:00.000-05:00

A friend came over yesterday to view my new place, and saw the Magritte pictured here, L'entree en scene, hanging on my wall. She asked me what it meant, and I told her that it was about me maintaining my own sense of peace amidst the chaos of the world, and if I can do this, my world will be day instead of night.

And she replied, "But often the night can be beautiful."

And I tried to explain that to me, the night to which I was referring was the darkness in my life -- the unhappy times. But somehow I couldn't express it and it led me to wonder why.

I think there is a possibility that the night can provide a learning experience which does not have a moral valence -- "good" or "bad" -- but instead, provides an opportunity to learn. It helps us make distinctions and instructs us; rather than providing a contrast in binary terms (black or white), it merely colors our experience. The night is not actually black. As in this picture, it is darker but somewhere shy of complete darkness. And even in this picture, the sky has points of light and is, as my friend pointed out, beautiful by its own virtue.

As my friend Nancy often writes, this is presented for your discernment. -- In peace, Wolf

Intentionality and Visualization

2005-07-20T09:09:00.001-05:00

You've heard this before.

Focus on the image of the life you want through the crystal, said the new-age person. If you are serene and mindful, and focus on this three times per day, your intention will become your reality.

Right? You've heard this since new-age culture became a counter-culture alternative to boxed-in, humdrum, scientific business as usual.

I'm not here to deliver a verdict on whether or not it works! The fact is, I do not know.

But what I do know is this: In Reiki, intentionality is a powerful thing. The intention is to heal. The trust -- the absolute faith we must have as practitioners to surrender to the energy -- is that the Reiki energy will always bring the recipient to resonance, and never harm. If you've done Reiki and truly surrendered to it, you know what I mean.

Let's apply that to life.

If we welcome Reiki energy into our life, and our intention is that it is flowing through us more often than not, do we have a right to second-guess our misfortunes? Or instead, is the energy at work in such a way that, as Max Ehrmann indicated in Desiderata below, the universe is unfolding as it should?

To further illuminate this point, let me posit the converse. If we are always looking for evidence of evil at work in our lives, are we not simply stating our intention to our universe that we will find evil?

And won't the universe deliver? Without fail? -- In peace, Wolf

The allegory of the third-day resurrection

2005-07-19T09:04:00.000-05:00

Why did Jesus rise on the third day?

This is never really explained in the Bible. As a matter of fact, there is no explanation other than those given by religious historians, who say that the resurrection after the third day was part of other world religions before Jesus' time, and that Saint Paul the apostle wove this tradition into the new religion of Christianity, which borrowed elements from many other traditions in order to make it familiar and powerful enough for evangelistic efforts.

This does not in any way invalidate the "truth" of the tradition, or the religion, at all, in my view. As a matter of fact, the religion's wild popularity around the world, if anything, confirms its adherence to several ancient Jungian archetypes which are extremely important to the universal unconsciousness of humankind. Christianity has validity, beyond its proclaimed truth, because it has such a wide appeal to these ancient rememberings in all of us. If it did not access these, it would not be so widespread.

But I think the third-day resurrection has a lesson for me, which I'd like to share with you all.

This week I've been getting ready my new apartment in Flanders. Granted, my phone was just hooked up yesterday, so I couldn't blog. But I also needed to retreat from my life in order to grieve my previous self, and resurrect myself into a new person. If you look at the dates I blogged, it took me about three days to do it. If you look back at previous posts, I saw this death and resurrection coming.

This leads me to believe the Christian resurrection tradition provides a teachable moment for all of us. I have had experiences before where I needed about three days to get back on my feet after something knocked me off of them. I think this three days -- the time it takes to become reborn, or raised from the dead -- is probably true for most people.

I think Reiki teachers need to pay attention to this fact, because people generally only present for Reiki if there is something wrong. Urge them to take the time off they need. Three days should pretty much do it. -- In peace, Wolf

Moving

2005-07-15T11:27:00.000-05:00

Just so you all know, over the next several days I will be settling into my new place in Flanders, NJ. As such, I am uncertain whether I will be able to access the internet mainly because I haven't received word back from the phone company about whether my telephone line will be ready!

I wish you all peace and ask you to reflect on the following in the meantime:

"Do by not doing." -- In peace, wolf

Separating the sacred and the profane?

2005-07-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

Weigh this with me.

In my early parochial education, I was taught that there should be a distinction between the sacred and the profane. That such a distinction was highly natural. If we did not draw a distinction between what is sacred versus what is profane, we will never be able to exalt the sacred. So the logic goes.

My recent experience of Reiki is that if I want to be all Reiki all the time, I have to throw out that idea I was taught as a child. If I am to be of a mind to let the energy keep flowing through me, and remain connected to it, constantly peripherally aware of the connection to the universal divine even in my business and mundane transactions in the world, then doesn't my connection to the sacred have to be present with me all the time?

Shouldn't I get to the point where all things are sacred experiences, whether I am doing my job, or paying bills, or walking through a convenience store?

This world of either-or is at odds with Reiki. The ways we have been taught to think about life in a binary way is counterproductive to so many things we desperately need, especially healing and peace.

Like love, Reiki transforms the profane into the sacred. I have heard Reiki described before as a love energy. It connects and soothes, is compassionate and never harmful. It shows us the illusion of Two, and teaches One. -- In peace, Wolf

Desiderata

2005-07-13T10:19:00.000-05:00

One of the most significant figures in my life for the past 11 years, and I'm sure well into my future, is my indescribably dear confidante Janice. Knowing that I'm about to move on to a new phase of my life, she sent me Desiderata by another attorney-poet, much like her, Max Ehrmann (1872-1945). He wrote this in the last year of his life.

Today's blog is just about a healthy mindset for life, from which Reiki cannot be separated. I hope it means as much to you as it did to me. -- In peace, Wolf

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

The Cuddle Party

2005-07-12T06:09:00.000-05:00

So I learned about something new this week. I had never heard of it before, but someone mentioned to me the concept of the cuddle party and I looked it up.

Take a gander over to the website. I think you will be as fascinated as I was, whether or not you agree with it.

What most amazed me about it is the evidence it offers for the fact that we, as a society, are pretty starved for ki, or the life energy of other people. And I think it makes a good point about the fact that often this deprivation of human touch makes us seek premature and ill-conceived sexual connections (fostered by a consumerist media culture that equates sex with intimacy), when in fact maybe all that's needed is a touch.

What I will say is that Reiki probably does a better job (though I imagine Reiki people have attended cuddle parties) of helping people feel connected and less ki-starved. Reiki teaches people not only how to share Universal Energy (not their own ki) with each other, but also how to tap into the energy for themselves. And they can do this without scheduling an event.

Also many Reiki masters schedule Reiki shares, where practitioners gather in one place and share the healing energy with one another. It is an amazing thing to have 5 or 10 people do Reiki on you for 15 minutes at one time. The energy is simply overwhelming in its settling and calming effect.

That said, I think the cuddle party is a unique concept that offers a new perspective on our physically disconnected reality. I applaud the courage of the founders and promoters for trying something that challenges the current, widespread, ill-conceived notions of intimacy and connectedness. -- In peace, Wolf

These things and greater

2005-07-11T16:06:00.000-05:00

John, 14:12.

Verily, verily, I say unto you: He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.

Many Reiki practitioners before me have cited these words of Jesus as a green light to practice Reiki, and to welcome the often miraculous healing effects into their realities.

Myself, though, I wonder at the phrasing. Specifically, I wonder about, "He that believeth in me."

See, I have a hard time believing that Jesus was an egotist. Several times in the Bible he repudiates credit for the signs and wonders performed, instead attributing it to the faith of others or the will of the Father.

Through my own filters, therefore, I read that passage as stating: "He that believes in my teachings will also be able to do these things, and greater." And Jesus had a lot to say about how to be at harmony with the universe.

We have to remember that as far as we know, Jesus himself did not write any of these books. It has been argued, however, that the Gospel of John is the closest to his original message of all the Gospels. But even this is open to mistranslation from the original Aramaic and the agendas of the mere mortals who penned it.

So, to contextualize: Jesus saw himself at one with the Father even in this passage of John. He saw himself at one with the Divine. Here's translation from The New International Version, John 14:8 -14:

***
Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us. " Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you do I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the works themselves. Very truly I tell you, all who have faith in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it."
***

Depending on our religious persuasion, or lack thereof, we will differently read this passage. But I think it is important to point out that the promise of miraculous healings, such as those sometimes achieved through Reiki, was referred to as a demonstration of faith by Jesus in the Gospel of John. -- In peace, Wolf

Friends with death

2005-07-10T10:26:00.000-05:00

I used to smoke. Up until pretty recently (a few months ago now) I would grab a cigarette maybe three or four times per day.

Many of the people in those tobacco class action lawsuits claim that they did not know the cigarettes were bad for them. Well, I've known my whole life. I knew it was inviting death closer to me ... and in retrospect, I kind of liked it. It was not that I saw myself "daring" Death to be in my life, as much as it was I believe a private wish to end the life I knew.

I think, as human beings, we might always be doing that. We have come to associate death with evil -- and then only in times of mourning do we hear such platitudes as, "Death is a part of life." But yet, even in our leisure, we invite death into our lives -- whether it is with the tobacco we smoke, the movies we watch, the games we play, the things we eat, etc.

Seems hypocritical, doesn't it? To label death as evil, to shun it, and yet to invite it into our lives all the time.

I invite you, as a person interested in healing energy -- in the universal Reiki life force energy -- to make harmony with death. To see every end as a death, which makes way for a new beginning.

It doesn't matter what religious tradition you look at, or even if you look at the pure science of death. Death results in the breakdown of what was, that it might disintegrate and then reintegrate with something else, becoming part of a greater whole. Death becomes life again. We cease to exist and become part of something greater.

And we experience many deaths, not just one. We experience the death of those we love, certainly, and this is inexplicably painful. But we also experience the death of ourselves over and over again -- if we do not, we are not growing. We leave our previous selves behind, and become greater selves. We mourn our past lives (even in the same biological life) and look ahead to uncharted territory. We cannot do that if we do not have a death to mourn.

Thus, whether we realize it or not, we have become good friends with death. And only by so doing can we fully appreciate when we are given a new life. -- In peace, Wolf

Note: Photo links to an anti-tobacco activist's website from which I obtained the image.

Dreams

2005-07-09T11:38:00.000-05:00

Our dreams deserve a second look.

Carl Jung and his followers wrote that our unconscious minds contain within us the voice of the higher Self -- the Great Man spoken of in many ancient cultures -- and hinted that our connection to the ancient divine may be revealed to us in the symbolism of our dreams...

... if this is so, learning to look at our dreams at least worth considering. A Jungian dream analysis is, of course, something that must be conducted by a trained professional. But the rest of us can perhaps use our dreams to speculate about what our higher Selves are trying to communicate to us about our lives.

We need to learn to slow time down, to take time out from our busy work and social schedules, and ask those most important questions:

Who am I?
Why am I here?
What do I intend to do?

Our dreams may contain some of those answers, if we pay attention to them. Professional attention may help, but I think it first begins by looking at them ourselves. -- In peace, Wolf

Our friends, and healing vs. killing

2005-07-08T05:17:00.000-05:00

The terrorist attack on London has many Americans feeling deep concern and heartache for our friends in Britain. This morning I received e-mail from Carolyn Jackson, the Reiki master who coordinates the Earthsend world healing network. It came as no surprise that she dedicated this week's world energy-healing event (where practitioners from all over the world send their healing energy to each other and the world we live on) to what happened in London.

What is perhaps ironic is that the G8 conference which, certainly in part, drew this attack to England, was meeting to address several issues to help improve the world situation. The terrorists apparently registered their protest on British support for American military action by killing innocent civilians and making the world situation worse. Granted, some parties at the G8 may underperform in their responsibilities to make the world better -- this can hardly be denied -- but the intention of the meeting was noble.

I share with many others the belief that the only way to effectively and lastingly diminish the numbers in the Armies of the Desperate, who are led by privileged princes who incite violence, is by reducing poverty in this world. We need to feed and heal people. When the desperation goes away, so does the unswerving loyalty to the only people who seem to care about a poor and hungry person's plight. That is where these princes currently have us beat.

As long as we live in a world where the have-nots are hungry, the have-nots will become soldiers in these Armies. The battle between good and evil can be pursued many ways. Clearly violence upon violence isn't working too well.

I had a research mentor who said, "Work smarter, not harder." Healing and anti-poverty efforts are counter-intuitive to war, but are precisely what needs to happen at this point. -- In peace, Wolf

Good or bad?

2005-07-07T05:55:00.000-05:00

Good or evil.

Light or dark.

Health or illness.

Peace or chaos.

None of these things can exist without the other to define it. If we have never felt pain or suffering, we do not know joy or bliss. If we do not know loneliness, we cannot know feeling together with others. Never is the light truly appreciated without the experience of profund darkness. Without death, we cannot appreciate life. Without having experienced profound unrest and turmoil, we would never be able to savor peace.

But in our world, we tend to deal with these things as binary. It can either be the numeral one (1) or zero (0) but never both of them at the same time, right?

Lately, I don't think so. I think that the trace of the darkness must hover on the edge of the light, so that we appreciate the light for what it is. There must be the hint of the chaos for the peace to be appreciated. Death's shadow must be partially apparent for life to be savored. Fear must accompany, however subtly, the emotion of love.

All we can try to do is cultivate more of what we want in the world. We can never completely eradicate the Other Side. It must exist to provide a contrast.

Thus, the language changes from binary to inclusive, a gestalt.

Good and evil.

Light and dark.

Health and illness.

Peace and chaos

And hopefully we can make the Other Side more or less parenthetical through our daily practices. -- In peace, Wolf

A master on mastery

2005-07-06T09:29:00.000-05:00

I cannot overemphasize how important it is to find someone in your life -- and hopefully several people along the way -- whom you consider a mentor. For me, one of those special people is Nancy Russell who sent me the following insight into my musings on Reiki III - Reiki Master?. I asked her for permission to share it...

Dearest Wolf,

I invite you to muse and perhaps blog about the reality (albeit mine) that Reiki is more about BEING Reiki than doing. In the same way that we are called human beings and not human doings! To be fair it is a hands-on healing system and the doing of it is a process or vehicle towards the INTENTION of practicing (Level I, II) or eventually "mastery" (Level III). We Reiki Masters who teach are not masters of others! We are souls who have expressed intention to use the help and support of Reiki to Master OURSELVES and OUR journey... teaching, if we are called, can then become a way of sharing the process. We teach what we are learning.

To use the term Reiki Master is to simply say and claim "I am humbly on my path using Reiki as a focus and pathway."

offered for your discernment:
love, ^N^

Everything Nancy writes, to her audience of Integrated Energy Therapy and Reiki students as well as other practitioners she has met along the way, is merely "offered for your discernment." Claiming the personal part of the journey without claiming influence over others is a gift I learned from Nancy, and for that, I am immensely grateful.

I hope all of you have a Nancy in your life. -- In peace, Wolf

Jolting ourselves awake

2005-07-05T05:14:00.000-05:00

How is it possible to live a peaceful life when the way most people in modern society wake themselves up is with a noisy alarm, or a radio station featuring music and an over-animated broadcaster's voice (Ever try to imitate a broadcaster in normal conversation? Try it some time... ) feeding us mostly useless news and, invariably, opinions as well as products and services first thing in the morning?

Next, the TV is turned on in a lot of homes. The "Today Show" or some other program is our accompaniment to getting dressed. First thing. Before anyone else is allowed to see us, we invite strangers into our home to help us start our day.

Coffee is served -- a stimulant. Puts us on edge, first thing in the morning.

I'm not sure this is OK.

I think time is necessary each day to slowly awaken, and ask oneself and one's Higher Power what is important. I think counting one's blessings is equally important at this time -- something I'm researching in my professional life. Of course, I also think doing Reiki on oneself at this time is a great thing.

If this means going to bed earlier, so that one naturally awakens earlier, maybe that wouldn't be such a bad thing. My hope is that people learn to find true serenity in their lives, instead of feeling pushed around by their alarm clocks, radios, televisions and caffeine.

Peace starts at home. It also starts as soon as we open our eyes. -- In peace, Wolf

On peace again

2005-07-04T04:17:00.001-05:00

Last night, a friend asked me what my life priorities were. I had never before been asked the question.

I briefly went within, looking for the answer in that moment. I asked the "still small voice" for the truth about myself, and the answers that came back were clear:

"Number one is my own peace," I said. "This comes before everything else."

"Number two is my family, and number three is my job."

Peace, for me, is about my connection to the divine. Without it, I am merely a candle to be blown out by any winds of change that blow in my life. With it, I stay the same -- burning steadily even when the winds blow.

This peace is the difference between darkness and light, between the unknown and the known, between sorrow and joy, and foolishness and wisdom. Without it, there can be no love, nor can there be understanding. Without it, I cannot tune into my sense of the divine.

Reiki is my avenue to this peace. It is the only way I have found, so far, that works for me. Others have prayer, meditation, exercise, music, art, yoga, etc. Some use other things, such as alcohol or other substances. But Reiki does the job for me. -- In peace, Wolf dove image by davidicdance.com.

Western Science and the Ancient Ways

2005-07-03T06:39:00.000-05:00

People often ask, "Do you believe in..." and then mention something magical, mystical, supernatural, or taboo. The people who ask this are often those I see when counseling, and have had some kind of experience with a self-identified psychic, tarot card reader, astrologer, newspaper horoscope, spiritual medium, etc. that has had great relevance and significance to their lives.

My answer is always this: "I don't disbelieve that such things can work. There are many ways of knowing that are more ancient than our science. These ways worked for ages before the western scientific method evolved."

The more important part, for me, is that they felt whatever was said had great significance to their lives. That's really all I need to know, because all I am concerned about is what it means to the person, rather than from whence it came.

I think Reiki practitioners have a natural openness to these things. Reiki teachers tend to be unjudgmental people -- after all, they had to have been at least open to trying Reiki -- and once they saw Reiki work, the belief in the possibility that other mysterious ways of knowing and healing may work seems easier.

I would much rather use ancient ways of knowing in accord with western science than to ignore science entirely, though. I don't think the ancient ways are necessarily better than science. But even scientists will tell you that very often their inspiration comes from hunches, dream insights, or "feelings" which they then empirically test.

I think the ancient ways and the modern ways beg to be combined. That is why I like referring to Reiki as "complementary medicine" -- as many people do -- rather than "alternative medicine."

And it is happening. There are doctors and chiropractors that are incorporating Reiki into their practices via local Reiki practitioners, massage therapists that do Reiki, and holistic nurses trained in Reiki. Even intuition is getting a scientific analysis these days, such as in Malcom Gladwell's book Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking. This book echoes Carl Jung's notion that the unconscious Self is constantly communicating to us good information about the world that is more ancient than our logic.

We must continue our efforts to bring the western scientific ways and the ancient ways into harmony with one another. They are not at odds. Instead, they can be combined as a portfolio of knowledge about our world. -- In peace, Wolf

Why not healer heroes?

2005-07-02T06:28:00.000-05:00

Why do you think it is that the superheroes we know are those who use physical force against the violence of criminals?

Why is it that the heroes of our culture are not healers?

Carl Jung's work tells us that the violent battles between good and evil, depicted in the media, are ancient archetypes that have been passed to our psyches since time immemorial. The newest Batman movie is full of archetypical references. Here's a short list: the hero who endures death (both of his parents and the death of his innocence) to rise up from the ashes (like a Phoenix) to become a more terrible being than those who oppressed him, so that he might triumph over them for the greater good. Let's not forget the archetype of the student who surpasses his master, or the hero who must reject his father's ways and somehow manages to rescue the pretty girl in the midst of all that. The movie even refers to Jungian archetypes.

Jung would explain the entire story is really about man's struggle with himself. All these things are symbols about dealing with the Shadow -- the parts of ourselves that we would rather not admit are there. Once we come to grips with it, the knowledge of the Shadow brings us great power. Stories and fantasies, like Batman, and of course dreams of any kind, are all allegories about how we can become conscious of our true Self's destiny to face the Shadow and overcome it.

Why do you think, then, that another set of archetypes that is just as ancient if not more so -- the archetype of the man or woman who faces death or illness but instead becomes a spiritual healer who helps many others -- is not as wildly popular as, say, a Batman story?

In my journalism training I was taught that three things sell newspapers: sex, scandal, and money. But in recent years, I have noticed that fear should really be included in that list. Most of what is on television or in newspapers is positioned to in some way access the news consumer's fear, to make the news something that must be consumed.

The stories of healers, I imagine, do not sell as well because the message of fear is not there. But what is there is a message of hope which is much more powerful -- but perhaps is not as "sexy" on the surface.

Reiki carries this message of hope, of becoming a new kind of hero in one's own life. The universal Love accessed by those who tap into the Source is powerful medicine against Fear, which is perhaps our greatest, most illusory enemy.

My invitation is for you to choose a time, each day, to turn off our media culture, and become a different kind of hero. -- In peace, Wolf

Freedom and Independence

2005-07-01T05:28:00.000-05:00

With July 4 approaching, I wanted to take a moment to offer thanks for living in a country that is, arguably, more free than a lot of other places in the world.

That said, we also are not free in many ways. Americans spend so much of their lives defined by consumerism and media culture that I believe they are barely conscious of themselves and who they really are. I think that Reiki, along with other practices such as meditation, group and individual psychotherapy, journaling, and perhaps a profound conversation with a friend on a regular basis are all means to this kind of self-discovery.

That said, I am proud to be an American for the freedom from political oppression it has thus far allowed. May we be ever vigilant about keeping our freedom, and ever wiser about recognizing when those who would oppress us with their agendas have made us believe that we share their values. -- In peace, Wolf

Reiki III - Reiki Master?

2005-06-29T23:36:00.000-05:00

I am not sure why we don't just call those who teach Reiki "teachers" instead of "masters" -- but I am aware that this is a tradition across several Asian disciplines.

Surely, it is a mark of respect to the Reiki teacher. But it does sound, well, presumptuous. I mean, everytime I say, "I am a Reiki master" I feel kind of inauthentic, as if I had somehow "mastered Reiki" which, of course, is preposterous.

Reiki masters the practitioner. The practitioner does not master Reiki.

Like so many other examples of paradoxes that have great truth, a powerful Reiki conduit has no power at all. Instead, he or she surrenders to the Reiki -- and has learned how to be profoundly humble enough to allow the energy to do the work, unassisted and unguided by the practitioner's will. All the practitioner needs is the intent for the energy to flow.

What I will say in defense of the term master is that it holds the line on the number of people who feel qualified to teach Reiki, and I think it should. I am uncomfortable teaching Reiki III to just anyone. I think that we should establish relationships with and know the characters of any people whom we, as a society, appoint as teachers -- of anything -- let alone Reiki.

Reiki at its core is a profoundly spiritual exercise. Bathing a person's body and ki in the universal, calming, healing energy from the Source cannot be anything but sacred for the practitioner. And the role of teaching access to this way of life should have some quality control.

Thus I recommend that teachers of Reiki who look for Reiki Master students establish close working relationships with their students before raising them to Reiki III. Teachers should know students' professions, where they live, their histories, the quality of their relationships, their values, their strengths and their weaknesses. Teachers should also make certain that Reiki III candidates have no criminal history or anything else that would hurt the reputation of Reiki practice.

A teacher should be as proud of his or her student and the student often is of the teacher. It is about character, and it matters. -- In peace, Wolf

Solitude and Oneness

2005-06-29T03:44:00.000-05:00

I believe that Reiki practitioners, for all their connectedness and interrelatedness with others, need time alone too in order to reconnect with themselves and the Source.

In the Reiki tradition, modern Reiki founder Dr. Mikao Usui (pictured), also known as Usui Sensei, went to the top of Mount Kurama in Japan to meditate for 21 days in order to receive the Reiki energy that he had read about in his extensive research. In a much older tradition out of the Old Testament, Moses spent two stretches of 40 days on Mount Sinai to receive the commandments.

I believe that such time alone is necessary -- maybe not 40 days at a time -- but definitely some time away. I do not believe that "vacations" as we know them count for this time, but rather, a time dedicated to relative solitude and quiet in peaceful surroundings, where one can truly become introspective and find the Voice within oneself. One must be able to listen to his or her own body, mind and spirit to know when the time to retreat has come. -- In peace, Wolf

My own peace

2005-06-27T23:07:00.000-05:00

As of this moment, this is the only piece of art hanging in my bedroom.

It is L'entreé en Scene, by the Belgian surrealist René Magritte. His often tongue-in-cheek work frequently challenges the beholder. This one, however, resonates with me on a very spiritual level.

I would have to say, if I could give this work language of personal significance, it would be:

It has been Night for some time, but through the dove, representing Peace, it is Day. Peace can only be over Calm Waters. I am the dove. Even when all around me is Night, if I fly over calm waters, it is Day within me.

Reiki helps me reach this state of peace. When I do Reiki, language occurs to me along the lines of, "Everything is OK." That reassurance keeps me calm and focused throughout the day, and allows the energy to flow more freely through me. -- In peace, Wolf

Amma and Love

2005-06-26T23:50:00.000-05:00

This is the woman known around the world as Amma for short, or Mata Amritanandamayi -- Mother of Immortal Bliss.

She is an international celebrity, known around the world as a living saint, famous for her healing hugs and the recipient of the 2002 Gandhi-King Award for Non-Violence for at a United Nations conference for spiritual leaders in Geneva. She believes herself to be a living avatar of Love on earth.

For many years, people ridiculed and doubted her. She barely had media attention, and didn't much care. Only recently has the media started to focus on Amma, wherever she goes.

What does she have to tell us?

She tells us that we are all One, One with everything. She tells us that we can heal each other and the world, and that if we only recognized our full capacity for Love, we would never know sorrow.

Why do I write about her?

Because I think she represents a person who has tapped into the Source in a powerful way. I believe these healing hugs tap into the same Source as Reiki. And I believe her messages resonate with those of Reiki practitioners. -- In peace, Wolf

Missing you - Another use for Reiki

2005-06-26T08:56:00.000-05:00

In Reiki 2 training, one of the techniques taught is how to send Reiki energy over a distance to a person.

I have explained in a previous entry how Reiki can be sent across distances or even back in time, forward in time, etc. There is more to that story.

Reiki recognizes that time, as we know it, is a function of our perception -- but that there is another reality beyond the space-time continuum. It also recognizes that distance is also a function of our perception -- that while the physical universe we know separates objects from one another, such as our bodies, the ultimate reality is that everything is one.

This is why I am in the habit of sending Reiki to those people, near and far, living or dead, whom I miss very much. The Reiki helps to remind me that everything that was, is, or ever shall be is already in existence. I feel a connection through the energy to these people when I send the Reiki, and the distance of time and space does not seem so real after all. -- In peace, Wolf

Enlightenment

2005-06-25T10:26:00.000-05:00

Over the past couple of years, I have come to believe a few things about the phenomenon some people refer to as enlightenment.

I have come to believe that that the stories of the great enlightened ones -- Siddhartha who became Buddha, Abram who became Abraham, Jesus who became Christ, etc. among many others, both written and unwritten across the cultures of mankind -- share a common theme. They were called into their peace, power, and promise out of an ordinary life of some kind, previous to the calling.

I believe that Reiki is but one pathway to this. It holds the promise of bringing the student into a larger, more connected and whole world. If I were to pretend that it is the only way, I would be inauthentic. If I were to write that somehow in the lives of all those people I mentioned above, that Reiki was "really at work" I would also be misleading the reader.

What I will say is that the Reiki system of experiencing, embracing and enhancing a healing-energy connection to the Source is a non-denominational approach that is available to everyone, of whatever faith or no faith at all. And I find that a compelling promise for enlightenment for any who have doubts. -- In peace, Wolf

The Reiki Paradox

2005-06-23T23:45:00.000-05:00

What Reiki teaches us every time we feel its flow is how to be humble.

The reason for this is simple: the true Reiki practitioner understands fully that he or she takes absolutely no credit for what the energy does. I would offer that a Reiki practitioner that fancies himself somehow more competent or established than another is perhaps practicing some other kind of energy medicine -- which may in fact be effective! (I certainly cannot say with surety that it is not) -- but he is not practicing Reiki as taught by Dr. Mikao Usui, Dr. Hiyashi, and Mrs. Takata.

The three of them emphasized the Taoist paradox, "Do by not doing." Reiki is doing it. We are merely tuning into the Reiki channel, and allowing the energy to flow. Reiki is giving us the gift of allowing us to be "along for the ride."

This humble way of looking at the energy healing process is what attracted me most to Reiki. There are plenty of people in the world who claim some special gift for healing. Reiki people do not claim this gift, or some unique qualification for sharing it with another person.

Reiki has taught me to always look for this kind of unassuming person when I am deciding whom to trust. -- In peace, Wolf

Cleansing - it ain't always pretty

2005-06-22T23:02:00.000-05:00

Reiki is said to function by washing away the negative energy, as the calm, peaceful Reiki energy flows over us.

One of the things that I have been taught is that Reiki tends to loosen and remove blockages not only in our bodies (often sending recipients or newly attuned practitioners for several trips to the restroom), but also in our minds and hearts.

I speak specifically of emotional pain. The whole reason I studied counseling was because when doing Reiki, people would begin to ventilate emotional pain, and I didn't know what to do with it. I believe, in retrospect, that the ventilation of this pain was part of the clearing and cleansing process which occurs during a Reiki treatment. I also believe that the treatment setting felt gentle and safe enough for clients to do precisely that.

Because I have been more in touch with the Reiki energy lately, I'm finding some of my own blockages (in the form of self-evasion of mind, i.e., things I haven't wanted to admit to myself) are bubbling to the surface. At first I wondered why this was happening when so many other things are working out well, and I believe this could be a good explanation.

The more Reiki you're working with, the less likely it is that blockages will remain in your energy system -- and thus, we can expect those frequent trips to the restroom, or those cleansing times of crying. Allowing room for these things is likely to give us a better handle on what is going on with our bodies and our spirits. -- In peace, Wolf

Empirical evidence of Reiki effectiveness

2005-06-22T00:00:00.000-05:00

Tuesday, a medical doctor whom I have been working with on some other research challenged me to show him empirical, formally researched evidence that Reiki does something, and that energy is somehow channeled through the practitioner.

I accepted the challenge gladly, because it is only within the past few years that I have been able to define myself comfortably as a scientist.

Mind you -- science never disproves or even proves anything. Scientific work merely adds to a catalog of evidence for, or against, a hypothesis about the way things work. Thus, simply because there is a "lack of evidence" for something does not suggest that something does not exist. What it means, simply, is we may have yet to develop instruments sensitive enough to measure it.

With that disclaimer, there actually has been some work done on Reiki -- which is one of the oldest complementary medicine modalities that has been used in hospital and hospice settings for the past 30 years, and very widely in the last 15. Here is some of what I found on Google Scholar.

Journal of Advanced Nursing article abstract, associating a 30-minute Reiki treatment with relaxation. It is well-established that relaxation tends to promote healing.

Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine pilot study abstract about a controlled study suggesting that Reiki may lower diastolic blood pressure and heart rate.

Neurology India fulltext article suggesting that Reiki functions by transmitting low-level electromagnetic frequency waves through the practitioner to the recipient, potentiating some neurological changes post-treatment which reduce the frequency of seizures in people who have seizure disorder. In this respect it is found to be comparable with meditation.

Journal of Scientific Exploration article looking at Reiki as one form of "healing with intent" that was shown to significantly effect pepsin enzyme activity.

Evidence-Based Medicine meta-analysis of 23 studies using a total of 2,774 patients which suggested that distant healing -- one of the techniques taught in Reiki 2 training -- is often effective for improving patient outcomes.

Diabetes Spectrum article mentioning Reiki as one of the energy therapies that has shown promise in diabetes research.

Circulation summarized the state of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) with regard to cardiovascular health, underscored their safety because of the rich traditions of use by people without access to other forms of healthcare, and suggested further serious research on the effectiveness of different modalities, including Reiki.

The Florida AIDS Education and Training Center cataloged Reiki and therapeutic touch together in a review of CAM practices that help reduce anxiety and pain, and help improve quality of life.

I have a feeling that this will be a work-in-progress -- that I will be continually adding links to this entry as I find them. And perhaps that's just part of my own joint identity as a scientist and Reiki practitioner. But I am grateful for the challenge with which I was presented. -- In peace, Wolf

Reiki and animals

2005-06-20T23:22:00.000-05:00

Since learning Reiki, I have found that my connection with animals has greatly improved. Particularly at social occasions, I gravitate toward the pets -- cats and dogs in particular -- because these animals seem to have an affinity for drawing the energy.

It has been observed before that animals seem to draw Reiki energy faster than human beings -- a "treatment" on an animal seems to occur in very short bursts. They receive the energy, draw it quickly, and are finished quickly. A Reiki practitioner working on an animal may notice the animal stops drawing the energy, or simply walks away.

I suspect that there are several reasons for this. I believe that one is that animals are more attuned to energy generally, since the part of our brains that focuses on symbols instead (frontal lobe) is not as highly developed in animals. We rationalize and offer verbal explanations to ourselves for things about people's behavior, etc. Pets do not feel compelled to do this. I believe that this explanation-making actually blocks the receiving of energy in humans.

Energy is more direct and immediate than language. If you've ever known an animal who seemed intuitively wise about personalities (a dog that barked at negative people, or a cat that wouldn't socialize when a certain anxious person was around, etc.), you've witnessed this in action.

But the connection is deeper than that. I believe animals are natural energy-sharers. I believe energy sharing is their way of connecting with us, and that when we respond in kind, it is the deepest connection we can make with an animal.

Thus, I urge you who are animal lovers to try sharing Reiki with them, and see how much more connected you feel. -- In peace, Wolf

Just for today

2005-06-20T06:12:00.000-05:00

Just for today, do not anger. Do not worry and be filled with gratitude.

This is one of the opening lines of the Reiki principles passed down to us from Dr. Mikao Usui, who rediscovered Reiki and designed the modern system.

Why did he write, "Just for today?" Shouldn't we act the same way, say, tomorrow?

Anyone who has ever been in 12-step treatment, or someone who has dealt with serious loss and/or tragedy, can answer this question with ease.

Today is all we have. Specifically, this moment -- yes, this one! -- is the only one over which we have any mastery.

We do not know what tomorrow will bring, but if the Reiki principles are being called to mind in this moment, then it is in precisely this moment that you get to direct your day.

Just for today. Because it's the only day we know we have. -- In peace, Wolf

Cold hands and feet

2005-06-18T23:37:00.000-05:00

And now to switch to a lighter Reiki theme...

Are you one of the many people (and this is particularly common among women) whose extremities are chronically cold and clammy?

Or are you a person who always seems to be the coldest person in the room, no matter what?

Reiki people know where this entry is going . . .

Would you be surprised to know that regular Reiki treatments, and especially, learning Reiki yourself, is likely to end this?

Every person I've known who practiced Reiki ended their "cold extremities problem."

One theory to explain this is that the Reiki energy is a "warming one" ... but there other possibilities too.

It is likely that people who practice Reiki learn to take "time to breathe" -- and that by doing so, they are making oxygen-rich blood more prevalent in their bodies -- and carrying more oxygen to the tissues gives them more to burn.

Also, it is likely that muscles relax and thus, do not constrict blood conduits in the body, thus increasing the volume of blood that gets to the extremities.

However it may work, if you're looking to warm up those hands and feet, Reiki is likely to help. -- In peace, Wolf

Sending Good Energy across Space and Time

2005-06-18T03:22:00.000-05:00

In Reiki 2 training, Reiki practitioners learn how to send Reiki across distances. Most Reiki masters also teach that this is the way to send the energy into the past, or into the future.

How is this possible?

I believe that Western Science and ancient Eastern wisdom are at a convergence. Our Western physics has taught for some time now that the space-time continuum is ultimately a matter of perspective, and that ultimately we only see the passage of time, or perceive physical space, because of the way that our brains are situated in this physical universe -- the aftermath of the Big Bang creation explosion.

If we were outside the expanding universe, there would be no time. There would be no distance.

Thus, the reality is, there is only One Place, and One Moment.

And that is, on a profound level, the Here and Now.

So yes, Reiki energy can be sent across Time and Space, because really, those things are a matter of perspective.

Even our science questions whether they really exist. -- In peace, Wolf

"Your hands wake up"

2005-06-17T04:49:00.000-05:00

One of the most unusual things that Reiki Master Lance Isakov taught me when I initially trained in Reiki, which I was not ready to hear, was that Reiki energy was likely to begin flowing through me when I didn't expect it.

"Sometimes your hands will just wake up," Lance said, "and you will feel the tingle begin and the energy will flow. What that means is that someone or something is pulling at the energy, and since you're the nearest conduit for it, you're the most convenient path."

And if you think about Reiki in terms of another energy with which many of us are familiar -- electricity -- this makes a lot of sense. Electricity always finds the shortest and most conductive path between the source and grounding in order to make a circuit. Similarly, Reiki energy finds the best path between the Source and creatures on Earth in order to help them harmonize.

I feel my hands wake up in powerful ways, often when I am in cities, around animals, or pass by someone I don't know. I do not know whether, when this happens, the people I pass by are "going through something" and honestly, I don't need to know. It feels good that the energy is flowing through me. I feel the tingle and the heat, and my hands become splotchy (something that happens for me which doesn't necessarily happen for everyone who does Reiki -- people's bodies respond to the energy in different ways). And this makes me feel more connected to the world around me -- which is all I need. The Reiki does the rest. -- In peace, Wolf

Reiki as an advisor

2005-06-16T00:13:00.000-05:00

It is that calm, reassuring quietude I feel in my spirit when I access the Reiki energy that I closely associate with the divine presence in my life.

It is also that inner quietude that I seek counsel from in my own life, when I am overwhelmed or need a guide.

I believe that counsel is actually given through the Reiki energy. I have liturgical reasons for believing this out of the western Judeo-Christian tradition, as well as support in Reiki's own history for the energy itself providing insight, enlightmentment, and even concrete answers.

Judaism
In the first book of Kings (19:12), the prophet Elijah, who was also a healer with his hands, is told by God to stand atop a mountain. "Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks ... but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave."

This "gentle whisper" as translated in the New International Version of the Bible, has been translated "a still small voice" in previous editions. Rabbis have debated whether this is the voice of the human conscience, or the voice of God that speaks through us. I believe the latter.

Christianity
The New Testament is replete with examples of Jesus himself praying. Given the belief in modern Christian thought, across many traditions, that Jesus is part of the Holy Trinity, one wonders if he had to go within himself to find his answers.

If, however, one accepts Jesus as Messiah without believing the Messiah is an aspect of the Godhead, one is still left with questions about how Jesus knew, with certainty, what would happen in his life unless he got some definite answers during those times of prayer.

Either way, prayer provided the central figure in Christianity with not only power, but insightful answers.

Reiki tradition
The story goes that Dr. Mikao Usui travelled the world in search of a healing system that would explain how Jesus and the Buddha healed, a question posed to him by secondary school students. He found references to the healing system in a monastery in Tibet, but did not know the symbols to which the healing system referred. He fasted and meditated, and the answers were revealed to him.

Thus there is a rich history of obtaining answers through prayer or meditation by those people who have served as exemplars of piousness and healing. I believe their greatest gift to us is their example. And if we are not learning from not only what they did, but how they did it, we may be missing out on something very important. -- In peace, Wolf

The Usui Reiki Principles

2005-06-15T08:29:00.000-05:00

Dr. Mikao Usui taught the following principles for daily Reiki practice. They embody what he believed to be the spirit of Reiki. These principles were transmitted to us by Mrs. Takata, who brought Reiki to the United States. More on her later.

The Reiki Ideals

The secret art of inviting happiness
The miraculous medicine of all diseases

Just for today, do not anger
Do not worry and be filled with gratitude
Devote yourself to your work and be kind to people

Every morning and evening join your hands in prayer,
pray these words to your heart and chant
these words with your mouth.

Usui Reiki Treatment for the
improvement of body and mind.

Peace in the morning

2005-06-14T05:47:00.000-05:00

If you're anything like me, the mornings can be rough.

They are the time of day where there seems the most to do -- where it just seems overwhelming.

It is at these times that Reiki has been, absolutely, my best friend.

Before I get out of bed, I lie on my back and go through a ritual.

First, I call to mind five things for which I feel grateful. This gets me in the spirit to begin the Reiki.

Then I put one hand over my forehead, and the other over my solar plexus, and allow the energy to flow. This helps me feel connected to the Source, and brings me peace and a sense that "Everything will be OK" -- the language I associate with the flow of the energy. -- In peace, Wolf

Idolatry vs. Reiki

2005-06-14T00:02:00.000-05:00

Like many people of deep faith, I believe that the Biblical injunctions against idolatry were a warning to all of us not to put unimportant things into our lives to replace the divine.

This may seem like God-being-selfish, and a literal read of the Bible yields that impression.

But I am asking you, as I would anyone learning Reiki, to transcend the literal, and move into the symbolic with me.

I believe that we have set up our own, modern idols, especially in 21st century America. And the signs are all around us that things are becoming very out of control. Ours is a dying society. We are suffering.

Gluttonous food obsession is leading to chronic obesity and diabetes, established in childhood.

Sexually transmitted diseases are so commonplace that someone without one is actually the exception.

Avarice is the coin of the realm in our political process.

Lust for material things is so great that personally, locally, regionally and nationally we are in tremendous debt.

Vanity is so pervasive that eight year-olds bankrupt their parents by demanding brand-name clothing.

Fear is cultivated by a news media which focuses on the worst possible states of human nature, and normalizes them.

The will to power has created weapons that can destroy us many times over.

And finally, our national arrogance has put us squarely in the place of World Enemy No. 1.

If these are not the signs that a society is dying due to its own modern idol worship, I don't know what are.

So where does Reiki fit in to all of this?

The beauty is that it does not. Reiki is a calming, peaceful energy that can never do harm, and only bring clarity and peace.

It fills the scary void that makes us overconsume.
It soothes the toxic stress that is destroying our bodies and families.
It clears the mind of clutter, and highlights what is important.

The existentialist J.P. Sartre wrote that what we choose to do with ourselves is how we elect our reality. Each thing we do registers a vote for the way we want the world to be. If you vote to be a healer, your vote is counted in this world.

Reiki is a way to celebrate the healing and human part of us, and a non-denominational way to connect to the Source of healing and peace. Its tradition crosses all national boundaries, ignores ideology, socioeconomic status, age, race, and other artificialities.

Reiki is a practical system for teaching people how to transcend time and space, embrace universal Love, and reach harmony with one another.

In every religious tradition, there have been stories of holy, hands-on healers who have done their work in similar, if not identical, ways. Buddhism, Judaism, and Christianity are but a few examples. The question about this commonality is what prompted the re-discovery of Reiki in the past couple of centuries, and that story is one which deserves another retelling. -- In peace, Wolf

A Reiki session

2005-06-12T20:06:00.000-05:00

During a formal Reiki session, the recipient will notice the following things.

Usually reclined, the recipient will first notice that the Reiki practitioner has arranged a calm environment. Usually soft music is playing. The reason for this is that Reiki is ultimately supposed to be a soothing experience for both the practitioner and the recipient.

After explaining the hand positions of the treatment, the practitioner may ask the recipient to make himself or herself comfortable in a reclined position, usually on a massage table. Then the treatment proceeds to a series of gently touching or non-touching hand positions over various parts of the recipient's body, whatever the recipient's preference.

The standard positions are: over the eyes, over the back of the head, on the sides of the face, over the neck and shouders, top of the chest, abdomen, knees and feet. Then the recipient often is asked to flip over and receives the energy on her back.

The hand positions have been illustrated on About.com at this link though I must mention, I am not comfortable with the heart position as illustrated, and thus would not perform it.

Now, what cannot be conveyed through the pictures is what is felt during the treatment. Honestly, this various from recipient to recipient. Some experience the hands of the practitioner as becoming very warm -- and in fact, this is the case with many practitioners. Others feel a tingling sensation, or can feel the energy flowing. I have had one experience where I actually experienced it as a coolness -- again, it varies.

What does not vary too much is what is happening for the practitioner. Most practitioners feel the Reiki energy begin to flow like a slowly-opening spigot. Then when the energy slows down and/or stops, the practitioner moves to the next position. What is happening is that the energy, which guides itself (and therefore the practitioner claims no credit for it) is "going where it needs to go."

Some practitioners may talk during the treatment to ask questions, inspired by the movement of the energy or the experience of the practitioner. Often, practitioners can feel where the body energy seems unusual, or experience a discomfort sympathetic with the recipient that gives them a clue about what may be going on for the recipient. Finally, many practitioners have learned through their experience that pain in different body parts may be connected to other life issues.

Most hand positions last 2-5 minutes. A treatment averages 45 minutes to an hour. Most practitioners will recommend a treatment once per week.

I myself like to train people in Reiki, so they can share this with others in their own lives. I think it's a great way to make a sacred healing connection with the people who are important in our lives. And I have other reasons for wanting to teach it, rather than practice, which will be the subject of another entry. -- Peace, Wolf

Reiki - a definition

2005-06-11T07:52:00.000-05:00

When people find out that I have practiced and taught Reiki since 1999, they often ask what it is. Often they already know, but are confused about how it works. Here is what I tell them.

When you stub your toe, what do you do?
Bend down and hold it.

When you talk to a friend or loved one who is in pain, what do you do?
Give a hug or a touch.

If a pet knows you are sick or sad, what does the pet do?
The pet sits with you or on you.

There is no logical reason to account for this draw-to-be-close, except for a sharing of energy. And it is this energy field around all living things that has been given many names: soul, spirit, aura, or in Japanese, Ki, which is at the foundation of many martial arts and healing practices. Manipulation of Ki is the foundation.

Reiki is a word with two parts, "Rei" which means universal (or divine), and "Ki" which means energy. A Reiki practitioner is someone who has been "attuned" to the universal energy called Reiki which has been found, over many years and across many cultures, to be always benign, comforting, always tranquil and never harmful.

When a Reiki practitioner "tunes in" to this energy and channels it, the energy comes through the practitioner and washes away built up negative energy in both the practitioner and the recipient, like a cleansing bath of peaceful energy.

In holistic thought, bathing in this kind of peaceful energy is not only purifying for the spirit or Ki, but since one's Ki permeates one's body, the thought is that washing away "bad energy" helps the body relax, heal, and feel restored. Common results include: reduced pain, speedier healing, better mental tranquility, and oftentimes people report a sense of getting "unstuck" in old life patterns.

Tomorrow I will write about what a Reiki treatment looks and feels like. In peace, Wolf

The divine connection - Reiki

2005-06-10T10:00:00.000-05:00

After several disappointments with Western medicine and institutional religion, I, like many others, found Reiki to be the simplest, most elegant way of connecting to the Source, which in Reiki is conceived of as the Divine, whatever that represents to the practitioner.

This daily blog will be my attempt to clarify Reiki themes, reflect on world events, and speak from Spirit. My promise is never to ramble on unnecessarily, keep it short and digestible.

I look forward to your comments!
Wolf Shipon