I recently read an article
by Pamela Kirstan in a newsletter I enjoy. It was titled “Whatever Floats your Boat” and in it she talked about the various and different spiritual, mental and physical trends and practices she has used and experienced at different times in her life, all of them adding to her journey, and then about what is floating her boat right now. The message was reassuring in that it embraces the fact that change is constant, and that we are constantly in a state of becoming, trying on that which fits us for a season or several and changing out what works for us as we evolve and grow.
Every so often I find myself feeling unsettled and concurrently jealous of those around me who seem settled and on-point in their lives. I wonder at my varied approach to life and fear I am missing the boat somehow. The reassuring message for me here was that allowing myself the freedom to focus on floating the boat (still upright!) is more important….whew! I am not as lost as I thought I was. I am still floating….
How does all this involve the Reiki Precepts?
I have been very focused on the Reiki Precepts lately. What are the Reiki Precepts? They are the five principles that Mikao Usui established as providing “the secret to a happy life.” You will find them in many variations of expression (one is in my website header), so that you may be more familiar with them in a different version, but here is a basic look at what they contain:
Just for Today
Do not worry
Do not be angry
Work diligently
Give Thanks
Be kind to all living things
Whether you are Reiki attuned or not, these are admirable guidelines for living a satisfying, fulfilling life.
The Reiki Precepts are not as simple to do as they are to read.
They become a sort of inner mantra to be called upon at any time needed during the day; one that brings us back to center and allows us to disengage from negative thoughts, feelings and actions. By repeating them daily they incorporate into our lives. For practitioners, our journey with Reiki deepens as we come back to the precepts in new and deeper ways, anchoring our being and our practice in their simple, innate truths. For each of us, whether Reiki or not, their energetic truths instill their essence into our lives as a guide for daily living.
As I read Pam’s article on her most recent “floats”I found each of them to be another rendition of one or more of the precepts.
Her first float was being “cool” in the sense of calming, soothing and peaceful in response to the overly inflamed passions of our current world scene, where anger and irritation flare easily. This is the fifth precept, being kind, having compassion for yourself and others, and the second precept, pulling back from anger to a place of love and compassion. It also embodies the first, being in a place free from worry and fear, being cool and calm. Staying “cool” under pressure is living the precepts.
Her second was “slow” which she explained as being more of mindfulness in our doing. Not rushing- taking the time to be present. This is the third Precept and the fourth, working diligently, with great integrity and purpose, and taking the time to be thankful.
The final was “basic” where she talks about being grounded in what really matters to her, what is central to who she is. This is another rendition of the precepts where the third and fourth precepts are written as “be true to your way and your being” in essence, being diligent in who you are.
It is easy to see how these Reiki Precepts become the focal point
of those things which bring us peacefulness in being and in doing, providing focus and clarity for living. I invite you to bring them more consciously into your life over the next few months of increasing darkness and winter. See their expression in your moments of joy; reach for their steadying influence in your moments of challenge. Click on the small rendition of them above for a down-loadable version you can place in strategic places at home and at work. Enjoy the journey.
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One of the great joys and benefits of Reiki attunement is an energetic awakening that creates a higher vibrational connection to the energies of the precepts. If you would like to pursue deepening your personal path and clarity in life in this way, please contact me for information on personal Reiki training.
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