We may never use our beautifully crafted memorized definitions in conversation, but all the time and consideration that goes into writing and constantly refining/updating them prepares us to be present with the person who asks the question.

Our class requirements require that we receive a substantial amount of Reiki. I HAVE NEVER FELT BETTER!! I may never have a strong handle on what Reiki is, but I am just beginning to understand what Reiki does, and it is glorious!

I also know that my definition will change as my relationship with Reiki changes.

In general I am satisfied with that definition. I think the most important thing when discussing the practice is to do it honestly while considering your audience. Being careful not to deter or offend anyone while still being true to what Reiki truly is.

I feel that this is a question that I will have to constantly reevaluate though my practice as a Reiki practitioner. Thanks for brining it up, its an important question!

I love the beginning of this blog stating how artists, practitioners, etc… are ‘flooded with emotion and memories that they don’t know where to begin’ when asked questions about Reiki. In my case, I have a more difficult time with the *hows* about reiki and not so much the *What*, though both habitually promote an implosion/explosion type response I can feel in both my mind and body.
Like how I can I POSSIBLY convey this. How can one capture the essence of such extraordinary experiences verbally? I don’t think we can. At least not with the languages I speak (english and some spanish). Language is an amazing tool, hands down. I also feel so incredibly limited by it. Not that IT itself limits me, but more that I am unable to convey the enormity of my/our experience using it.
I have been told by some Easterners that other languages have more fitting phrases for really beautiful experiences english cannot communicate.

I can hardly begin to tell someone what it was like the first time I realized that my mind relentlessly hijacked me from my daily experience by promoting the flow of racing thoughts, that sometimes, and often, were nothing more than mere negative predictions; complete fantasies. The silence that follows this realization allows for a connection with one’s surroundings- every bird is heard, every tree is crisp, every smell pungent. You are fully present with yourself, with your environment.
Sometimes, this experience happens during a Reiki treatment….
I WANT TO TELL THEM THAT! …..but I can’t; ssshhhhhh.

Calling Reiki a practice fits nicely with what I think and how I feel about it. I also think it conveys well to the general population whose use of that word is so common.

I believe we often need to do more feeling and less thinking. But if anyone would’ve suggested that to me before I learned to be present with my experience, before I was able to access the inherent peaceful *Being* that IS in ALL of us, I would not have understood. Still, I wish I could take my own advice much more often.

I cant think about Reiki too much. What I know about it doesn’t seem to even lie in my head. My habitual implosion/explosion response is grateful to you folks who come up with fitting and appropriate responses to these simple, yet gigantic questions!

Communicating with patients in hospital requires a whole other level of sensitivity, and in my program, we approach it in a very similar way to what you describe. It’s important to give patients enough information so that they can make an informed decision, and yet not to unnecessarily burden them with details. After all, people are in hospital because they are unwell, so the main thing they need to know is that Reiki treatment is non-invasive and might quickly relieve some of their discomfort.

I encourage my practitioners not to characterize Reiki treatment as a therapy or a technique, but rather to refer to it as a practice, and to let the patients and their families know that this is something they can learn to practice at home, for themselves, and for one another.

I prefer to give people an experience before speaking about what Reiki is so that they have a frame of reference for the information.

After a sample–which in a large public presentation might be just 30 seconds of a Reiki hand on the crown of someone’s head–I ask people to keep their eyes closed for a few moments and notice how they are feeling, and any little way in which it is different than how they felt before. I also suggest that they remember any little sensation they might have had. When they open their eyes, I ask simply, “How are you? What was that like?” and let them know that it’s very subjective, that the experience can be very subtle, and that there are no right or wrong answers. A conversation ensues quite easily from there.

I usually begin by describing the energy itself and then how I use it to help people. I’ll say something like, “Reiki is universal, life-force energy. I have been attuned to this energy and I can direct it to flow through a person or even to a situation, in order to help people.” then it’s my turn to ask some questions to see what they actually know or have heard about it and guage their interest in hearing or experiencing more about Reiki.

I’m interested in the folks who say, “I can’t explain it but I can show you.” I have found that there are a good number of people who can’t feel the energy. by then, though, I’ve had a chance to explain that not everyone feels it but that it is flowing in any case and they will feel a deep sense of relaxation before I am done. I don’t think they will get that in a short, “sample” treatment. What have you found?

Peace-filled awakenings,

Stephen