And considering something radical.

These are the last shelling peas of the season. Calculating how far I could stretch this sweet green joy of summer, I asked the farmer how long they would keep in the pods. She suggested I shell them and pop them in the freezer.

I demurred. “I don’t freeze food,” I said. And truly, the freezer is the emptiest space in my home.

“Neither do I,” said the farmer, “But I freeze peas.”

I bought an extra bagful, and now I’m contemplating the unthinkable.

Freezing food has never appealed to me. Living on Manhattan island, fresh food in abundance, it’s hardly a necessity.

But the farmer got me thinking, and not just about freezing. Now I’m analyzing what led me to reconsider a long held position, one that was simply not open for debate.

Many times a year I face the end of a cherished vegetable’s season, but never before have I considered freezing them to buy some time. What’s different now?

This is the first time this particular farmer suggested it. I’ve been buying strawberries, veggies and an occasional fresh brook trout from her since my grown kids were little kids, one in the snuggly, one by the hand.

She’s not certified organic; she’s heart-and-soul organic. She eats what she sells.

I don’t trust the legal organic label, with its month-long sell-by date on the milk. (How fresh is month-old milk?)

I trust the farmer. I share her values. She’s an expert, knowledgeable about her food, generous with her knowledge, and with samples.

I trust her, and I’m grateful I can buy from her.

Which is why these peas may be headed for the freezer. If I don’t eat them first.

What’s ripe for change in your life?

Then it occurred to me–why not ask the experts themselves–you!

Who knows better than you do what your specific questions are, and precisely where you need a fresh perspective? You know exactly where your tongue gets tied–or so loose that you send people scurrying down the block.

Do you have specific questions about the most effective ways to approach physicians and hospital administrators? Or do you need tips on collaboration, how to be a team player, carrying your authority as the Reiki specialist without being overbearing?

Some of you have been waiting for this for a long time. Please help me make it the most powerful support for you that it can be by leaving your question, or a description of when you feel frustrated, or anything else you want me to know. Click here to comment.

The Introduction to Medical Reiki webinar is still available. Click here to register.

“The seminar gave me invaluable practice in how to talk about Reiki in a simple and objective way, and be true to my personal experience,” Anita said. “When I took that confidence and clarity into hospice and a surgery unit, Reiki and I were welcomed by staff. The nurses handed me a list of surgery patients when I arrived on the unit, and hospice staff actively look to refer families for Reiki treatment. I have also found that family members more frequently request continuing Reiki care for their loved ones. The skills I learned in the Medical Reiki class are still paying dividends.”

Anita shares her experience treating people with dementia as this week’s guest blogger.

REIKI TOUCHES PEOPLE WITH DEMENTIA by Anita Graham

Very recently I treated an 86-year-old woman while volunteering at my local hospital. She was there because of a concussion from a fall. I could see she was withdrawn and confused. As we finished the Reiki treatment she asked if I made house calls. I said yes and thought no more about it.

The next day her husband phoned asking for an appointment. He explained that she had been diagnosed 10 years ago with general dementia. Her family was amazed that she asked that question of me, and moreover that she remembered after I left the room that she wanted more of the same. I found out at the first house call that she had been a yoga teacher and meditator for many years. Her husband speculated that she recognized a similar energy in the Reiki touch.

Another time, I treated a frail 88-year-old with Parkinson’s related dementia. The staff at her facility reported she was mute. About 10 minutes into the treatment she spoke and said, “I’ve never had anything like this before.” At the end of the treatment she related that she was on a train going “home.” I felt moved in witnessing this woman’s expression of comfort and making sense out of her dying process.

Many studies indicate that we humans require touch not only to survive, but to thrive. The necessity for touch doesn’t disappear with age or mental and physical frailty. Reiki treatment offers non-invasive, safe and restful touch. I often treat people with dementia and confusion and continue to experience awe that the gentle power of Reiki touches them at the deepest levels of their being.

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Now you too can learn strategies to become more effective in the mainstream and in health care, on your computer, in the comfort of your own home. July 17 is the deadline for early bird registration for the Introduction to Medical Reiki webinar.

Please click here to share your experiences of how Reiki treatment has benefited people with dementia.

PollDaddy lists the number of votes rather than the number of voters. Many readers didn’t notice this detail, and some expressed dismay at what seemed to be a low percentage of practitioners giving themselves daily Reiki treatments. But the stats were meaningless.

Which brings us to Round Two. How many Reiki practitioners give themselves daily treatment? Let’s find out.

Please respond to this very short poll and share it widely. All practitioners from all lineages, at any level of practice are asked to vote.

Can we collectively bring in over 1000 votes? The more votes we get, the more meaningful the poll is.

Once you’ve voted, click here to comment why you do or don’t practice daily self-Reiki.

INTRODUCTION to MEDICAL REIKI WEBINAR Have you been waiting for online training to help you bring Reiki into hospitals and other health care settings? Wait no more.

The Introduction to Medical Reiki Webinar will give you skills and strategies to get you started in health care. Register by July 17 to attend the webinar and/or access the recording for a special low fee. Let’s get Reiki where it is needed, and raise the professionalism of our practice. Click here to learn more.

Please fill out this brief poll and share it with your friends. The button under “Vote,” next to “View Results,” makes it easy to share with your Reiki buddies. The more practitioners who respond, the better understanding of our community we will have.

This poll is open to Reiki students and practitioners of all lineages and practice styles, at all levels, whether they have a home practice or a professional practice.

If your entry doesn’t register, you may need to come to ReikiCentral blog to vote. And please share your comments.

Thank you thank you all!

“I know you know this, but I just have to remind you that every year, the Reiki practitioners touch so many lives.

“I asked both groups (120 women) how many had never had Reiki and the majority of hands went up. You are truly doing a HUGE service to these women by introducing them to this amazing healing. I can’t believe that even after all this time and exposure, Reiki is still relatively unknown to these women challenged by cancer.”

These quotes are from the organizer of the annual JCC Spa Day for Women with Breast and Ovarian Cancer in New York City. This is an upliftingly ambitious event that offers 120 women a half-day of pampering; a delicious, healthful meal; a vision of wellness; and the experience that their quality of life matters.

2010 was our fourth year offering Reiki as one of the six wellness treats given to the Spa Day guests. Every year, the day flows even more smoothly. Every year, the experience is more profound. And every year, the women give their Reiki experience rave reviews.

Public Reiki events create community and build public awareness of Reiki, especially if they are well organized. Here are three tips from my 20+ years organizing events:

• Schedule far enough in advance to allow time for outreach and promotion so the community knows about the event
• Plan how you will support both the public and the Reiki practitioners during the event
• Follow-up with the organization that hosts the event, the practitioners, and the public.

If you have given public Reiki events, please leave a comment and tell us about it. If you are thinking about organizing an event, and have a question, click here to ask it. And if you’d like detailed coaching that takes you from choosing and contacting a host partner to the follow-up, click here.

Who in your community could benefit from an experience of Reiki? How are you going to connect with them?

Related posts: Smiles Said It All, 7 Steps to A Successful Public Reiki Event

Try listening to yourself.

Go to a blank screen and write your usual Reiki spiel, whatever you say when someone asks, “What is Reiki?” Speak it aloud and jot down notes–this is not a writing assignment (yet). Don’t try to make it perfect, just get a snapshot of what you usually say. (Three minute pause.)

Now pick up the closest magazine or newspaper, turn to your favorite blog or online news source, or turn the TV on to a talk show or the news.

How does your language compare to the language used in mainstream media? How many words or phrases are you using (universal life force energy, perhaps?) that are only found in obscure (by mainstream standards) Reiki documents and websites?

Words and phrases that are only used among people brought together by their shared interest in a particular topic are collectively called jargon.

Jargon is a shorthand that everyone in the club can decipher. Insiders know the meaning of these words and phrases (or do they?–do you really know what universal life force energy means? But that’s another conversation.)

But the very same jargon that is comfortable among people with a shared passion makes other people feel like outsiders. It’s a classic turnoff that makes listeners literally change channels.

Think about how your doctor talks to you. What part communicates and what part doesn’t? And remember that you are very motivated to understand what your doctor is saying, because you are impressed by her credentials and you believe she has information that is important for you to know.

When people ask you about Reiki, you probably don’t have the credibility of a physician, and if you’re not mindful of your listener, your word choice can quickly dissolve any credibility you do have.

If you want to pique people’s interest in Reiki, try speaking their language instead of expecting them to learn yours. Most people won’t bother.

Related posts: Reiki Credibility Challenge, Choosing Your Reiki Words

So it sometimes happens that a few other people are strolling the sidewalk or the subway steps just as I am purposefully heading somewhere, no time to spare.

My path totally impeded, the phrase arises: “Today only.”

The crowd settles me.

Today only.

Right now.

This moment is mine to savor.

How are the Reiki Precepts supporting your well-being these days? Please comment below.

Related posts: Today Only, Practice Makes Present

As with any practice, the only way to develop a feel for it is to actually practice, and to do so consistently over a period of time. There is no shortcut.

Reiki classes really only teach us how to practice. It is through practice, and practice alone, that Reiki practitioners develop. The experience of practicing Reiki treatment on others–on people of different ages, in varying stages of health, in a range of settings–is greatly enhanced when done against the backdrop of daily self-treatment. Through consistent practice, observation, and contemplation, slowly over time, we enter into a profound relationship with Reiki.

When, through a long association, we come to know someone well, we don’t feel a need to know every little detail, and we don’t get caught up in stories that may circulate about that person. There is a mindful trust, a willingness to partner, even as we take full responsibility for our actions.

In the same way, as we develop a profound relationship with Reiki through consistent practice, observation, and contemplation, we find an inner knowing that doesn’t need stories to buoy it. When supporting others, we prefer to leave the focus on our clients’s process of healing, allowing them the opportunity to engage within. We gradually become less interested in embellishing and distracting, quite content to say simply, “I don’t know.”

The process of developing a feel for Reiki healing is never-ending. Practice, observe, contemplate, repeat.

Related posts: With Gratitude, Work Diligently, Practice Makes Present

But the ability to help isn’t enough, is it? We also need the power to help.

A physician does not have blanket power to help. Even after medical school and residency, she cannot waltz into any hospital and practice medicine. Physicians need to acquire the knowledge base of medicine, and also address the legal and business aspects of medical practice.

But how can a Reiki practitioner gain the power to help? The path has not been defined, and we are in the process of finding our way. A groundswell of public interest in Reiki practice, and the availability of credible professional Reiki practitioners would move us in the right direction. And did I say “credible?”

What do you think? How does a Reiki practitioner gain the power to help? And more important–how do you?

Addressing these questions will help you get started–

• Is there someone, or a population of people, that you would like to help?
• What are the obstacles between where you are now and being able to help that person/population?
• What is one step you can take to get closer to your goal?
• When will you take it?

Please share your thoughts in a comment, so that we can brainstorm this together.

Related posts: As Common as Aspirin, The Reiki Credibility Challenge