Reiki is a Japanese therapeutic technique where the practitioner is believed to channel Universal energy in order to activate the natural healing process and restore well-being. It’s often used in conjunction with traditional treatments or additional healing modalities, such as massage therapy.
Mikao Usui, the originator of Reiki, considers the core principles the "secret of inviting happiness." Each principle begins with the words “Just for today…” as a reminder to focus only on what we are capable of changing (our present thoughts and actions) and to release the past or future.
February is Self-Love & Self-Care Month at SWIHA. Since all healing is self-healing, we’ll be looking at what the core principles of Reiki can teach us about being kinder and more respectful to ourselves!
If you’re fascinated by energy healing, click here to learn more about the styles of Reiki (Traditional, Holy & Shamanic) taught at SWIHA and contact us for upcoming start dates at info@swiha.edu.
Just for today, I will not worry.
Most often, we become worried when we’re uncertain of what the future holds for us. However, by giving power to those thoughts, we are squandering the one thing we do have control of: the present moment.
Forming a plan of action is important. If you have something weighing heavy on your mind, decide to do one thing today that moves you away from worry. Then channel all that energy into improvement and positivity!
Just for today, I will not be angry.
Anger is not only psychologically uncomfortable, it is also physically damaging—it puts stress on our cardiovascular and digestive systems and hijacks our nervous system, making it difficult to think clearly.
Anger often masks our deepest fears; It’s a secondary emotion that disguises vulnerability. When you start to feel angry, ask yourself: “What am I really feeling?” You may find you’re feeling ashamed, pressured, ignored or overwhelmed. By identifying the root cause, you can more easily remove yourself from an uncomfortable place.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
When we compromise our ideals, it never feels good. Some may even feel as though they live in a space where they must ‘keep up appearances’ versus being who they truly are—and deceiving ourselves and others is downright exhausting.
Being honest with ourselves is essential to living a fulfilled and satisfying life. When we act from a place of authenticity, we create an environment that aligns with our values and gives others permission to show up authentically as well. What change could you make to live a more authentic life?
Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings.
Active thankfulness induces relaxation, improves our immune system and regulates blood pressure. Grateful people also tend to eat healthier, exercise more and approach difficult situations with a sense of optimism.
Consider that gratitude doesn’t always need to be focused on material objects or acts of service by others. Today, thank yourself! Whether it’s for getting enough rest, showing compassion and forgiveness, or simply being the wonderful, unique being that you are -- take a moment to honor your individual gifts and strengths.
Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing.
A small act of kindness can create a massive ripple effect! Recent studies have shown that, when exposed to altruistic acts consistently, we experience a ‘moral elevation’ that makes us more likely to act out of kindness when given the opportunity.
What if we practiced radical self-kindness? We all have an inner-critic; the voice that keeps us awake at night with thoughts of “I shouldn’t have…” or “Why did I…?” The way to bring balance to our mental monologue is to cultivate our inner-advocate! When our inner-critic is derogatory or dwelling on setbacks, our inner-advocate is forward-thinking, congratulatory and comes up with an action plan.
