The Reiki Way: Find Out Who You Are On Purpose

I started my journey with Reiki years ago. Since I was feeling the stress and pressure of a fast-paced corporate job – and of life in general – and a friend suggested that I try some holistic therapies. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Afterward I felt relaxed and optimistic. It became a regular thing. And then, curiosity and gratitude prompted me to learn more. Like a lot of folks, the past few years sent me on a personal journey of uncovering more about who I am and how I want to show up in the world. I would compare it to an archaeological dig where, with a lot of care and skill, layers are removed, and treasures uncovered. Learning the Reiki principles has been part of that journey of self-discovery.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese spiritual healing technique. “Rei” translates to “universe” or “life force,” and “ki” translates to the physical energy of the body; put together, Reiki translates to “universal life force energy.” How cool is that?

Reiki helps reduce stress so your body can function better. In fact, Reiki is an accepted form of ‘alternative therapy’ practiced widely, including by many hospitals and clinics across the western world. It resets your nervous system and mind. When you are relaxed, your body can heal itself. In contrast, stress creates inflammation in your body leading to disease and poor health. Reiki principles also focuses on energy. When energy is blocked, it causes it to slow down. The purpose of Reiki is to remove these energy blocks and increase the flow.

Here’s what you might not know about Reiki. It is increasingly regarded as a belief and behavior approach towards personal fulfillment. The Reiki principles and philosophy can support you in achieving better life-balance and well-being. That in turn leads to self-development and discovery. 

What is a Chakra?

Reiki is one of several techniques and methodologies which can ‘open’ chakras that are blocked. When a chakra is balanced, energy flows freely throughout the body. Damla Aktekin, founder of A Drop of Om, defines chakras as “electromagnetic vortices that take in and redistribute subtle life force energy in and around the body. Understanding this system can give you a roadmap for what areas of your body and your life need attention and care right now.”

There are seven chakras:

1. Root (base of spine) – feeling grounded and secure both physically and emotionally
2. Sacral (just below the belly button) – feelings of self-worth around pleasure, sexuality, and creativity
3. Solar Plexus (upper abdomen) – self-esteem and self-confidence
4. Heart (center of chest) – ability to love and connect with others
5. Throat (throat) – speak and listen with compassion, feeling confident because you know you are being true to yourself
6. Third Eye (between the eyes) – follow intuition, see the big picture, use imagination
7. Crown (very top of head) – enlightenment, represents our connection to our life’s purpose and spirituality

There are many ways to unblock chakras. Some of these are yoga, meditation, music, breathing, being offered reiki by a reiki practitioner, and living the “reiki way.”

The Reiki Way

If you are like me, your brain goes quickly from what to how. Here are some things I have learned about adopting the reiki mindset:

• I am a planner. But it’s amazing how calming it is to release always needing a plan and instead to repeat to myself – “just for today.” Appreciate being in the moment and focusing on the here and now.
• Notice what gives you energy and what (or who) steals your energy. Then do something about it.
• Let your real self shine through. Live authentically by ensuring your actions mirror your beliefs.
• Slow down and recognize the good in your life. Focus on the good and the good gets better.
• Recognize anger and let it go. I’m not saying don’t set boundaries or let people take advantage of you. But showing love for yourself is as important as loving others.
• Stop worrying. What can you do right now? What can you control or influence? Let the rest go.

• Compassion is the antidote to judgment. Cut everyone some slack and give the benefit of the doubt when possible. Assume positive intent.
• My favorite is to focus on love and not fear. When fear exists, it will impact our thoughts and behaviors. It inhibits us from realizing our dreams and can hurt our relationships. Love gives us a different perspective that allows courage and strength to kick in.

Because we are uniquely complex, our own take on Reiki is highly individualized. There’s no right or wrong way to incorporate the Reiki principles into your life.

How Can the Reiki Way Help You Be a Better Leader?

Great leaders learn to understand themselves first. They are authentic, honest, share their knowledge, and give of their time. Rather than being self-sacrificing, they find balance between setting boundaries and thinking about other’s perspectives. They let go of anger, blame and ego to create collaboration and common ground. And they have high emotional intelligence and self-compassion. They know that they don’t have to agree with someone to understand them or show compassion.

Your Journey

Recently, I became a Reiki Master. You may think that is the end of my reiki journey but it’s not. I’m still evolving and appreciating who I am more and more each day. I encourage you to take a breath and explore the treasures you bring to the world. In the words of the great Dolly Parton, “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.”