Welcome to the world of Reiki! This ancient practice, dating back centuries and originating from Japan, is a holistic form of healing that seeks to bring together mind, body and spirit. If you’ve been looking for ways to incorporate more balance into your life, look no further – the five Reiki principles are here!
These concepts are at the core of this practice, and they can be applied to our lives in many different ways. In this article, we’ll explore how these principles – just by being aware of them – can help promote wellness in your everyday life.
From embracing gratitude to being mindful of your mood, you’ll discover ways to bring more balance, joy and harmony into your life. So let’s dive in and get started!
What Is Reiki?
Reiki is an energy healing therapy that works to restore balance and harmony from within. By allowing access to this life force energy, it helps bring the body, mind, and spirit back into alignment, allowing for positive changes to take place.
Originally developed in Japan by Dr. Usui around 1922, Reiki has gained popularity across the globe and has even become somewhat of a household name. No matter your age or situation, anyone can benefit from the healing power of Reiki.
Over the years five Reiki principles were incorporated into the practice. They provide an incredibly valuable guide for living a healthier, more present life. By teaching us to put others first and find our centre within, they offer us a unique opportunity to heighten our awareness of ourselves and those around us.
They act as both an energetic and spiritual reset button, allowing us to step out of whatever we are facing with a gaze towards love rather than fear – no small feat in today’s world! Although the premise of Reiki may seem simple on its surface, living by these principles can be highly rewarding when we make them part of our daily routine.
The 5 Reiki Principles
Just for today…
#1 - I Will Not Be Angry
Anger is a natural emotion, and it can be beneficial to express it in certain situations. However, too much anger or conveying it in an unhealthy way can have serious consequences on both mental and physical health.
Practising the first Reiki principle of not being angry can help you keep your emotions in check and improve your overall wellbeing. This means learning to identify when you are feeling angry, and understanding how to express it in a healthy way.
It also involves being aware of the physical sensations associated with anger, such as increased heart rate and muscle tension. When you notice your body’s responses, you can better understand how to control them.
It is also important to practise mindful breathing when feeling angry. This includes taking deep breaths and focusing on the breath, allowing yourself to relax and clear away any negative thoughts or emotions. Taking a few moments out of your day to practise mindful breathing can help you maintain a calmer mind and body.
#2 - I will not worry
One of the most challenging aspects of life is learning how to deal with worries, both big and small. Worrying can consume us and make us feel overwhelmed. The second Reiki principle encourages us to let go of our worries.
Give yourself the freedom and space not to think about or be concerned with what may happen. By focusing on the present moment, rather than worrying about potential future events, we can create an environment of peace and acceptance within ourselves.
The practice of mindfulness can help us stay in the present moment and avoid worries. Bring your attention to what is happening right now without judgement or criticism. Instead of letting your mind spiral out of control, you can use mindfulness to stay grounded in the present moment.
By being mindful and releasing worries, we create an environment where we can show ourselves love and compassion. We also need to be gentle with ourselves when it comes to worrying. It’s ok if you still feel anxious or scared at times. When we take the time to recognise our emotions and be calm, we can develop a sense of inner peace that will help us release any worries.
#3 - I will be grateful
The third of the five Reiki principles is to have a sense of gratitude for all that you have. Being grateful helps us to live our lives with greater awareness and appreciation. It creates an attitude of contentment and satisfaction and allows us to better enjoy the present moment.
Gratitude can be expressed in many different ways. We can incorporate gratitude into our daily lives by showing appreciation to a friend or family member, offering a kind gesture or saying thank you when given something.
We can also take time each day for reflection and meditation on what we are grateful for. Doing this can help us to experience more joy and contentment in life, and to stay connected to the present moment.
Gratitude also helps us to release negative emotions such as anger or resentment. By being grateful for what we have in our lives, we can let go of any emotions that are no longer serving us. This allows us to move forward with a positive attitude, and experience greater overall wellness.
Practising gratitude through the five Reiki principles can also help to increase our intuition and connection to the universe. By taking time each day to reflect on what we are grateful for, we can begin to open ourselves up to divine guidance, which can be incredibly empowering.
#4 - I will do my work honestly
Integrity is key to embracing the practice of Reiki healing. This principle encourages us to stay true to ourselves and our beliefs. We must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything we do so that our work has the best possible effect on those who are connected to it.
We should also be mindful of our own motivations and desires, so as to ensure that all healing is done with the utmost respect for the individual receiving it. By adhering to this principle, we can ensure that we remain true to our inherent nature which is good and true.
You must work without corruption. This can be done by avoiding bribery, kickbacks and other forms of unethical behaviour that could negatively influence you. If we’re living a life of integrity, then making sure that our actions are consistently conscious and ethical should become second nature to us.
Not only does it build trust with the people with whom we work, but it also helps to ensure a sense of personal satisfaction when we look back over our completed tasks and know, without a doubt, all of the hard work we put into them. After all, there’s no greater reward than knowing you did your job honestly.
#5 - I Will Be Kind To Every Living Thing
This simple but powerful statement is the last of the five Reiki principles, and it’s part of why so many people find solace in Reiki. The idea that we should practise kindness toward all living things — animals, plants, people etc — can help to create a sense of inner peace and understanding.
On an even deeper level, this principle can also lead to a greater appreciation of the natural world, and ultimately to a healthier lifestyle. In our daily lives, we might not always remember to be kind to all living things.
However, even small acts of kindness toward ourselves and others can have a profound effect on our mental health and well-being. Taking time out of your day to practise self-care and compassion, or even offering a compliment to a stranger can have lasting impacts.
Being mindful of the language we use — both with ourselves and others — is also an important part of being kind. Kindness really does come full circle. When we show tenderness to others, we create a ripple effect that has the potential to positively affect many people. It can also bring us a sense of joy, as it reaffirms our connection with the world around us.
Ultimately, being kind to every living thing is an essential part of promoting wellness and inner peace. Showing compassion toward ourselves and others may not always be easy, but it’s well worth the effort.
The five Reiki principles are a great reminder that we can use in our everyday lives to promote wellness. Taking the time to practise them will have a positive impact on your mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health.
Our minds, bodies and souls need balance in order to find true peace and joy. By following the five Reiki principles, we can create a state of balance that will promote overall wellness and peace. So take some time to practise the principles today and start creating your own path to wellness. Namaste!
