coping

Communication, education, and ethics- these are my coping strategies for these scary times.

consent for Reiki

Many people have questions about consent for Reiki.

Sharing Reiki, that is. Of course self-Reiki is the foundation of our practice. And Reiki is primarily a philosophy and life-style. Still, many people instantly go to sharing hands-on, when they think of Reiki. So that's what I'm looking at here.

As a nurse, I heartily support the ethical concept of autonomy, manifested as informed consent. So I inform and obtain consent before sharing Reiki. I keep the inform part simple. I usually say something like, "Many people find Reiki to be relaxing. Keep your clothes on and get comfortable. I'll be placing my hands on your head, shoulders to hands, and knees to feet. All you have to do is relax and breathe.... Got any questions? Want to try it?"

If the person consents, then I give a few more instructions.

"Eyes open or closed, up to you. You can shift around at any time. You may ask me questions at any time."

I keep my eyes open, so I can check on the person's facial expressions and body language. I'm there to support, encourage, and facilitate the person's journey to health. I'm there to listen and to witness. I'm reticent.

If I can't get consent, then I don't ask the higher self; I refrain. I respect the person's conscious choice. I don't force it on anyone.

Good luck.
Be well, be Reiki. 

50 states?

I'm fuzzy on Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. It was a long road trip, that one from Maine to California way back then; Utah and Colorado for sure that time. Definitely missing Alaska; probably WY, MT, and ID too. Been to all the rest. Wait, never been to Oregon. Time for another road trip!

What Level are you?

Someone asked me about another Reiki practitioner. "Is she a Master?"

I replied that she was, not that it matters.

It doesn't matter if the Reiki practitioner is Level 1, 2, or 3 (Master/Teacher). All are capable of sharing Reiki. You see, Reiki isn't about the practitioner, it's about the universal life force. The Level 1 practitioner is the same as the Level 3. All that really matters is if the Reiki practitioner has a therapeutic presence: able to listen, to be present, and to be kind. And ethical: respectful of the person's body, space, beliefs, values, and thoughts. And reticent: allow the person to experience and interpret their own visions.

You can take all the Reiki classes that you want. The energy is the same. What makes one a great practitioner is therapeutic presence, ethics, and reticence.