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.
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.
