Deborah Lloyd's Blog

This week, I had two seemingly unrelated things happen where the second event seemed like an extension of the first event. The first occurrence was a conversation I had with a potential Reiki client. When answering the “What is Reiki?” question, I commented the source of Reiki is Universal Life Force Energy. She had a strong reaction. She stated she is not sure God even exists, as there is no reason why a supposedly-loving God would permit so many bad things in our world. She listed wars, hunger, greed, pollution, etc. So, I responded that I understand her point; there are many problems in our world. Then, I talked about the gift of free will, and each person’s responsibility to make loving choices, or not. Eventually, she agreed world problems are caused by self-centered human beings, not the Divine. After our conversation, I sent loving energy to all people who live in negativity and self-centeredness.

Later in the week, I read a lovely book containing angel messages. Many world problems that the woman mentioned to me were also discussed by the angels. Their messages were loud and clear, and full of encouragement. They urged all people who live in light to ask for their assistance and to intentionally bring love and light into the world – now. They are waiting for our invitations to bring peace on earth. Every message in the book ended with the phrase, All is Well.

There were times when the “All is Well” phrase did not seem to match the angels’ descriptions of how the proliferation of negative energies are creating world problems. At first glance, it seems to be a dichotomy, but it is not. All is Well is an expression of faith and hope. It is placing trust in the gift of our authentic power to be able to bring healing to the world. We have the ability to create world peace, or world destruction. We can make the choice to create individual lives of balance, or lives with upside-down priorities.

All is Well is a recognition that difficult times are part and parcel of life on earth. Difficult times are when we learn life’s hardest lessons. Our souls require these lessons for spiritual growth and understanding. Although it seems paradoxical that living in the light, or enlightenment, would be harder to achieve if our lives were a bed of roses – it is true! It is part of the human condition. Any of us can reflect on our times of great spiritual growth and recognize these times occurred during the most challenging circumstances we’ve ever faced.

Using Reiki reminds us, every time, of the essential life lesson of All is Well. When a stressed-out client enters our treatment rooms, or a troubled friend asks for a few minutes of Reiki, or we do a much-needed self-treatment, the energy of the receiver changes in a positive way. Although the life problems may still exist, the new energy is one of peace and calmness. The receiver has found a renewed mind, body, spirit balance. The Universal Life Force Energy has connected us to the Divine and – All is well!

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Recently, another Reiki Master commented she often tells her students, “Reiki evolves with you.” As soon as I heard this statement, I knew it was profound. I have been pondering and meditating on this thought ever since! There are layers and layers of meaning within it.

Anyone who has used Reiki consistently, for more than a year or two, will tell you their experience with Reiki has changed, and continues to change. They report a closer connection to The Universe, and there is a growing trust that Spirit is working with them during sessions. Frequently, the practitioner feels, or intuits, spiritual guidance on where to place their hands where healing is especially needed. They may receive energetic impressions, or specific messages. They move from a belief that healing energies emanate from their hands, to knowing this is true. Knowing the Divine is always available for healing is an essential step in the process of becoming a Reiki practitioner.

The personal ego of seeing oneself as a healer evolves into the realization that one is merely the channel for Divine Healing. What happens on the Reiki table, and beyond, surpasses anything a human being can do.  The definition of a miracle is an extraordinary event that surpasses all natural, human powers, and comes from the supernatural world. Anyone who consistently works with Reiki can list many miracles they have witnessed – whether it is a physical cure; the release of an emotional block held for many years by a client; spiritual growth through forgiveness or greater understanding by a client. Healing is possible in all mind, body, spirit aspects of a person, as it is from the Source.

As Reiki assists us in becoming more aware of the Divine, many wonderful things begin to happen in our lives. Our eyes open to many exciting synchronicities and signs. Making good decisions about material possessions becomes easier. Healthy relationships are greatly desired, and attainable. Ascertaining our life purpose becomes clearer. A persona of peaceful harmony, with ourselves and with others, is developed. Our world has been transformed. Reiki evolves with us.

All of us forgot that Unconditional Love has always been available in our lives, as we were often told we were not good enough, did not pray hard enough, or many other falsehoods. We developed our thought and belief systems around these untruths for years and decades. It takes time to fully integrate Truth into our beings, once again.

The words “with you” are vital. This means that we are never alone in our spiritual journey. We are always supported and given many opportunities for spiritual growth. Frequently, we think we are all alone. Nothing can be further from the Truth!

If you have not realized an evolution with Reiki – yet – continue with your Reiki practice and actively pursue healing. Every time you connect with Source, the opportunity for healing is present. Ask for release of any emotional or spiritual block that is bringing disharmony to your life. Ask for guidance – and doors will be opened for you – it may come in the form of a person, a book, an inspired thought. Keep working with Reiki and any other modality of healing that you feel will assist you on your journey.

Don’t forget: Reiki evolves with you. Be open to this amazing journey!

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When I attended my Reiki I class years ago, the concept of a healing crisis was presented to us, in case we experienced one during practice sessions, or within the next few days. I continue to discuss the concept, when teaching Reiki at all levels. I remind the attendees that not only can this happen for them; it can also happen for their clients during or after a Reiki session. It can feel disturbing for both the receiver and giver. Let’s give this concept a deeper look.

There can be various meanings placed on the phrase “healing crisis.” Healing is more than curing physical symptoms, or making us feel better about a situation that no longer serves our life purpose. For some, healing means accepting a chronic condition or a terminal illness. Although Reiki may alleviate pain or stiffness, the illness does not go away. The client can become more accepting of the condition, with each Reiki session.

Often, when clients are faced with the reality that a choice may no longer be serving them, it can feel like a crisis. While many of us see a crisis as a negative experience, it can actually be a positive event in our lives. A crisis can mean someone is at a crossroads, or a turning point. It is the time when a decision has to be made to either continue on with current choices, or forge a new path in your life.

Recently, a client of mine faced such a decision. She came to the session with complaints of ongoing, increasingly more severe stomachaches. She had seen a specialist who gave her a medication. If the pain continued, the next step would be a battery of gastrointestinal testing. During the session, there were several blockages in her solar plexus chakra area. The impression I received is that she felt disempowered and “stuck.” When I shared this impression, she immediately resonated with the message. She talked about her career as owner of a restaurant her now-deceased father had built. She felt no passion for the business, but also felt a responsibility to keep the business in the family, as he had always wanted. Her secret desire was to be a nurse, bringing comfort to the elderly. The idea of selling the restaurant and attending nursing school was both exciting, and frightening. She stated she felt powerless (not wanting to disappoint her father) and powerful (if she sold the restaurant, she’d have enough income to pay for nursing school and pay her bills). She was in a turmoil, and her stomach was paying the price. During further discussion, she stated she had been thinking about seeing a psychotherapist, and I supported that idea. Within several weeks, the stomachaches disappeared as the client decided to follow her dream of becoming a nurse.

In this situation, the client embraced the idea of getting to the root of the problem and making a decision. Other clients, however, may have stayed stuck in a career that is not in alignment with their life purpose. It is easy to find reasons not to make changes in our lives. The all-knowing and all-loving Reiki energies can bring these emotions to the surface, creating a healing crisis. We have a choice – we can stay with the familiar and continue with non-life-giving commitments. Or, we can make changes.

So, if you have a client who informs you they had uncomfortable feelings, or aches and pains, during or after a session, remind yourself that Reiki never harms, it always helps. Gently remind the client these things happened for a reason, and it is part of their healing process. We do not even need to know the details of their lives to know that Reiki always brings a person closer to true healing, in whatever form is needed for them.  A healing crisis is one of the greatest gifts of Reiki.

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Many Reiki practitioners have pondered the question: Why does it seem receiving Reiki from another person is better than doing self-treatments of Reiki? Since Reiki is Universal Life Force Energy, there are no differences in the quality, or amount, of healing energy being channeled during self-treatments. However, there are other differences worth exploring…

All of us are human beings! Therefore, we bring our human needs, our life experiences, and emotions into the session when receiving Reiki from another. There are special gifts received during the exchange of Reiki between two people. There is the touch of another pair of hands – so soft, warm and comforting. The skin, a living organ of the body, delights in this extraordinary skin-to-skin contact. The practitioner is a testimony to the compassion and caring that is possible in human interactions.

Even though you may receive spiritual guidance for others while giving Reiki, this may not occur as easily during self-treatment sessions. Or, if you do receive intuitive guidance, you may find yourself dismissing the thoughts, or thinking about the message itself. Sometimes, there is a loss of objectivity, since the message is given directly to you. Another issue may be that it is more difficult, or seemingly impossible, to detect energy blockages or imbalances where they exist, within your own energetic field. When you simply relax as a recipient, and let another Reiki practitioner channel the energy, you have a more passive role. You can calm your mind, release any thoughts that may arise, and simply enjoy the experience. For many, it is easier to find the inner stillness when receiving, rather than giving, Reiki to ourselves.

When there are two Reiki practitioners involved in a session, amazing things can happen.  One plus one is so much more than two! A special bond of understanding is created when two Reiki practitioners work together. As both people have experienced the attunement process and opened their beings to this healing modality, a unique aspect is brought into the relationship of giver and receiver. The mutual experience of Reiki practice brings a deep wisdom, a knowing, to the session, as both persons understand the unlimited possibilities of Reiki.

But, let me emphasize this again – the quality and amount of Reiki healing energies are not diminished during self-treatments. These energies are just as powerful and healing, as those received from another practitioner. The real difference lies in our subjective experience of the events; this is not a negative thing, but rather simply a part of being human, with our own thoughts and feelings. Do not set aside self-treatments, rather use self-treatments frequently, even daily. Occasionally, treat yourself to a Reiki session, because you will benefit from it and simply enjoy the session. It is always a wonderful blessing in our lives!

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Reiki Rays: Reiki, Drinking Water and Positive Thoughts

It was quite a few years ago when a friend lent me a copy of Masaru Emoto’s book, The Hidden Messages in Water. I was simply blown away! Although my understanding of energy had grown immensely since learning Reiki, seeing actual photos of water crystals deepened this understanding even more. Dr. Emoto had performed a number of experiments where water had been polluted and then loving thoughts were sent to it. Photos of water crystals “before and after” demonstrated how much these thoughts improved the water crystals. Before the experiment began, the crystals were deformed and dark. After positive energy was sent, crystals from the same water source were perfectly shaped and stunningly beautiful.

Drinking clean, healthy water has always been a priority of mine. But, we took it a step further, by adding positive energy to it. It became a ritual in our household to tape loving words on the bottom of our water pitcher, or to send Reiki to any drinking water we imbibed.

However, the most important lesson of Dr. Emoto’s work is the effects of thoughts on physical substances, such as water. In the same way, our thoughts have a direct effect on other people. During one Reiki session, a client presented with back pain. I received the message she was under psychic attack, being “stabbed in the back” by other people’s thoughts. Since this is a regular client, and I knew her spiritual beliefs are very open, I shared this message with her. She stated the message described her work environment exactly. Due to an unpopular stance she took, several coworkers were spreading untrue rumors, attacking her integrity. We discussed ways she could protect herself energetically each day, when she entered her workplace. Her back pain soon disappeared.

Our thoughts about ourselves and our actions are also very powerful, and affect our own energy levels. Think about a time when you felt disappointed in yourself, or ashamed of an action you took. How harsh were your judgments? What words of criticism did you use? Now, think about your body’s energy level for the next minutes, or hours. Were you tired, irritable and tense? Did you feel despondent and sad?

Let’s rewrite the script, by using this imaginative exercise. Focus on that same situation, when you felt disappointment or shame. But, this time, talk to yourself in a loving way. Tell yourself that you could have made better choices, but you learned a good life lesson and will not do it again. Forgive yourself. Remind yourself you are a human being who is always unconditionally loved by the Divine. Check in with your feelings – you may be feeling calm and peaceful, and perhaps giving gratitude for yet another opportunity to grow.

Sadly, Dr. Emoto died last month, at the age of 71 years. Let’s send him positive thoughts and love for being a great teacher to all of us. I will think of him every time I see my joyful words on the bottom of my water pitcher!

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Grief is one of the most powerful emotions a person can experience. When someone you love dies, your heart fills with sadness and pain, as the realization you will not have that person in your life continues to surprise, again and again, throughout the following weeks and months. Reiki can bring comfort and peace during this long journey, in many different ways.

Reiki brings a calming perspective to a person’s being. Susan was the primary caregiver for her husband who died from pancreatic cancer. She was exhausted and remained overwhelmed with feelings of guilt and inadequacy, although she provided excellent care to him. She wondered what she would do with the long days ahead, with no essential caregiving tasks to be completed. The healing power of Reiki can give Susan, truly an unsung hero, much-needed rest and reassurance.

Attending to normal life activities became increasingly difficult during her grieving process. Completing regular chores like buying groceries, cooking and cleaning the house challenged her. Through a friend’s encouragement, Susan scheduled a Reiki session. She slept almost the entire hour and felt refreshed afterwards. The world seemed a little brighter that day.

Reiki can bring a feeling of equilibrium back into someone’s life, and often it begins with a good sleep. Often, grieving people have a hard time falling asleep, awaken frequently throughout the night, and generally feel unrested in the morning. Sleep deprivation greatly affects physical and emotional energies, delaying the grieving process. Reiki can help to restore a regular sleeping pattern, positively affecting all areas of a person’s life.

Reiki also serves to remind us that each of us is connected to Divine Healing Energy and other spiritual realities. Through practicing Reiki, many of us have developed a stronger understanding of all the spiritual support that is available to us.

After another session, Susan realized she felt less lonely and felt the presence of her husband around the house. Our loved ones and our ancestors continue to be a part of our lives. They communicate with us in dreams and inspirational thoughts. They provide protection and support during difficult times. They give us signs and orchestrate synchronicities to remind us they are watching over us. While this was part of Susan’s belief system, his presence became a reality to her.

If a grieving client doubts this possibility, gently encourage him look into it further. There are numerous television and radio programs, dozens and dozens of books, blogs, websites, etc., that a person can investigate. What a difference it makes when a grieving person truly believes the deceased one has only departed physically, and is still alive and well, aware of happenings on earth.

Reiki is not a quick fix technique, simply taking away the hurt. Rather, it is a gentle, loving modality helping us to remember we are never alone. As Reiki practitioners, we are called to share this loving gift with grieving persons. We become a reminding vehicle that Divine Love exists. Each of us will have grief in our lives. Let us use Reiki, for others and ourselves, to support us through this difficult – and life-enriching – process.

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When a person decides to live her life based on the Reiki ideals, many wonderful changes will happen. Although forgiveness of others is usually not listed as a Reiki ideal, forgiveness is an essential step for healing oneself and living in wholeness. When a person remembers a painful event, and holds onto hurtful, distressing feelings, peacefulness is difficult, if not impossible, to attain.

Forgiveness does not mean the harmful words and actions targeted at you are acceptable. To forgive does not mean you condone or excuse harmful actions committed by another. Forgiveness is not for the other person, but for you. And, it does not mean you have to forget the action. Most likely, there are life lessons in the event – for both of you. Forgiveness is a purposeful action to heal the heart and soul of the one who was hurt. Holding onto pain, anger and revenge never serves one well; it can damage a person’s spirit even more than the original event.

Reiki is the great releasing force! As this powerful healing energy is brought into a person’s mind, body, and spirit aspects, anger and revenge can dissipate. However, Reiki is not a magic wand – have a session, and all the negativity goes away. Rather, the receiver opens up to the possibility of healing, is given spiritual nudges, and awakens to the true mind, body, spirit connection. Often, we need to use our minds, our thinking selves, to move negative energies from our beings.

True forgiveness is an active, mindful process. The first step in this process is making the decision – setting the intention – to forgive the person for the wrong they committed against you. This can be done privately, by making the statement silently. Or, you can write down the intention, to ground it. It can be the beginning of a journal entry, adding new thoughts and perceptions along the way.

Next, the forgiving one develops an understanding of what the other person’s intention really was. It is getting outside of your own thoughts and feelings, and stepping into the other person’s shoes. Journaling on this aspect can bring some objectivity and enlightenment, as empathy towards the other grows.

Then, the statement of forgiveness is made. Depending on the circumstances, it may be done face-to-face; through a delivered, or undelivered, letter; or stating it out loud, in private. The important aspect is expressing the statement and feeling the emotions in your heart. When these emotions are transformed, your energy moves from negativity to love.

Forgiveness is truly one of the most powerful healing experiences a person can have. When we become open to all the ways Reiki can bring love into our lives, the release of emotional baggage is always part of the journey. Reiki is always a powerful pathway to serenity and peace.

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Just like our refrigerators and cupboard shelves demonstrate our food choices, our medicine cabinets are an indicator of our beliefs about medications. Medications are simply chemical agents that work with the body chemistry to elicit an outcome. These chemicals can take away aches and pains, lift depression, cure the common cold, and so on. Many times, these chemicals do exactly that – and the purpose of this article is not to criticize, or question the use of medications. In many cases, medications can be helpful, or necessary.

However, all of us should thoughtfully consider our own personal use of medications. When you have an ache or pain, what is your first action? Do you run to your medicine cabinet and find a pain reliever? Or, do you take the Reiki path? The Reiki path is a natural, holistic option.

You wake up with lower back pain, a not uncommon occurrence. Rather than take a pill for this, you activate your Reiki connection, and place your hands on your lower back, for fifteen minutes. Immediately, you feel a decrease in the physical pain. You also use the fifteen minutes to consider why you are having this pain and ask for spiritual guidance to find the true cause. You think about the previous day and realize how stressful it was for you; you acknowledge the fact you did not make time to do any physical stretching or exercise. You decide you will have some physical activity today.

Then, a new thought (it seems it came out of nowhere) arrives; you remember something you read several months earlier – one emotional cause of lower back pain is approaching life in an inflexible manner. You remember the argument you had with your spouse last evening when you took a stance and held onto it firmly, not listening to her opinions or feelings about the matter. You were even pleased with yourself that you did not give in! Ouch. You realize this attitude was not loving and conducive to building the close relationship you desire, and it manifested itself in a physical form, in your back. You learn, yet again, the mind, body, spirit connection really exists. Then, you realize the thought that seemingly came from nowhere was actually from Spirit, who is guiding you to wholeness. That is living the Reiki path.

If you had taken the easy way out, by taking a pain relieving pill, you would have fixed the symptom. But, you would not have found the root causes of the physical pain – the stressful day, the lack of exercise, the inflexibility you brought into your most meaningful relationship. The “quick fix”, the pill, would have prevented you from engaging in this thoughtful, learning process.

Living the Reiki path applies to the smallest decisions in our lives. My back hurts – what do I do? I feel a cold coming on – what steps do I take to prevent it? The greatest gift of Reiki is the opportunity to become more connected to the healing, loving energies of the Universe, in the everyday aspects of our lives.

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The Reiki ideal, “just for today…do not worry” seems simple enough, yet often we forget to live this powerful ideal. A life with no worries – is that even possible in today’s complex world?

Using Reiki on a daily basis can certainly help each of us to reach this goal. Our perspective on dealing with life’s challenges can shift. Rather than meeting a troubling situation with anxiety-filled thoughts, we can meet the challenge with a calmer attitude. Let’s look at an everyday situation, from the eyes of a Reiki practitioner.

Your partner works in a corporation where sales have gone down and layoffs seem inevitable. He is living in fear, wondering how the two of you will pay the mortgage and other bills, if he is suddenly unemployed. Your income as a Reiki practitioner varies month-to-month, so a certain amount of needed income may, or may not, be realized. You have a choice – you can also fill yourself with anxiety, or you can bring a healing energy to the relationship.

If you truly believe everything happens for a reason, you will approach the situation with calm and peace. You remember there are opportunities in every dark cloud, and you bring that belief into your home. Rather than focusing on potential losses, you start focusing on new possibilities. Maybe a layoff will assist your partner in leaving a job that he never really liked. Maybe this is the time to return to college, or forge a second career.

The important aspect to recognize is that worry (a negative energy, arising from fear) is the opposite of calmness (a positive energy, arising from love). Thoughts of fear will attract fear-ridden circumstances while thoughts of calmness will attract peaceful solutions.

Because each of us is human, this is easier said than done. The first step in developing a peace-filled life is to become aware of any worry-filled thought. Then, focus on changing the thought, just for the present moment. Just for today – just for now – do not worry. Each present moment will lead into the next, and the next, and the next. A shift has occurred.

Another technique for calming worries is to take the opposite tactic – travel deeply into the anxiety and figure out what part is actually making you nervous. It is working through the anxiety, not circumventing it. Revisiting the possible unemployment, ask yourself, “What is the worst thing that could happen?” In this case, you two determine the worst thing would be needing to sell your house and moving into a rental apartment. With more discussion, you realize that is not so terrible, after all; it is truly manageable. You still have each other, your good health, your friends, your Reiki practice – and your partner has more time to pursue a new beginning. The anxiety level has diminished. You feel gratitude for all the blessings in your lives. So often, we live in anxiety, but have not defined what it is that bothers us so much.

If you have difficulties with changing thoughts, use Reiki frequently. Place one hand on the side of your head, and the other over your heart – connect the love energy with your cognitive abilities. Send distant healing energies to the situation. Rather than asking Reiki to solve a problem, ask Reiki to go to the best solution possible. Don’t be surprised if the outcome is better than you ever imagined possible! The Source knows the whole picture and will provide loving energy and guidance, if you simply remain open and connected.

Just for today…don’t worry. Be happy.

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At our Reiki II class many years ago, a fellow student challenged our Reiki Master about her practice of charging for Reiki sessions. He stated since healing energies are a gift from the Source, how could she ask people to pay for treatments; he declared he would never consider charging anyone for this gift. She replied with grace and ease, “Oh, I am not charging for the healing energies. My charges are for my rental space, my liability insurance, the massage table, laundry and supplies. And, my time – it too has value.” While the student disagreed with this line of thought, I have never forgotten it. This conversation has led me to contemplate this issue many times over the years.

When a client agrees to pay your designated charge, the client is making a statement. “I want to try this form of healing and it is worth the amount you charge. I recognize the value of your work.” Of course, a Reiki practitioner can rightfully decide to make exceptions, in certain circumstances, to offer discounted, or free, sessions.

There is a concept that all of us must consider – the energy exchange. In the world of economics, setting a fair price for a product or service is done by determining its value for the customer. If the price is too high, no one will purchase it. If it is too low, the value is diminished. In the same way, when a Reiki practitioner offers services to the public, there are expenses and hours of time involved. Unless one is already wealthy, charging for the service is usually a necessity. For the client, choosing to spend money on Reiki may mean choosing not to do something else – a choice that demonstrates the value placed on the treatment.

Money is not the only way to do an energy exchange. Bartering can be a valid method. For those clients who desire Reiki treatments, there are many ways they can pay for your efforts. They may have homegrown vegetables, books they have read, or handmade knitted items to give you. Or, they may be able to provide a service, such as website development, videotaping, or doing some yard work. The only caution about bartering – begin by agreeing that both must be honest and feel comfortable the trade is even. Otherwise, the energy exchange will be tainted with negative feelings. Never a good way to start a healing modality trade! If there is truly nothing you can find for bartering – and you decide circumstances call for a free session – the client can at least provide word-of-mouth referrals, or internet reviews.

One of my favorite barters is to exchange sessions with other energy practitioners. Through bartering, I have experienced tuning fork, jin shin jyutsu, intuitive readings, massage and other healing modalities. Not only did I introduce Reiki to others, I found another way to network with like-minded professional folks. I have also had success in bartering with experienced people in social media and computer work, to further enhance my Reiki practice.

The purpose of this discussion is not to suggest there is only one right way to think about the topic of energy exchange. Rather, the purpose is to encourage mindful, deliberate consideration of an important aspect of Reiki practice. If you are faced with a situation where you are uncertain how to handle it, discuss with fellow practitioners. Also, ask for spiritual guidance – you will receive great advice!

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