In teaching the Reiki system, we often discuss the curriculum: what techniques to include, how many hours, or how to get students. But we very seldom talk about mindset. Yet mindset is the key that can open the door to truly understanding and integrating the Reiki system into our lives.
Here are a few qualities that come to mind when I think of the right mindset for the different levels. These are by no means the only ones, but they carry a seed that can blossom into a beautiful practice at each level.
All levels
Shoshin (Beginner’s Mind): Reiki is not just a series of tools to be learned. Each meditation, protocol, and technique has unlimited layers of meanings, waiting to be discovered through constant practice and an open mind. By our willingness to approach and study them like a beginner would, no matter how advanced we are. For example, a Reiki 1 teaching may feel very different when approached with a few years of Reiki 3 practice under your belt.
If we feel we know all there is to know about Reiki practice, that is the first clue we need to adopt a beginner’s mind and revisit our practice.
Reiki 1
Discovery: Reiki is different than regular training, and it’s not a linear path. It’s ok not to know, ask questions, feel awkward, or have trouble settling our minds. You are not meant to know or do things easily on the first go. Bring your discovery mindset: let go of the fear of making mistakes and looking silly and immerse yourself into your practice instead.
Discipline: The name says it all: Reiki practice. Although you may have beautiful experiences when you practice here and there, constant diligent practice is what brings true transformation and understanding. After all, that’s why Mikao Usui pointed toward this in the Reiki principles (Gyo-o Hageme: practice diligently/work hard).
Patience: No matter what stage of practice you are in, you experience plateaus. Periods when nothing is happening. Often, Reiki 1 practitioners start doubting or get frustrated and drop off. Be patient. On the other side of these plateaus, new insights await.
Reiki 2
Curiosity and exploration: You already know the foundations and are now getting new tools, like the symbols and mantras. Don’t just practice with these symbols following a protocol. Meditate with them: visualize them, chant their mantras, reflect on their meaning and how they feel in your body. Use your personal practice to explore. We all experience and express Reiki practice differently. Find your way. And then don’t attach to it. Keep exploring, so your practice evolves with you.
Compassion: This quality is deeply related to the third symbol and mantra and is the culmination of our practice as indicated by the Reiki principles. Meet yourself where you are with compassion. Every. Time. You. Practice. If today your mind didn’t settle, that is ok. Let it go. If a session didn’t go the way you wanted, don’t feel like you failed. If you…
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