Growing a Reiki Garden

For as long as I can remember, gardens have been a part of my life. Growing up in a gardening family, we had a large vegetable patch every summer, a tradition I continued when I left home. Planting, nurturing, and ultimately harvesting and enjoying the fruits (and vegetables) of one’s labors is fulfilling and satisfying. And, working in the garden has always been therapeutic for me. Communing with Mother Earth, digging deep into Her, and feeling the aliveness of the soil, plants, and creatures that live within Her was a soothing balm for whatever problem or challenge I faced. The garden was a healing space where I could simply Be, and allow Mother to nurture me as I nurtured Her plants.

My garden took on even greater significance after Reiki arrived in my life. As I slowly surrendered to the wisdom of its loving energy in all aspects of my life, my innate compassion and sense of Oneness developed and grew. Over time, my humble garden became a symbol of my abiding affection and love for Mother Earth and all She provides. Through my garden, I became a visible extension of Her as I cared for the plants that would eventually nourish my family’s bodies as She nourishes all of us every day – in every way.

As Reiki practitioners, we share a unique ability to bring healing and light to all situations, circumstances and spaces, such as your garden. By doing so, we reap benefits for all levels of our being, individually and collectively. If you are new to or curious about Reiki gardening, I describe some of its benefits below and offer some simple suggestions and tips to help you find inspiration for your own Reiki Garden.

Growing a Reiki Garden

At its core, Reiki is a beautifully simple practice, and so is growing a Reiki Garden. The practice of Reiki primarily involves setting an intention and allowing the loving energy to flow, whether through the hands, feet, eyes or from our whole being. Remember that energy follows intention, so establishing a clear one is essential.

Following Reiki’s example, my intentions tend to be simple as well. The intention for the garden also encompasses my home, property, and all that dwell therein, as I intend that the garden, its surroundings, and all who live there be filled with Reiki and blessed by the continuous flow of its loving energy, in accordance with the Highest Good. As a personal preference, I typically invoke the Holy Fire symbol during the intention. Of course, you may use whatever symbol(s) you are guided to use, or choose to proceed without symbols.

In preparing to spend time in the garden, I clear and cleanse my energy and send Reiki to the gardening tools and any equipment I may use. I invoke the Holy Fire symbol in the air and then “step” into the symbol so that its energy envelops me. I also draw it and the Power Symbol in my palms as I begin the flow of Reiki.

When working in the garden, I am conscious of Reiki’s energy flow and always feel a sense of…