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You’ve heard the expression “for someone’s highest good” but do ever think about the profound meaning behind this?
If you are a healer of any sort, you probably are already familiar with this term. When a Reiki Practitioner gives a healing session, she/he may use an “invocation” at the beginning of the session to begin the flow of energy.
“I offer myself as a clear and willing channel for the Reiki energy to flow through, and for the highest good of [name of recipient]” is a common way to begin. This is usually said silently to oneself, but sometimes aloud, depending on the situation.
The incredible aspect of the Reiki energy is that it has its own innate wisdom. The energy will flow and focus on the specific area of the recipient that is most in need of healing. The practitioner does not even have to know exactly which area this is — an amazing concept! In fact, sometimes it is better not to know. This way one’s own preconceived notions about exactly what needs healing will not come into play. This makes it easier to “get out of the way” and just let the energy flow and do its own powerful work!
Sometimes even the recipient is not aware of exactly what needs healing. A person may complain of stomach pain, or digestive problems, but the actual underlying cause may be an emotional blockage that resides outside the physical body in the surrounding biofield (sometimes called an aura). The manifestation of the digestive issues may be a result of a person’s inability to “stomach” a situation in their current life, or arise from a past event or trauma.
The “highest good” for a recipient could mean healing on any level — physical, mental, emotional, spiritual — or sometimes all of the above!
Sometimes in an end-of-life situation, when we offer Reiki to someone who is terminally ill, we harbor the secret hope that maybe — just maybe — the energy will bring about a miracle. However, in our hearts, we usually know that this is not likely, and that perhaps it is just this person’s time to pass. We ask that Reiki be for his/her highest good — intending that the energy heal at every level, and certainly at this point it is usually emotional and spiritual healing. This is to help the person have a gentle, peaceful transition into the next realm. Reiki for those at the final stage of life is a beautiful, caring offering, though sometimes emotionally challenging for Practitioners.
On a high note — or a “highest good” note — since Reiki is energy and flows across time and space, I have infused this blog post with much healing energy. As you read it, may you receive this tranquil flow of energy for your own “highest good” — wherever you most need it!
The empowerment of living in the now is a unique and beneficial perspective on life. Much of the time, we let the present just slide past us, worrying too much about the future, or wallowing in the regrets of the past. Often, our minds flit from one thought to the next, and we feel fragmented and distracted.
The power of living in the now keeps us focused, centered and connected to our inner guidance. It is said that living in the present results in more vibrant feelings of well-being, calmer blood pressure, and reduction in stress. We need to train ourselves to be aware of our thinking habits.
Motivational speakers and “happiness experts” encourage us to live in the moment. Most of the time we might shrug off this advice or wonder, “what in the world does this actually mean? Will it really make a positive impact on my life?”
For me, it has been an incredibly uplifting way of living. And I believe it will make a huge difference for you if you consciously integrate this concept into your life.
This practice of being “present in the present” really impacted my thinking a number of years ago when I worked as a Veterinary Assistant. At first, I wondered if I would survive the seemingly insurmountable number of tasks that I was required to do at each evening shift. My first few times there, at the start of my shift, a whole long list of everything I had to do would play out in my head and I would almost be paralyzed with fear — fear about not knowing what to do, since this was a totally new job for me and it concerned the well-being of many animals, and fear about not being able to FINISH all that I had to do.
Thankfully, my inner voice spoke up quite clearly and told me to focus on each moment and simply complete one action at a time. Little by little, I learned to be there in the moment so I could complete the task at hand, and I became focused on doing each part of the job well. Eventually I was able to do an evening shift by myself quite easily — at peak times taking care of 35 cats and 15 dogs on my own!
Challenging, yes! But in terms of life-lessons — it was a powerful thought-changing experience. I’m no longer working at the animal clinic, but I have brought this self-empowering concept of living in the now into the rest of my life. I don’t say to ignore the future or never make a plan – but there are real joyful benefits of THE NOW.
Several times a day, actually pause and just take in what’s going on around you before rushing off to the next task. Take a minute or two to pay a little attention to anything in nature that captures your interest. (Remember that old saying “Stop and smell the roses?”) And let yourself “in-joy.” Feel the exquisite splendor of the moment, let it course through you and you will radiate with pleasure! So I share with you this moment, the gift of the now, connecting with you through time and space (and the glorious internet) and I send you light and joy!
I firmly believe we are all born with strong, competent inner guidance systems. As babies, we use those systems so well. We cry when we are hungry, thirsty or uncomfortable and for the most part, our needs are met rather quickly. We laugh, smile and show our pleasure readily. We know exactly what we want in any given moment and how to get it.
It is only as we grow and learn the so-called ways of the world from our parents, our teachers and society, that our innate guidance system usually falls to the wayside, buried deep within us and rarely called upon. However, it is still there, much like a dormant GPS system, ready to be plugged in to the energy source to accurately direct us on our impending journey.
If only we would recognize it, call upon it and trust it! Many of us learn later in life (or should I say “re-learn”) how to access its power.
We all have that familiar little voice in our heads that will direct us, if we only pay heed. It’s good to quiet your thoughts in order to better hear this direction, and let your heart be open to its guidance and advice. Just being open like this helps activate and recognize the powerful “technology” within us. How many times do we have a feeling of dread or discord within us, warning us not to do something, and yet we do it anyway and discover it was not really a good course of action, and we should have trusted our intuition?
It is only at this time of my life that I am more consciously trusting my intuitive feelings. If I get that sinking feeling in my heart and the little voice telling me “not a good idea” then I now listen to it! And I steer a different course.
This can also apply to people we meet. Though it is wonderful to be trusting, sometimes that little intuitive, sensitive voice just picks up on something, and lets us know not to let down our guard, that this person before us may not really be worthy of our trust. We need to listen to that; sometimes our own safety may depend upon it!
If you follow the teachings of Abraham (Abraham-Hicks.com) then you’ve heard the consistent lesson that being happy, successful and at peace with the world are readily attained by simply following this inner guidance “technology.” Abraham uses the GPS navigational analogy often, to remind us when we are off course, as the GPS voice command advises, “Please return to the highlighted route.” We, too, need to return to our own highlighted route when we have inadvertently veered in an incorrect direction.
A simple example in my life happened a few days ago on a car trip. My car was extremely low on gas, but I figured I would just fill up on my return home. Then I heard that inner voice very clearly directing me, “no, do it now”. So I made the stop at the gas station, even though I really just needed to be on my way. It turned out that there was an accident on the parkway heading out, so I was caught in traffic. There was a worse accident on my way home, and my trip took double the time it should have, as I sat in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Had I not filled up, the fuel tank would have been perilously close to “empty.” So I was quite glad to have trusted my intuition!
“He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has.” – Epictetus (Greek Philosopher)
 I am thankful for all the good in my life! What a perfect time to reflect on gratitude with Thanksgiving just about here! The 5 Reiki Precepts, which form a solid foundation for the system of Reiki, include being thankful. “Just for today, I will be grateful for the blessings in my life.”
Yes, our lives are filled with challenges and obstacles. But everyone’s life is also filled with abundant blessings. It has been shown that people who regularly lead lives filled with gratitude are generally happier and experience an increased level of prosperity in their lives.
It brings us to a joyful place when we focus upon gratitude and appreciation. As we occupy this place/space of gratitude, our attention is directed to the abundance and splendor that already exists in our own lives. This attracts more of the same into our lives — so increased abundance and increased happiness start flowing into our reality!
I find that of all the Precepts, gratitude is the one that is most challenging for me. But it is something I have consciously made part of my “inner work”. The more I bring real feelings of gratitude into my life, the better my life becomes.
So bring the concept and practice of being truly grateful into your own experience, and not just around this time of year either. Make gratitude a part of who you are, and keep it alive in your heart all year long…
Here are some Gratitude Affirmations for you:
- I gratefully accept all the wealth and happiness that the Universe provides for me every day
- I am thankful for all the love in my life
- With loving gratitude, I notice all of the beauty and grace that that surrounds me
I was moved to write this after sitting through an hour-long video segment on road rage at the Defensive Driver class I recently took to help lower my car insurance rates. It saddens me that there even has to be a lengthy lesson about how to handle angry drivers. Unfortunately, road rage has been on the rise and the fatality rate stemming from this is downright scary.
People become enraged for many reasons, but aside from outright mental illness and being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, people’s feelings stem from a variety of factors. They could be angry at a spouse, family member, coworker. They could be frustrated, may have lost a job, etc. Economic times are conducive to this kind of behavior. Some people claim to be in a “bad place”. Hopefully you will never come in contact with a real problem driver — or have any such hostile, disconnected feelings yourself.
The point is safety on the road, and respect for others in their vehicles. I’ve been using “Road Reiki”. No, it’s certainly not in any manual. And it’s not a guarantee of safety, but it’s a little energetic tool to help us as we are on our vehicular journeys. For those who are Practitioners (particularly Level 2 or above), as you approach your car, you can call upon your symbol system to empower your upcoming trip, however short or long it will be.
For everyone – Practitioner or not – just feel the energy surrounding your vehicle and imagine it is filled with light and positive vibrations of complete safety. Intend for your trip to be safe and smooth (intention is important). Intend to be focused and not distracted.
You can even imagine that your car (with you in it) is surrounded by a bubble of protective white light and imagine that this bubble will ride along with you until you arrive at your destination. (By the way, you can use this imagery for airplane trips or train rides too!) Feel confident behind the wheel and “see” your trip as being peaceful and safe, and picture yourself happily arriving at your destination –even if it’s a dental appointment!
Being in this pleasant energetic balance will help you remain composed and non-reactive to any hostile drivers. Always keep attentive to the road while en route. If someone cuts you off, follows too closely or exhibits any other such behavior, remove yourself from harm’s way, and let yourself feel enmeshed in the calming energy that you have previously activated at the start of your trip. It is also helpful to hold your vibration “high” along your way and be a beacon of positive, serene energy to all the other drivers on the road.
On a practical note, should you encounter some extremely rage-filled other driver, do your best to safely move away and certainly do not react or make eye contact with this driver. Write down or note the license plate, vehicle make and model, and any other pertinent information and call the police if necessary.
So try some Road Reiki — or just activate a little positive energy in your car trips — especially the long-distance ones!
I am so guilty of not doing enough of this. So why am I writing about it? Because it’s important to be kind to yourself, to make time for nurturing your own psyche and spirit. Because I want to make more time just to do whatever brings me peace.
It’s key to do something everyday that keeps one in alignment with one’s purpose and passion in life. It’s also essential to do something relaxing and revitalizing. For me, that could be catching up on a favorite TV show that’s been DVR’d. Or spending a few minutes in meditation with my wonderful canine next to me; he often keeps me company when I am in quiet contemplation. Taking a nice warm bath piled high with fragrant bubbles is ultra-luxurious!
Women tend to be more nurturing to others, taking care of the needs of others first. That holds true particularly for mothers, because that seems to be an intrinsic part of the job description! But for us to feel balanced, well-adjusted, loving, caring — we need to be kind to ourselves first. Carve out even a small amount of time just to pamper yourself in whatever way is pleasing — whether relaxing with guided imagery or going for a manicure or watching old movies, or maybe even reading a book (some people still do that!).
When we feel a sense of peace and oneness with the world, then it is easier to be there to support others. We can more effectively cope with whatever demands are placed upon us. Otherwise we can overreact, and become stressed or emotionally depleted.
Certainly those practicing the healing arts know the importance of taking some time out to reconnect with our own joy. Maintaining a good, positive energetic balance and overall sense of peacefulness is essential to be able to offer our healing light those in need.
Life as we know it today is just so “high volume” — over-filled with tasks, demands, and the business of life. This can burn us out all too easily. Take time to recharge, re-energize in whatever way works for you. And try not to feel guilty about it. You deserve some “just for me” time!
 Relax & Breathe A breathing break – why? Yes I know breathing is something that comes to us naturally, but much of the time, we are guilty of shallow, quick breathing. This is not conducive to a feeling of serenity. Too much huffing and puffing, and I don’t mean this is due to a lack of cardio (but for some, that might be true). It is just the way we breathe most of the time. Rushing around from place to place. Tasks, events, errands. Busier than busy schedules!
Welcome to nearly-2010! Is relaxation a thing of the past? I wear a slew of “hats” myself, trying to balance and juggle each segment of my life to make an integrated whole. Every once in awhile, chaos reigns. But Reiki Master that I am, I pull out my first tool for impromptu and immediate relaxation – the lovely calming breath!
Here’s a little exercise that should be effective enough to put a halt on the escalation of any stress or anxiety that you are experiencing, and even bring you a light sense of peace.
Whatever you are doing, pause and take a breath. You’ll need just a few minutes for this. No excuses! Create that little block of time – even at work. It is best to be seated, but standing is okay if there’s no alternative.
Focus on your breathing. Inhale for a count of three and exhale slowly for a count of six. The key is that when you inhale, consciously bring the breathe all the way down to your belly (imagine it going to about two or so inches below your navel). Hold for a slight pause. Then slowly, gently release it for a count of six.
Do this 5-10 times and you should minimally feel a small sensation of calm flowing into your experience. Brush all distracting thoughts from your mind while you are focusing on your breathing. If you would like to try something more empowering, use a bit of positive imagery. On the inhale, imagine you are breathing in peaceful, healing light. Or imagine breathing in enlightening positive energy. Or both. Feel the powerful healing light/energy going all the way down to your belly, cleansing your entire being. On the exhale, imagine you are releasing all negative blocks and emotions. Let go of stress, dis-ease and anything that is toxic to your well-being. Feel free to let go of anything that you personally need to release!
Remember, a cleansing, nourishing breathing break helps bring more oxygen to the cells of your body!
I was just about to prepare dinner when the phone rang — it was my 20-year-old son calling from his cell phone, sounding panicked: “Mom — I was in a really bad car crash. My car is totaled. I’m in an ambulance on the way to the emergency room! They’re going to see if I have any broken bones…” Well, at least HE was calling, not some police officer to tell me about it, so I was somewhat relieved, but thoughts of “serious injuries, internal bleeding, etc” quickly filled my head.
As my husband and I jumped into the car to head toward the hospital, I called upon my deep-seated Reiki training to help keep my sanity intact. Since my husband was driving, it was simple enough to just take my focus within to center and ground myself. I called upon the distant healing method to focus the energy toward my son, kind of sending it out as a gentle beacon and also asking for patience and calmness for myself. We careened into the emergency room parking lot and I pretty much jumped out of the car.
Inside the hospital, my son was in a wheelchair with a blood pressure cuff on his arm and a thermometer in his mouth. One thing I had not anticipated at all was the unexpected presence of his stepmother (my ex-husband’s current wife). Se had been on the parkway, right near the scene of the accident, when my son had notified his biological dad of the accident. So she had rushed to the scene of the accident (and with her Blackberry had even snapped some photos of my son’s demolished auto). I was especially glad that I had started the Reiki flowing. I imagined that we were all surrounded in healing white light.
As my son was ushered down the hallway to a treatment room, I quickly followed. He had been offered the wheelchair ride, but I was relieved to seem him walking, albeit a bit lopsidedly. A young woman doctor examined him and made him do all kinds of leg and arm movements. I could see that his right hand and arm looked red and burned from the air bag deployment. He was in pain from this. His left knee had probably hit the dashboard quite hard, and looked red, bruised and swollen. He said this hurt the most.
I had an opportunity to stand beside him and then behind him, as the doctor was discussing the accident, so with hands at my side and palms open, I became a very clear channel for the Reiki energy for my son’s highest good. My son explained that he has been in his car (a very old, but sturdy one) and had the right of way on a two-way street. A jeep with two young men failed to stop at a Stop sign, just “blowing” right through. Though my son slammed on his break, it was not enough distance to avoid impact. The jeep had rolled over and landed upside down on someone’s lawn, but amazingly, the two young men walked out and appeared basically in one piece.
My son was taken for a knee X-ray and there was a bit of a waiting-for-results-period afterward, but I continued the Reiki. Nobody was aware of the Reiki flowing (not even my son), but I felt it quite strongly through my palms and just continued the flow for the entire time. After all, the wisdom of Reiki is that the energy will go where it’s wanted and needed. And it can never cause any harm. So I had no qualms about offering this “secret Reiki” for my son’s well-being and speedy healing.
Luckily, there were no broken bones or serious injuries. The Doctor advised lots of ice for the knee, as well as an over the counter anti-inflammatory. However, she cautioned him to take it easy for the next few days as he, like most other people in similar accidents, would most certainly feel much worse the next day, with aches and bruises and the general feeling as if he had been “hit by a Mack truck”.
However, miraculously, the next day, and in the days that followed, my son was truly fine — no after effects, no bruising, no whiplash, no additional aches. Most people couldn’t believe he escaped so unscathed. The only issue he had was since he refused to ice his swollen knee, that joint took about 6 weeks to completely heal, but it was not severe, and never hampered his mobility.
Was the amazingly speedy recovery a result of all the secret Reiki — or just a result of youthful energy and along with it’s own healing mechanism? I’ll never really know, but I do personally believe Reiki made a remarkable and beneficial difference!
Have you ever used Reiki in “secret” and what was the result? Leave a comment and let me know.
 Sheryl Feeling Joyful The basic idea behind Quantum Physics is that we are all made up of energy vibrating at different rates. This has resulted in many amazing and beneficial ways to consider and expand our own personal energy.
When we experience good-feeling emotions, we are vibrating along with the healthy, positive flow of life. On the other hand, when we have emotions of fear, anger, and limitation, then our vibrations are not quite “up to speed” and not aligned with our Higher Consciousness and life purpose. When our vibrations are low, we feel out of balance, stressed-out and sometimes a physical “mess”.
According to the Law of Attraction (see my earlier post Law of Attraction) we attract and manifest that which is a vibrational match to what we are feeling and thinking. If we vibrate in that place of fear, anger and lack we attract and manifest that which corresponds to these feelings – more anger, fear and lack, along with events, people and experiences that reflect these negative aspects.
Did you ever notice that when you are really happy that you just feel “lighter” and if you are extremely happy, maybe you feel like you are almost walking on air? When you feel sad and down, you tend to have a heavier, dismal feeling about you. This is your vibrational level in play here.
Basically, if you raise their vibration to a higher, lighter frequency, you can theoretically:
- Manifest more of your desires into your experience (and perhaps quickly too!)
- Improve your physical health
- Experience an overall glow of radiant joy throughout your entire being
One of the scientific theories behind Reiki healing is that the energy that flows through a practitioner to a client helps raise the vibration of that person’s physical being, specifically the organs and glands. When an organ is healthy, its electromagnetic field pulses at a certain frequency, but if it is unhealthy, the frequency moves out of this range. By raising the vibration (with the Reiki flowing from the practitioner’s hands to the client) of the organs/glands to that frequency at which perfectly healthy organs vibrate, the body begins to return to a positive state of health.
So how can you begin raising your personal vibration? Start being aware of your own “vibrational” frequency and your feelings of the moment – this is the first step. Keep a mental chart of your feelings for a few days. If you find yourself too preoccupied with negativity, then it is time for a significant personal shift. See my earlier post, 7 Tips to Live By for some suggestions.
I was born into a Brooklyn family where negativity was a way of life. My father was the original Mr. Negative — the anti-Law of Attraction thinker. Back then nobody knew about the Law of Attraction. (nobody knew anything about cholesterol either!)
But Dad and Mom both liked to yell, and were not enlightened in the parenting department. My father’s take on life which he used to state often went something like this “Well I always start with a negative but I’ll try to turn it into a positive” or “I always imagine the negative, but if if should turn out well, then what a pleasant surprise!”
He was totally missing the point. By focusing on the negative on such a regular basis, he was unknowingly bringing lots more negative into his life experience! Modeling my behavior on what I learned from my parents often brought me to an unhappy place in terms of my emotions. But back then, it was all I knew!
Fast forward to now. Fast forward to my practicing Reiki, fast forward to understanding Law of Attraction principles, fast forward to joy, serenity, self-empowerment, and sometimes plain-old fun! Life is dramatically better!
Anyone can escape the negativity. It just takes wanting to, it takes motivation and it takes doing the old one-step-at-a-time thing. I mention it often, but affirmations are so phenomenal for this inner work. (See my earlier post Positive Affirmations) Really honing in on the Law of Attraction thinking is key to turning your life onto the path of joy and manifestation – and all those positive things that just flow into your life when you change your way of thinking!
Affirmation, Attitude, Action for today: I am always at the right place at the right time. I am at peace with the world and myself. Each day I take positive steps to bring abundance and joy into my experience.
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