One of the more surprising aspects of the Reiki Survey was the significant improvement in benefits perceived by the higher levels of training. This was something I was not expecting when I ran the report though with reflection it certainly makes sense. Level 2 is a quantum leap in many ways as it takes self-healing to a higher and more deliberate level. At the most basic level with Reiki we are simply acting as funnels, or to use a football analogy, we are simply spectators. Reiki flows through our hands into our cells and at that cellular level, we heal. Of course to see significant change we are also responsible in making changes happen, but essentially, when it comes to the Reiki, we are not in charge and we have no say in what areas are healed, at what rate, and with what priority.
Level 2 takes the healing into our own hands (pun intended!) by putting us squarely on the pitch. Instead of spectators we become players. We learn how to manipulate the energy and transform it into specific form. I.e. we learn how to turn the potential of Reiki energy into energy with a specific purpose. We can decide ourselves which areas of our lives we want to direct more healing, be it physical, mental, emotional, or to a specific event or trauma. We become more self-directing and deliberate in our healing journey and so on many levels this advanced training takes us much further, quicker.
Reiki Level 2 should be taken some time after Level 1. In my teaching tradition, a two month wait is stipulated, this period of time is an important opportunity to practice Reiki and ensure your energy is high. It is also an important time for self-healing to ensure you are ready to use the tools wisely. As we become players, we can choose our healing strategy, our ego minds can take control again, and if we are not more awake and aware, we can actually end up damaging our growth rather than aiding it. Also, unlike Level 1, the progressive Levels require the use of mental energy and as a result can be draining for those who have not been using their Reiki for self-healing.
As with the Level 1 training, there is an enormous discrepancy in the way the classes are taught. I frequently get calls from Level 2 practitioners who have little knowledge of the tools at their disposal. Having been taught nothing, they end up with nothing. This level should be full of possibilities and magic, I am hard pushed to cram all the information and tips into 10 hours of teaching and would seriously question a class of less than 6 hours of teaching time. Many classes seem to focus o the distance healing aspect of Reiki Level 2, but this is only one of many, many tools available at this level.
For those practitioners interested in taking Reiki to therapy level, the Level 2 training is possibly the minimum standard recommended before professionally treating others. For other people who enjoy Level 1, there is no need to go further with training, but the research does suggest each stage of training brings even more benefits.
I was flicking through old posts on my personal blog and came across this one which definitely needs to be reposted here! My mum sent me these photos of herself during her last Yoga retreat in 2008 – she was 67 at the time, so of course I had to publish them
THIS is what you can look like when you are a grandmother if you have been doing Reiki for 17 years, Tai Chi for 10 years and Yoga since you were in your 30’s…doesn’t she look fabulous?! I also wanted to write about this topic because recently I have been reviewing and collating the data from the Reiki Survey we did at the beginning of the year and it all points to very strong evidence that Reiki is cumulative. the MORE you do it, the better it gets. I have been asked by several of my students why they are not feeling more significant effects of Reiki right after the course. Although I have seen some remarkable immediate effects of Reiki such as eradication of pain, improvement in immune systems, lowering of stress and improvement of a variety of illnesses right after the course, these are much rarer than the cumulative effect of years upon years of taking good care of yourself. With Reiki, as with all things natural, the effects may take many months to manifest. According to the research I am doing, if you only do Reiki for 1-2 hours a week, you may never see the big improvements you seek – but if you do your daily self-treat, you will see significant results in a year or less.
Why is this?
Firstly the body will take the Reiki energy and deal with important, pressing issues – this might not be immediately noticeable to you in the beginning, but from one year to the next you will begin to see that every year is an improvement over the last. And even if you have a shocking year in terms of trauma or undesirable life events, you will grow through them as opposed to sink under them. You may think you are descending, but assuming you continue your Reiki practice, I guarantee you will look back and see yourself as stronger, more capable, and happier than in the past – that is the cumulative effects of Reiki and consistent self-treatment.
In our fast food/ convenience culture we have forgotten the point of the journey. Our life is not to rush to some undetermined goal or finish line (um, that would be death, ultimately), but to savor the journey and to enjoy it fully present. The recent Economic Crisis has brought it home even more powerfully – so many people slogging their guts out in jobs they hate, in lives they can hardly tolerate, just so they can pack away enough money to live ‘their real life’ – and now, for many, it’s all gone up in smoke. Much better to live each day deliciously and fully and then when if it all comes crashing down, at least you’ve had a damn good run!
To enjoy fully means listening fully too. Listening to your body, to your emotions and to your intuition. Looking after yourself, nurturing yourself, and doing what you need to do to fulfill whatever it is you want to fulfill. Step by step, year after year, small steps add up to massive improvements, as these photos attest to.
Well, I’m off to do my Reiki, I’ve got big shoes to fill! By the way, since these photos, my mum (now approaching 69) can do the splits. Ouch!
One of the great benefits of Reiki energy is its ability to get the receiver into ‘alpha’ state. Alpha is the term used for the brain waves associated with meditation and relaxation. Practitioners of Reiki report effortlessly falling into alpha state through the simple process of placing their hands on themselves or others and although we do not yet understand how this occurs so easily, we believe that one of the pathways of Reiki energy is in stimulating the brainwaves towards deeper relaxed states.
“This wave type has been used as a universal sign of relaxation during meditation and other types of rest,” comments Professor Øyvind Ellingsen from NTNU. “The amount of alpha waves increases when the brain relaxes from intentional, goal-oriented tasks.This is a sign of deep relaxation, — but it does not mean that the mind is void.”
Neuroimaging studies by Malia F. Mason and co-workers at Dartmouth College NH suggest that the normal resting state of the brain is a silent current of thoughts, images and memories that is not induced by sensory input or intentional reasoning, but emerges spontaneously “from within.”
“Spontaneous wandering of the mind is something you become more aware of and familiar with when you meditate,” continues Ellingsen, who is an experienced practitioner. “This default activity of the brain is often underestimated. It probably represents a kind of mental processing that connects various experiences and emotional residues, puts them into perspective and lays them to rest.”
So far from trying to ’still’ the mind as many meditation methodsteach, in Reiki we simply allow the energy to work and the brain to quiet naturally. For those of us who have been practicing Reiki for awhile, we know the powerful ‘ah-ha’ moments that can arise when we allow the alpha state of our relaxed brain to mentally process, release and make us more aware.
When you are ready to activate Reiki in your own hands, the process you need to participate in is called an ‘Attunement’. Normally it is given as part of a Reiki workshop and in my lineage, it requires 4 Attunements spread out over the Usui Reiki Level 1 class (or 1 Attunement at Kundalini Reiki Level 1) in order to activate Reiki permanently in a person.
One of the questions I get asked a lot is “what exactly are you doing when you give an Attunement?” Although difficult to answer without going into a long and involved trip down several different concepts, the basis for an Attunement is best summed up as ‘resonance’.
If we place two same frequency tuning forks in a room and hit one of the forks with a mallet, the corresponding fork will vibrate in resonance, if we stop the sound of the original one we will still hear the sound resonating from the second one that was not touched – the vibration of sound flows through the air from one tuning fork to the other and the second fork responds by resonating to the same vibration (see video at the end). In this way, someone who is trained to activate Reiki (referred to as a Reiki Master) is also trained to gain access to a vibration that allows the Reiki to activate in that person, and via resonance this information is passed on to another person through the ritual of ‘Attunement’.
Over the years the Reiki Attunement has undergone many changes to the extent that one Attunement process differs vastly from another in any given lineage. However this is not a problem as the intention is to simply raise the vibration to a level that allows the body to resonate with the same frequency of energy as Reiki, once this is achieved the body is able to remember this frequency and it is retained for life. Once you have been attuned to Reiki the ability to funnel or channel Reiki becomes a life long ability (much like learning to ride a bike, once you ‘know’ something you cannot ‘unknow’ it).
Anyone can be Attuned, there is no talent required or special healing ‘gift’, I have attuned little children, cats and dogs, I have attuned sceptics and believers, meditation masters and high-flying business executives. No one can block resonance, if you want to have Reiki, there is nothing to stop you achieving that goal.
Once you have had an Attunement, the Reiki will simply flow through your hands automatically and without your direction, you can liken yourself to a large energy funnel and you can now direct your hands to any area of your body that requires attention.
Is that a good title for a book, or what? I was recommended this book by Andrew Newberg, M.D. by a wonderful woman, Eugenia, who teaches meditation and yoga. I was looking for a book to describe why Meditation is good for you in more scientific terms and this book is written by a neuroscientist so that’s pretty scary in itself!
The stories don’t disappoint, they are more focused on God and faith then I was expecting, which is odd, given the title! But the experiments on non-religious subjects are fascinating – especially as they use one of my favourite chant meditations: sa-ta-na-ma as the test. There are a whole ton of conclusions based on the results but the key ones that stood out for me (because they reinforce my own belief system – hehe) are:
With only 8 weeks of practice for 12 minutes a day they found:
An almost 50% improvement in memory function (the area the subject wanted to improve) as well as other brain functions that tend to deteriorate with age such as co-ordination, cognition.
Increased activity in the prefrontal cortex which helps focus, clarity and attention span.
Increased activity in the anterior cingulated that plays a major role in lowering anxiety, irritability, protecting against depression, as well as enhancing social awareness.
Reiki produces alpha state, meditative effects when done consistently over a period of time. I find it easy to extrapolate that some of these benefits tally with what we are seeing for ourselves as we do Reiki. Although, to my knowledge, no one has brain scanned Reiki practitioners, I would expect very similar results. I can’t say my memory has improved, but I can definitely vouch for the other 2!
Even more stunning is that part of the brain is involved with developing our sense of self – yes folks, the Ego has a home! This ego zone, or parietal lobe, reduces its activity with meditation thus helping us feel more connected, more in the ‘flow’ or ‘in the zone’. Ie a lessening of self-consciousness enhances one’s intention, ability, and pleasure when faced with a task or goal we want to achieve.
Overtime this part of the brain shows more activity when we are not meditating which helps to increase consciousness, alertness and the ability to resonate with others’ feelings and thoughts.
Sounds good to me!
Reference: How God Changes Your Brain by Andrew Newberg, M.D and Mark Robert Waldman
Kundalini Masters is taken as a two part series over two evenings Kundalini Level 2 Saturday 21 August, 6-9pm
Kundalini Level 3 Sunday 12 September, 4-7pm
$360
Email: booking@reikicentre.com.sg to reserve
In Kundalini Reiki 2 (taught minimum 3 weeks after Kundalini Reiki 1), the evening consists of a further attunement to open and enhance the bottom chakras and allow the Kundalini energy a gentle opening to begin is flow up the spine. This is done as a very gentle process and their is no danger of over-activating the Kundalini or causing any damage whatsoever. This process, as with Kundalini Reiki 3, is an ongoing process as the body continues to open. Within the evening we also learn advanced healing, strengthening techniques, and meditations.
In the final Kundalini Reiki 3 (taught 2 weeks after Kundalini Reiki 2) we complete the opening with the top chakras which allows the Kundalini reiki to flow unimpeded throughout the spine. We also learn more specific healings including DNA reiki, past-life trauma reiki, locational balancing and Crystalline (toxin removal) reiki. This is the final level which will then allow participants to pass on the attunements and activate Kundalini Reiki in others (Reiki Master equivalent).
It is recommended that no alcohol is taken 48 hours prior to the course. To register please call 9660 4893 or email: booking@reikicentre.com.sg
Deciding which route to take needn’t be a difficult task, many people choose to start with one and then also learn the other as both systems complement each other and provide different tools. Both utilize the same universal energy so there is no clash or negative results from learning both together and each provides certain advantages which are discussed below.
How is Usui Reiki and Kundalini Reiki different?
Usui Reiki seems to work on the etheric energy level of the body, or the ‘blueprint’ of the body. Energy from the Universe travels through our hands and into the body automatically and without thought or intention. The healer can actually be asleep or can be an animal and the reiki will still flow, as if by osmosis. Energy will travel from areas of high energy ie. the Universe, to areas of low energy ie our body. It is a very simple, natural and totally automatic response. The Reiki workshops activate the Reiki in a person’s hands and allows this process to flow. As a result you do not need to be aware of energy, or of flow, or indeed of any sensations.
Usui Reiki treatments for both self-treatments and treating others last from 30 to 60 minutes and induce a deep sense of relaxation, similar to meditation. As a result when treating yourself with Reiki you will feel much calmer and it will probably put you to sleep! The Usui system’s advantage is in its ease of use and automatic flow – meaning you do not need to be aware of what you are doing, or have any feelings or sensations for the energy to work.
At the level 1 Workshop you will learn how to give a treatment to yourself, to others and to plants and animals. However, if you wish to do distance healing, cleanse environments or work on specific blockages you will need to attend a level 2 workshop to learn the symbols to activate these processes.
Kundalini Reiki appears to work through the mental energy (a higher vibration energy level) and requires mental thought to activate the healing. Practitioners are taught to think ‘Reiki’ to get the flow going. As a result the practitioner is more involved, and more influential in the healing process, this is particularly true at higher levels of healing in Kundalini Reiki 2 and 3. Although this may seem more like hard work, the process is quickened and shortened because of this higher energy involvement. It also means that through intention, the practitioner can manipulate the energy and move it around the body, as well as harmonising situations and events, releasing emotions and conducting distance healing. This is much wider in range than Usui Reiki 1 (these techniques are taught in Usui Reiki level 2).
Kundalini Reiki treatments are 5 minutes in length and as a result people find it an easier system to do as a daily practice. There is also an optional 20 minute mediation given at the level 1 class for those who enjoy meditation and want a longer treatment. This system’s main advantage is in its speed to treatments and the flexibility and range of tools offered at level one. In general we feel Kundalini Reiki 1 is equivalent to Usui 1 & 2.
The benefits of beginning with Usui Reiki is that it is absolutely the best foundational healing course for the beginner, or the skeptic. It is also the original Reiki and for some it has the attraction of its long tradition and reputation. It is truly a tried and tested system of effective healing.
The benefits of beginning with Kundalini Reiki is that it is more versatile, faster and easier to incorporate into daily life. It is also much faster to learn and you can benefit from a huge range of tools in a very short period of time.
Kundalini Reiki is a new form of reiki that originates from Ole Gabrielsen, a Danish healer and meditation Master. Like Usui Reiki, it is not a belief system or philosophy; it is based on universal energy and is activated through the Master to the student simply through transference. This form of Reiki does not require symbols and as such is a much faster and simpler form of Reiki to learn.
No prior Reiki knowledge is required to do this course.
Kundalini 1 Saturday 28th August, 9.30am-4.30pm, with Shirley Tay Saturday 2nd October, 9.30am-4.30pm, with Kate Drewer Sunday 31st October, 9.30am-4.30pm, with Sida Tian Fee: $240 Email: booking@reikicentre.com.sg to reserve
During the Workshop, only one attunement is required to activate the participants to Kundalini Reiki. The treatments are very quick, just 5 minutes in duration which means a great deal of ground can be covered during the day. This is a fast paced workshop and we will learn the following:
Students learn how to:
Give a Reiki energy treatment to themselves
Give a Reiki treatment to others, and other living things
Give distance healing to others, and other living things
Clear space (offices, home, workshop rooms etc) to provide more balanced energies
Clear past blockages such as situations, uncomfortable relationship ties, past trauma etc.
The attunement and meditations are extremely calming and healing so the day itself is a wonderful healing experience and opportunity to de-stress, have fun and learn a fantastic tool for life!
Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a towel to lie on. It is recommended that no alcohol is taken 48 hours prior to the course.
To register please email: booking@reikicentre.com.sg
More on Kundalini Reiki
More on Kundalini Reiki Teachers
Reiki Level 2 is taken at least 2 months after Level 1. This period of time is an important opportunity to practice Reiki and ensure your energy is high. Unlike Usui Level 1, the progressive workshops require the use of mental energy and as a result can be draining for those who have not been using their Reiki for self-healing.
During the Level 2 Workshop, a second degree attunement is given and 3 symbols are taught. The practitioner is able to use the tools to enhance their Reiki flow, and to develop alternative uses of the Reiki energy.
The Empowerment symbol – increases Reiki flow as though ‘funnelling’ the energy to maximise flow rate and power. Also empowers other energy fields.
The Harmony symbol – allows Reiki to be ‘wrapped’ around other energy fields and environments to increase harmony eg. harmonising homes, other people, incidents, for improved energy vibrations. The symbol is also used to increase communicative powers, and intuition.
The Sending symbol – like an IDD number, this symbol allows Reiki to be sent to different energy fields whether they be other locations (both geographical or time), other energy incidents, internal blocks or emotional energy systems etc. This is a very powerful source of personal growth as the practitioner can directly tune into issues and fix them on the casual plane.
Please wear comfortable cotton clothing, you may bring a towel to lie on if you wish.
Reiki 2 Manual & Materials provided.
Please Call 9660 4893 to book or email booking@reikicentre.com.sg to reserve.
Friday November 19th – Sunday November 21st, 9.30am-4.30pm Fee: $960
The time has come again for Reiki 3! I LOVE teaching this course as its about as deep and weird as you can get. A very transformational course with the wonderful benefit of being able to pass on Usui Reiki via the Heart attunement to others. The only prerequisite is that you must have done Reiki 2 at least 6 months prior to this course.
During the 3 day weekend we’ll be learning:
The Masters Symbol
The Heart Attunement
How to attune other body parts – a very powerful healing treatment
Sending incorporating the Master’s tools
4 Step process for releasing emotional blocks based on Byron Katie’s Work
Right brain ‘workshop’ technique to access your intuition.
This is an intensive and extremely powerful weekend to help you to release your own blocks as well as an awe-inspiring taste of what its like to be a Master – its a lot of fun and a real journey
Please note this is NOT a Masters course, it allows participants to give a temporary attunement but does not train you to give the complete 4 attunements. The full Masters course involves an 8-10 months part-time training which involves the completion of assignments and is a complete training in helping you become a Reiki Teacher
If you want to discuss it further, please give me a call!
9660 4893
One of the more surprising aspects of the Reiki Survey was the significant improvement in benefits perceived by the higher levels of training. This was something I was not expecting when I ran the report though with reflection it certainly makes sense. Level 2 is a quantum leap in many ways as it takes self-healing to a higher and more deliberate level. At the most basic level with Reiki we are simply acting as funnels, or to use a football analogy, we are simply spectators. Reiki flows through our hands into our cells and at that cellular level, we heal. Of course to see significant change we are also responsible in making changes happen, but essentially, when it comes to the Reiki, we are not in charge and we have no say in what areas are healed, at what rate, and with what priority.
Is that a good title for a book, or what? I was recommended this 
Kundalini Reiki is a new form of reiki that originates from Ole Gabrielsen, a Danish healer and meditation Master. Like Usui Reiki, it is not a belief system or philosophy; it is based on universal energy and is activated through the Master to the student simply through transference. This form of Reiki does not require symbols and as such is a much faster and simpler form of Reiki to learn.
Reiki.
