The Five Reiki Principles

Just for today, living in the moment, being aware of what is going on around you causes you to live in the present. Have you ever been out with a group of friends and allow your mind to wonder off… missing the conversation around you? I realized that this very human dilemma is why some of the greatest spiritual leaders talk about “staying in the moment” or “living in the present”. By nature, as human beings, we have a tendency to live anywhere but in the present. If you relate to what I am saying and if you would like to work on “being more present in the moments of your life”, simply ask yourself often throughout your day, “where am I at this moment”? By consciously asking yourself this very simple question, helps to slowly bring your awareness back into your body and back into your physical environment at that moment.

Usui’s teachings (Reiki Principles) bless us with the concept of living “one day at a time”. Living up to  your highest potential ”forever” seems like a tremendous task. Being the best you can, “one day at a time” is possible for us all.

Listed is the “5 Reiki Principles”, “Just for Today…” one of the most important aspects of the principles. Living in the moment, being aware of what thoughts your mind is going through, what is around you, who is around you and what are they saying? are you present and centered or are you thinking of the past (what happened yesterday?) or are you in the future? (what if……”)?

Practice these principles throughout your day, first, just by saying them out loud to yourself, learn them. Then practice applying them to your life, being aware consciously- is the first step! This process will become habit…

Just for today, I will not anger.

Anger and resentment are always a fearful reaction to circumstances. Anger is a destructive emotion. Anger blocks energy and healing. When you come to the understanding that you do create your own reality, you start to allow yourself to look within and stop blaming others for what you feel. Usually we will say “you made me angry”, but in reality it is “you” who chose to be angry, or “you” can chose not to be angry. Look within, what is really going on? Who owns the situation at hand, you only have control over “your part” in any situation.

Just for today, I will not worry.

Worry is a state of stagnation. Worry is often your usual response to something you think is going to happen in the future (not the present) but often doesn’t happen. When you worry, you are blocking your flow of energy, worrying about things that may or may not happen to you or to those close to you. Do you worry about actions or reactions of others that you have no control over. Worry shuts down the flow of energy “life force” and harmony from the universe. By changing your thoughts, you can start to look on every event as an opportunity, new experience and possibility, “don’t miss the present moment due to worry?“ Do things work out the way your thoughts said they would, or do they work out for the highest good? In any case, you will see it is just the way it is suppose to be, to bring lessons to everyone involved.

Just for today, I will be filled with gratitude.

We need to be grateful for our many blessings, even when we think that life is difficult at times. We all have a role to play and should be valued, respected and treated with kindness. You need to remind yourself of your daily gifts, simple things… food, your home, family and friends just to name a few. Above all, be grateful for life itself. By putting the daily focus on the positive happenings you open the door to receiving many blessings from the universe.

Just for today, I will honor my parents, teachers and elders.

This simply means you should honor everyone for the part they play in your life. (for example: friends, family, acquaintances and animals- they are “all” your teachers) everyone of you is valuable and special, you play a part in your life experiences. “We all play special roles in each others lives.” Honor and respect others in their role of life and accept yourself for who you are.

Just for today, I will earn my living honestly.

All the work you do is valuable, from a career to doing a load of laundry. From the simplest tasks; brewing a cup of coffee, meditation or listening to a friend, to the biggest tasks in life, raising children, career, paying bills… Be honest with yourself and everyone in your life. The way you treat others is the way you see yourself.

When you are attuned and practicing Reiki in all of its forms, the five principles are used as discipline and guidelines. By understanding and practicing the principles in your everyday life and during the practice of Reiki on yourself and others allows stresses, blockage and ego to be cleared. The five Reiki principles will help you to improve mental, spiritual and physical aspects in your daily routines, relationships, and will promote self love.

Sharing with Love n Lite,
Kimberlee Cusumano, RMT