Dilemma re: initiate people to master level, or not?

Do you offer masters initiation to people who've done 1 & 2 with another teacher?

Do you decide who you initiate to master, or do you give it to who ever asks?

If you do decide, how do you decide?

In the 10 years I've been teaching, I've initiated over 400 people (one-to-one/hand-to-hand) I've only said 'no' to 1 person who asked for reiki 1, because they had drug/alcohol addiction and severe psychiatric issues. I've not refused any one reiki 2.

In the last 4 years several people have asked me to initiate them to master level. I've refused all but 2.
Reasons for refusal incl: 1 was an alcoholic in denial, already a reiki master wanting it re-done becasue it hadn't worked (I did do healing with her and went over level 1 & 2 teachings).
Several have blatantly been 'in it for the money'.
Several have done 1 & 2 with other teachers, who have used different symbols/teachings to those I use.
Several claim to be reiki masters needing it 'topped up'. Upon questioning, they've done reiki 0 to master in a weekend (1 at a village hall with 400 people in the 'audience' and 1 reiki master on the stage!) or over the internet. I've offered them reiki 1.

Of the 2 master initiations I've done: One did reiki 1 to master with me. He has healed himself of cronic illness and 'lives' reiki. He's decided not to teach, but spends much time helping other people. The other did her reiki 1 & 2 with another teacher (same symbols/teachings). She does not 'live' reiki - is frequently angry/fearful. She wants to share the gift of reiki - is not 'in it for the money' - but her practice isn't getting off the ground. (Because she is inconsistant in her efforts and isn't ready in herself?)

These experiences make me reluctant to say 'yes' to initiating masters. I've met and heard of reiki masters who are clearly 'only in it for the money', others who are clearly in need of healing themselves, others who are self-obsessed and egocentric and others who are 'afraid of the competition'. (Better just say here - I've encountered some quality reiki folk in this forum    )
I do want to share the gift of reiki. I really believe what my master taught me...that 'the world needs as many healed healers as possible'. I don't want to add to...how do I say it?...the negativity/confusion in the reiki community. I feel I can achieve this by having some discernment, but I don't want to be arrogant/judgemental. And having said that - am I just not ready to do master level initiations? Does the master journey progress like that for some - you can initiate levels 1 & 2 but need more development to be ready to initiate masters?

This dilemma is becoming more pertinent because several of my current reiki 1 & 2 students really do have the potential to be amazing teachers. (Perhaps I should explain...I teach reiki 1 over a period of 1 to 3 months, depending on students needs/progress.Reiki 2 is taught over 1 to 2 months. I continue to support students, face-to-face/email/phone. I believe, when you have initiated someone to reiki, you have a responsability to support them on their journey, should they wish it. So some of my students have been with me for several years now.)

You thoughts on this matter would be much appreciated...

jeniray wrote:Do you offer masters initiation to people who've done 1 & 2 with another teacher?

Do you decide who you initiate to master, or do you give it to who ever asks?

If you do decide, how do you decide?

In the 10 years I've been teaching, I've initiated over 400 people (one-to-one/hand-to-hand) I've only said 'no' to 1 person who asked for reiki 1, because they had drug/alcohol addiction and severe psychiatric issues. I've not refused any one reiki 2.

In the last 4 years several people have asked me to initiate them to master level. I've refused all but 2.
Reasons for refusal incl: 1 was an alcoholic in denial, already a reiki master wanting it re-done becasue it hadn't worked (I did do healing with her and went over level 1 & 2 teachings).
Several have blatantly been 'in it for the money'.
Several have done 1 & 2 with other teachers, who have used different symbols/teachings to those I use.
Several claim to be reiki masters needing it 'topped up'. Upon questioning, they've done reiki 0 to master in a weekend (1 at a village hall with 400 people in the 'audience' and 1 reiki master on the stage!) or over the internet. I've offered them reiki 1.

Of the 2 master initiations I've done: One did reiki 1 to master with me. He has healed himself of cronic illness and 'lives' reiki. He's decided not to teach, but spends much time helping other people. The other did her reiki 1 & 2 with another teacher (same symbols/teachings). She does not 'live' reiki - is frequently angry/fearful. She wants to share the gift of reiki - is not 'in it for the money' - but her practice isn't getting off the ground. (Because she is inconsistant in her efforts and isn't ready in herself?)

These experiences make me reluctant to say 'yes' to initiating masters. I've met and heard of reiki masters who are clearly 'only in it for the money', others who are clearly in need of healing themselves, others who are self-obsessed and egocentric and others who are 'afraid of the competition'. (Better just say here - I've encountered some quality reiki folk in this forum    )
I do want to share the gift of reiki. I really believe what my master taught me...that 'the world needs as many healed healers as possible'. I don't want to add to...how do I say it?...the negativity/confusion in the reiki community. I feel I can achieve this by having some discernment, but I don't want to be arrogant/judgemental. And having said that - am I just not ready to do master level initiations? Does the master journey progress like that for some - you can initiate levels 1 & 2 but need more development to be ready to initiate masters?

This dilemma is becoming more pertinent because several of my current reiki 1 & 2 students really do have the potential to be amazing teachers. (Perhaps I should explain...I teach reiki 1 over a period of 1 to 3 months, depending on students needs/progress.Reiki 2 is taught over 1 to 2 months. I continue to support students, face-to-face/email/phone. I believe, when you have initiated someone to reiki, you have a responsability to support them on their journey, should they wish it. So some of my students have been with me for several years now.)

You thoughts on this matter would be much appreciated...

Excellent posting  

here's hoping for excellent replies :-)

As a Reiki Teaher, you are under no obligation to share that teaching.

If it doesn't feel right, don't do it

Thank you James

Hi Jeniray

I agree with James that you not under any obligation to share the teachings of Shinpiden with everyone who asks.

As with most things I would tend to go with my gut feeling/intuition. If they are students I have taught then I will have a pretty good idea of whether they might benefit/make use of these teachings.

If I get an enquiry from someone I haven't taught then I ask plenty of questions about how they currently practice and ask to read their Reiki manuals so I can see what type of Reiki training they have received.

My approach to Reiki teaching is to teach the basics of Usui Reiki Ryoho without any of the extra bits that have made their way into what many people seem to be taught in Reiki classes nowadays - to be best of my knowledge and ability.

If they have a regular daily Reiki practice and have covered the basics I am generally happy to proceed if my intuition also agrees

In Japan there wasn't actually a Reiki Master level. After Shoden (First teachings) and Okuden (Inner Teachings) most people were happy to practice what they had learned. If they really wanted to be able to initiate other people then they would keep practicing and eventually they might be lucky enough to be chosen to become a Shihan (teacher). After Usui's time Shihan level usually meant learning the initiation procedure (Reiju), how to conduct seminars and review the material and techniques to be covered in Shoden (for Shihan Kaku/Assistant Teachers) and Okuden Seminars as well (for full Shihan/Teachers).

It may well have been different whilst Mikao Usui was alive (and also for some students post-Usui) with deeper, spiritual/mystery teachings (Shinpiden) also being included in Shihan training.

I think that both going deeper into the teachings, including more spiritual teachings as well as the sincere desire to be able to teach and initiate others are valid reasons for being taught at what is in the West called Master Level.

I try to emphasise to my students and enquirers that the term Reiki Master does not somehow magically grant the person extra Reiki power (or any other powers!). It is simply a way to go deeper into the teachings and to learn how to initiate others if they so wish.

People on a fast track to boosting their Ego and/or making lots of money tend to show their true colours (and lose interest) once they understand the way I feel about Reiki "Master" level.

I don't teach very many people to that level but I am happy about that and (so they tell me) are they!

Thank you Colin.

Don't think I'll be intiating many people to Master level

Many years ago I met a person who was a Reiki teacher. In those times he seemed to be the top of perfection for me. His wife had been attuned to Reiki 2. ‘What a brilliant family!’ thought I. I remember how he was telling about attunement of his 6-years old son on the sea shore. ‘Everybody has to follow his way ‘, thought I naively.

Later I was getting regular invitations from the teacher to visit his seminars. Moreover, they were running in 10-minutes walk from the place where I lived, so I did not need to cross such huge mega polis as Moscow. But there was always something that prevented me from coming. I was wondering why I was always choosing something else but as soon as I got the next call to visit a seminar I preferred to be in another place.

More then 10 years passed since then. I visited this family once more. I was really glad to see them. To my surprise I had nothing to talk about with them. I felt icy coldness between the wife and the husband. A friend of mine told me later some details about their behavior which I should not repeat anywhere. Their ‘spirituality’ has turned to be an illusion. And it was obviously seen in kids who had finished school to that moment.

After this meeting I realized why I failed to come to the seminars.

Jeniray, the only way for you is to listen to your heart. Yes, the world around us demands more healers, more good healers but the quality of them is very important, too.

By the way, my teacher of the 2nd degree has not attuned any people to Level 3. Her standards are very high.
I know that just two people were asking her for it. Others did not dare.

Anata wrote:Many years ago I met a person who was a Reiki teacher. In those times he seemed to be the top of perfection for me. His wife had been attuned to Reiki 2. ‘What a brilliant family!’ thought I. I remember how he was telling about attunement of his 6-years old son on the sea shore. ‘Everybody has to follow his way ‘, thought I naively.

Later I was getting regular invitations from the teacher to visit his seminars. Moreover, they were running in 10-minutes walk from the place where I lived, so I did not need to cross such huge mega polis as Moscow. But there was always something that prevented me from coming. I was wondering why I was always choosing something else but as soon as I got the next call to visit a seminar I preferred to be in another place.

More then 10 years passed since then. I visited this family once more. I was really glad to see them. To my surprise I had nothing to talk about with them. I felt icy coldness between the wife and the husband. A friend of mine told me later some details about their behavior which I should not repeat anywhere. Their ‘spirituality’ has turned to be an illusion. And it was obviously seen in kids who had finished school to that moment.

After this meeting I realized why I failed to come to the seminars.

Jeniray, the only way for you is to listen to your heart. Yes, the world around us demands more healers, more good healers but the quality of them is very important, too.

By the way, my teacher of the 2nd degree has not attuned any people to Level 3. Her standards are very high.
I know that just two people were asking her for it. Others did not dare.

Thank you Anata
I've given this issue much thought and come to the same conclusions as you:
1) The world needs 'quality' healers.
2) Allowing intuition to lead me is not being judgemental, it's showing discernment.

I appreciate your feedback on this issue. Thank you for taking the time to share your experiences :-)

Anata wrote:Many years ago I met a person who was a Reiki teacher. In those times he seemed to be the top of perfection for me. His wife had been attuned to Reiki 2. ‘What a brilliant family!’ thought I. I remember how he was telling about attunement of his 6-years old son on the sea shore. ‘Everybody has to follow his way ‘, thought I naively.

Later I was getting regular invitations from the teacher to visit his seminars. Moreover, they were running in 10-minutes walk from the place where I lived, so I did not need to cross such huge mega polis as Moscow. But there was always something that prevented me from coming. I was wondering why I was always choosing something else but as soon as I got the next call to visit a seminar I preferred to be in another place.

More then 10 years passed since then. I visited this family once more. I was really glad to see them. To my surprise I had nothing to talk about with them. I felt icy coldness between the wife and the husband. A friend of mine told me later some details about their behavior which I should not repeat anywhere. Their ‘spirituality’ has turned to be an illusion. And it was obviously seen in kids who had finished school to that moment.

After this meeting I realized why I failed to come to the seminars.

Jeniray, the only way for you is to listen to your heart. Yes, the world around us demands more healers, more good healers but the quality of them is very important, too.

By the way, my teacher of the 2nd degree has not attuned any people to Level 3. Her standards are very high.
I know that just two people were asking her for it. Others did not dare.

Anata good to see you posting.  

You always have such great  
experiences to share 

another quote I read this morning.......

'The planet does not need more successful people. The planet needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds.' Dalai Lama


~~~

Even though I'm not teaching (yet) I'm starting to get quite a few people asking me if I teach...I've explained that I hope to start teaching this year. Every person who's has asked me so far, I would teach/empower. It was very clear that I made a connection with these people either through conversation or by them having a treatment from me. One lovely young lady came for a treatment...I actually had a very very powerful experience during the session, but I felt that she didn't have a whole lot going on. The week after, this young lady contacted me and said she absolutely loved the Reiki, and did I teach. I explained that I would be doing in the future and then passed on information of another Reiki teacher in the area who I felt would be a good teacher. She said she would go and see her but to let her know when I have my teaching up and running.

I actually felt very touched by this.

Because I now feel very strongly like I am being 'encouraged' to teach I am giving much thought to many questions. I suspect that I would be more than happy to teach the first two levels, but I would only teach to 'master' level if I felt a very strong intuitive impulse to do so. It doesn't take genius to know when someone just wants to get through the levels as quickly as possible so they can attribute the word 'MASTER' to themselves and teach loads of people and make lots of money. As you mentioned yourself jeniray the application of discernment is key.

I personally feel that a person should become quite immersed in the Reiki path for a good few years before going on to teach others. How can one teach/empower and guide others in something they have very little experience with or understanding of??
I've been practicing spiritual healing for 16 years ( officially) the last 11 of those being Reiki and if I'm completely honest i'm still not sure I am in a position to teach. There are many many aspects of reiki I will never fully understand and this has been a huge issue in me being reluctant to teach others. How can I teach others that which I don't understand myself?

But, it seems 'the powers that be' are encouraging me to let go of my fears of ignorance and lack of understanding and just do it anyway!! It's time.

But I am a very down to earth and straight talking lady, so I will be very honest in letting my 'students' know, that there is so much I do not know or understand and likely never will in regards to Reiki. I will let them know that despite all the declarations of 'authenticty' from different schools of Reiki. The ONLY authentic teaching came from Usui himself. The more I read on all these wonderful Reiki teachers websites who seem quite prominent on the world 'reiki stage', the more disillusioned I become. I wish people would stop declaring authenticity and 'the original teachings'.


So hopefully I will try and keep my heart and mind open and discerning and let my intuition guide me and try my best to keep any ego stuff out of the frame.

so back to the initial quote

'The planet doesn't need more successful people. the planet needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds.'

~~~~

PS to Colin I'm happy

I agree with everything you said, Pachamama and I am also happy!

Pachamama, I understand and agree with all you say re teaching others.
I know more 'facts' about Reiki now, than I did when I started teaching. However, the people I initiated 10 years ago have benefitted just as much as the people I initiated last year. So maybe the amount of 'factual' information you can impart isn't that important. People say they are drawn to me because I 'live' Reiki, becuase I seem honest, down to earth and genuine. So go for it girl...you have all the right qualities :-)
Regarding your "fears of ignorance and lack of understanding" - maybe think of yourself as an 'enabler' rather than a 'teacher'. I'm very honest with my 'students' - being a Reiki Master doesn't mean I've mastered anything, it just means I'm a bit further along the journey. I'm still learning/experiencing and will be until the day I die.
As Reiki Teachers we enable people to discover their spiritual selves, and offer them support on their unique, individual spiritual journeys. We can not have all the answers for all the people, and it's not our job to do so. Our job is to equip them with the tools they need to discover their own answers.
Sounds like the Universe is asking you to step up...be brave...go for it :-)

Pachamama wrote:
another quote I read this morning.......

'The planet does not need more successful people. The planet needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds.'  Dalai Lama
                                         

                                                ~~~

Even though I'm not teaching (yet) I'm starting to get quite a few people asking me if I teach...I've explained that I hope to start teaching this year.  Every person who's has asked me so far, I would teach/empower. It was very clear that I made a connection with these people either through conversation or by them having a treatment from me. One lovely young lady came for a treatment...I actually had a very very powerful experience during the session, but I  felt that she didn't have a whole lot going on.  The week after, this young lady contacted me and said she absolutely loved the Reiki, and did I teach. I explained that I would be doing in the future and then passed on information of another Reiki teacher in the area who I felt would be a good teacher. She said she would go and see her but to let her know when I have my teaching up and running.

I actually felt very touched by this.

Because I now feel very strongly like I am being 'encouraged' to teach I am giving much thought to many questions.  I suspect that I would be more than happy to teach the first two levels, but I would only teach to 'master' level if I felt a very strong intuitive impulse to do so.  It doesn't take genius to know when someone just wants to get through the levels as quickly as possible so they can attribute the word 'MASTER' to themselves and teach loads of people and make lots of money. As you mentioned yourself jeniray the application of discernment is key.

I personally feel that a person should become quite immersed in the Reiki path for a good few years before going on to teach others. How can one teach/empower and guide others in something they have very little experience with or understanding of??
I've been practicing spiritual healing for 16 years ( officially) the last 11 of those being Reiki and if I'm completely honest i'm still not sure I am in a position to teach. There are many many aspects of reiki I will never fully understand and this has been a huge issue in me being reluctant to teach others. How can I teach others that which I don't understand myself?

But, it seems 'the powers that be' are encouraging me to let go of my fears of ignorance and  lack of understanding and just do it anyway!!  It's time.

But I am a very down to earth and straight talking lady, so I will be very honest in letting my 'students' know, that there is so much I do not know or understand and likely never will in regards to Reiki. I will let them know that despite all the declarations of 'authenticty' from different schools of Reiki.  The ONLY authentic teaching came from Usui himself.  The more I read on all these wonderful Reiki teachers websites who seem quite prominent on the world 'reiki stage', the more disillusioned I become.  I wish people would stop declaring authenticity and 'the original teachings'.


So hopefully I will try and keep my heart and mind open and discerning and let my intuition guide me and try my best to keep any ego stuff out of the frame.

so back to the initial quote

'The planet doesn't need more successful people. the planet needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds.'

~~~~

PS to Colin I'm happy

 Pachamama, you surprize me 
that you have not advanced to 
teaching. But...it will all happen
in your time frame.

jeniray wrote:Pachamama, I understand and agree with all you say re teaching others.
I know more 'facts' about Reiki now, than I did when I started teaching. However, the people I initiated 10 years ago have benefitted just as much as the people I initiated last year. So maybe the amount of 'factual' information you can impart isn't that important. People say they are drawn to me because I 'live' Reiki, becuase I seem honest, down to earth and genuine. So go for it girl...you have all the right qualities :-)
Regarding your "fears of ignorance and lack of understanding" - maybe think of yourself as an 'enabler' rather than a 'teacher'. I'm very honest with my 'students' - being a Reiki Master doesn't mean I've mastered anything, it just means I'm a bit further along the journey. I'm still learning/experiencing and will be until the day I die.
As Reiki Teachers we enable people to discover their spiritual selves, and offer them support on their unique, individual spiritual journeys. We can not have all the answers for all the people, and it's not our job to do so. Our job is to equip them with the tools they need to discover their own answers.
Sounds like the Universe is asking you to step up...be brave...go for it :-)

I know, I know, my arse is actually being well and truly kicked to 'step up'...from the very first spiritual healing sessions I received over 16 years ago, I knew I wanted to be able to give to others what had been given to me and that was 'tools for spiritual awakening'. Even though I have not be 'teaching' reiki, I know that I am enabling others to discover their spiritual selves, through the process of receiving treatments. ( I had incredibly profound spiritual awakenings myself through receiving healing and not by being 'taught' anything)
So many beautiful things have happened over the years. But the time is approaching for me to take my 'enabling' into another direction. I know that 'facts' are changing constantly within Reiki.....but I am a big reader and researcher myself, I actually think basic knowledge and understanding are quite important. But by wanting to be quite factual, perhaps I have been 'throwing the baby out with the bath water'...so I now have to embrace the 'fact' that there is so much misinformation and contradiction within the 'school of reiki facts' that I just have to try and strip all this information down to basics and just impart what seems to be the common agreed 'facts' and let everything else go...

I'm gonna write my own book .......'Confused about Reiki facts? join the club' ahaha

~~

A bloke came into the centre before Christmas, he'd spent a while abroad and 'accidently' took a wrong turn and ended up in some sacred temple where he met a meditation teacher. He studied meditation with this man and had profound experiences. He was looking for a space to offer meditation and thought our place might be appropriate. ( it isn't our place is too small).....anyway we ended up having a fascinating conversation about alsorts of spiritual matters ( as you do)....and he was telling me how he witnessed two 'high ranking' monks and meditation teachers have quite a heated argument about the nature of enlightenment... so it seems even so called 'enlightened high ranking meditating monks' can't agree on basic 'facts' ......it just made me laugh.
Look at all the different religions in the world today, and all the offshoots within the same religion......each one of them feeling slighty superior to the next.

It seems the same is happening with Reiki. we need to let go of the outer differences and embrace the inner spiritualty and wisdom within. I don't even want to feel a part of a specific 'type' of Reiki which has attributed to itself a special name with special meaning. I just want to embrace and impart the innate spiritual wisdom within.

chi_solas wrote:

Pachamama wrote:
another quote I read this morning.......

'The planet does not need more successful people. The planet needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds.'  Dalai Lama
                                         

                                                ~~~

Even though I'm not teaching (yet) I'm starting to get quite a few people asking me if I teach...I've explained that I hope to start teaching this year.  Every person who's has asked me so far, I would teach/empower. It was very clear that I made a connection with these people either through conversation or by them having a treatment from me. One lovely young lady came for a treatment...I actually had a very very powerful experience during the session, but I  felt that she didn't have a whole lot going on.  The week after, this young lady contacted me and said she absolutely loved the Reiki, and did I teach. I explained that I would be doing in the future and then passed on information of another Reiki teacher in the area who I felt would be a good teacher. She said she would go and see her but to let her know when I have my teaching up and running.

I actually felt very touched by this.

Because I now feel very strongly like I am being 'encouraged' to teach I am giving much thought to many questions.  I suspect that I would be more than happy to teach the first two levels, but I would only teach to 'master' level if I felt a very strong intuitive impulse to do so.  It doesn't take genius to know when someone just wants to get through the levels as quickly as possible so they can attribute the word 'MASTER' to themselves and teach loads of people and make lots of money. As you mentioned yourself jeniray the application of discernment is key.

I personally feel that a person should become quite immersed in the Reiki path for a good few years before going on to teach others. How can one teach/empower and guide others in something they have very little experience with or understanding of??
I've been practicing spiritual healing for 16 years ( officially) the last 11 of those being Reiki and if I'm completely honest i'm still not sure I am in a position to teach. There are many many aspects of reiki I will never fully understand and this has been a huge issue in me being reluctant to teach others. How can I teach others that which I don't understand myself?

But, it seems 'the powers that be' are encouraging me to let go of my fears of ignorance and  lack of understanding and just do it anyway!!  It's time.

But I am a very down to earth and straight talking lady, so I will be very honest in letting my 'students' know, that there is so much I do not know or understand and likely never will in regards to Reiki. I will let them know that despite all the declarations of 'authenticty' from different schools of Reiki.  The ONLY authentic teaching came from Usui himself.  The more I read on all these wonderful Reiki teachers websites who seem quite prominent on the world 'reiki stage', the more disillusioned I become.  I wish people would stop declaring authenticity and 'the original teachings'.


So hopefully I will try and keep my heart and mind open and discerning and let my intuition guide me and try my best to keep any ego stuff out of the frame.

so back to the initial quote

'The planet doesn't need more successful people. the planet needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds.'

~~~~

PS to Colin I'm happy

 Pachamama, you surprize me 
that you have not advanced to 
teaching. But...it will all happen
in your time frame.

Everything has it's timing.....and teaching is a big step, I need to be available and accessisble to those I teach. My youngest child is 15 now, I run a holistic centre with a friend now so I am working full time as a holistic therapist. The timing is right now. And also besides my reservations regardings facts etc....I want to be the kind of teacher I would want to find myself. I wish to become that which I am seeking..

I have been a student of many subjects in many scenarios. and I have discovered that some people are excellent teachers and some people are terrible teachers. On more than one occasion I have felt that I could have done a much better job of teaching than my teacher. That's not an ego thing but an observation. I did a PTLLS course a few years ago...'preparing to teach in the life long learning sector' and I discovered a great deal. People have very different ways of learning. I'm the kind of annoying student in class who always has lots and lots of questions to ask. and I learn in lots of different ways. When something is fun, visual and involves lots of practical excersises, then the knowledge imprints itself better.

If a teacher has a boring monotone voice and just reads out information, my mind closes down and I drift into boredom and sleep mode. I've had a few 'death by power point experiences.'

Within Reiki, we know that it is the Reiki itself that teaches us.

But teaching is a skill, and quite frankly I think some teachers have all the 'knowledge' but not the necessary skills to impart that knowledge in a way that meets the students needs. There was a lovely bloke who taught me Indian Head massage at college many years ago, my friend who runs the centre with me also had him as a teacher for massage and we still talk about him now as he was such a great teacher.

You only have to look at our kids experiences in schools. some teachers are amazing and can impact a childs life in a positive way forever.....others the complete opposite.


I don't want to just 'give people information'.....I want to help impart wisdom and understanding in a way that impacts and imprints the 'student' in a positive way. When I was doing my PTLLS course I wrote alsorts of quotes in my paper about teaching ahaha.....my 'teacher'; wasn't impressed at all. But my study buddy was extremely impressed by my attitude and insights and said he wished more people were like me . and that I restored his faith in human kind! ahahah strong words I know. But without realising it I had made an impact on him in a positive way. I must find my old course papers and find some of those quotes....

Pachamama wrote:

chi_solas wrote:

Pachamama wrote:
another quote I read this morning.......

'The planet does not need more successful people. The planet needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds.'  Dalai Lama
                                         

                                                ~~~

Even though I'm not teaching (yet) I'm starting to get quite a few people asking me if I teach...I've explained that I hope to start teaching this year.  Every person who's has asked me so far, I would teach/empower. It was very clear that I made a connection with these people either through conversation or by them having a treatment from me. One lovely young lady came for a treatment...I actually had a very very powerful experience during the session, but I  felt that she didn't have a whole lot going on.  The week after, this young lady contacted me and said she absolutely loved the Reiki, and did I teach. I explained that I would be doing in the future and then passed on information of another Reiki teacher in the area who I felt would be a good teacher. She said she would go and see her but to let her know when I have my teaching up and running.

I actually felt very touched by this.

Because I now feel very strongly like I am being 'encouraged' to teach I am giving much thought to many questions.  I suspect that I would be more than happy to teach the first two levels, but I would only teach to 'master' level if I felt a very strong intuitive impulse to do so.  It doesn't take genius to know when someone just wants to get through the levels as quickly as possible so they can attribute the word 'MASTER' to themselves and teach loads of people and make lots of money. As you mentioned yourself jeniray the application of discernment is key.

I personally feel that a person should become quite immersed in the Reiki path for a good few years before going on to teach others. How can one teach/empower and guide others in something they have very little experience with or understanding of??
I've been practicing spiritual healing for 16 years ( officially) the last 11 of those being Reiki and if I'm completely honest i'm still not sure I am in a position to teach. There are many many aspects of reiki I will never fully understand and this has been a huge issue in me being reluctant to teach others. How can I teach others that which I don't understand myself?

But, it seems 'the powers that be' are encouraging me to let go of my fears of ignorance and  lack of understanding and just do it anyway!!  It's time.

But I am a very down to earth and straight talking lady, so I will be very honest in letting my 'students' know, that there is so much I do not know or understand and likely never will in regards to Reiki. I will let them know that despite all the declarations of 'authenticty' from different schools of Reiki.  The ONLY authentic teaching came from Usui himself.  The more I read on all these wonderful Reiki teachers websites who seem quite prominent on the world 'reiki stage', the more disillusioned I become.  I wish people would stop declaring authenticity and 'the original teachings'.


So hopefully I will try and keep my heart and mind open and discerning and let my intuition guide me and try my best to keep any ego stuff out of the frame.

so back to the initial quote

'The planet doesn't need more successful people. the planet needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds.'

~~~~

PS to Colin I'm happy

 Pachamama, you surprize me 
that you have not advanced to 
teaching. But...it will all happen
in your time frame.

Everything has it's timing.....and teaching is a big step, I need to be available and accessisble to those I teach. My youngest child is 15 now, I run a holistic centre with a friend now so I am working full time as a holistic therapist. The timing is right now. And also besides my reservations regardings facts etc....I want to be the kind of teacher I would want to find myself. I wish to become that which I am seeking..

I have been a student of many subjects in many scenarios. and I have discovered that some people are excellent teachers and some people are terrible teachers. On more than one occasion I have felt that I could have done a much better job of teaching than my teacher. That's not an ego thing but an observation.  I did a PTLLS course a few years ago...'preparing to teach in the life long learning sector'  and I discovered a great deal. People have very different ways of learning. I'm the kind of annoying student in class who always has lots and lots of questions to ask. and I learn in lots of different ways.   When something is fun, visual and involves lots of practical excersises, then the knowledge imprints itself better.

If a teacher has a boring monotone voice and just reads out information, my mind closes down and I drift into boredom and sleep mode. I've had a few 'death by power point experiences.'

Within Reiki, we know that it is the Reiki itself that teaches us.

But teaching is a skill, and quite frankly I think some teachers have all the 'knowledge' but not the necessary skills to impart that knowledge in a way that meets the students needs.  There was a lovely bloke who taught me Indian Head massage at college many years ago, my friend who runs the centre with me also had him as a teacher for massage and we still talk about him now as he was such a great teacher.

You only have to look at our kids experiences in schools. some teachers are amazing and can impact a childs life in a positive way forever.....others the complete opposite.


I don't want to just 'give people information'.....I want to help impart wisdom and understanding in a way that impacts and imprints the 'student' in a positive way.  When I was doing my PTLLS course I wrote alsorts of quotes in my paper about teaching ahaha.....my 'teacher'; wasn't impressed at all.  But my study buddy was extremely impressed by my attitude and insights and said he wished more people were like me . and that I restored his faith in human kind! ahahah strong words I know. But without realising it I had made an impact on him in a positive way.  I must find my old course papers and find some of those quotes....

I'm more interested in hands 
on and practicing the 5 precepts.
I touch on the basic Reiki history
and encourage my students to search
further for extensive details through 
 Reiki folks like James Deacon