I`m more than a little concerned with some, not all, of the advertisements I see offered on the internet regarding Reiki. They appear to me, at least, to be more business, than spiritual, or healing for that matter.
I treated people professionally, in Reiki, for a very short time, a few months. In that time I discovered some things. It became apparent that I could be successful in this, both in regard to the client`s state of health and well being, and in regard to my own sustenance. Some treatments were, focused in the physical, but the mental/emotional clients were showing up at my door in a constant stream.
Clients would report that treatments were very effective. So much so, that our interaction motivated them to consider making substantial life changes. Things like.... leaving their job, but not yet having a plan to satisfy the financial commitments of paying their mortgage, and putting food on the table for their loved ones. Things like....leaving their spouse, as the Reiki experience had led them to the “self realization” that their partner did not compliment their growth, or had prevented them from obtaining personal peace. Again, the realization of these situations that they perceived, as not serving them any longer, had serious ramifications for their family members, including their kids.
It would seem that Reiki, became an experience of self-realization. I felt this was treating the problem, and not the symptoms...I still believe this.
Self realization can become a serious situation, if one is not empowered, on certain levels, to support the changes required, which one may become aware of.
The choices are for the client to make. I would not be responsible, as I kept my mouth shut, treated them with Reiki and offered limited, objective, verbal support....limited, objective...I`m going to say it twice. When people are in this state of change, vulnerable, somewhat unsure of their path, one must be careful not to lead another, yet must not make the client feel abandoned at the same time. This is a fine line. There is an opportunity to make a mistake here, in regard to projecting, what from your perspective, is the right choice. Your perspective in this situation may have little place, or merit, as the consequences and benefits of change will not be realized by you.
So, I quit charging money for Reiki. I left the spa, worked with fewer people. I felt I need more time, more growth, and more wisdom, more...life experience.
We as Reiki, at times, are the facilitators of change. We do more than treat physical pain and suffering.
As the facilitators of change, there is a degree of responsibility one cannot ignore in regard to our clients.
I feel Reiki is a spiritual path. This is a truth with me. Through this, we are blessed with abilities, to help others become closer to finding a life, where they realize more happiness and compassion...more peaceful co existence.
So....
How effective can we be in this, if we choose to teach Reiki through the internet, offering distance attunements, and contact through e-mail only?
How effective can we be, if we take all our attunements in three months and immediately hang out a shingle claiming to be able to heal people?
How effective can we be in this.....If we view it as a BUSINESS first, and a BLESSING second?
Who are we serving, ourselves, or our clients?
As a recipient of this blessing, do we have a responsibility to Reiki?
As facilitators of self-realization, do we not need to be aware and respectful of, the change we assist in promoting?
The internet is, at times, a damaging medium in regard to how Reiki is being presented. I see sites that claim great things, prices are first and foremost on the homepage, with little background and no investigation as to where a perspective client is at in life.
In my opinion, this is an irresponsible method. It takes advantage of those who may be lacking direction, or those who are possibly in pain.
Some people come to Reiki, looking only for a new life experience, an opportunity to grow. Honestly people have come to me for attunements because they have heard it`s similar to getting “high’...great what ever...have a nice day with that line of thinking. I`ve got a website for you. Yet...some come to us in trouble, real trouble, mentally or physically. I just do not see how a business oriented web site can help these folks....business can be sincere...but at times it`s not.
Once again, I must offer, that there are sites offered by responsible people with the best of intentions, yet also, there are sites that are run by self serving individuals...I have a problem with the latter category. Furthermore, what i write here is directed at no individual that I know personally, or have communicated with. There are countless Reiki sites offering many things on the net...Some just seem to be irresponsible on a ridiculous level.
As per usual, I offer this in hopes of developing a clearer more positive, understanding of something which looks questionable. Please, agree or disagree, regardless...Let me know what you think.
RJ
Last edited by Reikijim on Sun Oct 25, 2009 7:38 am; edited 1 time in total (Reason for editing : my smiley was messed up)