The Fifth, last and perhaps most important principle which unites all the principles:

"Just for today I will be kind to every living thing."

 

BE kind- indicates that kindness is a state of being. The more we practice kindness to others (AND OURSELVES-after all, we are living things...), the more it changes our energy and vibration. The more that energy is changed, the more the energy around us changes. Did you ever notice how an unexpected smile or greeting lightens your energy?

The way we consistently view and try to treat others helps us to treat ourselves better as well. Just imagine if you treated yourself as well as you treat your best friend.

The ripple effect (even if "just for today") of treating all living beings with kindness is immeasurable- and, of course, what we give out comes back to us many fold. \

 

Now go forth and enjoy a kind universe!

Continuing with the 4th of the Reiki Principles:

"Just for today, I will work hard."

There are several different interpretations and translations of this principle.

 In Japanese, it is "gyo wo hage me".

This is commonly interpreted as Work Hard", but can also mean "Study Hard".  English translations have stated it as "I will do my work honestly"

Looking at these various interpretations, keep in mind that Dr Usui taught these principles to be used on a  physical, mental and spiritual level to help individuals live a more balanced life.

Aside from the obvious importance of working honestly (not cheating, deceiving or harming ourselves or others), it also means being true to ourselves in our daily work and/or study. This can mean external work as well as internal work on ourselves.

When we work hard at what we truly want to be doing (as opposed to forcing ourselves to do something that we genuinely detest or feel is "out of sync" with our being), we are working with integrity and honesty. This can be very "hard" as it may not follow yours or others' expectations of stable "work". However, if just for today, we work hard at what we honestly believe we are meant to do, we are working with integrity. We  present a very different energy to others as we support our spirit as well as feeling so much better ourselves.

 

Working honestly does mean being honest with ourselves about what we want to do and being honest with others about the work we are putting out into the world.

 

Its a WIN/WIN situation (which does not necessarily mean its easy!!).

Next week I'll discuss the fifth Reiki principle. "Just for today, I will be kind to all living things".

 

Reiki Principle 3

"Just for Today, Show Gratitude to every living thing."
Another translation is: "Just for today, I will be grateful."
This is another one of those life principles that brings more goodness into our lives if we can remember to practice it. It follows that law of attraction (yep-law, not idea like gravity- works whether you believe it or not!). The more you appreciate what’s around you, the more you attract what you appreciate and on and on.
 
The caveat is that the reverse is also true. The more you bemoan all that’s wrong around you, the more you will attract just that...


"I have to stop saying "How stupid can you be? I think people are starting to take it as a challenge."
Jewels

Instead, remember it is wisdom (and so much healthier) to:

Reiki -principles

Continuing with The Reiki Principles:
Just for today- Do not worry.
 I know- easier said than done. The "just for today" is extremely important as it can feel very difficult to commit to anything over a long period. Just for today seems more manageable. If we try to be present in the moment (as Ram Dass said "Be Here Now"), it is more difficult to worry. Worry invariably involves thinking/spending energy on concerns from the past or , more typically, on the future-something which may or may not ever occur.
Thoughts direct energy, so directing them towards unpleasant events/feelings which may never come to pass is not the best use or directing  of our thought energy.
Bobby McFerrin hit the nail on the head with his upbeat song."Don't Worry, Be Happy".
To bring a smile to your face and a beat to your feet, click this link.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-diB65scQUBobby McFerrin's Bobby McFerrin video "Don't Worry, Be Happy" youtube

The Reiki Principles

Are actually guidelines for living a more positive, healthy life. I thought I would remind myself of what they actually mean (at least to me). The first one is:

"Just for today-do not anger"

One may think this is for the good of others, but in reality, holding anger causes far more problems for the angry person, than the one to whom anger is directed .Although anger can certainly bring about a surge of energy (increases heart rate, respiratory rate, can increase blood pressure, cause digestive upset, increases muscle tension). Holding on this anger causes energy blockages and is seen as a poison by the Buddhists. It is considered toxic, especially for the gallbladder and liver.

 It is much easier and so much more do-able to just consider letting go of anger one day at a time. Acknowledge the anger, bring yourself back to the present moment, and try to release it. Take a deep breath and blow it out!

 

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.

 

The Key

The gems of wisdom in rock n roll classics-heard this line from The Eagles :
"So often times it happens that we live our lives in chains 
And we never even know we have the key "
Ain't that the truth?!

So many ways to help ourselves feel better....
Free lecture 11am -12noon October 20 "Energy medicine techniques to calm and energize yourself".
12-3pm Intuitive energy work and readings. Center for Wholistic Health, Lakewood, Co.