Reiki and Sacred Space

In trying to explain Reiki, i often ask people to allow me to demonstrate it rather than talk about it - one needs to experience Reiki before one understands it.

Reiki energy occurs as we set an intention to separate ourselves, (just for a moment), from our mundane existence. Through a method, using breathing and grounding and focus and intention, we create a space for ourselves, and perhaps other people, that we make meaningful by our purification of our own thoughts (just for the moment). The space is not defined by physical boundaries, but is defined by the energy that surrounds our body, as guided by our intention.

As we focus on the life force that connects all human beings, and as we set aside a small space in a fleeting time, we make sacred for ourselves and our companions that experience.

We start by controlling that which is most important to control, and easiest to control, our own breathing. We ask that energy flow through us, from our creator, to the place upon which we stand. We are grounded, we are calm, and we are at peace.

In such a sacred space, worry cannot occur, it is banished. Anger has no place. We are grateful for what we have. We work to understand and to heal. We want to gift others with kindness.

And in that moment of connectness, as we stand between creator earth in peace and calm, in acceptance and anticipation, we are grounded but free of attachment, and our spirit flies.

In this sacred space there is the possibility of healing.

Imagine if you will for a moment, you are in a bed, and those around you are crying, they expect you to die soon. They will not talk about, "for fear of upsetting you." Do they not know that you are aware of what is happening within your own body? For your own good someone is jabbing at you with a needle. And your face is covered with a mask giving you oxygen. And you want to scream and cry.

Someone comes and says to you, may i take off this mask. And without the mask you can still breathe. The new person asks if they can hold your hand. "Of course you say" (and you think "sit awhile what's the rush") - they ask you to breathe with them, and focus on your own inner sense of calm. "Do i have an inner sense of calm?" "Yes it is there."

"I want you all to know i love you." ("there - i had wanted to say that - they weren't going to let me")

They are praying for me. "Go away with that needle!" "I'm not stupid, i know that isn't going to help." "Prayer is good." "Folks say you can't know about God, but, i know God is waiting for me, i can simply feel it." "Everyone around me is praying, i can feel there energy."

"Thank you God."

When someone has come on to our unit, screaming in pain, and expected to die, and we set aside a Sacred Space, and connect with them and their families, and they become free of pain, it is a very moving moment.

Today, one of those patients, went home for a time with her family. As a doctor, i do not have a scientific basis to explain this. Perhaps you could say we simply prayed with her. We do not know how much time she will have at home, but we are grateful.

Reiki starts at the moment we know science cannot help us. We cannot cure but we still can care. We do not abandon those for whom we have no "Prescription." And we do not prescribe something that we know will not work, just for "hope." Hope can stem from the sacred. Whatever religion the patient is - that's fine - my voice will serve for you, just for today.

I can control my breathing and make myself calm and ask you to join me. Together we can create a space with an intention to be sacred. If i cannot cure you, but, you can be free of fear, you can be free of anger, and free of pain, then i am grateful to have served.

I have to go. It is time to take back up the stethoscope, and put back on the "white coat." Perhaps, next door, someone can be helped through science.

One never knows till one enters the door.