Rules for performing Reiki in Hospice

A) Start by talking with the patient. Introduce yourself, and your intention. Although Reiki is very important to you, your primary intention is to be there for the patient. It is all about him or her. So to begin with, whether or not you do Reiki is not the most important point. Or, said another way, Reiki can be done without touching someone or using your hands.

B) Gift the patient with compassionate presence. You are there, and you are present, and you are sharing a moment. If you are a doctor or a nurse, take off the white coat. Share a moment. For the patient, you do not know, it may be one of the most precious moments of their life. They may have something to say, or to share, and simply your presence can mean a lot. And remember, Reiki is never unidirectional. When you connect with another person, it can be an important moment for you as well. Patients near transition often have insights that we lack, and the sharing they do is to be highly valued.

C) Listen. Ask open ended questions. Convey verbally and non verbally a willingness to listen. Ask about things that might matter to the patient. What was their work? Recently I was caring for a patient who when healthy had been a trouble shooter for an airline. she had helped stranded travelers - and on my unit, dying of cancer, she still saw herself as being that person (though she knew "the airline will have to go on without me.") Allow the patient to retain all that matters to them in life, honor their lives by listening. Who and what matters to them matters in that moment. Much of Reiki is about creating what some call a "sacred space," a place where we can open a channel for spiritual energy - and that "space" is enhanced by caring to listen to the patient. Often, listening is more important in Hospice than placing hands in bringing Reiki energy.

D) Ask about the patient's own source of spiritual strength. I am Jewish and I connect as well using Reiki, but many times I have been thought to be a Christian doctor, or a Muslim doctor, and simply stated in that room it is not about me - I am about serving the patient and honoring what matters to him or her.

E) Do not attempt to insert your energy or spirit into the patient, or take spirit or energy (or even pain) from them. Be a simple channel. Be a compassionate presence.

F) Understand that we are not in control. Transition will come when the Creator decides. In Hospice we do not attempt to either shorten or lengthen life, what we do is make the moments that exist precious and free of pain. If a spirit is transitioning, do not impede it, and do not attach to it, but marvel in it, and be honored to be present.

G) If the patient wishes to have Reiki performed then do so, but realize that in this fragile state full Reiki sessions are often not appropriate. In this situation, traditional hand positions, valued as structure, may not be meaningful.

H) If family is present, and they are comfortable, establish a circle. Bringing evergy together and synchronizing spirit is precious. Do not dominate a circle. Do not bring your own vibrations to the forefront. Imagine yourself a dancer whose task is simply to blend with one's partner. The melody is not yours to play, allow yourself to harmonize, let your spirit guides assist you.

I) Understand that you can Care even when you cannot Cure. Understand that presence and connection are wonderful gifts. Understand that you cannot give of your own energy, or you will be drained, rather, allow energy to simply pass through you from the Creator, likely a small percentage will be left with you as a gift.

J) Be at peace and be calm. Transition is not to be feared. It is a moment of awe. Accept all of creation with a simple grace. Have no fear. Have no anger. Be grateful to be alive. Be grateful to be present. Your gift of compassion is your presence.

K) If you are fortunate, you will from a distance have a vision of the light.