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MARILYN HARVEY

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Working with Reiki and EFT

You will see from reading my pages about Reiki and EFT that there are a myriad of benefits that can be brought about by these wonderful energy techniques. I’d like to tell you how working with Reiki and EFT came about and why I use both in my Practice.

When I first started working with Reiki, I didn’t consider practising another energy technique.  After all, Reiki facilitates not only the opportunity for spiritual growth and positive change, but physical wellbeing, mental clarity and relaxation.  As well as receiving Reiki’s many benefits, it is a joy and a privilege to pass these on to others, either through treatments or empowerments at Reiki courses.

Unexpectedly, a short time after becoming a Reiki Master Teacher, I was introduced to the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) by another Reiki Master, who told me how much she found the two energy techniques complemented each other.  After a session with her I was amazed at the speed at which my pain moved.  We uncovered various issues underlying the cause of the pain which resulted in relief from the problem.  I was also intrigued that such significant results could be achieved from what seemed to be a bizarre tapping procedure.  Following this experience, I decided to learn and practise EFT, and, over a few months, worked my way to a Level 3 qualification.

Now that I could offer two energy techniques, my aim was to empower people by enabling them to address their own issues.  This could be done by practising the basic EFT tapping procedure between sessions or, for those who had been attuned to Reiki, by self-treating.

I also wanted to give clients a choice.  Some clients prefer to experience Reiki’s gentle, yet powerful, energy from the comfort of the  treatment table. Others prefer to work actively on themselves while being guided through the tapping procedure.  Many clients come along for Reiki treatments and are completely happy with the relaxing and calming experience, whereas others decide, after a few Reiki treatments, that they wish to try something more ‘physical’ and choose to try EFT.  Occasionally, EFT clients later decide to try Reiki.

Reiki and EFT complement each other so well and because of this I may use both techniques in the same treatment session. For example, it may be beneficial to clear a client’s issue immediately and quickly using the tapping procedure, following this with a Reiki treatment to bring about a relaxed state, clarity and a feeling of wellbeing.

Reiki or EFT can be used to address any issue, big or small, with amazing results.  Both Reiki and EFT work by balancing the body’s energy system on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.   Both are self-help techniques and are easy to learn.  You can learn how to channel Reiki by attending courses and the basic EFT technique can be learned at a treatment session. Although I don’t teach EFT, training is available for those who wish to develop their understanding of this meridian energy technique.

Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki, developed his system by focusing on self-healing and spiritual development.  He called it a ‘Method to Achieve Personal Perfection’ and the name ‘Reiki’ came later.   Gary Craig’s EFT is a modern technique based on ancient practices.  It is also about self healing and self-development as you tap away the painful memories or physical pain.  Both EFT and Reiki work on clearing energy pathways to allow the body to heal itself, raising the body’s vibrations and allowing healing to take place.  As this occurs so too will your sense of who you are and your place in the world.

Marilyn Harvey
February 2011

 

 

After Reiki 1 (Shoden)

You have just taken Reiki Level 1 and are excited about embarking on, or continuing, your spiritual journey.  You promise yourself to practise Hatsurei and the Self Healing Meditations every day, to live the Usui Precepts and to consider the concept of Mindfulness. During the weeks that follow you continue with this routine and feel encouraged either to stay at Level 1 or, eventually, move on to the next level of Reiki.

However, for some it isn’t quite so simple and things begin to ‘slip’.

This may be because you have begun to lose confidence and worry that you are not feeling anything in your Tanden; there is no rush and eventually you will start to feel the energy building as you meditate, self treat or treat others. Tuning into weekly empowerments will also develop your sensitivity to Reiki and, as this builds, so will your confidence.  Also try not to expect too much of yourself when practising living the Usui Precepts, as you need to allow time for them to gradually influence your life.

Whilst no one should be hard on themselves for missing the odd day’s meditation or self treatment, it is when the gaps between them become wider that it becomes even more difficult to get back into a routine. Various things may get in the way, especially living as we do in the Western world with a lifestyle which can be all consuming, to the point where it may be very difficult to say ‘No’ its demands.  However, the very act of stopping and allowing yourself space and time to meditate on the Reiki energy, or carry out a self treatment, even for a few minutes each day, will enable you to return to your demanding world with deeper insight and a greater sense of calm. 

Two challenges in particular can get in the way of regular practise.  One of these is the pressure of time.

You may find yourself stating, ‘I can’t find the time’.  Stop and think about this and try to be creative about the time that can be found.  For example, get up a few minutes earlier each morning or listen to a reiki meditation CD whilst travelling on the train. If you are constantly feeling pressed for time, believing that there are not enough hours in the day, you are denying yourself the opportunity to reconnect to your Being. Try to keep in mind that there is enough time for you and that the clock doesn’t rule your life!  It is helpful to bear in mind that:

‘Time is meant to unfold according to your needs and wants.  It will start to do that only if you give up the opposite belief – that time is in charge.’
(from ‘The Book of Secrets’ by Deepak Chopra)

Remember too, that Usui’s Precepts tell us to live in the moment by stating ‘Just for Today’.  The more you focus on the moment the more you will experience less of an attachment to the concerns you have about the past, present or future. With an awareness of living in the moment you can avoid the rush, for it is in this state that things are missed.

The second challenge that often presents itself is that of change.  Reiki brings along the opportunity to alter our perspective on life, which may involve making life changing decisions. Some of these may not be easy to carry out. Or, it may be that the idea of being seen differently by others is too difficult to embrace. It certainly can be very hard to let go of negative, old patterns as it is there than one feels safe but, by holding on to these, the energy system is being drained.  Whatever the stumbling block, allow Reiki to harmonise your energy system for, as it does so, it will enable you to release old patterns that perhaps have been repeated countless times.

Take the opportunity Reiki gives you for release, however difficult it may be at first, and allow healing to take place. What must be remembered is that Reiki always works for your Highest Good, so that whatever those changes are they are to be embraced in order for you to move further on your spiritual journey.

So, consider how time or change is affecting your practise and, if the journey seems difficult, think of this: 

‘The journey is the reward’ (Taoist source).

There is also a wise Chinese proverb which states: 

‘To get through the hardest journey we need take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping.’

Remember too, that you can always call upon your Reiki teacher, should you need any help, support or encouragement.

Marilyn Harvey
November 2010
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