I have been an Occupational Therapist for over 30 years working within mental health. I worked very much using a social care model rather than a medical model which allowed me to look at the person’s whole needs in their lives.
I considered their ability to look after their personal care, how they related with others, their self-esteem, involvement with activities and interests as well as work performance. I worked alongside the person through the use of therapeutic activities. I was aware of the physical, emotional and intellectual needs of the person.
However many years later as a Reiki Master I added another dimension to my work – spiritual needs. This is not about religion or faith but recognition of using and being aware of energy that is in us and around us “an innate human need to connect to something larger than ourselves” (Cindy Wigglesworth).
My own process with Reiki has been quite rapid but probably there was always an awareness of our own ability to “heal” ourselves, of the ability we all had within us to create change. I view change now in a much bigger context, not just as physical or emotional but with an additional “spiritual” presence and need.
One of the biggest changes in my practice now is not having outcomes. As an NHS employee outcomes and targets were an integral part of my work with some being absolutely crucial and vital. However I felt that some outcomes limited the extent of progress and reduced creativity and flexibility.
As a Reiki practitioner I now let go of outcomes and trust that the Reiki I deliver will manifest itself for that person’s good. I trust that the body, mind and soul will receive what it needs. I heard someone once talk about Reiki using this example:-Take a piece of paper and write the word “sugar” on it. Then lick the paper. Does it taste like sugar? No.
Reiki has to be experienced as everyone’s experience will be different and unique to them. We can talk and read about it but can never really get a sense of it until you receive it.
Reiki can be used alongside conventional treatment to enhance the healing process and also to ease pain and discomfort and reduce stress.
I have used Reiki for people with low mood, stress, anxiety and fibromyalgia and I feel truly privileged to be able to offer Reiki in my work as a coach and therapist as I feel it brings that additional dimension to wellbeing and health.
Organisations, such as Cancer Research UK are now recognizing the benefits of Reiki as complimentary to conventional medicine and with all such treatments, must be undertaken by qualified and accredited practitioners.