Are you looking for a spiritual path but haven't found the right fit? Try living according to Reiki spiritual principles. Dr. Mikao Ushi, the founder of Reiki, developed five guidelines for living according to the Reiki tradition (Quest, 2008). The five guidelines are do not anger; do not worry; live with gratitude; devote yourself to work; and, be kind to others (Quest, 2008). Through exploring the five principles and asking yourself the questions, you can live a more spiritual life.
Do Not Anger
Anger is a habitual reaction that is triggered when others disappoint us or when we fail to meet our own expectations (Quest, 2008). Beyond the interpersonal conflict that anger can create, there are also negative physiological changes that occur when we are angry that impact our health, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure and faster breathing (Quest, 2008). In short, anger takes a toll on our physical and mental health.
Questions to ask yourself:
1. What are the effects of my anger on myself and others?
2. What steps can I take to manage my anger in a more assertive and respectful way?
Do Not Worry
Many people worry about the future or the unknown (Quest, 2008). People who worry often believe that life is dangerous and difficult (Quest, 2008). Often they excessively worry about a negative future. Will I get cancer? Will I lose my job? What if my child gets sick? The problem with worrying is that it is a double negative: it doesn't prevent bad things from happening and it feels bad. Worry focuses on the problem not solutions.
Questions to ask yourself:
3. How can I put this worry into perspective?
4. What activities take my mind off my worries?
Be Grateful
Gratitude is appreciating your life and not taking for granted what you have (Quest, 2008). Gratitude can help turn negatives into positives by reminding us of what is important in life. Often we focus on what we don't have rather than seeing all the blessings in our life. Gratitude also helps us be more forgiving and generous because it helps us see the gifts in our challenges.
Questions to ask yourself:
5. What gratitude rituals can I incorporate into my day?
6. How can I change my perspective of lack into one of abundance?
Devote Yourself to Work
This Reiki principle embodies two beliefs: work hard and work honestly (Quest, 2008). Working hard doesn't necessarily mean working long hours but rather is about putting your heart into your work. People who work hard are visionary, dynamic and self-motivated (Quest, 2008). Working honestly is about appreciating others for their contributions. One example of this is thanking people for the work they do for you.
Questions to ask yourself:
7. How can I infuse passion into my work?
8. How can I honor the work that others do?
Be Kind to Others
Kindness to other involves first being kind to yourself. If you respect yourself, you are able to respect others. Being kind to yourself might involve how you treat your body, what you do for self-care, or how you speak to yourself. If you feel good about yourself, it translates into generosity and kindness to others. Furthermore, doing good deeds will generate goodness in your life. Conversely, negative actions create negative energy in your life.
Questions to ask yourself:
9. In what ways are you kind to yourself?
10. How can you increase your kindness to others?
Reiki is a spiritual discipline that requires transformation of body, mind and soul. These ten questions can help clarify your spiritual goals and take you one step closer to living a spiritual life.
Source:
Quest, Penelope. (2008). Living the Reiki Way: Traditional Principles for Living Today. United Kingdom: Piatkus Publishing.
Meegan Simpson-Cooke - I live with my partner and step-children on the West Coast. My passion is reading about spirituality, particularly Buddhism. I write about ...
