Embracing the Unknown: How Reiki and Similar Concepts Liberate My Soul

Reiki and similar concepts are what have shaped me entirely. In my core, I'm truly a deep skeptic about everything. A chronic over-thinker, if you will. But at the end of the day, I prefer to believe in a magical type of universe in comparison to the alternatives. I only got one go at this life. I feel like believing in the supernatural is so much more entertaining. With that being said, it has taken me a while to get to this conclusion. Lots of ups and downs, lots of trials and errors. Here's what I think heavily on and ways it is freeing my soul.

From Skepticism to Belief:

Throughout my existence, I have debated whether to believe in empirical evidence or something unexplainable. Constantly questioning everything and feeling like I should be permanently locked in a mental institution was and sometimes is an everyday struggle. Spirituality is a war sometimes. But the fun part is, is that you can choose whatever you want to believe and you can change it at any point in your life as many times as you want.

Life circumstances can often act as catalysts for change. That was the case for me. I found myself feeling overwhelmed and trapped in a cycle of negative thinking. This prompted an instinctual search for something different—that something was beyond the physical realm, and it is for most people. Religion and worldly beliefs are crucial to how you interact with life. This is where studying different religions, philosophies, and practices comes in.

Reiki, on its own, is such an intriguing concept. Initially, I was resistant to its practicality. The idea of energy healing seemed unrealistic to my modern, analytical mind. Yet, as I began to explore various alternative perspectives, I realized there was much more to these practices than I had previously acknowledged. I can't say I was surprised to discover that many participants reported profound emotional and physical shifts. I did consider the Placebo effect and other similar psychological influences. However, believing in anything is a personal choice (for the most part). Energy is required for everything; it is the source, we all can agree on that. Wherever you take it from there, is on you. Below are some concepts that help me find peace and ground me in this forever-changing universe.

Liberation of the soul is seeing all behavior as an act of love or a call for one.

The road toward understanding that every action can be viewed as a manifestation of love or a plea for love has been massively transformative for me. This perspective invites a deeper analysis of human behavior, prompting compassion rather than judgment. It suggests that behind every conflict, anger, or misunderstanding lies an underlying desire for connection and acceptance. However, this does not excuse abusive behavior!!! Do not tolerate any form of abuse from anyone, and if you are in an unsafe environment, please get the help you need immediately! Just because you understand the core of someone does not mean you need to burn yourself to keep them warm. As someone whose empathetic and lived in abusive environments most of my life, I know it's hard not want to throw everyone the rope and give the love and patience we all need, but boundaries are crucial. It sucks, but it is for the best long-term.

However, this approach emphasizes the importance of active listening and open communication. By acknowledging that every individual has their battles, we create an atmosphere where compassionate dialogue can flourish. This aligns beautifully with the principles of Reiki, which emphasize healing and understanding energy, resonating with the idea that our interactions are not merely exchanges but opportunities for connection. While connection is essential for existence, many practices teach ways to close off your energy grid/ chakras to outside sources, which is just as important. Especially during negative experiences, to remain grounded and not absorb the energy field around you, there are so many things you can do. The simplest way for me to quickly close my energy to the environment is to put my tongue on the roof of my mouth (close crown chakra) and kegel (guys squeeze the same area ya know? but that closes off your root chakra).

Ultimately, adopting this belief has reshaped my worldview. It has eliminated so much thinking about others' actions, allowing me to engage more deeply and intentionally while decreasing unnecessary conflict. By perceiving the essence of human behavior through the lens of love, I have cultivated a more thoughtful worldview. Reminding myself of this makes my soul feel freer to navigate the complexities of interacting with the world, and I believe many others can experience a similar liberation through this lens of understanding.

Perception is Reality: Navigating the Mind

As much as I used to hateeeee when people would say this when I was going through something, it is true. But let's get this clear, this doesn't mean false positivity. It is 1000% okay to go through your emotions. The notion that perception shapes reality is a powerful concept, one that really highlights the intricate relationship between our thoughts, beliefs, and the world around us. Our perceptions act as lenses through which we interpret experiences, dictating how we respond to everything. Our eyes respond to the reflection of light on objects/ matter, our ears to noise vibrating around, our skin to touch, our tongue to taste, our nose to smell, and our mind collects all these data points and creates a real-life movie. Compiling past and present experiences simultaneously. Pretty cool when you really think about it.

Consider, for example, the common experience of facing a heartbreak. These experiences can feel like it really is the end of the world, which quickly leads to a negative thought loop. However, by taking small parts of your day to consciously shifting one's perspective(which takes consistent, intentional work, and it might not feel effective at first, but you keep trying), you may find peace in places you didn't think. I don't think everything has a lesson you have to learn, but I do think there is strength and resilience to be understood about yourself always, despite some of the bullshit in the world. This shift not only changes how we view our circumstances but also enables us to approach life with some control.

For me, the best way to illustrate and implement this concept is by pretending. Kind of like an actor or actress. We all know it has been said that it takes a month to form a habit, so I create the character mentally of how they would behave and think, and I do that until it dilutes everything else. Not saying you should do or think this way, just giving you new perspectives so you can form your own fitted plan. But for me, instead of fixating on the fear of the unknown or constant overthinking, I recognize it and move forward accordingly. Sometimes that means I have to make new characteristics for the next chapter.

Additionally, engaging in practices such as mindfulness and positive affirmations helps to reinforce a perception of abundance and possibility, rather than scarcity and limitation. Words are powerful if you allow them to be. By actively choosing to focus on the positives, we give ourselves permission to break free from the confines of negative thinking and embrace a more expansive reality. Our thoughts have the potential to shape how we feel about our existence. Which is huge... By consciously navigating our perceptions, we can foster a mindset that promotes growth, resilience, and love, thus liberating our souls from the limitations of preconceived notions.

Just for Today: The Power of Mindfulness

The concept of "Just for Today" serves as a guiding principle that emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment. This approach encourages individuals to embrace mindfulness, which facilitates a deeper connection with one’s emotional and mental state. By focusing on the here and now, one can cultivate a sense of clarity and peace that may otherwise be elusive in a fast-paced world dominated by distractions.

"Just for today, I will not worry. Just for today, I will not be angry. Just for today, I will feel gratitude. Just for today, I will do my work honestly. Just for today, I will be kind to all living things."

Practicing mindfulness can significantly enhance overall well-being and emotional stability. There are so many studies discussing it. The "Just for Today" philosophy stemming from Reiki can transform how you approach your challenges. By limiting the focus to present endeavors, it becomes easier to manage stress and anxiety. For instance, instead of worrying about future uncertainties (which I know is so hard in such an unstable world, trust), you can tackle tasks one day at a time, reinforcing your capability to handle what lies ahead. This simple practice nurtures patience and resilience, leading to a more fulfilling life.

Incorporating this principle into one’s routine can involve creating a designated time for reflection each day. Start your day with an intention. Set alarms to remind yourself to say a quick affirmation and ground yourself. Journal. Whatever works for you. Keep trying, dear. Ultimately, the "Just for Today" approach illuminates a path to emotional well-being and fosters a deeper connection with the world around you.

As always, do what is right for you, and if you don't know what's right, then try different things. Don't get caught up in stagnancy and perfection. Be patient and kind, not only to others, but to yourself. XOXO