So you’ve experienced the deep relaxation of a Reiki treatment and are considering becoming a student of this powerful healing practice. Maybe you’d like to provide ongoing support for a loved one, or yourself. Or perhaps your intuition has simply drawn you to this practice.
The choices are many and the variety of paths to Reiki can be baffling.
Where should you begin?
To narrow down the scope of possible teachers, once you’ve found out about or even met a Reiki teacher in person, look for the following:
1. Does the Reiki teacher walk the talk?
Find out if the teacher treats themselves with Reiki and if they apply other practices such as meditation, yoga or Chi Gong as part their own development. A good teacher knows that they themselves are a work in progress and strive to develop and explore the way forward.
2. How much experience does the Reiki teacher have?
The Reiki teacher should be transparent about how many years experience they have giving treatments and teaching. A solid background means they will be teaching from direct experience rather than simply passing along information.
3. Is there a framework to further your growth?
A good teacher will provide a clear path for students to deepen their practice, whether through Reiki sharing days, workshops and continuing support. You won’t be left hanging after your first course. Also important, the teacher will point to your own intuition when gauging the correct timing for a following course rather than stipulate standard periods, they know that a ‘one size fits all approach’ is not what Reiki is about.
4. Does the teacher express humility?
A true Reiki teachers is a humble example of the healing and developmental powers of Reiki. They probably won’t bring attention to the title of “Master” or put too much emphasis on their lineage as they are very conscious of whether or not they are living in accordance with their own highest potential. Their ego or image is the last thing on their mind.
5. Does this person use confusing jargon?
A good teacher will be able to speak about Reiki in clear and simple terms making it transparent and available to their students, free from any form of religious or spiritual dogma. Watch out for teachers who say that their form of Reiki is better or more powerful.
