Reiki: Universal life energy for the mind, body, and spirit

Reiki is an alternative and complementary treatment modality that originated in Japan. The word "Reiki" comes from two Japanese words: "rei," which means universal," and "ki," which means "life energy” – combined to form what is known as “universal life energy.”  You can't see or hear it. You can't smell it, taste it, or touch it. But you can certainly sense it. And it is everywhere. But what is it exactly?

In order to understand universal life energy, we need to start with the basics. In our physical world, everything is made of matter (mass).  All matter is a manifestation of energy, as Albert Einstein showed with his equation E = MC2 (Energy [E] = Mass [M] X Constant [C]2). Mass and energy regularly fluctuate back and forth.  Physics dictates that energy is conserved and transformed.  All matter exudes energy in vibrations of varied frequencies and levels. And as quantum physics indicates, energy flows through time, space, and dimensions.

So, the soil, minerals, crystals, air, water, planets, sun, solar system, and universe are all made of mass that emits energies of varied frequencies and levels. But these are non-living entities.  What about all the plants and animals?  They have mass and therefore emit energies too. But they are also unique - they are alive.  That unique quality is yet a higher energy above the ordinary energy. This unique energy has been referred to as divine energy, soul energy, spirit energy, life energy, and other names.  But no matter what it’s called, it is an abundant, powerful, omnipresent energy.  Essentially, it’s the spark of life! 

A bit too technical of an explanation?  Well, perhaps a better explanation of universal life energy is an experiential one.  Have you ever noticed the difference in the feeling you get when walking into a room that is empty versus a room that has someone inside?  Have you ever experienced the sensation of the sunrise, the energy increasing as the creatures of the day wake up?  On a walk in nature, have you ever felt the energy from the plants and animals that surround you?  It’s an energy that you can sense on a subconscious level. Although you can't see it, touch it, hear it, or taste it, you can definitely feel it. And that universal life energy is what Reiki practitioners channel for energizing, balancing, and rejuvenating the mind, body and spirit.

Still skeptical?  I felt that way several years ago when I began my formal training in Reiki. But through meditation and as I advanced in my training, it became evident to me that this universal life energy does exist. When giving Reiki to people, they say they feel it flowing, relaxed and calm.  When given Reiki, animals physically react: cats purr and cuddle, dogs relax and fall asleep, and wildlife calm down.  Reiki can help all of us who need to restore balance, relax, rejuvenate, and heal.

Curious?  If so, allow yourself to reflect for a moment on experiences from your past. Have you ever felt an intangible energy when you enter an empty room or while on a solitary walk in nature? Have you ever sensed an energy during meditation or while sitting quietly in a mindful state? An energy that you can sense on a subconscious level but cannot see, smell, taste, hear, or touch? And did this energy have positive effects on your well being?

If you've had such experiences with the universal life energy, I would love to hear about them. So, please take a few moments to share in the comments below.

Namaste,

John

P.S. For further information on Reiki, visit the Golden Karma website and watch our videos about Golden Karma and Golden Karma Reiki.