What are the Reiki Principles?
The Reiki Principles were inspired by the Buddhist guidelines for harmonious living originally written by Emperor Meiji and then adopted my Mikao Usui for his system of. Master Usui had his students recite the Principles and spend time meditating on them as part of their Reiki Practice.
Why “Just for today”?
Declaring the principles just for today makes them realistic. We will not always be able to live perfectly and that is okay. I can set the goal to live by the principles each day and if I stumble, I can start again without feeling judged a failure.
I will not anger.
Anger is a natural reaction that lets us know that something is wrong and not in alignment with our needs. Anger is not a problem as long as we let it go after we have received the message that something is amiss. We must recognize the message, act to fix the problem and move on. Holding onto anger can cause issues with our eyes, liver, and gallbladder.
I will not worry.
Sometimes it can be hard not to worry about making mistakes or about difficult situations that may arise. Worrying doesn’t help us to prevent these things though, it only takes our mind off of the present and places it on a future that doesn’t exist yet. When we focus our attention on our worries, we risk coming into alignment with and attracting the very things we are worrying about. When worries arise, we must refocus on the present moment and accept what is. Worry effects our spleen, liver, and pancreas.
I will be grateful.
When we are grateful for the good things in our lives, the Universe gives us more to be thankful for. Practicing gratitude has been proven effective for easing depression, grief, anger, and anxiety. Practicing gratitude can bring us feeling of great joy.
I will work diligently. I will live with honor.
When we work hard to improve our lives and live in harmony with our higher self and spirit, we are honoring this Principles. This work not only serves our own highest good, but also the good of all those we serve and ultimately all of existence. Our interconnectedness is such that what is good for one is good for all. In this way self-improvement is the first and most important step in making the world a better place.
Choosing to live our lives with honor keeps us in alignment with the world and who we really are. Being true to ourselves, our teachers, and Spirit keeps our energy flowing clear and bright. When we are not true to ourselves, we invite harmful stress into our lives. The stress is harmful to our hearts and brains.
I will be kind.
When we are kind to ourselves and others, we make the world a better place.Kindness increases happiness, is good for heart health, slows aging, and improves relationships.Acting out with hate or cruelty damages the heart and small intestines.