The Reiki Cafe 

Hello,
I am having doubts and need some suggestions. Here is my story
I used to live a very hectic life. Things were spinning out of control and I developed intense anxiety problems. This went on for almost two years. When it got too much to handle I went to a doctor and he wanted to sedate me on meds. At this time it just so happened that I came across some info on meditation. So I convinced the doc that I was going to try meditation and yoga for three weeks and if things didnt get better I would start on the meds. Thankfully, things got much better through my meditation and yoga practice and I didnt need the meds.
Soon after, I starting studying my mind and body connection and began to rebalance my life. About six months have passed and I feel great. The anxiety has subsided.

I decided to register for a Level I reiki class to add this experience to my knowledge. The class I am takig has two parts, an introduction (day 1), and an attunment (day 2). I just got back from my first day and am somewhat scared to return tomorrow for the attuniment.
I think I almost had an anxiety attack in the class. This hasnt happened in months. Maybe this is not the right time for me? Maybe Im worrying for no reason? Im affraid of what I will go through during the attuniment. What if I feel sick for days after and cant go to work? What if I completely change?...
All these scattered thoughts are entering my head. Im about to meditate and slow my thoughts down, but I could really use some advise.
Should I return for the attunment?

Thank you for reading this. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Lookingin-- I say go for it. I was nervous too mostly because I didnt really understand what an attunement was like. It turned out to be a simple, beautiful life-affirming moment for me and now I cant imagine living without Reiki. Please e-mail me if you want to talk further. Listen to your heart and you will make the right decision for you. Joyce

Hi,

What happened during your day of Reiki training today that made you scared? You say you think you had a panic attack...can you identify what might have triggered it?

Lesley

Thats the thing about my anxiety. Nothing happened that triggered it. It just manifests itself out of deep, pointless worry. I know when it creeps up and am now able to control it. Its like being afraid of being afraid. This cycle was under control until today.

Maybe im just worried that something might go wrong and ill be mentally spun into some flashback and not be able to regain my sane mind.

I know this all ridiculous . But thats anxiety, completely ridiculous.

Yes, the reason for an anxiety attack can be so hard to nail down, can't it? I was just wondering if something you heard during the Reiki training left you feeling unsettled in some way. Since RM practices can vary widely, I'm wondering what you were told to expect (if anything) during the attunement experience.

Personally I don't feel you have reason to be afraid of the attunement. A Reiki attunement to level 1 will allow you to use Reiki primarily for self-healing and this will give you another tool to use to heal on all levels, physical, emotional, and spiritual.

If you are fearful of something, however, you will attract fear. It's rather amazing how the mind has the ability to color experiences to meet our expectations.

So, I guess you could ask yourself what your expectations are. Have you an idea that Reiki can harm you in some way? That something can go "wrong", as you said, and make you lose your sanity? Or are you nervous about taking this next step in your path to healing? I think that a certain feeling of nervousness before taking this step is rather common. You are, after all, entering something new.

There is no need to rush into this attunement if you are truly feeling anxious about it. I'm sure you could always reschedule for another day. Whatever you decide, please remember that Reiki is not something that takes over your mind, your choice, your power. You are in control of you. Reiki will help you grow spiritually and heal yourself. You will be in control the whole time and can make your own choices.

I hope this helps in some way. Let me know if I can help further.

All blessings to you,
Lesley

thank you
i understand
thank you so much.

Otoharo!

Your description of anxiety is a perfect description of one of ego's patterns. I learned to in meditation or in ordinary consciousness, tell the ego, "no!". It is to go to its room and count beans. (ego is superb at counting and will be mollified) then procede. If at any time, panic or anxiety in any form threatens, take charge of ego immediately. Do not allow its interference.

finality

Lookingin,

I just wanted to add that I am new to Reiki also and I was a bit anxious at first, but it has been the most wonderful blessed calming life changing experience.

Also Fear: False Evidence Appearing Real!!

Reiki is a positive force and will help and change your life!!

Blessings, stargazer7

So, does anyone know if Lookingin attuned or not? I want a follow-up!

No, I don't know if lookingin ever received the attunement. And, yes, a follow-up would be nice, wouldn't it? :-)

Lesley

I e-mailed him directly and he did get his attunement. He thought overall it was a good thing but still wasnt sure what to think of it. He seems like a pretty private person so I just offered help if he needed it and left him with his thoughts. Joyce

Thanks for letting me know!

Lesley

You are so beautiful!! I think its great that you had courage to express these fears it is so normal I always find if I teach over four days this happens after the third and two days after the first. Our soul is always ready to learn, but ur ego will fight the process hammer and tong because for the soul to grow the ego must die. I hope u did go back for the second day, and wrote this down to share with others on thier journey. Bless you!! I hope you are walking a beautiful journey to total self acceptance.

Much love

Crystalwyse
xx

hello all. I appoligize for asking those questions than completely disappreaing. I needed some time to myself. So here is what happend after that first night in question.
I did go back the next day for my first attunment. That morning when I woke up I was feeling Ok. When I got to the class I started feeling a bit nervous. The teacher asked how I felt and if I wanted to say anything before we began with the attunment process. I told her how I felt the night before and about how kind and willing to lend a helping hand all of you were. Just saying that I was nervous out load helped me relax a bit.
Than she began the attunment. As I sat there i had an immediate feeling of panic and an upset stomach. I told myself to breathe and let go of the fear. Before I knew it I felt soft cool energy flush through my system. It seemed to take the fear away with it. A ton of thoughts went through my head and before I knew it, it was over.
After the attunment I felt a level of relaxation that I havent ever felt. I felt clear.
For the rest of the day I was very quiet and intreverted. I spent the day sitting under a tree in a park just thinking and feeling relaxed. It was beautiful.
To this day I feel wonderful and unstopable. Now that I think about it, I think that the night before the attunment was the last time I had anxiety issues.

Thank you all so much. Especially snappely

You're very welcome. I'm so happy for you! Joyce