The Reiki Cafe 

Hi,

When you meet someone who is completely new to Reiki. No information at all. What do you say without sounding like someone way out there?

When we talk here, everyone pretty much understands the vocabulary, but out there in the real world it is definitely different. You want people to be interested and not frightened off. Not backing out of the room and keeping an eye on you as they make for the door.

How do you explain Reiki in a simple, understandable but short introduction?

There is nothing to it once someone has tried Reiki. It's that first step that is difficult for people and I thought I might ask how all you experienced people do it.

Thanks!

Birdy

Hi Birdy

I don't think you need 'vocabulary'. When I'm asked 'what is it?', I just say it's a form of hands-on healing that's passed on from teacher to practitioner, and which channels healing energy to the parts where it's needed.

What often amazes me is - the number of people who call me to ask for a reiki treatment who, when I ask if they know what it is or what to expect, say they have no idea!!! :-)

Otoharo!

I also say it is hands-on healing. That is all I say unless they ask further questions and I answer as well as I can using their terminology. I stress that one has to experience it to truly know it. Words can not say it.

azalee

Hi Birdy,

I always say it's an energy therapy that produces complete relaxation, and in a state of relaxation the body is better able to heal itself. I then go on to say how it is beginning to be used in hospitals and hospices. I find when I approach it this way, people are favorably impressed.

Rock On!
Roxy

I'm sorry, my sweetest hearts...but this is all about coming out of the closet.....something I've been dealing with a long time......we need to talk about energy work.....about one person's connection to their higher self....perhaps, we might not know exactly how that connection might be.....but I do believe it's our duty to assist in opening that door...whether folks desire to pursue it or not is totally up to them....
I'm not a diehard, believe me......I've always sought the easy & soft way out.....but now, I truly believe.....that we need to give what we know...with the deepest of heart....and stand back & let it go....I hope I'm making some sense here....
to the highest good.....and to do no harm.....with love

Dear Ponderings,

I guess it all depends on what you want to accomplish. I'm really much more interested in giving a person the idea of the health benefits of Reiki than teaching them about spiritual beliefs. I don't see it as being in the closet.

Rock On!
Roxy

birdy said on

>Hi,
>
>When you meet someone who is completely new to Reiki. No information at all. What do you say without sounding like someone way out there?
>
>When we talk here, everyone pretty much understands the vocabulary, but out there in the real world it is definitely different. You want people to be interested and not frightened off. Not backing out of the room and keeping an eye on you as they make for the door.
>
>How do you explain Reiki in a simple, understandable but short introduction?
>
>There is nothing to it once someone has tried Reiki. It's that first step that is difficult for people and I thought I might ask how all you experienced people do it.
>
>Thanks!
>
>Birdy

I say it's a healing energy. If someone wants to know more about what it's like, then I have 'em hold out a hand while I scan up and down his/her arm and hand -- that gives a direct indication of what it's like, without relying on words.

Bruce

I'm sorry, Roxy, but I was actually talking about Reiki....not the spiritual aspect.....Reiki is considered voo doo by a lot of people.....especially those who have die-hard religious beliefs....I'm with you on the health benefits...for that's where I work....in the medical profession....which more or less frowns on what we do. I realize that there are some who are more open minded....but it's a long ways coming for our state. Forgive me....it's a tender point....rock on, baby!

Hi,

Thank you all for your input. Each of them is helpful. It can be a touchy subject. Are we here to spread the tale in our own way?

I enjoy hearing your answers.

Birdy