Dr. Usui founded the system of Reiki in 1922, after seeking to share mind and body wellness. The system is founded on five foundational premises:

· Hands-on-healing

· Meditation

· Attunements

· Mantras and symbols

When I first learned of them while training to become a Reiki practitioner I was impressed by how simple yet powerful they were. The Principles of Reiki are sacred words that carry energy. It is believed that by repeating them as mantras, you not only create intentions, but you invoke the spirit of those words. They are as follows:

· Just for today, I will not worry.

· Just for today, I will not be angry.

· Just for today, I will be grateful.

· Just for today, I will do my work honestly.

· Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.

Whether you practice Reiki or not, they offer simple teachings that can guide your day. By reciting them in meditation, or contemplating their meaning, you can ground the mind, align with higher frequencies, and live with more meaning.

Here are some ways in which they can transform your mind away from anxiety, boredom, or worry.

Helps You Stay Present

The phrase “Just for today” reminds you to take each challenge one day, or even one moment at a time. It suggests that you release the guilt, fear, and anger around the past and future so that you can truly experience what is right in front of you. Staying in the moment allows you to fully process life as it’s happening. You also begin to reap the gratitude, fulfillment, and joy of today, without wishing for better.

Anchors the Mind

As you recite the Precepts, they remind you of the ways in which you are blocking your own peace. They help you take inventory of the thoughts and feelings that weigh you down so that you begin to release them.

Experience Transcendence

The Reiki Principles, help you shift from lower vibrational emotions, which cause stagnation and disease, to higher vibrational emotions. They remind you of the choice you have in releasing the old.. While contemplating how things can be better, you can also be grateful. While acknowledging the hurts of the past, you may also choose to release the worry and anger.

Live with Intentionality

You create guiding posts for your beliefs, feelings, and actions as you recite the PreceptsAs you engage with Reiki philosophy, you commit yourself to live from a balanced mind and heart. Although you may not always be free of worry and anger, and hold compassion, diligence, and gratitude, you may notice that you are living with more purpose.

How to Bring the Reiki Precepts into Everyday

The purpose of the Principles is not to invalidate the feelings that you’re experiencing, nor is it to bypass the challenges that are arising for you. Their purpose is to help you experience peace in the midst of chaos.

Here are some ways to bring the Reiki Precepts into your self-care routine:

1. Start the Day by Reciting the Reiki Principles

Recite the precepts in meditation. Simply repeating the Precepts is an act of setting conscious intentions that will guide you through your day.

2. Check-In with Your Mind and Heart Several Times throughout the Day

Take time to ‘pause’ throughout the day and check in. Asking yourself ‘How am I feeling?’ allows you to tune in and reflect on how you are doing. You are showing yourself that you care about yourself. It’s important to remain nonjudgmental and compassionate with yourself as you practice this exercise. There is no right or wrong way of feeling. The goal is to tune into your inner self and become aware of how you feel.

3. Contemplate the Meaning of One Precept at a Time

For example, you may take one day and focus on ‘Just for today I will not be angry.’ Throughout the day if you find yourself become agitated or frustrated instead of reacting go within. Pause and ask yourself what is disturbing you. Is it worth the agitated feeling that is arising. Is t because of something else that may be going on in your life. This is not to say that your anger isn’t justified, but anger can be diffused with some compassion towards yourself.

4. Make Your Actions Mirror Your New Beliefs

You can make your practice tangible by gifting a compliment or putting away work when the ego tells you that you have more to accomplish. Endless actions throughout the day can demonstrate compassion, gratitude, surrender, forgiveness, and honesty.

When the Principles are practiced daily, you build your ability to release anger and worry. Your ability to exercise gratitude, authenticity, and kindness will strengthen as you check in with your mind and heart, recite the Precepts, contemplate their meaning, and let them influence your patterns. Dr. Usui’s Reiki philosophy is simple and realistic enough to direct your mindset and behavior.

If you are interested in learning more about Reiki or becoming a Reiki practitioner feel free to reach out to me. As a Reiki/Master Teacher I have attuned many individuals into becoming a practitioner. Reiki is a life changing experience.

Below is an image you can save to your phone if you'd like to keep the Reiki Principles handy.

Sending you love, light and Reiki,

Rose