ORIGIN OF REIKI ENERGY
The origin of this powerful healing energy is believed to be divine. It is the same energy that has been channeled by all the historically famous healing giants. Regardless of its source, or why it works, the results are always positive and directed toward the best outcomes. There is no danger of misuse or abuse. Reiki energy cannot be forced. An individual simply will not take in what it does not want. When Reiki energy is accepted, the highest good of all prevails. The recipient of Reiki need not study, understand or believe in its power and beauty. In fact, the recipient need not be awake while receiving the energy. Reiki energy always delivers the highest good. Considering the source, how could it do anything else? The only prerequisite is that the recipient, on a soul level, really wants to heal. The positive effects of Reiki energy could be quick and dramatic, or, take time to be noticed. The results are unpredictable and pleasantly surprising. One simply needs to trust in the intelligent nature of the source. An acute power of observation would be handy, only to affirm it’s often subtle life changes and effects.

FOREIGN NAME – UNIVERSALLY ACCEPTED ENERGY
One need not be mislead or intimidated by Reiki’s foreign name. Reiki is called such because, as it happened, this old system of prayer and healing was again returned to mankind via a Japanese man called Dr. Usui. The name “Reiki” is Japanese because that was Dr. Usui’s native language. This healing art was known and utilized long before it’s resurgence under a Japanese name. The divine is not concerned with nationality. When utilizing Reiki energy, one is merely tapping into the magnanimous love of the divine (God, life force, universe, Christ force, etc). Famous ancient healers such as Jesus used the exact same source of energy as is used by “Reiki.” Jesus once said that all he can do can be done by us and even more. The key ingredient is trust. As a Reiki Master, I have learned to trust in the goodness and intelligence of this energy.

APPLICATIONS & LIMITATIONS
The beauty of this divine love is that it does not discriminate between believers and skeptics. Its power has been utilized to positively impact a multitude of people and situations from NBA basketball games (calming potentially volatile players) to conservative institutions such as Wall Street. The healing power of Reiki can be directed toward individuals, pets, plants, living/working spaces, businesses, situations and even future events. This loving energy now called “Reiki” is incapable of hurting other individuals for personal gain. Extremely specific requests can be very limiting. One needs to reflect on the general desired outcome behind the request. An example would be to ask for the “growth of one’s business.” It would be more productive to ask what you would want from its growth. It may be better to ask for “financial freedom.” This broader approach frees up the hands of the divine to send you your best outcome(s). Reiki always works toward the best outcomes. When my clients present me with a request, I will ask that the energy be utilized for the “highest and best” of the individual or situation. It is good to remember that one is only limited by their imagination and purity of your intent.

REIKI HEALING FACILITATOR – TRAINING AND LEVELS
An individual can receive Reiki from what is known as a “Reiki practitioner.” The practitioner can lightly place their hands on various parts of the recipient’s clothed body or, the practitioner can remotely send the Reiki energy. In both distance and hands-on healing, the recipient’s own body’s innate wisdom actually draws the energy through the practitioner and directs it to it’s highest good. The healing occurs on a soul determined priority basis. Healing can be physical, emotional or spiritual. I always find it interesting and amazing to witness how the healing unfolds. The practitioner is not responsible for making healing decisions for the recipient. The recipient is the actual healer. The Reiki practitioner merely acts as a conduit of the energy thus serving as a “healing facilitator.”

Those who believe in a supreme intelligence can elect to believe the source to be divine, thus creating a cooperative union between one’s inner knowing (the soul), and the source (God). My personal evaluation of its magnificent power places God/Universe/Source as the ultimate source of this energy, however, one’s personal beliefs or lack thereof do not hinder nor enhance the results of a Reiki treatment.

Going through a special intensive training certifies a Reiki practitioner. The training is conducted by a Reiki Master/Teacher and includes a sacred ceremony called an “attunement.” Only after being attuned, can one channel the Reiki energy.

Other healing modalities manipulate “Ki” or life energy. Examples include the martial arts, acupuncture, therapeutic touch, and other forms of “energy work.” Reiki is different in that it is extremely focused and need not be guided by a special effort or entering an altered state. The energy destination is divinely directed.

There are different levels and abilities of a Reiki practitioner. To advance from one level to another, a perspective Reiki practitioner must receive an “attunement”. Generally, a person cannot channel Reiki energy without this ceremony. The first level is Reiki I. A Reiki I practitioner is empowered to channel Reiki energy by physically touching an individual with their hands. There must be physical proximity. A Reiki II practitioner is able to “send” the Reiki energy as well as giving hands-on treatments. Again, a special attunement is required to move to this advanced level. The Reiki II practitioner can direct Reiki energy to an individual, plant or animal or situation. When feasible, permission is required. In cases when granting permission is not possible, the Reiki practitioner can seek soul-approval. The next level is Reiki III. A Reiki III practitioner is known as a Reiki Master. In addition to the abilities of Reiki I and II, Reiki III practitioners are empowered with the ability to give attunements. A great deal of training by the master occurs prior to, and then after, the attunement.

About the Author
Anna Pizzoferrato is a multi-certified Reiki Master/Teacher.
Her passion and specialty is Reiki Distance Energy Healing.
Visit her site to take advantage of her powerful healing service.
http://www.ReikiWithTrust.com

Article source:
Relaxing Into Reiki – Part 1

Yoga and meditation are two inter-twined ways to achieve lower stress in your life. Both of these things have been shown to help reduce blood pressure, provide emotional relief, and relieve mental fatigue. They have also been shown to contribute to an increase in physical energy levels. Rather than sap your strength and energy as stress build-up does, yoga and meditation can help to increase your strength and energy.

Yoga and meditation are both ways to help you release your stress, channeling it into more positive and constructive channels. Allowing the tension that stress causes to build-up without release can lead to anger management problems, physical ailments, and mental fatigue. By getting rid of the stress, you allow yourself to focus more mentally, and you are able to think more clearly, letting fewer things bother you and cause an angry explosion of negative emotion. Such outbursts as emotional release have been shown to have negative impacts on the body’s health.

Any exercise is beneficial when it comes to stress relief, but yoga is helpful because it incorporates a variety of techniques that are medically shown to reduce stress. Breathing (slow and deliberate), fluid body movements, and strength building exercise are all things that can relieve stress and result in lowered blood pressure. Additionally, yoga in meant to help the mind and spirit as well, contributing to clearer thinking and better feelings. When one has feelings of general well-being, this is a healthy attitude that contributes to a healthier heart, lower blood pressure, and a sense of confidence and emotional stability.

Meditation is also helpful. It is linked in many ways to yoga. In meditation, you focus on something soothing, whether it is an inspirational verse, a calming image, a single syllable, or the way you are breathing. This pushes out other thoughts, and releases stress, allowing you to relax and your body to let go of the accrued tension. It is possible to do meditative yoga, and combine the benefits of the two practices.

It is important to reduce the feelings of stress you have in your life. If you can reduce the amount of emotional, mental, and physical stress that you feel, your body will be healthier and you will have more energy. You will feel better and think more clearly. And as a result, you will feel less stress in your life overall.

About the Author
Find out more tips on how to control the stress in your life by visiting the Stress Directory

Article source:
Reduce Stress With Yoga and Meditation

According to the practice of chakra meditation, there are seven chakras locate din the different parts of the body. Each one governs different bodily functions and may also provide different benefits when awakened through meditation. One of the charka is the Mooldhara or the “root place”. This chakra is located somewhere in the cervix in women and in the perineum in men. It is said to govern the skeletal and the excretory system of the body. The Mooldhara may also affect the sense of smell as well as the legs and the cervix. Attributes to it include the basic life force, material attachment, procreation, and response to stimuli of labor for women.

Another of the seven chakras is the Swadhistana or “place of one’s abode”. It can be located somewhere at the tip of the spinal column. It is said to affect the urinary system such as the kidney and the bladder. Other bodily systems that this chakra may affect include the reproductive system such as the ovaries, fallopian tube and the uterus in women and the testes and prostrate gland in men. Attributes connected to this chakra include the sense of taste, the ability to analyze, a balanced sex drive, high fertility and no fear of water.

The third chakra is the Manipura or the “city of sparkling jewels”. This chakra is located in the spinal column somewhere in the lumbar junction of the L1 and T12 vertebras. It is said to affect the digestive system, the adrenal glands as well as the sympathetic and the parasympathetic systems of the body. This chakra is attributed to power, ego, self confidence, strength and good assimilation and digestion.

The fourth chakra is the Anahata or “unstruck”. This chakra is located in the spinal column somewhere in the center of the chest. It is said to affect the cardiovascular, respiratory system as well as the muscular system. This chakra is attributed to a person’s emotions, relationships, love, and ability to express oneself through the arts. If this chakra is afflicted in the body, it is said to lead to respiratory disorders, heart problems, and low immunity. It may also lead to a person having fear of loneliness, experience some form of emotional imbalance and the inability to maintain friends

There is also the Vishudh chakra or “purification”. It is located in the spinal column somewhere at the C7 vertebrae. It is said to affect the thyroid and parathyroid glands, as well as the function of the throat including the voice, ears, sense of hearing. Attributes to this chakra include the transformation of thoughts into speech, better ability to speak or sing, and the acute sense of hearing. If afflicted, this chakra may cause thyroid imbalance, restriction in the voice as well as the inability to comprehend and understand.

The Ajna, or “command” chakra is said to be located in the mid-center of the brain somewhere at the top of the spinal cord. It governs the autonomic nervous system, pineal gland, and the pituitary gland. This chakra is also said to be attributed to the sense of intuition, higher level of mind and wisdom that is beyond normal intellect.

The Sahasrara or the “one thousand” chakra is said to have various positions according to different ancient texts but is usually found at the base of scalp. It is said to control no specific bodily system but has the overall control of the brain. The knowledge of the seven chakras is the basic in better understanding chakra meditation.

Many Buddhist schools employ different techniques in meditation. Some may focus on such practices as breathing meditation while others on movements. The diversity can be so wide ranging that there are a multitude of variations available. Most Buddhist techniques can be school specific. Only a few masters aim to combine and categorize the techniques from several Buddhist traditions.

One of the known meditation techniques is that being practiced by Western Order meditation master Kamalashila. The teacher identifies that there are five basic methods to be used as a traditional set for meditation. Each method can be used as an antidote to one of the five primary obstructions to Enlightenment- distraction, hatred, craving, conceit and ignorance.

One of the five basic methods is the mindfulness of breathing. This involves the practice of tranquility meditations. This method helps to counteract distraction and aims to develop better concentration. Another of the five basic methods laid out is the Metta Bhavana. This method includes the four brahma viharas and is used to counteract sentimental attachment or hatred. This method aims to develop loving kindness in a person.

Another of the five basic methods in Buddhist meditation is the contemplation of impermanence. This method can help counteract craving and develop inner peace and the feeling of freedom. The six element practice is based on meditation involving the six elements- earth, water, space, air, fire and consciousness. The six element practice method of meditation counteracts craving and develop instead some clarity in a person regarding to self. The fifth basic method of meditation is the contemplation of conditionality which aims to counteract ignorance and instead develop wisdom and compassion. There are also other Buddhist meditation techniques not identified by the five basic methods. This includes different methods of visualizations, meditation by sitting and the walking meditation.

Another of the many techniques used in Buddhist meditation include the five types of Zen as grouped by Kuei-feng. In this case, the Zen practices were grouped according to five categories. Although mostly common for Zen practitioners, the techniques are also applicable to Buddhist meditation methods. One of the types is the “bonpu” or “ordinary” meditation that is done to achieve physical and mental well-being in absence of any spiritual goal. There is also the “gedo” or “outside way” which is meditation that is used for non-Buddhist purposes. The third is the “shojo” or “small vehicle” which is meditation used in pursuit of self-liberation or nirvana.

The fourth of the Zen Buddhist meditation techniques as grouped by Kuei-feng is the “daijo” or “great vehicle” which is the meditation in pursuit of achieving self-realization to experience the unity of all things. Then there is also the “saijojo” or “supreme vehicle” which is the meditation aimed to realize the Buddha nature as imminent in all beings.

Meditation 101

Described as a state wherein a person is in deep concentration on something, either awareness or some object of thought, meditation can be considered as one of the oldest means of calming the mind and the soul. Usually involving one’s attention to be turned into a single point of reference, meditation is practiced by so many people because it can lead a person to a consciousness an inch higher than the ordinary person.

Meditation traces its history back some 5,000 years ago. It is said that the practice has been a very important constituent of various religions in the Eastern part of the world. Through the years, people who practice mediation were able to develop various disciplines. These disciplines were known to involve a large range of psychophysical and spiritual—or a combination of both—that leads to the enhancement of a person’s higher level of mental concentration.

Derived from the Latin word “meditatio,” equivalent to “all types mental or physical exercise,” the meaning of meditation has also evolved as times went by. Now, mediation is more popularly perceived as “contemplation” or “inward reflection.”

If you are one of those who planning to indulge in practicing meditation or just interested in its seemingly limitless possibilities, then you should start by familiarizing yourself with the various forms of meditation known today. The most common forms of meditation include “Bodhidharma,” “Hinduism,” “Bahá’í Faith,” “Buddhism,” “Christian meditation,” “Islam Meditation,” “Jainism,” “Judaism,” “Sikhism,” and “Taoism.” Each and every one of these forms mentioned has their own understanding of meditation and also have different sets of practices that come with it.

Another important thing to take note about meditation is that it involves various physical postures to be able to perform the practice well. These postures include standing, sitting, and supine depending on the tradition of that you would want to follow.

Aside from the postures that are used, it is also important to take note about the various types of meditation before finally indulging into it. Experts say that the most common type is the prayer because this is the one of the most practiced types people does. Aside from the simple prayer, other types of meditation also include what is called transcendental meditation (TM), the mindfulness meditation, and some of the forms included in the Eastern tradition including the buddhist, Taoist, and zen meditation.

If you are just starting, the first thing that you need to concentrate on is the elements for involved in a basic traditional meditation. Usually, there are four elements that greatly affect traditional meditation including a place that is quiet, a posture that is comfortable, an object that a person can to focus his or her attention and n attitude that is relatively passive.

Mediation can indeed be a great mental exercise for anybody. It can also serve as a stress buster because it allows the person to empty his or her mind in other things for a moment and focus the attention to only one thing. Once this is done, the person can feel relief and lighter feeling that can enable him or her to think clearly.