Having been an holistic energy work practitioner now, for over a decade and specifically a Reiki practitioner for four years, I have been in awe and amazed by the impact of energy healing in my own life as well as the lives of those I have had the gift of supporting. Above and beyond the immediate effects of deep relaxation and profound spiritual experiences within a session, people often report transformational shifts in their relationships and an ability to step forward in their lives on projects or realizing long-held goals. It’s amazing to witness and I think more people would seek this incredible path for healing if they had just a little more information about this ancient practice.
“Reiki with Bethamie is an invaluable tool in my “toolbox” of things that I regularly tap into that support my personal healing and sense of feeling grounded. When I feel stuck in a feeling or thought, curious about something within myself, or in need of a healing touch I can’t quite conceptualize, Bethamie helps facilitate meaningful connection with my deepest self. Reiki with Bethamie is an invitation to a sacred moment to connect with yourself and what you need at a given point in time.” ~K. Ramirez, Milwaukee, WI
Here, I’m sharing some of the basics of Reiki, although it is not necessary to understand Reiki to receive the benefits. I do believe though, that understanding these basics, as well as the meaning and function of each chakra, can help individuals to achieve greater physical, emotional, and spiritual balance and can lead to a deeper sense of connection to one's self and the Universe.
The world of subtle energy opens our minds to what we know at heart about ourselves and life. We live in the realm of energy, whether we acknowledge it or not. Becoming acquainted with it and accepting its effects on our body, mind and spirit helps give us mastery over our actions, thoughts and attitudes. ~ The Book of Chakras, Ambika Wauters
Reiki is based on the belief that energy flows through all living things, and when this energy is blocked or depleted, particularly within the chakras, it can lead to physical or emotional imbalance and illness. As a Reiki practitioner, by using my hands (with light touch) to channel Universal life force energy into the body, I can help to release blockages and restore balance to one’s energy field.
Chakras are energy centers located throughout the body that have been studied and utilized in Eastern spiritual practices for centuries. The word "chakra" is derived from the Sanskrit language, and it means "wheel" or "disk." Chakras are spinning wheels of energy that correspond to different areas of the body, emotions, and spiritual aspects of life. Reiki helps to bring balance and restoration to each of these energy centers. Here’s an introduction to the seven main chakras and their meanings:
Root Chakra (Muladhara): The Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine, and it represents the foundation and stability of life. It is associated with the color red and is linked to the survival instincts of an individual, how secure and safe one feels in life.
Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana): The Sacral Chakra can be found below the navel and is linked with creativity, pleasure, and sexuality. It is associated with the color orange and to the emotional and sensual aspects of an individual. It governs one’s consciousness about the body and taking action toward self-care.
Solar Plexus Chakra (Manipura): The Solar Plexus Chakra is located in the upper abdomen and is associated with self-esteem, personal power, and confidence. It is associated with the color yellow.
Heart Chakra (Anahata): The Heart Chakra is located in the center of the chest and is associated with love, compassion, and connection. It is associated with the color green and is linked to the emotional and spiritual aspects of an individual. To heal the heart chakra means opening an individual to one’s own self-love for greater ability to give and receive love from others.
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha): The Throat Chakra is located in the throat area and is associated with communication, self-expression, and creativity. It is associated with the color blue and is known as the change agent.
Third Eye Chakra (Ajna): The Third Eye Chakra is located in the center of the forehead and is associated with intuition, perception, and spiritual awareness. It is associated with the color indigo and is linked to one’s knowing about their purpose and direction in life.
Crown Chakra (Sahasrara): The Crown Chakra is located at the top of the head and is associated with enlightenment, connection to the divine, and spiritual transcendence. It is associated with the color violet or white.
Each chakra is connected to different physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of life. When one or more chakras become blocked or imbalanced, it can lead to physical, emotional, and spiritual issues. In addition to Reiki energy healing, practices such as meditation, yoga and Nia dance are often used to balance and open the chakras, allowing for a greater sense of well-being, spiritual growth and personal joy. A continued and regular practice of receiving Reiki can lead to a deeper sense of connection to one's self and the Universe.
“When I first started working with Bethamie I was dealing with a lot of stress in my life and was struggling. She has helped me find ways to focus on my mental health and self care as well as using energy work to help in my healing. I feel better all around, and while the stresses are still a large part of my life, I am better able to manage them and not allow them to negatively effect me. I look forward to my sessions with Bethamie every month. My mental and spiritual strength is better than it has been in years and it is thanks to the work Bethamie has done with me.” ~ A. Harris, Milwaukee, WI.
Finally, I’m sharing one of my favorite meditations for the sacral chakra. In a world that pushes us to produce and anchor in left-brain analytical space, I find that many people lose contact with the vital energy of the sacral chakra which generates connection to the body, feeling and emotion, creativity and notions of self-care. Until you are ready for your first Reiki session, or while you prepare for your next session, I encourage you to create sacred space, in a quiet moment with this healing meditation.
~ Peace & Light ~