Reiki

For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, Reiki is a Japanese form of energy work that helps get your inner energy flowing freely. Unfortunately, in it's modern, American, incarnation, it tends to be all kinds of New Age hocus-y pocus-y. In fact, I think some Christians steer clear of it altogether.

Which is a shame. Because really, it is Holy Spirit energy... and nothing could be more loving.

I have been a very part-time Reiki practitioner for about 7 years, but had experienced Holy Spirit energy work many years before that. I still, occasionally, see Reiki clients. I love to lay my hands on people and let the love of God flow through me and into them. Often people break down into tears. Sometimes their belly's gurgle. Usually there are deep sighs of relief or contentment.

For a long time now, I have been praying silently while working. I imagine Jesus standing with me, holding my hands, or laying his hands on the client. I offer my Reiki to him silently, and sometimes cross myself while my client's eyes are closed.

Tonight, though, I said a prayer aloud as I began to lay my hands on my client. "God" I said. "Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer. I offer this healing to you. Amen."

My client didn't flinch. She didn't jump up from the table in a panic. She just lay there. Breathing deeply. Allowing herself to be loved. Crying a little, even.

I don't know why I am so shy about saying out loud what I know to be true: That this is a dance we do with God... that he is in the midst of it when we love and care for each other. That his love is flowing through my hands into the heart of my client. I know all that to be true, and yet find it hard to just come out and say it. But tonight I did.

And it was good.