The Motto of the Ki Society International founded by Koichi Tohei Sensei begins this way: "Let us have a universal spirit that loves and protects all creation and helps all things grow and develop." This motto expresses the heart of his practice of Aikido.

What is the heart of this practice we call "Reiki?" Our usual definition of the concept is "Universal Life Energy," the definition Hawayo Takata gave us along with "God Power." Does "Universal Life Energy" relate to "universal spirit?" Both are seemingly simple concepts and yet filled with nearly infinite possibilities of cosmological implication, corollary, and conundrum.  

I often see practicing Reiki as an opportunity to consciously dance with the energy of life. We are always in the dance. There is no other place we can be, but with Reiki we can participate more consciously. Since being conscious is an attribute of our humanity, perhaps becoming more conscious is at the heart of the journey of becoming ever more human.

I was recently talking to a colleague whose daughter in the eighth grade at a Montessori school did an interdisciplinary study on the topic, What it means to be human. What a wonderful and appropriate exploration for these students! I was touched to hear this as I feel that most modern culture is bereft in it's representation of life's meaning.

It has been my conviction that practicing Reiki nourishes the unfolding of the perfection of our humanity. Living or lurking below this conviction is the living question: "How do I understand what it means to be fully human?" A potential way of exploring this question is to look to our conscious dreaming. When we see ourselves, our lives, our world, what do we hope for? What are our deepest longings? Do we then translate these longings into aspirations, making the decision that our dreams for "a better world" call for reflection, discipline, action?

I find the working of my own heart a constant source of mystery. Perhaps at the center of our practice of Reiki lives the heart of all life, mirrored by our own. Listening to our hearts is one of the cultural values in Reiki. As community, I see us as becoming more adept at listening through and beyond our own hearts to that universal spirit that loves and protects all creation.

Anne had a dramatic change of life two years ago when she experienced a massive stroke! She has come back through the grace of the universe, caring partner and family, lots and lots of Reiki, her own determination 

and courage, and a step by step process that continues to give her the experience of adventure! 

Here is her latest adventure from May 2015.

 "Talking of challenges, my latest is driving. I am very fortunate to have an adapted car allowing me to drive with the right hand. The car is automatic and easy to drive.

I have experienced my left hand brain kicking in to support the right hand side. It is a unique experience for me, and feels so good when it happens I am greatly comforted that the memory is still very much alive. Each time I have driven I have handed it to Reiki, as you know, Reiki is cradling my process of recovery., and  I would not survive without it,  I deeply appreciate all that Reiki brings to me. Whether I like it or not, I accept it is for my personal growth and unfolding.   Priorities have changed in life. Stillness and quiet and need to just 'Be' have taken over the 'chatter' of life.

Left hand brain is slowly kicking in, and it is tangible. Through the months, I have been in awe of how the brain re -grows itself, opening new pathways, I can now cook a meal from scratch, which gives Ray a break, and he is so  happy! When  I started driving, the brain said 'I remember this, and I had a huge urge to put my left hand on the steering wheel. Instead left brain helps support the right hand, and I now feel like I did, when I was driving before the stroke. Amazing!!

The foregoing has boosted the confidence, and positivity that some of myself is coming back, has set in. Although I am the same, I feel a different person in my heart.

 And don't want to be the person I was. God has given me the gift to begin again. I am aware of this precious gift and I am embracing it, and have become more aware of my attitudes and patterns, which could do with a bit of 'retweaking' which is the understatement of the month!  I am more and more convinced that Reiki can make a better world, if people would listen and take it seriously. Only God knows and he/she ain't telling!"

We thank Anne for sharing her journey.....inspiring, reminiscent, and graciousness. Consciousness in this story is going back to actions that most of us take for granted.....and really having to make decisions on the ground level. Reiki teaches us to reconsider our automatic actions and make new ground level decisions daily. This provides a restructuring of our life and changes the direction of our being.