I like to teach workshops as a way of expanding light.
Below are the descriptions of three different workshops.
1. Awareness Workshops
2. Jikiden Reiki
3. Reiki for Moms
2. Jikiden Reiki
3. Reiki for Moms
Awareness Workshops
I developed this workshop for the youth of Katimavik in the fall of 2010 and each time has been a new and unique experience. It is a very flexible workshop that adapts to the group, the resources available and the time limit. Participants are encouraged to get involved, speak up and shape their experience. The workshop focuses on three main things which are; the power of touch, the power of laughter and the power of words.
1. The power of touch
Sitting cross legged in a circle we put our thumbs to the left and connect with the hand of the person next to us (without touching). We focus on the feeling of the space between the hands and discuss the reality of energy. We play with this and then bring our own hands together and feel the energy. Next participants do some hands on energy work as a group. In a circle (standing or sitting), participants simply place their hands on, rub or pat with the palms (also known as body drumming). At the end of this segment I teach each group a simple mantra and we chant it together. Afterwards we discuss this experience and then move on to laughing.
2. The power of laughter
As we get ourselves in position for some serious laugh therapy (haha, no pun intended!) we discuss the benefits of laughter. It strengthens and relaxes muscles, relieves pain by releasing endorphins, it reduces stress and so much more. We usually laugh for about 15 minutes both spontaneously and by “passing the Ha!”.
3. The power of words
This part of the workshop is hands on. We make a craft and discuss the importance of words and the
reality that every word, sound and image has its own vibration. Positive words heal and negative words destroy. I bring their attention to the study of water crystals and remind them that we are mostly water. Therefore, by surrounding ourselves with positive words in the form of art and speech we can become more beautiful people inside and out. There are a variety of crafts to choose from but I make sure that I choose just one for each group.
Prayer flags: Decorate each flag with prayers, hopes, images or whatever you like that is positive. Fabric posters: Staple a piece of fabric to a piece of cardboard and then cut out letters from scraps of fabric and glue it in place. You can also cut out shapes, flowers, etc…
Patches: Using thick material and fabric paints we made patches that are washable and can be sewn on to anything.
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| An example of Art using fabric remnants. Ubuntu is an African word that means many things. Respect, sharing, helpful, unselfishness, community, caring and trust. Always remember... positive words = positive vibrations :) |
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Laugh Therapy as part of the awareness workshop. Enjoy the healing benefits of laughter.
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Reiki Workshops
I practice Jikiden Reiki, which is the traditional and authentic form of Reiki from Japan. I have been studying and practicing Reiki since 2005, and in 2009 travelled to Halifax to complete the seminar for teaching level one (Shoden) with Tadao Yamaguchi. Reiki is a very simple form of energy healing and touch therapy and can be learned in a matter of hours.
A Reiki Workshop can be divided into three sessions of two hours each. I shall call these “day 1, 2 and 3”.
Day 1:
Teaching of the gokai, its various meanings and how this leads to happiness.
Attunment
Reiki Mawashi and Reiki Okuri
Day 2:
Meiji poems
Attunement
Reiki Mawashi and Reiki Okuri
Hands on treatments
Day 3:
Attunement
Hands on treatments
After completing the workshop participants are encouraged to join a “Reiki Share” which can be held weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. A Reiki Share is when a group of people get together to practice Reiki on anyone who needs it, whether it be a fellow practitioner or a member of the community. Usually one person lies on a table or bed while 3-6 people place their hands over various parts of the body. Reiki Shares usually last from 1-2 hours. Treatments are often 20 minutes long so that everyone can have a turn.
Legend of terms
Gokai (5 principles): Only for today, no anger, no worries, be grateful, strive, be kind to all.
The Emperor Meiji’s poems: Within these poems there are powerful messages of living life in a pure and healthy way. They can also be used to practice the art of Japanese calligraphy :)
Reiki Mawashi: Sitting in a circle we place ours hands on the person in front of us and practice Reiki. We learn how to channel and receive energy.
Reiki Okuri: Sitting in a circle we put our thumbs to the left and focus on the energy between the two hands. We learn how to perceive the flow of energy.
Hands on Reiki treatment can be done in pairs or in groups.
Attunement: This is the most important part of a Reiki seminar. It is often described as “cleaning the pipes” to increase the flow of energy and create greater connection with the universal life force energy.
Reiki for Moms
Reiki is a gentle, simple and effective form of natural medicine. It comes in the form of energy through hands, mouth and eyes. It can be used as preventative medicine and also to ease symptoms and/or cure any ailment. It is used to treat both physical and psychological either hands on or from a distance.
Teething, cold and flu, colic, restlessness, injuries, cuts, bruises Headaches, back aches, stress, general aches and pains, high or low blood sugar levels, Worry, anger, anxiety, depression, trauma
Sometimes I compare Reiki to a hug, a smile and kind words. It is more of a life style than a medicine and can be used alone or as a complimentary therapy to any other treatment.
Jikiden Reiki is the authentic and original form of Reiki from Japan before it passed through the Americas. The symbols and words have been passed on directly from Japan since the beginnings of Reiki as we know it.
There are 5 important Reiki principles to remember. The direct translation of the Japanese Gokai is not easy and learning the words in Japanese is recommended.
Only for Today – kyo dake wa
We are human and sometimes we make mistakes or fall of the path. It's ok, try again. Each day is a new day and a new opportunity. Take your focus away from the future and the now.
“I am unsure what may happen tomorrow, but I will follow the Gokai just for today, for this moment in
time.”
No anger – ikaruna
Anger hurts you and others. Just one outburst of anger can change a whole life. Anger comes from many places and even though it may seem justified, the ego is often involved. You should be aware of your ego and let it go. Don't be trapped by anger, grudges and hatred because you will only succeed in destroying. Anger can be released with Reiki and you can attain an emotional and mental balance.
No worrying – shinpaisuna
If you are able to TRUST the Universe and live your life as best you can, you will be able to live with peace of mind and will have nothing to worry about. Learn to let go of your worries, release them and leave the outcome to the Universe. We cannot control everything so we must simple do our best and have faith that everything will work out fine.
Be grateful – kanshashite
When our mind is clouded by dissatisfaction we forget how blessed we are and begin to feel even more unsatisfied. Negativity gets us down and this may lead to anger and worry. A useful strategy is to take time to focus on things that we are grateful for. There is always much to be grateful for. Focusing on the positive helps to avoid complaining, negative thinking/actions/reactions. Practicing Reiki fosters gratefulness because even when you face difficulties you can see them as opportunities, possibilities and overcome them.
Remember...there is nothing to be afraid of in life.
strive and fulfill all duties – gyo o hageme
Gyo (duty) means not only your job, but also your obligations, responsibilities and your mission in life. We learn valuable lessons and grow through every day work and life.
Be kind to all people – hitoni shinsetsuni
When we help others they too become willing to help others. Kindness is contagious and the world becomes a much better place through simple acts of love and gratitude. Being kind to all is not always easy. Be compassionate, understanding and forgiving. Even if someone hurts us, there is no need to be cruel or unkind. This is especially important in our home and with our friends and family. Even if the person you help shows no appreciation the waves of kindness will come back to you. Helping others without seeking reward will bring you happiness. Giving Reiki to others is a good way to realize this concept. “No hard feelings towards other would take place if we remember first our own mistakes.”
There are five levels of learning in Jikiden Reiki.
Mothers are encouraged to learn level one as a valuable life skill.
Shoden: Level one
Hands on healing, the Gokai (5 principles), Reiki mawashi, Reiki Okuri
Reiki exchange and practice.
Blood circulation massage technique.
Practical uses for Reiki in daily life.
3 attunements
Okuden: Level two
Distance Reiki (enkakku), Psychological healing (seiheki)
Reiki mawashi, Reiki okuri
2 attunements
Shihan-kaku: Level One teacher
Shihan: Level one and two teacher
Dai Shihan: Teacher of teachers
An attunement is the most important part of a Reiki seminar.
This secret sequence of sounds and symbols cleanses our energy channels and reconnects us with the universal life force energy. It's like “cleaning our pipes” that enter from the crown of our head and enable healing.
Laura Jane Wilson
Shihan kaku (level one teacher)
Student of Tadao Yamaguchi (Founder of Jikiden Reiki)
lalajanewilson@gmail.com
