This is where the application of Reiki Energy Meditation as an accessible and empowering method of self-care can be so wonderful!
By Cheryl Atim Alexander
As a holistic oriented clinician and Reiki Master Teacher, I find that I enter into discussions about the concept of “self-care” frequently during the course of my work with others. Indeed, although self-care is an idea that is being talked about more and more often – in numerous diverse circles – many people find themselves feeling stumped and frustrated when it comes to implementing any type of self-care regimen into their lives due to perceived limitations around work schedules, child care, finances, time and other logistical considerations.
This is where the application of Reiki Energy Meditation as an accessible and empowering method of self-care can be so wonderful! To enjoy the following exercise, all you will need is yourself, a quiet space, approximately thirty minutes of your time and the will to grow in peace of mind, body and spirit. (Some basic experience with Reiki is ideal, but not essential).
- First find a quiet place to sit, where you won’t be interrupted, and gently lean back in your chair. Lower, and close your eyes as you feel comfortable. Next, notice your breathing. You may become more aware of your breathing as you consciously take in air through your nose then release it through your mouth…slowly breath in through your nose and out through your mouth…in and out…continue with this pattern and notice how your body and mind appreciates and responds to this relaxed, steady pace of breathing!
- Now, gently place your hands on top of your head. Be aware that you are cradling the crown energy center, the seventh chakra. This chakra manifests as a luminous, bright white light. Embrace this light energy! As you breathe in, recognize that you are taking in revitalizing, universal, cosmic life force energy, and in so doing, connecting with your innate, wonderful wisdom. As you breathe out, know that, just for now, you are fully able to let go of all worries, rigid expectations, anger, unconsciousness, and any other ego attachments on material or emotional levels that prevent you from being at peace with your authentic self.
- Now, gently place one or both hands on your brow. Be aware that you are nurturing the third eye energy center, the sixth chakra. This chakra manifests as a mystical purple light. See this light energy shimmering in your mind’s eye. As you breathe in, recognize that you are stimulating and taking in intuition, perception, awareness and discernment. As you breathe out, know that, just for now, you are able to release all attachments to self-deception and any other misleading illusions.
- Now, gently place one or both hands over your throat. Be aware that you are cupping your throat energy center, the fifth chakra. This chakra manifests as a glowing, true blue, serene light! See this vibrant light energy. As you breathe in, you are recognizing and taking in the essence of your personal integrity and truth, which you are now able to communicate freely without fear. As you breathe out, know that just for now, you are able to detach from all falsehoods, lies and fears related to honest expression.
- Now gently place one or both hands over your heart. Be aware that the heart energy center is the fourth chakra, and radiates a green, loving, abundant, compassionate, soothing light! Embrace this gracious light energy. As you breathe in, recognize that you are inviting love, openness, peace, compassion, humility and interconnectedness into your life! You are consciously opening yourself up to your ability to recognize yourself in another. As you breathe out, know that just for now, you are able to let go of all grief, loss, sadness, (self) judgment, loneliness and isolation.
- Now gently place both hands on top of your stomach area. Be aware that this is the solar plexus chakra energy center, the third chakra. This chakra emanates a brilliant, warm, sun inspired, beaming light! See and feel this brilliant yellow light energy! As you breathe in, recognize that you are saying ‘yes’ to personal power; will power, the freedom to make choices and the ability to exercise calm, steady confidence as the unique being you are. As you breathe out, know that, just for now, you are able to let go of all self-criticism, self-doubt and shame.
- Now gently place both hands on top of your lower abdomen. Be aware that this is the sacral chakra energy center, the second chakra. It radiates a bright orange, vital light energy. Really see and feel this sensual light energy! As you breathe in, notice that you are embracing joy; pleasure, passion, boundless creativity, sacred sexuality and the ability to manifest everything your heart desires. As you breathe out, know that just for now, you are able to surrender all guilt, mistrust of the self and others and the need for excessive control.
- Now place both hands simultaneously atop each knee or upper leg. Be aware that your hands are beaming energy in alignment with your root chakra energy center, the first chakra. The first chakra exhibits a fierce, flaming red, determined light energy! Feel the powerful intensity of this particular light energy. As you breathe in, recognize that you are inviting a sense of grounding, stability, security and congruence into your life. As you exhale, know that just for now, you are able to release fear, restlessness, extreme emotions and indecisiveness into the ground beneath you.
- Slowly and gradually bring your attention back to the space you are sitting in. Open your eyes. Stretch, and enjoy the rest of your day!!!
