One of the many treatments I offer is Reiki. For anyone that is not sure what Reiki means and what it does I will try and summarise this. Reiki is a beautiful, treatment that is so pure that it can do no harm. It was developed in Japan by Mikao Usui in the 20th Century.
“Reiki” (ray-key) is Japanese for ‘universal life energy’, a term used to describe a system of natural healing. It evolved as a result of his research, experience and dedication. ” Reiki Council
Loving energy healing has been well documented over thousands of years by various cultures throughout the world. The precept is that we all (humans, animals, and plants) have a life-force or loving energy that flows around the body via paths called meridians. Then there are energy points called Chakras (energy wheels), a total of 7 which are situated vertically along the body from the Crown (the top of your head) to the Root (near your coccyx or bottom). They are all connected and through them energy flows freely providing loving balance in your life. Your natural energy can become blocked by many things such as illness, sadness, bereavement, trauma etc. This blockage can cause physical, mental and emotional illness. A Reiki treatment balances and heals your personal life journey through transmitting healing natural energy.
I was blessed recently to have visited Japan and this is my story of walking in the footsteps of Mikao Usui.
On a misty April 2019 morning we quietly entered serene Japan waters; I felt a familiar sense of inner stillness. Even before discovering Reiki many years ago I felt a strong connection to Asia, my husband John and I had just left China and South Korea which we thoroughly enjoyed, but Japan, our final stop was the country my heart belonged to. You are not always biologically connected to a place, a belief, a way of life, if you turn inwards you find your true self and arriving in Japan I felt at home.
Months earlier at our home in Yorkshire we were planning our visit to Japan. Some must sees on our list; cherry blossom; temples; markets; and most importantly for me Mount Kurama (the mountain that Mikao Usui Reiki founder mediated for 21 days, attaining his enlightenment) and his resting place.
John my hubby amongst many things is my navigator, as I have no sense of direction. I cannot read maps, I turn left when I mean right, ask me how to get to A or B, I would probably send you the wrong way.
So Indiana Jones (he wears a similar looking hat) and his wife (aka me) set off early one spring morning, leaving our ship which was docked at Kobe. The visit to Kurama would take 2 and half hours each way, and six trains later. It felt like we were like back packing teenagers jumping off and on train after train, absorbing our surroundings, people, sounds and smells. It was so exciting. Japanese trains are fabulous, clean, on-time and help is at hand if you need it.
The final train to Kurama was lovely, it had side sitting seats, you are sat facing the window another first for me. A Japanese lady sat next to me and kept looking my way and smiling, she had such a beautiful positive aura. I smiled back and before she left, she whispered to me are you going to Mount Kurama, I nodded, she squeezed my hand; seconds later she had left the train.
We arrived in Kurama Village, and I felt happy, we both had thoroughly enjoyed the journey. At first it seemed daunting, “nothing is impossible”, John announced. I smiled to myself, this is what I say to students, family and friends. I felt blessed to be here. Somehow the journey to Japan felt like it mirrored my spiritual journey. I couldn’t help but think and feel how happy I was, what a life I now had, such a caring partner and friend, a stronger self-esteem and self-worth. I had arrived in more ways than one. I made a choice not to look at footage or photos of Kurama and the Mountain. I cleared my mind and simply opened my heart and removed all expectations.
Stepping out of the train we made our way instinctively towards the Mountain, passing a small section of shops selling souvenirs and Japanese delicacies. Arriving at the first of many steps I couldn’t help but think how Usui felt all those years ago.
I do not think he had shops, steps or temples lining his way to the summit but what he probably did experience was a similar sense of peace and tranquillity. There was a caressing breeze, a plethora of tall trees bowing in the wind, they seemed to be saying hello and welcome. Streams, birds tweeting, sacred spaces and positive vibes all the way to the top.
If like me your knees are getting a little tired there is a cable car, it takes you part of the way up the mountain, it made me chuckle as I imagined Usui saying “I wish they had this in my time”.
A purely calming, joyous experience. I feel blessed and honoured to have walked in his footsteps.
