Reiki is an alternative form of healing that originated in Japan. Like massage therapists or acupuncturists, reiki practitioners typically work one on one with a client, and must rely on the client for feedback about the session. A reiki exchange, also called a reiki gathering or reiki share, is a meeting where two or more reiki practitioners get together and work on each other or on volunteers for the purpose of discussion and information exchange.
Definition
In his online article “Reiki Energy,” William Lee Rand, founder of the International Center for Reiki Training, defines reiki as "spiritually guided life force energy." Once attuned to reiki energy by a master, the practitioner is able to draw on this energy and direct it into a client’s body to aid physical, emotional or spiritual healing. Reiki is not a replacement for medical treatment, but is intended as a complement to conventional therapies.
Purposes
A reiki exchange offers practitioners a chance to share their experiences, to receive healing, and to practice giving reiki. Daniel Shevchuk, reiki master and member of the Canadian Reiki Association, includes mentorship and connecting with community as two of the core purposes of a reiki exchange. An exchange may also afford you with the chance to work alongside a fellow practitioner on the same person, which can give you insight into different approaches to using reiki.
Types
A reiki exchange does not have to be a formal or large affair. It can be as simple as two practitioners offering to give each other treatments. Some reiki exchanges are more organized, with a group meditation at the beginning and a question and answer session mediated by a reiki master. Some groups run exchanges by asking for volunteer reiki practitioners from the community to offer treatments to anyone who wants them. Reiki exchanges can function as information sessions for those who have no experience of reiki while giving practitioners the chance to work on new people.
Benefits
To many practitioners, the primary benefit of a reiki exchange is the opportunity to check in with fellow practitioners and to reconnect with the reiki community. Reiki exchanges that are mediated by a reiki master can also give the practitioner an opportunity to document his or her hours of training. The International Reiki Association notes on its website that it requires all members to have 100 hours of training before they join. Participating in reiki exchanges can be a great way to work toward this goal.
Considerations
If you can’t find a reiki exchange in your area, you can organize one yourself. Your reiki master is a good resource for finding other practitioners in your area. Once you know how many practitioners want to attend, decide if you can hold the exchange in your home or if you need to find a larger venue, such as a church hall or yoga studio.
Some groups in your community might donate space for the reiki exchange if you allow their members to attend and receive healing. Inviting non-practitioners to the exchange can result in a powerful healing experience for them, especially if more than one practitioner works on them. At larger exchanges, invite donations from all participants to cover any expenses, such as snacks or drinks. Give any excess proceeds to a charity of your choice.
Member Comments