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Do you know the lineage of your Reiki teacher? Rainforest Reiki Cairns

by julie, posted in Reiki

The Japanese system of Reiki was created by Usui Mikao, a spiritual teacher and energy healer who lived in Japan between 1865 and 1926. Originally developed as a spiritual practice for himself, Usui Mikao eventually taught his Reiki system of the precepts, reiju, meditations, waka, and healing techniques to thousands of students.

The teacher-student relationship has a long and ancient history, with devoted students learning from their Master, then developing their own practice and eventually becoming teachers themselves.

Of the thousands of Usui’s original students, only a handful reached the level of Shinpiden or Reiki Master. And it is from these original Reiki Masters that the Japanese system of Reiki has now reached every corner of the globe.

Reiki lineage explained

Reiki lineage is like an ancestral family tree that documents the path of a Reiki Master back to the system founder Usui Mikao. Like all spiritual lineages, each Reiki student diligently learns from their teacher but also receives  reiju, a series of attunements  or spiritual blessings directly from their teacher.

Reiki students then begin practicing Usui’s original precepts and mantras, but as their practice deepens they will undoubtedly be influenced by their own history, lifestyle, and culture.

When Reiki left Japan after World War II  its history and some of the practices were changed to make it more acceptable to Westerners.  As its popularity increased and it spread to countries other than Japan, unsurprisingly different cultural practices appeared in the teachings. For example, in some Reiki lineages you may find references to the energy system of the Chakras, while other teachers include Christian teachings that compare Usui Mikao’s energy healing to the miracles of Jesus.

Knowing your Reiki teacher’s lineage

Understanding the Reiki lineage of your teacher is very important for two main reasons. First, you can establish a clear path of your reiju, which, coming from a fully trained Reiki Master/Teacher, is a little like receiving the blessing from Usui himself.

And secondly, you’ll know which energy system and meditation practices you will be learning. Western lineages base the healing and techniques around the Chakras while traditional Japanese Reiki is founded on the Ki and the Hara.

Knowing your teacher’s lineage means you can choose the methods that will best align with your own lifestyle and beliefs.

Which lineage is best?

Julie wondered that too, and (to gain a holistic understanding of the Reiki system) over the years has been fully trained in three different Reiki lineages. But there really is no correct answer to that question, if you are wanting to learn Reiki just be guided by your own heart and choose a teacher based on their knowledge, experience, and level of compassion.

Julie’s Reiki lineage

If you scroll down further, you can see the full lineage from each of Julie’s trainings. Though for the past decade she exclusively practices traditional Japanese Reiki under Reiki Master and historian Frans Steine from the International House of Reiki.

USUI REIKI RYOHO

(Japanese Lineage)

Usui Mikao (Founder of the System)

Kanichi Taketomi

Koyama Kimiko

Doi Hiroshi

Frans Steine

Julie Heskins

USUI SHIKI RYOHO

(Western Lineage)

Usui Mikao (Founder of the System)

Hayashi Chijiro

Hawayo Takata

Rev. Beth Gray

John & Denise Crundell

Joan Kesby

Mabel Jones

Jack Bright

Julie Heskins

USUI REIKI KAI

Usui Mikao (Founder of the System)

Hayashi Chijiro

Yamaguchi Chiyoko

Inamoto Hyakutan

Julie Heskins

Do you come from another lineage?

Julie often trains students who have completed their training in different Reiki lineages. It’s a great way to deepen your practice and widen your understanding of the history and influence of Reiki.

New to Reiki?

Get in touch with Julie Heskins today, for Japanese Reiki courses, treatments, and meditation techniques in Cairns, QLD. Julie also runs regular Japanese meditation retreats in Far-north Queensland.

5 Ways to Avoid Distractions While You Meditate

by julie, posted in Meditation Cairns, Mindfulness

The quickest way to end a beautiful meditation 3 minutes in, is to a hungry kid, stressed housemate, or boisterous pet. It’s hard to build a regular meditation practice when you are constantly getting interrupted, so here’s a few tips for enjoying the whole experience.

1. Space

One of the easiest ways to avoid distractions when you meditate is to find a quiet space where you are unlikely to be distracted or disturbed. Be flexible about it, because it’s so easy to make an excuse like ‘oh, I couldn’t meditate today because I always sit under the tree in the garden but today it was … raining, full of mosquitos, too noisy due to the neighbour’s leaf blower”.

 Your meditation space doesn’t have to be a scented room with candles (though that is very lovely).  I’d suggest keeping it simple.  It could also be: 

  • in the car, parked under a shady tree after you’ve dropped the kids off to soccer.  I used to have a student who was a taxi driver and this was his preferred option!
  • in the laundry, leaning against the washing machine with the door locked with a comfortable pillow behind and underneath you.
  • in your reading room with a ‘Do Not Disturb’ sign on the door.
  • in the corner of your bedroom.

2. Gadgets

There is no denying that smartphones are fantastic but please, turn off your phones and gadgets during meditation. You can use apps like Insight Timer and program them for 10/20 mins etc.   Place them close by but not so they’ll be a distraction.

 You can also use a kitchen timer or a regular alarm clock as an alternative to your mobile phone.

 3. Timing

Timing is critical to your meditation practice and we always recommend plenty of space in between school drop-offs and the time your mother always calls. Here’s a few simple ways to minimise interruptions:

 

– Feed kids, spouses and pets before meditating.

– Don’t meditate when your housemate normally gets home from work.

– Practice your meditations when your neighbours are out (if possible!).

– Put your pets outside if they are likely interrupt you.  Pets usually love meditation so will quieten down once you start.

4. Boundaries

You definitely don’t want your kids barging in demanding snacks or your housemate needing WIFI support during meditation. Be loving and set clear boundaries with the people in your life. 

5. Partners

If you can’t get your people to stop interrupting you during meditation, why not recruit them into practicing with you. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to practice together?

6. Classes

And finally, if you’re getting interrupted every time you try to meditate you could also join group meditation classes in your local area. Meditation classes are an excellent way to build a practice, get guidance from an experienced teacher, plus ensure that you sit in your meditation for the whole 5 – 10 – 15 minutes.

Looking for meditation classes in Cairns and Far-north Queensland?

Julie runs regular classes at her rainforest home in Bayview Heights (south Cairns), as well as the Cairns Spiritual Centre and other feature destinations around Cairns, Mission Beach, and the Atherton Tablelands. Click here for more information

Correct Posture for Successful Meditation

by julie, posted in Reiki

Options for Sitting

How we sit in meditation makes a huge difference to the outcome of your practice.  It’s important to be comfortable, relaxed and alert.

1.  Choose to sit on a chair with a cushion behind your back and feet firmly on the floor (they can be on a cushion if your legs are too short to reach the ground).  Your feet should be comfortably apart and please don’t cross them.

2.   A cushion or bolster on top of a yoga mat is suitable if your knees are lower than your hips and you can be comfortable for 15 + mins.  Cushions can also be used under the knees to support them on both sides. Choose another option if you get uncomfortable.

3.  Meditation stools. For me these are excellent. You use one on a yoga mat with knees apart and big toes touching (Seiza position). Available for purchase from Rainforest Reiki.

Lying down. If you are unwell or suffer from back problems this is a good option for some of the meditations. Lie on a yoga mat. Pillow under your knees and one under your head if that’s more comfortable.  Use a blanket if cold.

Hand Positions

Left palm resting over right palm with thumbs GENTLY touching. This is a popular position as it guides you as to how tense you are during meditation. If the thumbs are tense they will be pushing hard against each other.  This is usually an indication that your mind is excited and busy. If they drop it will be a sign that you have lost concentration and become dull. You can remedy this as soon as you become aware during meditation
Palms up on the thighs.
Palms face down on the thighs.
Experiment with a different positions during meditations and see what’s most comfortable for you.
If lying down your palms should be a few feet away from the thighs with palms up.
Happy meditating everyone.

Asking for Help and Where it can Lead 😀🙏

by julie, posted in Reiki

Often we are reluctant to ask for help. Having your own small business you tend to try and balance many things – websites, cleaning, gardening, reiki treatments, teaching, cooking, to name a few.

A few months ago I contacted my friend & reiki student, Mel Irvine.  Knowing SEO might help my business I wanted to know if Mel could help. Mel is based in Iloilo, Phillipines.

She has done a great job for me and working on the website felt inspired to reconnect to her meditation practice and start teaching others.  She put a notice on Facebook and 30 local people turned up for her first class.

She’s now teaching at a local gym there as well.

Mel originally went to the Phillipines to help out after cyclone Yolanda in 2013.  It changed her life and the lives of many local people she came into contact with.  Her story since, and projects she’s involved with are compelling and inspiring.  

Mel is totally committed to the local people there and selflessly gives whatever she can.  Melinda is one of the most honest and kindest people I know and I highly recommend her.  Rainforest Reiki is busy and I am very grateful to Mel for all her hard work.

If you need help with SEO, professional writing or social media please contact Mel@writingbiz.net or website melirvine.com.au.

Why Learn to Meditate?

by danc, posted in Meditation Cairns

 
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Good question!  In my backpacker days I’d seen Tibetan monks chant as I travelled through China.  It left me with a sense of awe and inner peace.  Earlier during the same trip we had visited a monastery where monks kindly invited us to join them for yak butter tea (definitely an acquired taste!).  We spoke no Tibetan & they spoke no English.  It didn’t matter, we laughed together & they were warm & welcoming hosts.  Their natural joy seemed misplaced as their native homeland was being invaded by the Chinese.

Time passed, I emigrated to Australia & friends who were travelling around the world arrived in Cairns & shared their experiences of a Vipassana meditation retreat in New Zealand.

For 10 days they had done seated meditations which seemed very brave considering they had never meditated before.  It was physically challenging for them but they came away feeling a deep sense of connection.
They inspired me to book a 10 day silent retreat in Thailand. A mixture of walking, working & seated meditation.

An Initial Experience

I realised how busy and distracted my mind was.  As I practiced being present everything became clear.   Meals were simple but when you ate mindfully you were aware of flavours, texture, & colours. A feeling of gratitude & appreciation for the food, the nuns preparing it and our hosts naturally arose.
After lunch we would walk up a hill in the grounds that overlooked Koh Phangan. I noticed the lizards would come and sit with us.  In my garden at home now I appreciate that when we slow down, listen & focus you see the beauty of what’s around you & the wildlife comes closer.

What Meditation Gives You

We are not our thoughts, our emotions or our fantasies and when you meditate regularly you realise this. Instead of clinging & identifying with them you recognise them for what they are, events that are passing through our minds. We remember the past & get anxious about the future but that is not our truth.  As we become more present, letting go of our worries and anger, we also have more energy.
Living so externally in this material world you realise that when you go within so much is revealed.  Life becomes happier when you are calm and balanced.

Coming Home

After the retreat I returned home, life got busy and my intentions of having a regular meditation practice disappeared! Determined to reconnect to meditation I went to the local Buddhist Centre & started practicing once more.
Learning traditional Japanese Reiki in 2010 I discovered a system of Reiki that included a variety of different meditations & techniques. Practicing these over the years has deepened my practice considerably.
When you practice daily you see the benefits. It effects everyone around you – your kids, family & work colleagues.  You become calmer & more patient and this state of mind is reflected back to you.

The other wonderful thing about meditation is you can do it anywhere, on a chair, a cushion or even seated on a bed, whatever is comfortable for you.  All you need is you.

IMG_2584My goal is to inspire others to find their light within & for me, meditation is the key that unlocks that door.