Category: Reiki

Reiki Practice in Daily Life

by Julie Heskins, posted in Meditation, Mindfulness, Reiki, Wellness
The wonderful thing about the system of reiki is how much it supports us through each day. When we are in a good state of mind, not overwhelmed, anxious or afraid, then we can support others in a loving, kind and positive way.
I moved to Australia 30 years ago. My parents initially had reservations about me travelling the world. They changed their minds when they visited me to celebrate my 21st birthday. As they enjoyed the warm climate, the beautiful vistas of Kakadu and the Whitsunday islands, they understood why their only daughter had fallen in love with this incredible country!
Travel and adventure they realised was fun. After that initial taste of what travelling offered they met me in New Zealand, Thailand and other far flung places.

I settled in Cairns eventually and they came to visit a number of times. They loved it. Gorgeous places to visit like Cape Tribulation, the Tablelands, the reef and Fitzroy Island. Staying at Rainforest Reiki was a treat too and they came to a reiki share night and mum had treatments.

As they got older I asked them if they’d like to move to Australia. They always had great friends in UK and they didn’t want to. When dads health deteriorated and they could no longer travel I visited them in UK once a year.
At times when they were ill I facilitated distant reiki sessions. This is done by setting intent that the person receives whatever healing they need in that moment and then you sit in meditation holding that loving intent free of expectations and judgement. This can last 20-30 minutes.
On some level you always know when you live far from loved ones that eventually one parent will face a serious health issue. It’s how you deal with the challenges that arise that counts. The only certainty is that there’s always change in our lives.
The precepts of reiki are the backbone of the whole system. Students are taught different meditation techniques to work with these.
The precepts, or principles of Reiki are:
For Today Only:
Do not anger
Dot not worry
Be grateful
Practice diligently
To show compassion to yourself and others
By working with the meditations and other practices students create awareness. The goal is to take these practices into daily life and live from this place.
Of course it doesn’t mean we never get angry or worried! That would be in a perfect world ❤️. These precepts are the goal of the system to be less worried, less angry, more grateful and be kind and compassionate to ourselves and others. To rediscover our inner light which is always within us – we’ve just forgotten it.
Aged 87 and 85 my parents have maintained good health. Two months ago my dad rang with the news mum had had an a severe stroke and was in hospital. My reiki practice has always given me so much support with challenges and this time was no different . Taking one day at a time I’ve been able to get clear, be there for both mum and dad and support them both energetically and practically with phone calls and, more recently, visiting them in UK.
My dad has stayed positive throughout and feels loved and supported by friends and family.  He knows mum is in the best place and getting the care she needs.  Practicing reiki gives me trust that there is a flow to life and the object is to let go of outcomes and be as present as possible to what is each day.
Initially mum was unconscious and dad visited.  After 63 years of marriage they had never been apart except for a few days.
Six weeks into mum’s recovery it was clear to me I needed to go back and assess things and be there for them both.  I already had another trip planned to do Raw Chef training in Bali (creating delicious raw food for retreat days and courses is something I enjoy) and continued onto UK.   It was so good to see them both.  The staff at the hospital were lovely but mum was finding being in hospital challenging – the noise, lights and constant movement are hard on anyone, let along an old lady whose used to a peaceful life.  Facilitating reiki on the ward calmed mum and one of the nurses was enthralled!  She asked about having a session and learning – maybe in the future…
My dad has been doing well on his own. He appreciates the support he gets from friends and the retirement village community. He can cook, do laundry and manages with little help.  Mum will hopefully be able to keep improving and return home so they can be together again.  I am now back in Cairns and will continue to do distant reiki for us all.
The intent for the best possible outcome for them both is paramount. ❤️❤️🙏😀.

Reiki for Pets

by Julie Heskins, posted in Meditation, Mindfulness, Reiki
Getting close to animals with reiki and meditation
Reiki with pets. The joys of petsitting

I love animals and am also a passionate traveller.  Pet sitting offers the opportunity to do both.
It’s a win win situation helping owners and having quality time with their pets.  It’s fun and has its challenges.  Pets have minds of their own and aren’t shy to show their true colours sometimes!
One of my favourite pet sits was for a white feisty terrier called Blossom (pictured above). On our first meeting Blossom growled and barked and her devoted mum and dad explained that she had a strong personality.  Her name, ‘Blossom’ suited her perfectly.  It’s always good to be direct with owners to see whether you’re going to be the right fit for their precious pet.
‘How did Blossom go with the previous pet sitter’ I asked.  They admitted Blossom barked aggressively at the poor woman for the first week!
Reiki has many benefits and I felt certain that Blossom would respond well to it.
Just as humans experience anxiety and stress when situations change so do sensitive animals.
The owners went off on a cruise and I moved in.   On arrival Blossom complained noisily that I was not her family.  I promptly sat on the sofa in meditation, set an intent she received whatever she needed at that moment and did a 20 minute reiki meditation session with her.  The barking quickly abated, Blossom calmed down and peace was restored.
I continued including Blossom in my meditation practice each day and Blossom accepted me, wagging her tail enthusiastically whenever I arrived home.  She was a special girl and I’d take her back to Rainforest Reiki some days.  She greeted clients with a few barks and then would quietly settle under the reiki table enjoying being in the reiki space.
Do pets reflect their owners?  I think they do.  Another of my favourite pets is Pappi.  Pappi is a medium sized dog of mixed lineage who was very well trained and super intelligent. Similar to her quiet, smart mum who also has a playful sense of humour :).
It’s always a gift to care for a well trained dog.  Walking her on the beach without a lead was a joy.  Trust is so important and, with Pappi, she would come to me to have her lead put on if she perceived a threat from another dog.  Intuition and wisdom is something, for most of us, that needs to be developed whereas Pappi knew who she could trust.  We can learn so much from our pets, even when they are in our care for a short time.
Cats are also a favourite of mine.  Especially Missy who lives on property in the Tablelands.  Cats are independent creatures and remind me of myself!  Missy was a bit stand offish initially but over time she has grown into a sweet and affectionate companion.  On my last visit she jumped through the bedroom window every morning for meditation, curling up contentedly in my lap.
Even the sweetest cat will show their true nature of course.  I awoke early with plans to join an online retreat with my reiki teacher.  In the dark I heard the crunch crunch of a small animal being munched.  Discovering bits of it spread across the room, a gift for me I presumed, reminded me of the reasons I don’t need a pet of my own!! Needless to say, I watched a recording of the class later in the day 😀🙏.
Life is about learning and experience and as animals shine their light on us we can learn from them.  Yin yoga came about from the founder, Paulie Zinks’ study of animals and the way they move.  Animals innately stretch, move and rest to conserve energy and remain flexible and strong.
I’m grateful to all the pets and their owners who have trusted me to look after them.
learning reiki with julie heskins cairns

Deepening Your Practice: taking the step to Reiki 2

by Julie Heskins, posted in Reiki

Why is taking the next step to Reiki 2 (or even Reiki 3) so important? The simple answer is, our journey to self awareness and rediscovering our true self never ends.

It is the most important thing we will ever do. ❤️

Beginning the Reiki journey

In Reiki 1 Shoden you learned the foundational practices to start connecting deeply within.  

Over the initial weekend most students experience deep peace, connection and an inner knowing that there is so much potential within each of us.  We don’t have to reach for the stars.  We are already there!  We’ve just forgotten. By working with the principles of reiki we can start to shed those self limiting beliefs and judgements that prevent us from living our truth.

With new found awareness we understand that only we can make the changes that will make a difference. We can’t blame others for our situation and, if we’re in a negative relationship or job, it’s up to us to develop the strength and confidence to move on.

practicing reiki in cairns with julie heskins

Through practicing the  mindfulness techniques reiki offers, we start to be in the moment with life, not living in the past or dwelling in the future. Staying curious and alert we enjoy precious moments that present themselves. We start to catch ourselves when we experience worry or anger.  

Things that once triggered us can be recognised in the moment and we can stop being reactive. We are not our thoughts.. when we see this, freedom awaits. 

We become more compassionate to others.  All people are struggling in different ways.  The more we can be kind and listen to others attentively, the more we will attract likeminded, grounded and grateful people into our lives.  

Reiki 1 offers a gateway to rediscovering your true self.  By starting on the journey you plant the seeds of a happy life.  You start to see the challenges as opportunities.  It may not happen instantly but you’ll be able to look back and see ‘Wow! I handled that situation so much better than I did a year ago’. 😀

learning reiki in a group with julie heskins cairns

Taking the next step

Coming to Reiki 2 Okuden is a natural progression for most.  If your practice has dropped away after Reiki 1, then it offers an opportunity to reconnect.  

The techniques and meditations taught at this level enhance and expand the reiki toolbox.  Using the symbols and associated mantras we connect to the innate wisdom that resides within and flows through us.  We see that every action and decision we make is interrelated to the whole.  As clear intuition arises from a place of being, you trust your gut feelings and make decisions based in reality! 

When you attend Reiki 2, you receive 3 more attunements and gain further experience in hands on/off healing practising with a partner.  We create intimacy with ourselves and cultivate the limitless energy that lies within. Developing self love and empowerment are valuable tools in a fast paced society based in consumerism and dependency.

Whether you come to Reiki 2 for your own self-care or to start practicing professionally, the second level teaches valuable practices to gain clarity into living simply and meaningfully.

This doesn’t mean we have to become a reiki practitioner of course!  We can ‘be reiki’ at any moment on any day in any situation. Practicing kindness, compassion and humility in any environment is wonderful. You’re family and work mates will also be grateful 🥲.

learning reiki with julie heskins cairns

Making Reiki a profession

Reiki 3 Shinpiden offers the opportunity to learn the final symbol and mantra.  We grow, we take responsibility for our actions and realise that to navigate a dualistic world we need to embody the qualities of reiki within ourselves.  

You will receive the final attunement and learn to facilitate reiju and attunements on others.  You may want to become a teacher yourself and, with practice, that is possible. Teaching others reiki is a blessing and a privilege. ❤️🙏

Julie Heskins instructing a group of Reiki students in hand positions

Traditional Japanese Reiki vs Western Reiki: the differences unpacked and explained

by Julie Heskins, posted in Reiki

Last week on the blog we took a look at Reiki lineages and explained why it’s so important to understand the lineage of your Reiki teacher. In this week’s article we’d like to dive a little deeper into the topic and unpack the critical differences between Traditional Japanese Reiki vs Western Reiki. Let’s take a look.

Continue reading “Traditional Japanese Reiki vs Western Reiki: the differences unpacked and explained” →