Many of you may know I’ve recently completed my Reiki Level 1 training and anyone that does this training knows that their life will change considerably as you take on the healing journey. 

It’s been such an amazing experience so far, even though it’s only been 5 weeks, it feels a lot longer with practising daily.  I’ve felt really honoured to be able to have worked with some family and friends and gain further experience, with some great results so far.  I’ve had many people ask me what it involves and what Reiki really is, so I thought I’d share some insights as some of you may wish to train yourselves.  Anyone can learn Reiki and it can be used on children, adults, animals, plants and environments, as well as using it on yourself to improve your own energy.

Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) means universal life force, or energy.  We are all connected to the energy of the universe, and our energy is constantly changing by internal & external factors.

We often don’t take time out to listen to the messages our bodies are saying to us, it’s not until you get sick or feel out of sorts that you realise something’s not right and out of balance.  We have energy centres through and around us constantly, known as our Chakras and Aura, as well as our meridian channels, which all play a huge role in keeping us healthy, energised and performing at our best.  It doesn’t take much to throw these energies off balance, with us leading such busy and stressful lives, it’s easy to understand how they can get out of whack and have you feeling tired, grumpy and unmotivated.

Reiki heals on a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual level using the power of energy channelled through hands, in a non-invasive way.  It is not a massage, but a relaxing technique that shifts the energy in the body to where it needs to focus on healing.  The health benefits are numerous, but some of the key areas it helps with are: clearing toxins in the body & mind, reducing blood pressure, relieving anxiety/pain/depression, helps with a better sleep, increases awareness & creativity, aids recovery after injury or surgery, relieves stress & tension, helps blocked emotions & balances the body’s energy, increases vitality & focus and brings a deep sense of relaxation.  It is not a substitute for medical treatment, but a complementary therapy useful to relieve pain, stress and rebalance the body’s natural energy system.

Those wanting to train in Reiki, need to find a Reiki Master they feel comfortable with to do your Level 1 Reiki training – usually 1-2 days training, and this will give you the tools you need to practise on yourself and friends/family.  If you wish to take your Reiki experience to another level,  and use it to help benefit others or as part of your business then Level 2 is recommended.  Here you learn a deeper understanding of how the energy works and learn to use the symbols for enhanced healing, along with distance healing and the use of crystals, sound & breath work as well as NLP and EFT techniques. This is usually done over a weekend with a Reiki Master.  If you wish to become a Master and learn to teach others, there are Reiki Master Courses available throughout NZ.  This would require many years of training and experience before taking on this path.

I completed my Level 1 training with Lynda Johnson from That’s Better in Paraparaumu, and highly recommend her way of teaching.  I will be doing my Level 2 training in June.  Her contact details are below if you wish to make any enquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  or www.thatsbetter.co.nz and 021 510 378. 

Another way of healing is to take time out for yourself to retreat and refocus on what’s happening in your life and where you could make some changes to feel inspired and energised.  I will be running my next “Living the Sweet Life” retreat on 12-14 June at the Waihoanga Centre in Otaki.  There’s a wonderful group of ladies coming along, and we are going to have such an awesome weekend together doing lots of fun things like yoga, meditation, colour & styling workshop, goal setting, Ikebana, Zen high tea, creative art therapy and lots more!  There are only a couple of spots left so get in quick, if you’re able to come along and join in the adventure!  All details can be found on www.boxofchocolates.co.nz – what’s happening page.  Love to see you there, and can promise you, you’ll come away feeling refreshed, inspired and bursting to try out your new tool box.

What messages has your body been giving you lately, do you need to slow down, get outside more, express yourself more often or catch some more zzz’s?  Tune into what it needs and you’ll be doing yourself a huge favour, when you work as a team amazing things happen!