Reiki Level 1 Training
Reiki classes are as varied as those who teach them – however there are a some common elements which ideally would be present in any Level 1 Reiki class.
What follows is an outline of a Reiki Level 1 training class and some of these elements which would ideally be included. This is shared so that you might know what to expect if you are new to Reiki and considering taking the initial Level 1 Reiki training.
Level 1 Reiki Training
Common Elements & Procedures
Most Reiki teachers will follow some variation on the following series of elements and procedures for their Level 1 Reiki class. If a Reiki Master you’ve chosen does not include one or more of these aspects in their Reiki training – it is not cause for alarm. You may always ask your Reiki Instructor to share the reasoning behind their methodology with you.
You will usually find that it is because they have found better results with the methods they are using. But, asking never hurts.
Opening Circle
Beginning a Level 1 Reiki class with an opening ‘sharing circle’ is common practice. Reiki 1 trainees are asked to share things like their name, how they came to learn of Reiki and why they personally have sought the Reiki teachings. This also helps to break the ice for class members a bit and helps open trust and communication that will be important during the remainder of the class.
Usually the instructor will either begin or end this sharing circle by sharing about themselves, what brought them to Reiki and why they decided to become a teacher.
History & Description of Reiki
Most Reiki instructors will at this point open up brief overview of the history of Reiki and a general description of Reiki as an energy and as a healing methodology. There may also be some brief question and answer dialog.
That said, Reiki is a ‘lived’ experience – and while it can be discussed, there may only be limited value in discussion of it, especially for those who are new to Reiki and have little or no direct experience on which to ‘hang’ concepts covered in discussion about the topic.
The Three Degrees of Reiki
An important aspect of Reiki that is best covered early in the training is that of the 3 degrees, or “levels”, of Reiki. You instructor may share briefly about each – but it is also likely that there will not be an in depth discussion at this point about all 3 degrees, but rather a simple overview.
Reiki 1 Hand Positions
The hand positions used in Reiki level 1 may be passed around on a handout and demonstrated by your instructor. Since you will soon be practicing Reiki on yourself and others it is common that you may get introduced to the Reiki 1 hand positions initially as a quick demonstration, and then after a lunch break (which may occur about this time), a full Reiki session demonstration.
Level 1 Reiki Attunements
If you are to begin to work with Reiki it is the common practice to receive an initiation of sorts called an attunement. The process is basically one of sitting and placing your hands together while the Reiki Master blesses you. There is a specific sequence for the attunements, and while there are variations, they are generally performed in a similar fashion by most Reiki instructors. It is a gentle, enjoyable and completely non-invasive experience and is at the core of any Reiki class.
Some people experience various subtle imagery or impressions during the attunement process – others notice nothing of particular significance immediately. A common experience is to feel great warmth in your hands following your attunement. The intention behind the Reiki attunement is to open your energetic body to the energy of Reiki and to attune your energy system to pass this Reiki energy.
Discussion & Reiki Share
After everyone has received their attunements some may wish to share or have questions about what they experienced. It’s different for everyone and for many it is a very special, even sacred, experience.
Once everyone who wants to share has had their turn, the Reiki instructor will ask you to pair up for your first experiences giving and receiving Reiki sessions from one another. First one will be the “giver” and the other the “receiver”, then you will switch.
The Reiki share may take ninety minutes or more as new Reiki practitioners make their way through the various hand positions and assimilate the experiences of giving and receiving Reiki. This is normal.
Closing Discussion
A Reiki class of any level is a spiritual and bonding experience for many. Following all the days activities there is typically a closing circle for questions, discussion and for recommendations for self-care and strengthening your attunement to the Reiki energy as well as best practices for giving Reiki sessions to others.
Because of the bonding that sometimes takes place between individuals and groups who have undergone this experience together there is often an exchange of contact details or talk of starting up a group online to remain in contact. It’s very good to stay in contact with those with whom you had your Reiki training. In part because of the shared experience, in part to support each other in continuing with it or arranging further Reiki shares – for a variety of reasons it is good to stay connected.
Self Care Recommendations
Your instructor will probably encourage you to practice Reiki daily and to treat yourself with full Reiki treatments daily for a period of time. The idea here is to help you to become increasingly aware of the energy of Reiki, deepen your experience of it, and also to help your energy system to continue to “self-purify” by way of being the recipient of the Reiki energy that is channeled through you from Universal Source
It is very good practice to perform Reiki upon yourself — I know there is sometimes a tendency to forget or to not follow through with the self-treatments, yet these are immensily beneficial in a variety of ways. Please try not to miss a day of Self Treatment – The benefits of being consistent with it are work the effort.
Also – Find people that you know already who will be agreeable to let you play and learn in exchange for receiving a free session. This is a great use for the contact list the class began earlier. If you don’t have anyone to practice with — NOW you DO!
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Have you had the Reiki 1 Training? What were your experiences with it?
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