Just for today...

Spiritual authors, martial arts sensei, meditation gurus, yoga practitioners and shamans (to name a few) all agree that the place and time of power is in the NOW.  One has to be focused and fully aware of the NOW to be fully connected to Spirit or Source.

As author Louise Hay writes in her book You Can Heal Your Life, "the point of power is always in the present moment."  We can not change the past and we can only anticipate the future.  It is in the now that we can decide to forgive, to love, to be happy.  Author Eleanor McKenzie writes in The Reiki Bible "Events in our life are created by thoughts and beliefs we have held over time.  But they are all in the past and today we can replace them with thoughts and beliefs that create a happier life."

It is with this perspective that one approaches the Reiki principles as instructed by Usui.  The purpose of these instructions is to keep us focused in the present moment.  And as one of Reiki's goal is to help us better our lives, the instructions make it easier for us to transition bit by bit, day by day, to a healthier and more joyful way of living.  And just like in any 12-step program, it is easier for us to believe that we can do something for one day rather than for a long period of time.  It is much less overwhelming to focus on the present moment, the present day, than on the "rest of our life".

There are 5 Reiki principles, or precepts - I will discuss them in future blog posts:

• Just for today, I will not anger
• Just for today, I will not worry
• Just for today, I am filled with gratitude
• Just for today, I devote myself to my work
• Just for today, I am kind to every living thing

These precepts are at the heart of Reiki.  Usui wrote these as a guide to our spiritual journey and everything else in Reiki supports or builds upon them.  They help the Reiki practitioner stay focused on his/her path and in the present moment when change and healing happens for the mind, the body and the spirit.  

Before we explore each precept individually, I suggest we practice the common root - the "just for today", the "being in the present". 

First, form your intention:  just for today, what will you do to shine your Light?

Then, remember to breathe deep down in your belly several times in the present moment and throughout the day to help you anchor your intention in your mind and body, and to help you stay focused on the present (your first intention could be "just for today, I nourish my body and my mind and my soul with big gulps of oxygen" -- I need to remember this one often!).

In this moment and through the day, journal how you feel, what you see, what all your senses pick up.  Notice how much richer existence is when you are aware of the moment.  Notice how worry slips away.    Notice how joy can bloom.  Notice how the pace changes and how you are focused on your path and your intention.

Finally: just for today, have fun with this exercise!  :)

Much love to you.