The Five Reiki Principles we can observe are as follows (though there are variations:)
- Just for today, do not worry.
- Just for today, do not anger.
- Just for today, be grateful.
- Just for today, be honest.
- Just for today, be compassionate toward yourself and others.
And the amazing thing about the five Reiki principles is that they are able to double as positive affirmations and intentions! You can think about them throughout the day to stay on track and to stay healthy in mind, body, and spirit. The five Reiki principles are simply amazing in that they encourage a sense of encouragement towards both the outer world and people who inhabit it as well as ourselves, our inner universes, and well-being.
You can recall them when you meditate, for one. You can use them as morning intentions- think of them right after waking up. You can use them to keep yourself going through a tough day. The five Reiki principles embody the healing power of Reiki in that they keep you rooted in your spiritual home.
Let’s go through the five Reiki principles one by one!
- Just for today, do not worry.
With the way the world is right now, worrying about anything and everything can feel effortless. We make up imaginary scenarios about the past, present, and future in our heads- scenarios which, a lot of the time, aren’t even real! Reiki implies that these worrisome thoughts come from within. So when you feel that furrow in your brow forming, when you feel that worry energy too much, recall this Reiki principle in order to release that energy and remind yourself to live in the present moment. - Just for today, do not anger.
Feeling anger is a very human emotion. We don’t feel it out of nowhere- it’s our body’s way of telling us that something is not good for us, that someone may have crossed a line. It’s alright to feel anger but what’s important is that we manage how we express it. Remember this Reiki principle and think about the root of your anger for a moment. To do this isn’t to suppress your anger, but more about seeing what triggers it and what we stand to lose by expressing it in a less-than-ideal way. - Just for today, be grateful.
It’s very easy to lose track of the good things and people in your life when things get a little too much to handle and when situations get out of our control. Use this principle to remind yourself of the people and things you are grateful for. This is a healthy way to appreciate them and to give yourself a positive mindset. Slow down, recognize them, thank them in your mind and send them positive energy/well wishes before going on your way. - Just for today, be honest.
This principle will help you remember to practice integrity in all that you do. When you aren’t honest to yourself, your spirit and mind get mixed signals which lead to confusion. This mixes up the road to your goals when it should be a straight, smooth one. This is a good one to remember when you need to make a difficult decision or when you need to be your most authentic self. - Just for today, be compassionate toward yourself and others.
Showing compassionate energy towards others- people, animals, and objects- allows you to receive that same energy in turn. This Reiki principle will remind you to be gentle, to not want to cause unnecessary harm and conflict, and to respect differences. In turn, this will aid in your well-being via positive energy. This is also perfect for when you catch yourself being too hard on yourself!