The Force is Strong with this Bedouin, but you still need to wait for Reiki 2!

Why Rachael feels that the gap between Reiki 1 and 2 is an important period of learning and self discovery. Ensuring your life and the life of those you heal with runs as smoothly as it can.

I believe there should be a break between Reiki 1 & 2. Not every Master does this, as people are keen to get to 2 so they can heal professionally and get paid for what they do. Additionally, many do not recognise the importance of Reiki 1, as so many people have such high vibrations, and are often energetically educated when they begin their Reiki journey. But in missing out the gap, you kinda miss the point of Reiki 1.

The UK Reiki Federation supports no break, but supports a 9 month training period. When others come to me for their Reiki attunments, I will work with them and their agenda, as long as they show commitment. But for many it is about 9 months on average. Those who show commitment, and are already strong in their connection to themselves and the Universe it’s quicker; those who choose Reiki 1, as it should be, for a beautiful journey of healing and self discovery, it may take longer. Years for some students. In practice a gap of about 6 months to a year is about right for most people. Traditionally it is a year gap.

So why do I believe in a break?

Squashing years worth of work into a weekend: The attunements raise your vibration substantially; that’s their job. Reiki 1 is four attunements, Reiki 2 is two attunements. So having your energy notched up 6 times, over too short a period, it will literally blow your socks off (or should do if done right). It can make you ill as your body rapidly detoxes all it needs to physically and energetically (remembering emotions are energy). Or you can entirely reject your attunements, on an energetic and subconscious level, if you it is too much; leading to more time and cost later. If you look at this blog about what to expect from Reiki attunements, you’ll see that Reiki 1 is emotional and physical life shifts, and Reiki 2 is emotional and mindset shifts. That’s a lot to shift for most of us!

Reiki 1 is a Self Healing Journey: As empaths, natural healers and sensitives, it is all too easy to put our healing journey aside for others. And something I bang on about with my students is that they must heal themselves first and foremost. Of course, it is going to make you a better healer. It is going to enable you to help others who the Universe puts into your life, in the best way possible (we often find that we are drawn to work with others who have had similar life challanges to us). But mostly, we need to do this because we deserve it. Because Self Love looks like self worth, self acceptance, self nurture and self belief. And we don’t learn that unless we take Reiki 1 seriously.

Lifepath changes: Changes which may have been done over several months, are catapulted into weeks or days. When you put your hand up and say, not just that you want to be a healer, but at a professional level where you are capable of leading others on their healing journeys (that is what healing is my friends; helping others on their journey), the Universe will listen to that call. And do what is needed in your life to bring that about. And quick if you have done Reki 1 & 2 in one weekend. Friendships and relationships can break down dramatically, as you and others move onto significantly different pathways, in a short period. You have no time to nurture your non-spiritual friends and relations into a new phase of your spiritual journey. I  have seen relationship breakups over nothing (both people now on dramatically different pathways overnight), businesses falling apart or redundancy after redundancy (well you wanted to do this professionally didn’t you? says the Universe) and healing crisis, where the detox is severe and can send people into depression and energy lacking illnesses. This often puts people off their spiritual pathway. How can we understand why Spirit and the Universe are putting us though this at the time? It is generally hindsight that gives us the perspective as to why we go through this. When we are in overwhelm for that healing and life changes, you cannot see the woods for the trees. Having that gap allows us to take our time, work at our own pace and assess as we need to. Don’t get me wrong, life is never smooth. But I have a strong intent that it is as easy and joyous as it can be! So why rush these things?

Apprenticeship: Many students like to have the apprenticeship period. ‘Here’s how you do it, now toddle off!’ is not how I would approach my students, but that is not an uncommon attitude of teachers, from talking to many students who have not seen me for their Reiki 1. I am not in my students face, but there when they need me. I provide Reiki share, and a support group for outside of the first month or so of training; a nice fat workbook! For me that is essential standard as a teacher.

When I first learned I spent nine months following around my Teacher every Wednesday. Not dragged around but super excited to join her with her clients and learn! Experience, understand. For me, I was so amazed at the fact that I could do this magic, at what a difference it was making to my life, and how I hoped to help others, I couldn’t get enough! I want others to feel this in their blood!

I know many people learning other healing modalities with no previous healing experience, feel in limbo and not confident at their healing abilities, after being told they are safe to go out on their own after one weekend. Most confidence comes with time and practice, as with anything. Everyone works differently and it is essential that you understand how you work. The last thing I want is for students to loose faith in themselves and turn from their healing path. Having a space to feel safe to ask questions and get decent answers; to understand yourself and your particular style of healing is vital is building not only your confidence but your ability. And believe me, confidence goes hand in hand with ability.

Equally, many patients don’t like the idea that after one weekend and BAM! Here is a bona fide healer. People like experience and with Reiki being given out the traditional way, your patients will feel confident.

Showing your commitment, allowing yourself this learning time (as they say, don’t run before you can walk!), also shows the Universe that you are ready and dedicated. That way they know they can entrust you with more information, energy, skill and opportunity.

After all, you deserve to take your time to understand not only your personal blend of healing magic, but to ensure that the healing journey of you and others, is the best you can give!

Each to their own, and no judgement of others doing differently to myself. We all have our own views based on our experiences, knowledge and personal wisdom.

Let me know how this sits with you, in the face of Reiki 1 and 2 being passed out in the same weekend regularly.

Love as always

Rachael x