TL;DR

In short, you should do whatever makes you feel supported and safe.

Ok, but really, what am I supposed to do? 

No really, whatever makes you feel safe and supported!

In most cases, people lie down with their eyes closed and just relax. Sometimes people fall asleep, often they drift in that lovely place between sleep and waking. But this isn't the only way to receive reiki!

If you are worried that you "can't" do it, just ask. I want you to get the most out of your session and I have a ton of ideas to help. Feel free to email me in advance if you want to talk about how a session can work best for you. Reiki@AndreaHyde.ca

Busy Brains that don't like to slow down

Let's say you have a brain that likes to be busy and you're worried about all the things it's going to try to do if you let it free for an hour. Maybe it will solve the world's problems, but maybe it will start reviewing all the embarrassing things you've done since the start of time. 

Here are some ideas for you:

• Let me know! If I don't know, I can't help.

• We can engage in a more directed meditation to help draw your attention back to your relaxation throughout the session. This option is great if you want to build the skill of slowing down and being more aware of the moment. 

• Journal for some or all of the session. Sometimes you have to let that chatter out in order to calm things down. 

• Play with a fidget toy or puzzle to keep your hands occupied.

• Do some art or crafting. 

Any activity you choose should be gentle, calming, and supportive to your nervous system. If your goal is relaxation, it's not the time to attempt a complicated knitting pattern that needs all your concentration, and definitely no scrolling on your phone!

My body can't stay still

Sometimes the idea of staying physically still is uncomfortable or makes us uneasy. This is totally ok. If you feel uncomfortable, we're defeating the purpose of the session.

Here are some ways to help your body be more comfortable:

• Get some movement in before the session. Reiki is great for helping you recover from activity so you could do anything from a hard gym workout, to a gentle walk. When your body has had some movement, it can be easier to be still afterwards. 

• Choose a really comfy spot. There's no reason you can't lay down in your bed or easy chair, or build yourself a fort with blankets and pillows for maximum comfort and support. Sitting in your desk chair being cold is not the right choice!

• Make sure the temperature is right for you. Your body will probably cool off as you relax, similar to the way it cools as you fall asleep. Make sure you have something cozy for when that happens - a sweater, blanket, or heating pad are great choices. If you have one of those stuffed animals you can put in the microwave you get both a cuddle and warmth. Perhaps it's warm where you are and a fan or ice pack would help you more. 

• Do some stretching while receiving reiki. Reiki helps us connect with both our bodies and minds. Exploring some gentle stretching or movement that makes you feel good in the moment is a great way to build that connection. 

• Explore bigger movements - you could do some dancing, foam rolling, or walking if these things bring you ease.

• Remember that it is your session and you can move and change position as you need to. I can still send reiki as you move from the chair to the floor, or as you put on your sweater. You can't mess it up by getting comfier! 

I've got something in particular I want to work on

Yessss! I think this is a really under-utilized aspect of reiki. In fact, this approach is where my Reiki for Athletes idea was born!

Reiki supports the nervous system by helping us move from the fight or flight stress response (sympathetic nervous system) to the rest, relax, and heal response (the parasympathetic nervous system). Sometimes we have something we want or need to do that really stresses us out. Receiving reiki before or during that event can help take some of the stress and anxiety away. 

Here are some ideas of unusual times reiki could support you

• Any kind of medical or dental appointment or procedure. From an exam that makes you feel nervous, to childbirth, to a major surgery, receiving reiki can help you mentally and emotionally prepare and help you feel less stress during and after. 

• Job interviews. We could do a reiki session where you visualize a really successful interview - everything from dressing the part, to arriving on time and feeling confident, to giving the best possible answers and asking insightful questions. I could send you reiki while you're in the interview to help carry that positive energy forward. 

• Stressful events, meetings, or conversations. Do you have to meet with a divorce lawyer, a mediator at work, or just have a tough conversation with a friend? Reiki can support you through all of these things. Imagine you could look at that co-worker who always gives you a hard time and not feel intimidated or like you'd forgotten the English language. Imagine you could keep your pulse steady and blood pressure under control when your housemate tries to justify why they didn't do their dishes... again. How good would it feel to be cool and confident when your boss does your performance review, instead of like a cowering mouse? 

• Your wedding day. Talk about a high pressure day! What if you knew that you were receiving reiki while you got ready and walked down the aisle. You'll have the love and support of the universe on top of the love and support of your family and friends. 

This is embarrassing but...

• I have to go to the bathroom

  • Please just go!!! Doing the pee dance will not make you feel relaxed or safe. Just don't take me with you! I can send reiki while you leave the room.

• My nose is running

  • Same as the bathroom. Just blow. If the mic and camera are off, I won't even know. 

• My pants are tight

  • The pants (or whatever clothing item you chose) turned out not to be as comfy as you expected? Not a problem. Unbuttoning your jeans or unhooking your bra to feel better are totally acceptable! Please just ensure you are appropriately covered when your camera is on. 

• I had beans for dinner...

  • Tummy rumbles and gas are signs of energy moving in your body and of your parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system kicking in! Again, if the mic is off, I won't know. 

• The dogs want to go outside. And then come in. And then go out. And...

  • Mmmhmmm. As a dog owner, I feel this. Listen, it's less than ideal, but if your animals need care in your session, you can take care of them. You won't relax if you're listening to them bark or worried about an accident on the floor. Maybe next time you can arrange for someone to take them for a walk or give them a chew toy to keep them occupied. Or maybe we include them so they can enjoy the benefits of reiki!

But <insert thing I haven't thought of here>

Oh, I hear you! <Thing I haven't thought of> is a great reason to receive reiki! 

Honestly, if you want to receive reiki, we can find a way to make it work! 

Asynchronous reiki is a great option because I can simply intend for the energy to reach you when you are relaxed enough to receive it. Maybe you'll be asleep, maybe you'll be in deep conversation with a friend, maybe you'll be walking in nature, or maybe you'll be noticing the bubbles as you wash the dishes. Reiki shows up for us when we're ready and there's no bad time for it. 

If you have more questions, send me an email at Reiki@AndreaHyde.ca or head over to my Offerings page and book a session!

I can't wait to connect with you 💛✨

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