There comes a point in your life when the workaday world takes its toll on your mind, body and spirit, and you start turning to random de-stressing methods—from sports to religion and even new age practices.
I badly wanted to balance my life and find that inner Zen that the Yodas of the world have been preaching about for centuries. I started my journey early last year. Weekly dance classes—check. Yoga and meditation—check. Reassessing my spirituality—check. But something was missing.
Serendipity
I met Kimi Lu when we shot a TV commercial together last year. She entertained the group during breaks by accurately reading our auras and doing hypnosis on willing volunteers. When I got to know her that day, I realized that her skills were more than just party tricks or a way to break the ice.
She is a certified life coach, neuro-linguistic program practitioner, hypnotherapist, and Reiki master. I asked a lot of questions about spirituality and life problems, and she addressed them in a practical, modern way, without all the imposed religious beliefs and society dictates that would usually turn me off. As we exchanged calling cards, I knew I would book an appointment with her one day.
Decoding Reiki and Chakras
What I thought was my first life coach session in June turned into a discovery of Reiki, a Japanese practice for stress reduction, relaxation, and healing. Kimi explained to me the mechanics of this non-evasive healing process that is administered by laying the Reiki healer’s palms all over the receiver (without physically touching the body) and triggering the body’s natural healing abilities. Reiki works with the higher self of the receiver to promote the health and well being of the entire physical, emotional and psychic body.
Kimi first assessed my chakras to determine the imbalances in my body. A person has seven chakras or seven energy centers represented by different colors—root (red), sacral (orange), navel (yellow), heart (green), throat (blue), third eye (indigo), and crown (violet). Kimi told me that my third eye and throat chakra were overactive, which made sense because I was an emotional wreck that month.
After a life coach therapy where we discussed my pressing issues, we began my first Reiki session. With an open mind and heart, I lay down on the therapy bed (no need to undress—it wasn’t a massage!), closed my eyes, and listened to the Zen music that began playing in the background. Without physically touching my skin, Kimi moved her palms all over my body and focused on healing my overactive chakras to balance everything out.
Kimi also taught me effective visualization techniques to help me cope with stressful episodes in the future. One is the “bliss-tify” button. Whenever you’re feeling blue or overwhelmed with problems, imagine that there’s a magical button on your wrist that, when pressed, instantly takes you to that happy place or scene that you constantly dream about.
In my case, my bliss-tify button takes me to a chill, artsy neighborhood in Brooklyn where I’m taking my dogs for a stroll as I head to my favorite coffee shop for a lazy, worry-free afternoon of java, pastries and books.
Another technique is the “rainbow shower,” where you visualize yourself under a bathroom shower where large drops of white light are pouring and enveloping you. You imagine the white light turn into the colors of the rainbow as you immerse yourself in the colors that are spiritually cleansing your whole being.
Common Misconceptions
When I tried to explain the concept of Reiki to other people after my first session, they found it difficult to understand. I can’t blame them. Even with the power of the Google search engine, Reiki is one of those things you have to personally experience to comprehend.
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There are many notions that Reiki healers and receivers want to dispel. 1) It’s not a religion. 2) It’s not dependent on any dogma or belief and 3) It’s not voodoo or a magic trick. It’s a practical alternative medicine that works whether you believe in it or not, but of course you’ll get better results if you come with an open mind and heart. Reiki founder Dr. Mikao Usui recommends that you practice certain simple ethical ideals to promote peace and harmony, which are nearly universal across all cultures.
The Results
I won’t exaggerate and say that I was magically healed of every ounce of stress in my system, but after three sessions with Kimi, I emerged with a lighter load on my shoulders. The wonderful thing about Reiki is that it opened my doors to change and positivity. It reinforced my spirituality and openness to life.
If you’re interested in learning more about Reiki, here are a few helpful sites:
International Center for Reiki Healing
Reiki for Holistic Health
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Chakra Online Test
Get Bliss-tified!
Kimi Lu is giving away 20 Reiki discount e-coupons! The mechanics are simple:
Regular price for one Reiki session is P1,800 or six sessions for P10,000.
First 10 people to comment below get the P800 off e-coupon.
Next 10 people to leave a comment below get the P300 off e-coupon.
In your comment, tell me anything—why you want to give Reiki a try, your experience about Reiki, anything at all! Just keep it positive.
Don’t forget to include your full name and email address.
A person/commenter can only win once.
E-coupons will be emailed to the winners beginning next week.
The discount e-coupon is transferrable (Christmas is coming!)
The discount e-coupons may be used until December 31, 2011.
This offer is available in the Philippines only.
For more info, visit kimilulifecoach.com.