Reiki on The Road

Flicker, Council Bluffs, Iowa

I recently returned to the small Iowa town where I was born and raised. Since my parents relocated to Oregon over 13 years ago, it was my first trip back there in 14 years. I was drawn to see old friends at my 40 year high school reunion, as well as to say my goodbyes to my home of origin.

Since Reiki came into my life, I've enjoyed the incredible benefits it gives during the stresses of travel. The first thing I noticed on this journey, was the calm and deep relaxation that came during each leg of my travel. Before the plane took off, my hands were falling into position as I gave Self-Reiki in as many places on my body as I could reach, while sitting in a cramped coach seat. I suspected that the Reiki energy was flowing to my seat neighbors as we were squished so tightly together.

No longer do I feel the anxiety and stress of being cramped and stuck in extremely confining space. That feeling has instead been replaced by what is called a "Reiki Sleep". In this state, one is not actually asleep, but in a profound state of relaxation, physically and mentally. Absent is any projection regarding arrival times or concerns of calamities in the air or on the ground. I have learned though, to be careful when doing Self-Reiki while waiting for a plane. I become so deeply relaxed that I have almost missed several boarding announcements.

The trip from Oregon to Iowa was seven hours and due to delays, my flight arrived an hour later than scheduled. Reiki allows me to be in the present moment and to accept whatever is happening in the moment, even the not so pleasant- such as the rental car company informing me that the compact car I reserved was not available and the only choices were- A. An S.U.V. the size of a semi-truck, B. A bright orange, souped-up Pontiac Trans-Am, C. A Chevy Camero with no visibility out the back or sides. Fortunately, after 7 hours of Self-Reiki, I managed to not scream and pull my hair out at 1:00 A.M. and reluctantly opted for the Camero. After managing to drive the Camero from Omaha, across the Missouri River to Council Bluffs, I was well overdue for sleep. The next morning I traded in the Camero for a sweet little Hyundai hatchback that miraculously became available.

Reiki is a great gift to have when traveling and your host suddenly suffers a severely painful muscle spasm. I was able to help out my old friend who had never before heard of or experienced Reiki. The first comment he made about the Reiki was how deeply relaxed he suddenly became. Reiki allows for such deep relaxation that healing energy can easily move through the area in pain and quickly calm it down.

Two days later, while at my friends home, set in a lovely, heavily wooded area, a small Flicker smashed into the living room picture window. The little sweetie was down and stunned with one wing spread out to the side. I observed the Flicker for a bit and it wasn't moving. I went out to the deck and gently cupping my palms around the little bird, but not directly touching it, I gave Reiki first-aid. While giving the bird Reiki, my hands became very hot and I felt the typical Reiki tingling and electricity I feel when a particular body area is pulling Reiki in. I settled into the feeling of the deep warmth and calm which comes through me as the Reiki flows. As I held the little bird in the Reiki energy, it suddenly looked up at me with a renewed sparkle in its eyes and communicated, "Thank you". I pulled my hands away and felt the sweet brush of wings against my fingers as the little Flicker lifted straight up into the air and set an Eastern course into the thickly wooded scarlet oaks.

Reiki is a way of life- everyday in every place. I am so grateful.

Lake Manawa, Counclil Bluffs, Iowa