Reiki second degree "Okuden" my experience....

As I have said before, there are many different courses and ways of learning Reiki but I am writing about MY experience and journey so far with Reiki (sorry if repeating myself!).

As with Reiki one once I had booked onto the course, with the same Master as I had been with for ‘Shoden’, I waited eagerly for the pre-course material to arrive. In due course, I did indeed received the course manual, an audio CD specifically for ‘Okuden’ (that is used in conjunction with the manual) and a sheet with explanations on what I needed to do and how to prepare myself. 

On the sheet of pre-course instructions there was an interesting section detailing the 3 Reiki symbols I needed to learn before attending the live course. Although it’s in more detail in the manual, it’s worth starting on the learning of these symbols ASAP! I must admit the first 2 symbols didn’t look too complicated to learn but the 3^rd was definitely going to take me a little longer! Especially when drawing, as each pen stroke has to be done in a certain order/direction. You also have to learn to say their Japanese names.

Briefly the manual covers such subjects as:

• History

• Use of symbols

• Working with earth Ki and heavenly Ki

• Treating others at second degree level

• Energy meditations/how the energies feel when meditating on them

• Distant healing

• Working with intuition

And so much more…..

Whilst working my way through the manual using the different techniques / meditations / energies, as before I was feeling more and more drawn to Reiki and in myself I could tell my connection was getting deeper/stronger. At this point I started keeping a personal Reiki journal, so I could note down the changes that I had begun to feel, how the symbols made me feel and which had more benefit for different circumstances etc. I still refer back, as well as add to it, as I believe it really helps me.

The live course date arrived and instantly I felt at home again when I arrived.

After our customary cup of tea and introductions, we began with chatting about what differences we had noticed within ourselves since completing ‘Shoden’, any problems we may have experienced, how we had found working on others and generally any feedback we had had.

The rest of today was to be broken down into morning and afternoon sessions.

Morning topics and exercises: 

• Reminder of the original system at second degree

• First empowerment (1 of 3)

• Understanding the symbols / how meditating on them regularly is a powerful self-healing tool

• CKR energy

• Second empowerment

• Meditation on SHK

• Using symbols when treating others

• Practical exercises using CKR and SHK on each other (very interesting as we can all feel the energies differently)

• Third and final empowerment

• Distant healing and practising on each other

Afternoon topics and practise:

• Talk about working intuitively, and all the different techniques

• Practise the use of intent

• Practise ‘Reiji ho’

• Conclude the day and any questions etc.

Like Reiki first degree the day was very much based on the practice of what we had been studying and bringing it all together. I found it very helpful working on each other as you get the perspective from both sides.

All in all, it really is a fantastic day.

My suggestions:

• Practise, practise, and practise. That being self-treatments and Reiki on others as the more you do the stronger the connection AND very importantly the more benefits you and others receive.

• Enjoy, relax and just go with it!

• Think about keeping a personal reiki journal (I wish I had from day one of Reiki first degree) as you will then see the improvements, or as I did, what works best for you with certain circumstances. Keeping a journal will be really beneficial if you choose to go onto Reiki third degree Master/Teacher level in the future as that is a VERY different journey!

Love and light to all

Jo x

     

p.s What i didn't say was after you have completed Okuden you can practise Reiki to the general public, BUT and i quote:

"Any individual wishing to practice as an alternative or complementary therapist should ensure that he/she is adequately insured to practise. Such insurance should cover public liability and professional indemnity against malpractice. Failure to do so could result in disciplinary procedures from the membership body to which the reiki practitioner belongs and also payment of any legal costs should the case be successful."

So if you want to have a Reiki treatment from anyone other than friend or family then check that they are at least a level 2 Reiki therapist AND have insurance.

if asked i will write a piece on rules and regulations as they are quite substantial, but for now those are my recommendations.