Last year was a testing ground. This year sees Reiki In Schools launched as a cornerstone to my Reiki Practice.
It is still early days yet but now I have the experience of six talks, five of which were to sixth formers. It occurred to me that many Holistic practices focus on adults. Workshops, treatments and taster sessions are all seemingly geared towards adults. I feel that it is important to educate those adults responsible for children about the benefits of Reiki for children. As for teenagers, here is something that teaches self-discipline, self-respect and respect and compassion for others - what a wonderful aid for those who are approaching adulthood!
I intend to collect together some testimonials to write a proper article but here is an example:
"In March [2007], classes from Upper Sixth of St Albans High School were introduced to the world of Reiki. The session was informative and interesting, and allowed the girls to learn a little more about the art. The talk let us find out about the beliefs inherent in Reiki, but we were not expected simply to accept them on face value. Some of us started the session with reservations, and although an hour is not enough to fully grasp the underlying concepts of Reiki, we all left with a better understanding of the principles.
The session itself was a very relaxing experience, told in a soothing voice with calming music playing in the background. Seeing practical demonstrations helped us to grasp what exactly was involved in the healing, although it was a shame that due to time constraints more of us could not directly experience the effects of Reiki.
Our speaker was engaging and managed to convey the essential ideas of Reiki. I am sure that even if not all of the girls who attended will go on to become involved in any kind of Reiki, all of us left with a little more awareness of this kind of alternative healing. "
Many thanks to the student who provided that testimonial.
There are some people out there who have the skills and the vision to extend the natural health and healing arts to young ones. Yoga is being introduced alongside ballet ; I have a book on Tai Chi for children which is beautifully presented. My experience is mainly focussed around Reiki but I am sure there are specialists in other areas doing similar work...but we're still few and far between.
Can you imagine every school having an experienced, well-trained Reiki Practitioner to support children and staff alike, working alongside the school nurse (or equivalent)? In my experience, Reiki is emotionally and mentally supportive, non-invasive and respectful. Having worked as a Montessori Directress, I was aware on more than one occassion of Reiki flowing to a child that I was working with or comforting, without me consciously having offered it. It was needed, so it flowed. If more parents were aware that Reiki is an invaluable tool for caring for the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of the complex,growing human beings in their care, wouldn't you think that schools might even run courses? Can you imagine...?
