Sirpa;s Blog

Fasting, Reiki and Spiritual Connection

Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:03:15 GMT

What did Usui, Jesus, Mohammed and the Buddha all have in common?

No its not the start of a a joke ... They all practised fasting for prolonged periods that resulted in spiritual experiences.

I fast from time to time. In all honesty, probably not as much as I should.

There is something about fasting that has always fascinated me. I used to fast on Ekadashi , a practice I learned through yoga. Ekadashi is the eleventh day of each lunar fortnight in the Vedic calendar, so it occurs twice during each lunar month. Traditionally, it is observed as a day of fasting, prayer, discipline and turning the attention inward. The purpose is not simply to go without food, but to cultivate self-discipline and bring the mind and senses under greater control.

I notice something interesting when I fast. Against all logic, I have more energy, not less. My mind becomes clearer and my meditation practice becomes much deeper. There is less mental chatter, and I experience a greater sense of connection.

Of course, this is my personal experience, and fasting will not necessarily feel the same for everyone.

But as a Reiki Teacher, I have become increasingly fascinated by the relationship between fasting, meditation and spiritual practice.

Why does fasting appear so often in the stories of spiritual seekers?

One of the reasons I started thinking more deeply about fasting was the story of Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki. The traditional Reiki account tells us that Usui went to Mount Kurama in Japan , where he undertook a 21-day spiritual discipline involving fasting and meditation. According to the inscription on the memorial stone erected by his students after his death, after 21 days without eating, Usui experienced what the inscription describes as a great Reiki over his head, attained enlightenment and obtained Reiki Ryoho.

I visited Mt Kurama earlier this year ( read about it here ) and began thinking Mikao Usuis experience and about other spiritual seekers in history who all had great revelations or experiences when fasting.

Throughout history, people from very different spiritual traditions have deliberately stepped away from food as part of a deeper search for clarity, connection, revelation or transformation. Here are a few of them:

Jesus - In the Christian tradition, Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness before beginning his public ministry. His fast was accompanied by profound spiritual testing and contemplation. .

Moses - In the Hebrew Bible, Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights fasting on Mount Sinai, where he received the commandments.

The Buddha - The story of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, is particularly interesting because it offers a different perspective. Before his enlightenment, Siddhartha spent years practising extreme asceticism. This included severe restriction of food and fasting. He became so physically weak that he eventually realised that extreme self-denial was not the answer. He accepted food, regained his strength and followed what became known as the Middle Way, avoiding both indulgence and extreme austerity.

Muhammad - The Prophet Muhammad would retreat for periods of prayer and contemplation in the Cave of Hira, and it was during one of these periods of retreat that, according to Islamic tradition, he received the first revelation of the Qur'an. Fasting later became one of the central practices of Islam through Ramadan, a month devoted not only to abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours, but also to prayer, reflection, self-discipline and devotion.

Mahatma Gandhi - Gandhi grew up observing Ekadashi fasts, although he wrote that initially he did this largely because his mother did. Later, fasting became a much more conscious spiritual practice for him. He regarded it as a form of self-restraint and spiritual discipline.

. St Francis of Assisi - Francis embraced a life of simplicity, prayer and fasting. He regularly used fasting and periods of solitude as spiritual disciplines, seeking a deeper relationship with God.

Rumi - The great Persian poet and Sufi mystic wrote extensively about fasting, hunger and spiritual longing. Within the Sufi tradition, fasting was a way of disciplining the body and creating space for a deeper connection with God.

Paramahansa Yogananda - Yogananda taught fasting as a spiritual discipline, connecting it with self-control, meditation and turning the attention inward. He believed that giving the body a rest could help quieten the mind and deepen meditation.

So What Is It About Fasting?

I don't think fasting is a magic formula for having a spiritual experience. And I certainly don't think that the longer you fast, the more spiritually advanced you become. The story of the Buddha alone challenges that idea.

But perhaps fasting creates a particular kind of space. When we aren't constantly eating, digesting, thinking about food or following our usual routines, something changes. There can be a simplicity to the day. The body becomes quieter. The mind can become more focused.

I feel that is the key because we spend so much of our lives adding things: more food, more information, more stimulation, more activity, more doing Fasting asks us to do the opposite - it takes something away.

When we remove food we create the opportunity for something else to fill this space, a completely different experience. And perhaps, in that space, there is an opportunity to hear something we couldn't hear before.

Sometimes, perhaps, the most profound experiences come not from adding something new, but from creating enough space to notice what was already there.

A note on fasting: Fasting is not suitable for everyone, and prolonged or restrictive fasting can carry health risks. This article is about my personal experience and the spiritual traditions surrounding fasting, not medical advice. If you are considering fasting, particularly for extended periods, it is important to seek appropriate professional guidance.

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Sirpa Gunn i s the founder of Soul Tree, a Reiki Master Teacher, Yoga Alliance 500-hour experienced teacher and Yoga Alliance CPD provider based in New Zealand.

SoulTrees Reiki in Heathcare Initiative

Mon, 03 Aug 2026 09:03:06 GMT

Reiki in Healthcare: Supporting Touch in Hospitals and Hospices

I have noticed something quietly profound unfolding right here in Aotearoa.

Healthcare professionals, nurses, general practitioners, specialists, midwives and mental health workers have been turning up in my Reiki training courses. Some arrive quietly curious, others a little sceptical, but all with a shared desire: to support their patients in a more holistic and compassionate way.

This movement tells me something important: the tides are shifting .

Pictured above Soul trees Reiki in Healthcare Course, Christchurch 2025

A Growing Interest in Reiki in Healthcare

Patients are also beginning to ask for natural, complementary options alongside conventional care. They want to feel seen and supported on every level, physical, emotional and spiritual. I have been invited into hospitals by patients themselves and their family members to offer support. Some have been pre-surgery, others recovering afterwards or undergoing chemotherapy.

Across Aotearoa, we’re seeing a growing number of hospices and aged care facilities open their doors to Reiki volunteers. Some are taking cautious first steps, while others are enthusiastically welcoming this simple yet profound modality.

In developing a training programme specifically for Reiki practitioners wanting to work in healthcare environments, I’ve been fortunate to engage with many medical professionals, including doctors, nurses and clinical managers.

I have found most of them are genuinely open to Reiki, provided it’s approached with professionalism, humility and care.

Hospitals and hospices are complex environments, and Reiki practitioners stepping into these spaces must be fully prepared. It’s not enough to have good intentions. We must also have the right training.

The Reiki in Healthcare Training Programme

This programme was created specifically for Reiki Practitioners and Masters who want to learn how to offer Reiki safely, respectfully and appropriately within healthcare settings.

In creating the course I engaged informally with a variety of Heathcare providers - including doctors, nurses, hospital managers, hospice workers, resthome managers. The message I clearly received is that they feel uncomfortable allowing Reiki into their spaces when they dont know what to expect. There are no guidelines as to what constitutes Reiki. Many Reiki providers incorporate all sorts of other modalities and call it Reiki like crystal healing, Chakra Balancing, oracle card reading, sound healing and even clairvoyant messages. This makes Healthcare staff uncomfortable as they do not know what they will be letting in.

The practice of Reiki in itself is welcomed, however this must be offered by trained providers who agree to a uniform code of ethics that specifically governs healthcare settings like hospiitals, clinics or rethomes. It is essential that we approach this work with great respect, and the right understanding of how to use Reiki effectively in sensitive environments.

This has led to the development of the Soul Tree's Reiki in healthcare courses. Since beginning the programme in 2025, I have been fortunate to see more than 50 practitioners complete the training across Auckland and Christchurch.

By participating in this course, I hope students gain the confidence, skills and support necessary to start on this journey and I hope that Healthcare professionals will have the confidence that the Reiki in Healtchare Providers know how to conduct themselves in sensitive environments.

View upcoming Reiki in Healthcare course dates and book your place

We Are Not Here to Fix

Perhaps the most important thing I have learned through this work is that we are not here to fix, diagnose or control. As Reiki in Healthcare practitioners, we are not the healers.

We are there to walk beside someone and support them on their journey.

We cannot know what another person needs, nor is it our role to take responsibility for their outcome. Our role is simply to be present, to offer Reiki with compassion and respect, and trust that Reiki will do the rest.

This is why I love the words of a Medicine Woman’s Prayer by by Sheree Bliss Tilsley For me, this is what Reiki in healthcare is really about.

A Medicine Woman’s Prayer

I will not rescue you,

for you are not powerless.

I will not fix you,

for you are not broken.

I will not heal you,

for I see you in your wholeness.

I will walk with you through your darkness,

as you remember your light.

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Sirpa Gunn i s the founder of Soul Tree, a Reiki Master Teacher, Yoga Alliance 500-hour experienced teacher and Yoga Alliance CPD provider based in New Zealand.

A journey up Mount Kurama / Kurama Dera, Japan

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 10:01:50 GMT

A journey to the birthpace of Reiki

A deeply meaningful journey through the history, traditions and spiritual landscape of Mt Kurama, walking in the footsteps of Mikao Usui and sharing Reiki with a special group along the way.

Mikao Usui came to Mt Kurama in March 1922, where he undertook a 21-day period of fasting and meditation. According to Reiki tradition, it was during this retreat that he experienced a profound spiritual awakening and discovered Reiki. After returning to Kyoto, he began teaching and practising Reiki, later establishing the Usui Reiki Ryōhō Gakkai. Mt Kurama has therefore become an important place in Reiki history, and for Reiki practitioners, walking this mountain is a way of connecting with the origins of the practice.

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My journey up Kurama Dera was a very meaningful experience for me as a Reiki Teacher. I was privileged to be part of a group led by Reiki historian Justin Stein, whose knowledge, insights and beautiful energy made the journey all that much more spe cial.

We started at Kurama Station, just a short journey by train from Kyoto. We were greeted by a statue of the Tengu, the mysterious characters from Japanese folklore with their red faces and long noses. According to legend, the King of the Tengu on Mt Kurama, Sojobo, trained one of the most famous Japanese samurai, Minamoto no Yoshitsune.

The walk begins with beautiful stone steps and red lanterns leading up the mountain. I would love to return someday to see this path lit up at night during the Kurama Fire Festival.

Not far into the walk, we stopped for a dunking under the waterfall, a ritual cleanse, before continuing slowly up the mountain. A little further alond I made an offering at Yuki Shrine and spent some time admiring the enormous 800-year-old cedar tree. We don’t know which route Usui climbed when he came to Mt Kurama, but I like to think that perhaps he passed beneath this tree too, pausing for a moment to feel its energy.

The path itself is beautiful and well maintained. There is an option to take a cable car for part of the journey, but I really recommend walking. It is not difficult if you take your time, and there is something special about making your way up the mountain on foot.

We reached the main hall of Kurama-dera Temple, with the Kongosho, the sacred star-shaped and triangular design marked on the stone pavement directly in front of the hall. It is considered a power spot, and I stood there with an open heart, mind and soul, drawing in universal energy. What a privilege to stand in this spot.

I was also drawn, almost magnetically, towards a large rock directly in front of the Kongosho, opposite the main hall. Justin explained that sutras are buried beneath it. Standing close to the rock, I could feel an overwhelming energy. My chest constricted and it became difficult to breathe.

We then attended a ceremony in the main hall. It was extremely powerful and moving as the priestess read out our names and blessings. Afterwards, Justin led us beneath the temple hall into a dark underground section of passageways lined with jars. Members of the sect can pay to have a cutting of their hair left here, so that a part of them always remains on Kurama. It was a fascinating and very different part of the journey.

From the temple complex, we continued further up and across the mountain, reaching the area of exposed roots where Mikao Usui is believed to have kicked his toe and performed the first Reiki miracle. Beyond this is the area where Usui is said to have meditated during his 21-day fasting retreat. It was here that our group came together in a Reiki circle and practised Reiki Mawashi. Afterwards, we sat together on a giant log and the Reiki Masters among us offered Reiju.

This was particularly special for me as one of my students, Iuliana, who was in my very first Reiki Level 1 course and later became my very first Reiki Master, was part of the group. To have her offer Reiju to me on Mt Kurama was a very humbling experience. It was one of those moments that felt particularly significant in my own Reiki journey.

We then continued down the other side of the mountain on a mountain path towards Kibune village. The energy felt very different on this side of Mt Kurama. It was more raw and more wild, and somehow the stories of the tengu felt very real here, almost tangible.

The trail passes Sojogaya Fudo Hall, which houses a statue of Fudo Myo-o and is said to be the area where the King of the Tengu trained the samurai Minamoto.

We also passed Maoden Shrine, which marks the spot where Mao-Son is said to have arrived from Venus 6.5 million years ago.. Maoden was another highlight for me. I recommend spending some time sitting inside, looking out towards the rocks. I found it to be an incredibly powerful spot energetically and one of the places on the Kurama journey that stayed with me.

Eventually the trail brought us to Kifune Shrine, honouring the gods of rain and water. Surrounded by lush green and with the journey through Mt Kurama behind us, it felt like a beautiful place to end the day.

Walking Mt Kurama was much more than simply a mountain walk for me. To walk in the footsteps of the history and traditions of Reiki, with a group of people who shared that connection, made this a very special day that I will remember for a long time.

Sirpa visited Kurama Dera on 18 May 2026 on a Pilgrimage led by Justin B Stein

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Sirpa Gunn i s the founder of Soul Tree, a Reiki Master Teacher, Yoga Alliance 500-hour experienced teacher and Yoga Alliance CPD provider based in New Zealand.

Mikao Usui's life - the documented evidence

Sat, 30 May 2026 23:22:26 GMT

The Life of the Founder of Reiki

As a Reiki Teacher, I have read many books about Reiki and listened to many different accounts of the life of Mikao Usui, the founder of the system we know today as Reiki. I have always been fascinated by how much the stories differ and how difficult it can be to separate historical fact from oral tradition.

The Reiki history taught in the West came through Hawayo Takata, who played a crucial role in bringing Reiki from Japan to the West. Mrs Takata was born in 1900 in Hawaii to Japanese immigrants and began her Reiki journey in 1936 and was initiated as a Reiki Master by Hayashi in 1938. She took Reiki to the West teaching in Hawaii and the USA. Over the years many authors have questioned the story she told. Some have claimed that she fabricated certain facts to make Reiki palatable in the west, saying that Usui was a Christian and that he had spent time in America,

One Australian author, Elizabeth M. Latham went so far as to questioned whether Usui had lived at all gvien the little historical documentation available to verify his existence. She suggested Usui was a a pseudonym for another historical character Tokio Yokoi.

Much of this discussion has been put to rest recently with new evidence surfacing about his life. Of particular importance is the discovery in 2024 of Usuis handwritten CV.

Pictured above Sirpa with the temple Priest in Taniai standing infront of the Torii dontated by Mikao Usui and his brother. May 2026

Usui's birthplace

Mikao Usui was born on 15 August 1865 in Taniai, Gifu Prefecture, Japan. A large torii gate at Amataka Shrine bears the names of Usui and his brothers, who donated the stone torii in April 1923. For many years, this was said to be the only historical evidence that Usui lived at all.

Usui's handwritten CV

In 2024, researcher Min Wang discovered documents relating to Usui in Taiwan's digital national archives, including a handwritten curriculum vitae written by Usui himself. These documents provide a fascinating insight into the man behind Reiki and have been explored in light of the oral traditions by Reiki researcher Justin B. Stein.

The recently discovered handwritten CV gives us a much broader picture of Usui's life before Reiki. It shows that he was a lifelong learner whose studies included literature, philosophy, psychology, law and languages, including psychology under Dr Motora Yūjirō. He obtained a teaching licence, worked in education and government, established and supervised schools, and held a variety of other positions. Importantly, his CV also records that he spent time in the United States, studying psychology and philosophy between 1895 and 1896 and later working at the customs office in San Francisco from 1897 to 1898. The documents also confirm his work in Taiwan in 1904 as part of the Temporary Taiwan Old Customs Research Committee. His appointment to the Taiwan committee was signed by Gotō Shinpei, providing documentary evidence supporting a part of Usui's history that had previously been known mainly through oral tradition.

This provides a picture of Usui as an educated, widely travelled and professionally experienced man before he developed and taught Reiki.

The Reiki Ryoho Hikkei

There is still much we don't know with certainty about Usui's discovery and development of Reiki. The traditional account tells us that he undertook 21 days of fasting, meditation and spiritual practice on Mount Kurama, near Kyoto. This is corroborated by Mikao Usui's own words, recorded in a small handbook, the Reiki Ryoho Hikkei, given out by the Gakkai.

It is a series of questions and answers about Reiki, and in one, Usui explains the origins of the system. This translation is by Hyakuten Inamoto:

Q.) Why and how does Usui Reiki Ryoho work?

A.) I have not been taught this art of healing by anyone under the heavens, nor have I studied in order to obtain this mysterious ability to heal. I accidentally realized that I was given this mysterious healing ability when I felt the great power and was inspired by the mystery during a period of fasting. Therefore, even as the founder, I find it difficult to give a sure explanation. Scientists and intellectuals have been eagerly researching and consider it difficult to confirm with modern science, yet the time will surely come when science can prove it.

Usui's Memorial Stone

The other key piece of information we have about his life comes from the memorial erected by Usui's students a year after his death at Saihōji Temple in Tokyo. The inscription remains one of the most important historical sources about Usui because it was written by people who had personally known and studied with him.

It tells of how, on 1 September 1923, the Great Kantō Earthquake devastated Tokyo and surrounding areas. Usui went out each morning to help people affected by the earthquake and fires. His reputation grew, and people travelled from around Japan to learn from him.

The memorial records that Usui taught more than 2,000 students during his lifetime. This definition of a teacher is part of the inscription:

"Those who accumulate disciplined study to attain inner truth (Toku) and offer a path of salvation to others (Koh) are great teachers. Mikao Usui was one such teacher who taught the universal energy of Reiki."

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Sirpa Gunn i s the founder of Soul Tree, a Reiki Master Teacher, Yoga Alliance 500-hour experienced teacher and Yoga Alliance CPD provider based in New Zealand.

That day I broke every Reiki Precept

Mon, 23 Mar 2026 01:50:16 GMT

The Day I Broke Every Reiki Precept (Yes… on a Reiki Course!)

In level 1 we learn the five Reiki precepts — simple guiding principles that sit at the heart of the practice.

Just for today:

I will not worry.
I will not anger.
I will be honest / work honestly.
I will be grateful.
I will be kind to all living things.

Mikao Usui described them as "the secret to happiness and medicine for everything!"

I have taught these words many times as a Reiki Master and try to embody them in my daily life. And yet, the other day I managed to break every single one of them. Not over something profound or life-changing. Over… a lunch delivery. And the irony? It happened during a Reiki Level 1 course.

I had ordered lunch from one of my favourite local restaurants to share with my students. I order from them quite often as the food is always great but the delivery is usually abou t 15–20 minutes late. Knowing this, I thought I’d be clever and order it for 11.30am, half an hour earlier than we actually needed it.

11.30 came and went… 12.00… still no lunch.

And this is where the first precept quietly slipped away.

Just for today, do not worry.

Because of course… I started worrying. What if it takes ages? What will the students think?

At 12.15 I called the restaurant. They reassured me it was already being delivered and should arrive soon.

By 12.45, the food still hadn’t arrived, so I called again. This time I was told it was just being finished by the kitchen. Clearly, when I had call ed earlier and been told it was already on its way… that wasn’t exactly true.

By now, the second precept had also gone out the window.

Just for today, do not anger.

I could feel the irritation building. Not full-blown rage perhaps, but definitely that simmering frustration we all know too well.

Then, in the conversation that followed, I broke another one.

Just for today, be honest.

I told the lady on the phone that my students were all standing around waiting for lunch and that the late delivery was ruining my course. Which, if I’m being completely truthful, was not really the case. My students were actually quite happy, chatting and enjoying themselves. They were calm. They were patient. They were modelling the Reiki precepts far better than their teacher.

At 1.15pm, the lunch finally arrived. The students tucked in and enjoyed the delicious meal.

Later, the owner of the restaurant called me to apologise. She was clearly trying to make things right. And this was my moment to practice the next precept:

Just for today, be kind.

Was I kind? Was I understanding? Not at all. The anger — and the self-righteous feeling of having been lied to — was foremost in my mind. I told her, in no uncertain terms, that I would never order from them again.

And to top it all off in the middle of my frustration, I had also forgotten the other important precept:

Just for today, be grateful.

Grateful for the privileged life I live.
Grateful that there was a meal coming at all.
Grateful for the beautiful space we were gathered in.
Grateful for my kind and patient students.

Here I was, teaching the Reiki precepts, and in the space of a couple of hours, I had managed to break every single one of them.

Not exactly the shining example I had hoped to be.

But perhaps that is the real lesson.

The Reiki precepts are not there because we have perfected them. They are there because we haven’t.

They gently remind us that the practice is ongoing. That growth isn’t always a straight line. That even when we think we are evolving and moving forward, old habits can sneak back in when we least expect it.

It was a humbling reminder that the work continues.

For all of us.

Even the teacher.

Or should I say… especially the teacher!

So… just for today… I will try again. ✨

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Sirpa Gunn i s the founder of Soul Tree, a Reiki Master Teacher, Yoga Alliance 500-hour experienced teacher and Yoga Alliance CPD provider based in New Zealand.

Research into Reiki in Healthcare

Sun, 07 Sep 2025 09:28:27 GMT

Reiki in Healthcare: What Does the Research Tell Us?

Reiki is being used in a growing number of healthcare environments around the world, including hospitals, hospices, cancer support centres and pain clinics. For Reiki practitioners, this creates exciting opportunities, but it also comes with an important responsibility: we need to be careful about the claims we make.

As Reiki practitioners, we should not tell people that Reiki can cure a disease, replace medical treatment or guarantee a particular health outcome. We can, however, talk about research.

There is a growing body of research investigating Reiki in healthcare settings. The evidence is still developing and the quality of studies varies, but some research has reported positive outcomes in areas such as anxiety, pain, wellbeing and quality of life. Other studies have found limited or no significant effects.

Being honest about both is an important part of professional Reiki practice.

Reiki before cardiac surgery

A 2024 randomised clinical trial at a university cardiology hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, investigated Reiki for people preparing for cardiac surgery. Patients received two Reiki sessions before their operation, with researchers measuring anxiety, wellbeing and muscle tension. The study reported significantly lower anxiety in the Reiki group, together with improvements in some other measures.This does not mean Reiki treats heart disease or improves the outcome of cardiac surgery. It demonstrates that Reiki has been investigated as a complementary approach to pre-operative anxiety and wellbeing .

Reiki in cancer care

Reiki has also been incorporated into hospital-based cancer care. Hartford Hospital in Connecticut included Reiki within its integrative medicine programme, offering sessions to patients receiving cancer treatment as well as to staff. The hospital reported that patients described the sessions as soothing and supportive, with benefits including relaxation and reduced anxiety. Cancer support services in Australia have similarly incorporated complementary therapies, including Reiki. A study at a hospital-based cancer support centre found that participants described the service as an "oasis" within the hospital and reported benefits including comfort, emotional relief and a greater sense of personal control. Importantly, the study examined a centre offering several complementary therapies rather than Reiki alone.

Reiki and pain

Reiki has also been studied in relation to pain. A randomised controlled study involving 50 people with fibromyalgia compared Reiki with sham Reiki over four weeks. Researchers reported improvements in pain, anxiety and several measures of quality of life in the Reiki group. Again, this does not mean we should tell someone with fibromyalgia that Reiki will treat their condition. We can say that research has investigated Reiki as a complementary practice for people experiencing chronic pain, with some studies reporting positive results .

Reiki and stroke rehabilitation

Not all research produces positive findings, and this is important to acknowledge. A 2002 pilot study investigated Reiki among people undergoing rehabilitation following stroke. The researchers found no clinically useful effect on functional recovery or depression, although some limited effects on mood and energy were suggested in further analysis. This is a useful reminder that responsible practitioners should not cherry-pick only the studies that support what we already believe.

Reiki in palliative care

Reiki has also been used in hospice and palliative-care environments. A review by Pamela Miles and Gala True examined Reiki's history, practice, research and use within clinical settings, including hospitals and other healthcare environments. The authors noted the growing use of Reiki alongside conventional medicine while also highlighting the need for further research. For people receiving end-of-life care, Reiki should never be presented as something that will cure illness or extend life. It may instead be offered as a complementary, non-invasive practice, where appropriate, alongside the person's existing care.

What should Reiki practitioners say?

The research gives us something valuable: a responsible way to talk about Reiki without making healing claims.

There is a big difference between saying:

"Reiki will reduce your pain." and: "Research has investigated Reiki in relation to pain, and some studies have reported positive results."

The second statement is evidence-based and leaves the individual free to decide whether Reiki is something they would like to experience.

We also need to remember that research findings are not guarantees. A positive research result does not mean that every person will experience the same outcome. As practitioners, we should never diagnose, advise someone to stop medication, suggest that Reiki can replace medical treatment or promise a particular health outcome. Instead, we can explain what Reiki is, describe what a session involves and refer people to the available research.

Reiki as a complement to modern healthcare

For Reiki practitioners working in hospitals, hospices or other healthcare environments, professionalism is just as important as the Reiki practice itself.

We need to understand consent, confidentiality, professional boundaries, communication and the policies of the healthcare organisation in which we are working.

Most importantly, we need to understand our role.

We are there to complement healthcare, not replace it.

The research into Reiki continues to develop. Some studies suggest potential benefits, while others do not. More high-quality research is needed. That does not mean we need to make exaggerated claims about Reiki.

In fact, the opposite is true. By understanding the research, acknowledging its limitations and communicating honestly, Reiki practitioners can have informed conversations with patients, families and healthcare professionals and approach healthcare settings with greater professionalism and confidence.

References

Gomes, E. T., & Püschel, V. A. A. (2024). Effectiveness of Reiki therapy for preoperative anxiety in cardiac surgery: A randomized clinical trial.

Gökdere Çınar, H., Alpar, Ş., & İlhan, S. (2023). Evaluation of the Impacts of Reiki Touch Therapy on Patients Diagnosed With Fibromyalgia Who Are Followed in the Pain Clinic. Holistic Nursing Practice, 37(3), 161–171.

Miles, P., & True, G. (2003). Reiki: A review of a biofield therapy history, theory, practice, and research. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 9(2), 62–72.

Shiflett, S. C., et al. (2002). Effect of Reiki treatments on functional recovery in patients in poststroke rehabilitation: A pilot study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 8(6), 755–763.

Williams, A. M., et al. (2014). An oasis in the hospital: The perceived benefits of a cancer support center in a hospital setting offering complementary therapies. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 32(4), 250–260.

Wetzel, W. S. (1989). Reiki healing: A physiologic perspective. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 7(1), 47–54.

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Sirpa Gunn i s the founder of Soul Tree, a Reiki Master Teacher, Yoga Alliance 500-hour experienced teacher and Yoga Alliance CPD provider based in New Zealand.

How to Prepare for a Reiki Attunement

Mon, 12 May 2025 02:53:57 GMT

7 Days of Gentle Preparation for a Powerful Shift

R eceiving Reiju or a Reiki attunement as its known in the west is a sacred and transformative experience. Whether you’re stepping into your Master training or beginning your Reiki journey, how you prepare in the days beforehand can make a significant difference to your connection, clarity, and overall experience.

At Soul Tree, we encourage all students to spend 7 days preparing before the course begins. This isn’t about being perfect — it’s about intentionally creating the space in body, mind, and spirit to receive Reiki more deeply.

Daily Energy Practice: Hatsurei Hō

One of the most powerful ways to strengthen your Reiki connection before an attunement is to practice Hatsurei Hō daily. This traditional Japanese technique helps to:

Cleanse and expand your energy field
Ground and centre your mind
Deepen your ability to channel Reiki

Even if you’re not yet confident with every step of the sequence, a simple version practiced with presence will still be beneficial. Focus on your breath, your energy, and your intention to align with Reiki.

Avoid What Lowers Your Life Force

In the week leading up to your attunement, Sirpa recommend's avoiding (or at least reducing) anything that depletes your energy or clouds your awareness. These include:

Alcohol – dulls your energy field and disrupts clarity
Caffeine – can overstimulate and interfere with meditation or self-Reiki
Meat – particularly red meat, which is energetically dense and slows digestion
Recreational drugs – strongly interfere with energy sensitivity and integration
Overstimulation – such as loud environments, excessive screen time, or drama
Late nights – rest is essential for energetic processing

This isn’t a forever-rule — but think of it as clearing the decks before a sacred ceremony. You're tuning your inner radio so Reiki can come through loud and clear.

Choose What Nourishes

Support your preparation by consciously choosing habits and rituals that raise your vibration and support your nervous system:

Drink plenty of clean water
Eat light, plant-based meals (or whatever makes you feel vibrant)
Get outside into nature daily, even just for a few minutes
Practice self-Reiki or meditation
Journal or reflect on your Reiki journey so far
Choose stillness over busyness when possible
Be mindful of your inner dialogue — kindness starts with you

It’s About Intention, Not Perfection

Preparing for a Reiki attunement doesn’t mean you need to live like a monk. It simply means approaching this part of your journey with reverence and intention .

Think of these 7 days as a soft opening — a quiet aligning with what’s coming. The more grounded, clear, and rested you feel, the more you’ll be able to receive and embody the energetic shifts that Reiki offers.

If you have any questions about how to prepare or need support, reach out — I’m here to help.

Sirpa Gunn

Gassho - More Than A Gesture

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:49:08 GMT

Gassho is not just a gesture; it is a doorway — into stillness, connection, and the limitless energy of the universe.

Gassho is a beautifully simple practice— two hands joined together in front of the heart, fingers pointing upwards, palms gently touching. Yet in its stillness lies a vast depth of meaning.

This ancient gesture or mudra is found across many spiritual traditions, often used in devotion, gratitude and respect. In the system of Reiki, Gassho is far more than a ritual or respectful salutation — it is a gateway. A gateway to inner balance, mental clarity, energetic alignment, and heartful connection.

The word Gassho in Japanese translates loosely to “two hands coming together,” and it symbolises unity — the meeting of left and right, yin and yang, giving and receiving, the self and the other. But beyond symbolism, this gesture has real energetic effects. It calms the nervous system, centres the mind, and aligns our inner landscape in preparation for healing. By bringing our hands together at the heart centre, we are quite literally bridging opposites within ourselves. We shift from doing into being, from fragmentation into wholeness. In Reiki, Gassho is how we begin — and how we return. Lets look a little deeper into this gesture:

The First Pillar of Reiki

In the traditional teachings of Mikao Usui Sensei , Gassho forms the very foundation of the entire practice. He described it as the First Pillar of Reiki, and it was taught not as a casual gesture, but as a formal meditative practice. Usui instructed his students to sit in seiza (a kneeling position) with their hands in Gassho, focusing on the place where the middle fingers touch, for 20 to 30 minutes. This wasn’t just a warm-up — it was the primary practice for cultivating stillness, sharpening awareness, and embodying Reiki as a state of being.

Gassho Meditation refines the practitioner’s ability to be fully present, it trains the mind to settle and the breath to deepen. Over time, it builds a steady, anchored awareness that becomes the vessel through which Reiki flows. Before any treatment begins, Gassho is used to centre oneself, to clear the mental and emotional clutter, and to attune to the universal life force. It’s an act of humility — a reminder that we are not the healers, but instruments of healing energy.

Gassho as the First Pillar reflects Reiki’s roots in spiritual discipline and inner cultivation. It reminds us that Reiki is not just a technique, but a way of being — a path of self-awareness, compassion, and connection to the great mystery that moves through all life. Each time we bring our hands together, we return to that essence.

How to practice Gassho Meditation

To practise Gassho Meditation, find a quiet space and sit comfortably, ideally in a kneeling (seiza) or cross-legged position, seated on a chair upright with a straight spine or even satnding before you begin a reiki treatment. Bring your hands together in front of the heart centre, palms lightly touching in Gassho. Close your eyes and begin to gently focus your attention on the point where your middle fingers meet. Let your breath settle into a natural rhythm, and if the mind wanders, softly bring it back to the feeling of your fingertips and the rise and fall of the breath. Sit this way for 10 to 30 minutes, allowing stillness, gratitude, and connection to unfold naturally.

The Yogic Connection

Gassho isn’t unique to Reiki — it’s part of a much larger human story. Across Asia, pressing the palms together in greeting is a universal gesture of respect and unity. When paired with the word Namaste, it becomes a full-body expression: "The divine in me bows to the divine within you." In the yogic traditions of India, this hand gesture is known as Anjali Mudra, meaning “gesture of offering.” In yoga practice, Anjali Mudra appears again and again — it is used in the first posture in Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) and in meditations, seated poses, and even standing balances.

I personally use this mudra in my sadhana (daily practice). The moment I bring my palms together to signal the start of practice, I feel the energy descend from my busy mind to my heart, to my breath. There is a tangible feeling of grounding, centring, and a powerful anchoring in the present moment.

Though physically simple, this gesture triggers profound psychological shifts: it settles the mind into focused calm, activates the Anahata (heart) chakra, and cultivates humility and gratitude within seconds. When bringing palms together, you are also joining the subtle energy channels Ida and Pingala — the sun and moon energies corresponding to the different hemispheres of the brain. They merge in the centre, balancing the logical and intuitive aspects of the mind.

In yogic philosophy, Ida (lunar, cooling, feminine) and Pingala (solar, warming, masculine) unite at the heart and crown through this gesture, symbolising inner balance. In Chinese tradition, it parallels the harmonising of yin and yang. Through Gassho or Anjali Mudra, we create a bridge within ourselves — balancing opposites, uniting polarities, and returning to a centred state of wholeness.

TCM Wisdom: Palms and Meridians

From an energetic medicine perspective, the significance deepens further. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the palms are powerful gateways through which key meridians run. When we bring our hands together in Gassho, we activate and harmonise several vital energy pathways:

Heart Meridian – Runs along the inner arm and is associated with love, joy, consciousness, and emotional warmth. Stimulating this meridian enhances emotional clarity and heart-centred awareness.
Pericardium Meridian – Also called the “Heart Protector,” this meridian governs emotional resilience and the ability to maintain boundaries. It shields the heart from stress and emotional trauma, playing a crucial role in inner peace.
Lung Meridian – Governs breath, immunity, and the intake of qi (life force). It connects us to the present moment through breath, supports grief processing, and facilitates a clear flow of inspiration.

By pressing the palms together, we stimulate acupressure points on all three meridians, encouraging the smooth and balanced circulation of Ki. In addition, this gesture is believed to gently activate the vagus nerve, which regulates the parasympathetic nervous system. This promotes the "rest and restore" state — slowing the heart rate, regulating breath, and reducing anxiety. In moments of mental clutter or emotional overwhelm, simply pressing your palms together can offer immediate relief and reset.

The Elements and Planets at Your Fingertips

Even more fascinating is how the fingers themselves link us to the elements of nature and the energies of the planets:

Thumb – Fire Element , ruled by Mars . Symbolizes willpower, courage, and the transformative force of fire.
Index Finger – Air Element , ruled by Jupiter . Represents expansion, wisdom, leadership, and the breath of knowledge.
Middle Finger – Space (Ether) Element , ruled by Saturn . Associated with discipline, spiritual growth, and connection to universal truth.
Ring Finger – Earth Element , ruled by the Sun . Anchors vitality, grounding, and life energy into the physical body.
Little Finger – Water Element , ruled by Mercury . Governs communication, emotional intelligence, and adaptability.

When we bring the hands together in Gassho, we aren’t just making a gesture. We are inviting all five elements — fire (energy), air (thought), space (consciousness), earth (stability), and water (emotion) — to come into harmony within us. At the same time, the planetary influences strengthen our subtle energy fields, supporting both our physical and spiritual wellbeing. It's an extraordinary act of alignment, done so simply

The Power of Gassho

When we understand all that’s happening beneath the surface of Gassho — physically, energetically, cosmically — it’s no wonder Mikao Usui placed it at the very beginning of Reiki practice.

It is so much more than just a symbolic gesture; it is a living, breathing practice that unites body, mind, and spirit, preparing the practitioner to become a clear and compassionate channel for Reiki energy.

The power of Gassho reminds us that sometimes the simplest acts carry the deepest wisdom. Placing our hands together draws us into presence, opens our heart, quiets the mind, and reconnects us to the universe within and around us. It creates a bridge between the earthly self and the higher self — between the human and the divine.

References:

Lad, Vasant. The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies. 1st ed., Harmony Books, 1998.
Maciocia, Giovanni. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists. 2nd ed., Elsevier Churchill Livingstone, 2005.
Petter, Frank Arjava. The Original Reiki Handbook of Dr. Mikao Usui. Lotus Press, 2002.
Saraswati, Swami Satyananda. Asana, Pranayama, Mudra, Bandha. 4th ed., Bihar School of Yoga, 2008.
Saraswati, Swami Niranjanananda. Mudra Vigya,. Bihar School of Yoga, 2009.
Inamoto, Hyakuten, Komyo ReikiDo Manuals

Ganga Talao: A Sacred Place in Mauritius

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 23:23:50 GMT

Exploring Grand Basin

Its always exciting to discovering special sacred sites when travelling. The earth is full of places of power that you can tangibly feel. Walking on these sites, you can feel the vibration, within and without. One such place is Ganga Talao , also known as Grand Bassin in Mauritius.

After 10 days of full-on fun activities, cocktails, beaches and restaurants with my extended family of siblings, nieces and nephews, aunts and cousins, celebrating my Dad’s milestone birthday, visiting this place felt like stepping into another dimension. This was a whole different side of Mauritius, where time slows down, where you become aware of the richness and depth of our human experience.

Grand Bassin is a sacred crater lake located about 550 metres above sea level in the mountainous Savanne District of Mauritius. It is believed to be spiritually linked to the Ganges River in India and, as such, is an important place of pilgrimage for the Hindu population of Mauritius.

The entrance to Grand Bassin is marked by the giant statue of Lord Shiva, Mangal Mahadev. As we drove toward the site we could see it from far - Standing 33 metres tall, it is the tallest statue in Mauritius.

For Yogis, Shiva is an important figure. Ancient traditions teach that Shiva first transmitted the spiritual science of yoga to the seven great sages on the banks of Lake Manasarovar in the Himalayas. Shiva is viewed as the originator and grandmaster who handed down the methods of meditation, breath control and self-realisation to humanity.

There was a Hindu priest offering blessings below the giant statue, and we stopped to receive one. The priest marked our foreheads with three lines of white ash and a red dot. The three horizontal lines of ash, known as Tripundra, are traditionally associated with Shiva and can represent the burning away of the three impurities or the three fundamental limitations of human existence. The red dot, or bindi, represents spiritual insight and the inner eye. He also placed a Raksha Sutra around our wrists. This sacred thread is traditionally worn as a symbol of protection and blessing.

We then made our way to the main lake complex, which features vibrant and colourful shrines dedicated to Shiva, Durga, Ganesha, Kali and other deities. Walking around the lake was a surreal experience. I took my time to feel the energy of the place and acknowledge each deity as an aspect of ourselves. There was something very peaceful about being there, surrounded by the lake, the temples and the mountains. I made an offering before the stature of Saraswati - the principal Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom, and learning and also the yoga lineage I am part of.

A short walk and 118 steps took us up to a large statue of Lord Hanuman. We paused here to take in the wide views over the sacred crater lake.

Maybe it was the stark contrast to the Mauritius holiday vibe, but the stillness and energy of Ganga Talao felt indescribable. In moments like these we connect to our true/higher selves and forget the material world.

It was truly a highlight of my trip to Mauritius.

See a short video clip here

Learning Reiki from a Japanese Master

Sat, 28 Oct 2023 02:59:18 GMT

What I Learned about Reiki from my time with Hyakuten Inamoto

In October 2023 I had the opportunity to resit all the Usui Reiki levels with Hyakuten Inamoto . Over a week in Melbourne we covered: Shoden (level 1), Chuden (Level 2), Okuden (level 3) and Shinpinden (Reiki Master). These are not usually taught back to back in a week, however this course was specifically for existing Reiki Masters only. It gave us the opportunity to spend time with Inamoto Sensei and learn his Komyo ReikoDo method.

Inamoto, is a Japanese Pure Land Buddhist monk who founded Komyo Reiki Do in 1998, his lineage traces back directly to Mikao Usui the founder of Reiki Ryoho.

Usui taught Chikuro Hayashi , who went on to establish the Hayashi Reiki Kenkyu-kai.
Hayashi then taught Chiyoko Yamaguchi ,
Yamaguchi became Hyakuten Inamoto ' s teacher.

There were some major differences between what I had learned in the West and the way Reiki is practised within Komyo ReikiDo. There were also some new personal discoveries for me. These are some of my main takeaways.

Reiki is an Act of Surrender

The most important takeaway from my time with Inamoto Sensei is that Reiki is an act of surrender. I have pondered this a great deal since my time with Sensei, and I have realised that we need to let go of the drive to do more and be more.

The further away we can get from our ego, the purer the Reiki will be. Our ego constantly tempts us to think that we are doing something, that we are responsible for the healing. In Reiki, we need to put that ego aside.... Place your hands and surrender.... Just let the Reiki flow.

The Japanese Way is Far Simpler

I think in the West we tend to overcomplicate everything, whereas the Japanese approach is much more minimalist.

The Reiki taught by Inamoto Sensei was far simpler than I expected, and this simplicity was what made it so powerful. In the West, we often incorporate crystals, sound, chakras, oracle cards, readings, etc., but there is none of this in the Komyo ReikiDo method. None of these are necessary. Reiki alone is powerful enough. We just need to trust it.

Consent

When I originally learned Reiki, I was taught that you should never give Reiki without consent. The Komyo ReikiDo method does not place the same emphasis on this. Within this approach, it is quite okay to send Reiki without consent.

This was one of the main differences that conflicted with what I had previously been taught.

The Symbols

Some of the symbols were quite different in Komyo ReikiDo. This has created a bit of a dilemma for me. Do I continue to teach the symbols I was originally taught, that appear in all the mainstream Reiki books, or do I adopt the Japanese ones?

In the end, a symbol holds power, but so too does the intent when you are using it, so I decided not to get hung up on it or overthink this.

The Power of Words: Kotodama

One of the things I had never really considered in relation to Reiki was Kotodama, the power of words. Inamoto Sensei shared such beautiful insights into the Japanese language, giving me insight into the deeper meaning of the names of some of the symbols, as well as the word Reiki itself. It opened up a whole new way of looking at the words we use within the practice and their deeper meaning.

While I wont share his content here I would like to say that it is well worth attending one of his courses just for these insights!

The Power of Gasho

Another profound experience for me was Gasho. It is a mudra that I use in my yoga practice, however, I have never had to maintain it for such a long period of time, and the effects were quite startling.

Inamoto Sensei offered us Reiju for each of the four levels. With around 30 students, the process took many hours. We sat quietly, hands held in Gasho, waiting for our turn.

I felt like I entered an alternate reality where time stood still, awareness of everything was heightened and a glimpse of my true self was revealed.

Ok, maybe the attunement had something to do with it too.... but just sitting there with palms together gave the attunement an opportunity to be fully received and processed.

The Practice of Bowing

There is a lot of bowing involved in Japanese Reiki, particularly when giving Reiju. Of course, bowing is very much part of Japanese culture, but I think it is such a beautiful practice to include in Reiki.

A bow is more than simply a gesture of respect or greeting. For me, it is about truly acknowledging and honouring the person in front of you. There is something very meaningful about taking a moment to consciously recognise the other person in this way.

I have incorporated bowing into my own Reiki practice too, and it has added another beautiful layer of respect and presence to the practice.

The Physical Techniques

Then there are the physical techniques. It came as quite a surprise to me that the Japanese way includes pressing, stroking, patting and even a full-body treatment. This type of physical touch was never taught in the Western courses I studied. They felt very right, though, and I have incorporated many of them into my own practice of Reiki.

It was such a privilege to learn from Inamoto Sensei and to experience his approach to Reiki firsthand. I am very grateful for the time, knowledge and insights he shared with us. I hope to have the opportunity to return and train with him again in the future.

Please note: This is my personal experience, not necessarily what is taught by Inamoto Sensei or Komyo ReikiDo . I have shared my experiences rather than his philosophy or teachings (as those are not mine to share), I highly recommend attending one of his courses to learn more!

______________________________________

Sirpa Gunn i s the founder of Soul Tree, a Reiki Master Teacher, Yoga Alliance 500-hour experienced teacher and Yoga Alliance CPD provider based in New Zealand.

What type of Reiki is best?

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 03:41:47 GMT

Are there higher vibrations of Reiki than Usui Reiki and what type of reiki is best to learn?

People often ask about my thoughts on the different styles of reiki on offer and the so called “higher frequencies” of reiki. I thought I would share my answers as they may be of interest to everyone wondering if they need to learn more or trying to decide what form of reiki to choose.

The original form of Reiki is Usui Reiki Ryoho (Usui Reiki Method) this is what I teach and my lineage traces back directly to Mikao usui the founder of Reiki. Many other types of Reiki have evolved from this: Karuna, Holy Fire, Sehkem, Gendai, Lightarian, Five element, Seichem, Golden Age, Crystal Reiki, Kundalini Reiki and Angelic Reiki to name but a few. Some of these are purported to be more advanced teachings and often taught after the Usui levels. I have even seen some Reiki teachers refer certain types of Reiki as being of a higher vibration than Usui's or saying that Reiki has evolved into these new forms. I do not believe this is correct and want to share my thoughts:.

Rei = life force and Ki = Energy.

This source energy or universal energy as it is often referred to is of the highest vibrational frequency possible. It is pure consciousness or spirit.

Anyone telling you that you can learn to channel higher vibrational energy than Reiki demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding of the basic principles of energy work.

There is no higher frequency than r\Reiki.

Pure source energy cannot be altered or improved.

So what changes when we are attuned to Reiki or practice using different symbols? The answer is us – we change! By working on ourselves we can bring about positive changes to our individual vibrational frequency – we are not learning to channel higher frequencies of energy – we are becoming a higher frequency!

Whats the best way to raise our vibrational frequency? I have studied a many different types of Reiki with many different Reiki masters but to be honest I have gained a much deeper personal relationship with Reiki through my yoga studies and practice than anything I learned on the Reiki courses I attended. I have given a lot of thought as to why this is. Yoga teaches that in order to gain real depth, real mastery you need to look inwards not outwards. Adding new techniques and skills are nice and interesting but that is all they are – true progress will only come from going inwards. And we don’t need to go on courses to learn how to do this.

As I tell my students we are channelling Reiki all the time, every hug, every prayer and wish is sending Reiki to the recipient. Usui taught that living by the Reiki principles is the path to health and happiness…. Not attending more courses, gaining more certificates or being initiated into a variety of new symbols. Actually Usui did not even teach symbols originally, he added these later to assist people when learning but they were intended as training wheels to be let go of as you become confident.

In the west there is a focus on achieving more - more studies, more techniques, more qualifications, more money etc. In the east however there is a larger importance placed on dedicating ones life to following a spiritual path. Progress cannot be measured by certificates on the wall. My advice to anyone wanting to progress with their Reiki (or personal/spiritual development in genera)– is to let go of the need to acquire outside recognition…. and rather make a commitment to turn inwards every day - 5 mins a day will make a significant difference! Just 5 minutes to slow down, maybe connect with your breath, to remember you are more than the physical body. 5 minutes to repeat the reiki principles and feel the energy flowing through you, filling you up (Hatsurei Ho is particularly good for this). 5 minutes of soul time!

If you are trying to decide which form of Reiki to learn, it does not really matter - best to choose a teacher that you feel comfortable with. While the different types of Reiki have different rituals, techniques, symbols and traditions but they are all just ways to connect to universal energy - pick the one that appeals to you and don't feel that you need to study more.

Trust that everything you need is already in you. Just let the Reiki flow.

Wishing you many blessings on your journey

Sirpa / Jyotipari

Why I dont teach Reiki online

Mon, 27 Feb 2023 23:12:31 GMT

If you learn reiki online you are missing out!

Reiki New Zealand recently announced that teachers can now apply for permission to teach reiki online. This is inline with what is happening overseas with many well know teachers like William Lee Rand at The International Center for Reiki Training (ICRT)offering online courses and sites like Udemy offering a 5 hour prerecorded Reiki course that certifies you in level 1, 2 & Reiki Master!

I actively avoid teaching online, although I admit during covid lockdowns I relented and did take my yoga classes online (even have photo evidence above!). Not so for Reiki though - I put those on hold as I don't believe students get the same experience online and didn't want anyone missing out on the magic!.

Yes I I know that Reiki is an abundant flow of universal energy which is not bound by distance or time. This means that you can give a distant reiki treatment or a reiki attunement and teach someone reiki on the other side of the world. With face to face learning over Zoom, Facebook live and Teams it is possible to run live classes where students can interact with each other and the teacher. There are also the obvious advantages to learning online, it is certainly more convenient in your own home and often less costly . So why then I am I so opposed to online learning, continue reading below for my reasons:

Disconnection

I believe society is moving dangerously in the wrong direction, with a huge reliance on technology for communication we are becoming more isolated and disconnected than ever before. Think about meeting a good friend or loved-one online. Yes it is possible to have a conversation and communicate clearly with them - but could it ever take the place of spending quality time in person with them?

At then end of each 2 day Reiki course we go around the group saying what we got out of the weekend. The number one thing that is repeated again and again is how amazing it is to connect with like minded people and not feel like the weird one in the room.

Practice and confidence

My students can read the manual and all the wonderful reiki books and articles on their own, but when they are with me they get the priceless opportunity to practice on each other. They get to feel how differently reiki flows, how we each have a unique energy signature, they get confidence placing hands on a real person and getting feedback on different techniques. I aim for students to have worked with at least 4 people, gaining confidence giving and receiving from a wide range of individuals - How can this possibly be experienced online?

Energetic Environment:

Reiki is not only about learning techniques, but also about cultivating an energetic environment for healing and transformation. In-person Reiki courses often create a supportive and energetic space where students can experience the energy of the group, learn from each other, and immerse themselves in the Reiki energy. This collective energy can enhance the learning process and create a more profound experience for the students. Our environment has a big effect on our energy levels. Screen time and electronic devices lowers our vibrational frequency. Being outdoors in nature raises it. I try to select locations for my courses where the vibrational energy is high.

Observational Learning

In an in-person Reiki course, students have the opportunity to observe the teacher demonstrating techniques and practices, as well as observe other students practicing. This observational learning can provide additional insights and understanding of Reiki techniques and practices that may not be as easily conveyed in an online course.

_______________________

I have had students show up to my classes previously studied reiki online and they always commented on how much more they learned, felt, shared and discovered in person.

Dicovering Anahata - The Heart Chakra

Mon, 05 Sep 2022 00:40:06 GMT

What makes your Heart / Anahata sing?

Understanding Anahata – the heart chakra:

Anahata or Heart chakra is associated with love. It is the meeting place for the divine masculine and divine feminine forces where they can exist in perfect balance. Anahata is represented by a lotus flower with twelve petals inside of which is a six pointed star made of two intersecting triangles (the Shatkona or Star of David) that depicts the union of Purusha and Prakrititi / Shiva and Shakti / Male and Female - the source of all creation.

The meaning of the word “Anahata” is “un-struck” the place where sound is made without any physical action, without being struck. Many people associate the unstruck sound of Anahata with the heartbeat, however the heartbeat is caused by a contraction of muscles, opening and closing valves and pushing blood through the compartments of the heart – this is very much physical, this is not unstruck.

Through my sadhana (daily yoga and meditation practice) I have been privileged to gain insight into and direct experience of the unstruck sound of Anahata. These are my thoughts - I would love to hear if they resonate with you.

Consider the phrase “my heart sings.” - What feeling does this phrase invoke in you?

For me it brings to mind joy and expansion. It is pure, blissful and visceral.

So what makes your heart sing?

It is more than just having a fun time. It is so much deeper than love for another person.

It is an experience that happens when you are doing something that you are truly passionate about on a deeper soul level.

When you are fulfilling your purpose in life, meeting your soul contract. This is what makes your heart sing and the vibration and sound literally reverberates within your being.

A magnificent resonance of the ultimate happiness and euphoria.

A discovery of a deep truth that was always within you.

This is when you get to truly experience the unstruck sound of Anahata!

Sending you much love and blessings on your path of discovery.

Jyotipari - Sirpa

Yoga Nidra - an ancient practice for the modern world

Wed, 24 Nov 2021 09:09:56 GMT

What is Yoga Nidra?

Yoga Nidra (or yogic sleep) is a powerful technique in which you are guided to relax into an almost sleep like state while remaining conscious. It is is the easiest and most effective way to create a bridge between conscious awareness and your subconscious mind. The practice of yoga nidra is derived from the tantras and was revived by Swami Sivananda in the 1970’s. While this knowledge comes from an ancient wisdom tradition dating back thousands of years it is more relevant than ever in todays modern world.

What to expect in the class:

We will start with some gentle movement to get energy flowing freely in your body. You will then be asked to lie down (supported by pillows and a blanket if you wish) and you will be systematically guided through the practice of yoga nidra. Your awareness will be invited to turn inwards and you may find yourself in the state between sleep and wakefulness, where you body is completely relaxed and your consciousness is functioning at a deeper level. You may find you drift off to sleep for parts of it, that is entirely ok (you still absorb the practice on a subconscious and unconscious level and will experience benefits) however if possible try to stay awake!

The science behind Yoga Nidra

There are many reported benefits to yoga Nidra including:

Promotes relaxation by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and increasing the amount of alpha-waves in the brain. Studies have shown that the brain shifts from beta, an awakened state with lots of brain activity, to alpha during the practice of yoga nidra.

Relives pain by stimulating the pituitary gland to reduce hormones (endorphins and encephalins) these are natural analgesics whose potency far exceeds any synthetically produced drugs

It is deeply restorative, physically, mentally and emotionally and energising. 1 hour of Yoga Nidra is said to be the equivalent of 4 hours deep restful sleep. Many people have found that by practicing yoga nidra daily over an extended period of time they have needed less sleep and felt much more alert and energised.

Therapeutic Applications of Yoga Nidra

Yoga Nidra has been successfully used:

to promote a general feeling of wellbeing
as a preventative treatment for healthy active people to relieve stress and prevent disease
to assist people to manage stress, anxiety, depression and neurotic behaviours.
in rehabilitation and geriatric cases where chronic pain, loss of motivation and depression pose resistance to conventional treatments
In treating and recovering from addiction (alcohol, tobacco, drugs, sex are often a response to elevated levels of stress).
As part of a treatment plan to manage many conditions including: cystic fibrosis, diabetes, heart disease, chronic pain, auto immune disease, cancer, menstrual irregularities and even asthma.

Yoga Nidra Research:

The benefits of yoga Nidra, particularly phycological ones, can be difficult to define let alone study, however there have been numerous scientific research projects that demonstrate the success of using yoga nidra in a variety of settings including:

In a study by the Presbyterian University College Hospital in Pittsburgh (USA) patients reported 81% effective pain relief after 6 weeks yoga Nidra therapy.

Menninger Foundation Kansas (USA) similarly reported 80% reduction in pain after yoga Nidra therapy in their study subjects

A large diverse group who practiced Yoga Nidra for just 11 minutes daily for 30 days reported substantial increases satisfaction with life, sleep quality and mindfulness and to substantial decreases regarding stress (Moszeik, E.N., von Oertzen, T. & Renner, 2020)

-Yoga Nidra has been widely used to treat PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) for veterans in the US with positive results (Stankovic 2011)

-A study on a group of mental heal clinicians who did one 20 minute yoga practice each week for 8 weeks reported significantly lowered perceived stress at the end of the study (Kyla L. Ferguson 2016 ) .

Yogi Music

Mon, 28 Jun 2021 01:49:57 GMT

Many of you have asked about the music I listen, what it is and where you can you find it...

It is based on the chanting of powerful Sanskrit mantra. I use this type of music in the background of my yoga classes and reiki sessions to add the sacred power of the mantra to the practice as well as to invite students to go deeper into themselves.

A mantra is a word or phrase that is repeated mentally or out loud (chanting) or sung, usually as a call and response (Kirtan). The word “mantra” can be broken down into two parts: “man” meaning “mind” and “tra” which means transport or vehicle. Mantra is literally an aid to meditation, that can assist transporting our minds to a meditative state. If you ever get the chance to go to a live Kirtan you definitely should go - it is such an uplifting experience!

Here a few of my favourites....

Gayatri Mantra

Gayatri is the oldest and most powerful mantra. It conveys gratitude to the sun and universal energy and is said to fill the faithful chanter with all the potential energy in the cosmos and help you attain enlightenment.

"Om Bhur Bhuvah Svaha

Tat Savitur Varenyam

Bhargo Devasya Diimahi

Diyoyonah Prachodayatt".

Ganesha Mantra

Ganesh is the remover of obstacles and his mantra is is used to inspire transformation and change. It is an excellent simple mantra to start off with.

"Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha"

Lokah Samastah

This is a beautiful heart opening mantra that translates roughly to: May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life contribute in some way to that happiness and to that freedom for al

“Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu”

Jai Saraswati

This mantra is dedicated to Saraswati the goddess of learning and wisdom and one of the 3 sacred rivers in India. It is also the lineage of the yogic tradition which I have studied.

“Jai Saraswati Jai Saraswati Jai Saraswati Pahimam

Sri Saraswati Sri Saraswati Sri Saraswati Rakshaman”

The links you can listen to on You Tube:

Take a good look at your TERROIR

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 10:08:10 GMT

All wine lovers know that great terroir contributes to a great wine – but did you consider that the same is true for human beings?

In the wine world terroir is the indefinable “je ne sais quoi” that comprises all the environmental factors such as the soil, topography and climate which combine to produce something specific to that particular vineyard in that season. It embodies the very the essence of the time and the place in which the grapes grew and cannot be artificially replicated.

My families wine farm, is a great example of how the unique terroir along with the dedicated efforts of the amazing team combine to produce some of the top wines in the country:

“ Iona is the coolest vineyard in South Africa, with a ripening season showing the best of Burgundy and Sancerre with the advantage of warmer Springs and Autumns and lower summer rainfall.

The vineyards are situated 420m above sea level, surrounded by the Kogelberg Biosphere overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, a mere 3.5km away benefitting directly from the cool southerly winds. Iona literally has its head in the clouds and its feet in post glacial alluvial soils.

This results in a long, cool growing season with the grapes developing their full flavour at low sugar levels and beautiful natural acidity resulting in balanced, delicate wines”.

www.iona.co.za

Like Iona’s vines, we human beings are influenced by the environmental factors surrounding us and inside of us. These combine to form our personal terroir which influences our physical, mental and emotional state. In optimal conditions we thrive – but unfortunately most of us are struggling. We are living in far greater luxury and ease than ever before in the history of humanity yet anxiety, stress, depression, disease, disconnection are more prevalent than ever.

Unlike the vines however, we have a certain degree of control over our environmental conditions. So my challenge to you is to take a good honest look at your terroir. Do you surround yourself with the environmental factors that will support, nurture and nourish you? Here are a few points to get you started….

The food you eat - Are you nourishing your body mind and soul with wholesome real foods packed with fibre and nutrients or are you polluting it with processed foods full of artificial additives?
The environment in which you live and work – Do you enjoy being in your home and workplace? Is it clean and free of clutter?
The people you associate with - Do you surround yourself with people who are supportive, uplifting and positive or do they drag you down?
The activities you participate in – Do they stimulate you mentally, help you stay physically active and strong? Do you take time to enjoy silence and reflection?
The products you use – Do you use toxic cleaning products and cosmetics? Do you wear natural fibres that allow your skin to breathe?
What you watch, read & listen to – Are you bombarded with images of violence, war, sex advertisements and loud jarring music etc or are you discerning with what you let into your life?
The thoughts you think – Controlling your own mind is lifes single greatest challenge. Yoga and meditation can teach you some simple tools to get you on the right track.

And yes, there are environmental factors that you won’t be able to change (might not be able to totally avoid your mother in law or boss!) but remember that you always have the power to choose how you react to them.

I am sure with a few small tweaks to your environment you can improve your personal terroir considerably!

Aut Pax Aut Bellum - Either Peace or War

Sat, 26 Oct 2019 10:08:49 GMT

Embracing the duality of life

Aut Pax Aut Bellum - Either Peace or War

My family motto has always seemed overly harsh and aggressive to me, maybe fitting for one of the oldest and most warlike clans in Scotland, but surely not relevant for an enlightened modern day Gunn.

My father, Andrew Gunn, recently added a dove alongside the sword on our family crest for his new limited edition release of Iona Wines . The dove being the symbol of peace has given the crest the balance is lacked and made me consider the Gunn Clan motto through fresh eyes.

The opposing forces of War and Peace, like yin and yang, are everywhere in nature - day and night, male and female, positive and negative. These forces are both complementary and interdependent in the natural world. We find these dualities within ourselves - the light and the dark, the physical and non physical, the heart and the mind, the body and the soul, the good and the bad ... they are all contained within each of us.

This duality is very evident in yoga - Yoga comes from the Sanskrit word to yoke which indicates joining 2 opposing forces and Hatha can be broken into two parts "Ha" meaning sun and "Tha" meaning moon. When we practice hatha yoga we are working to combine and bring into balance opposing forces within ourselves.

It is when we don't have balance in our life, in our thoughts and in our emotions that we find ourselves in extreme mental, physical and spiritual states and this compromises our health and wellbeing.

Wine too needs balance with all the different components working in harmony. ... acidity, fruit, tannins, sugar, alcohol .. they all add to the complexity of the wine but if any one element is out of sync with the others the wine is compromised.

I strongly believe that life is about embracing your duality and striving to attain and maintain a balance.

To the men who resist going to yoga

Tue, 08 Oct 2019 10:01:29 GMT

A poem for all those men who have not yet tried yoga!

There are many lovely men who regularly come to my classes but the majority of my students are ladies. Unfortunately there is a misconception in the west that yoga is a ladies activity. This could not be further from the truth and certainly is not the case in the east where yoga originated. Times are slowly changing - many high performance athletes are raving about the benefits of yoga even the All Blacks are doing it now!

This little yoga poem is for all those men out there who have not given it try!

The yoginis in Auckland like yoga a lot,

But some of the menfolk unfortunately do not....

Some men are scared of the whole yoga culture,

To them the poses look like pure torture.

They mock the photos and Instagram postings,

The kale and kombucha and juice cleanse hostings.

But most of all they fear the chanting and singing,

The sound of Oms leaves their ears ringing.

But there came a day when one realised his mind was closed tight,

His body would not bend and his breath was too slight.

So our brave male friend, not knowing what was in store,

Turned up at a studio and walked in the door.

He stepped onto a mat without expectation,

And began on a journey of yoga and meditation.

With some practice he found his breaths were soon longer,

His mind became quiet, his inner voice stronger.

He learned to bend, twist, stretch and even touch his toes,

As he realised that yoga is much more than a pose.

With a presence of mind and a trust in himself,

He discovered a whole new inner level of wealth.

He noticed his worries and fears were now gone,

And so with an open heart, he loudly sang - OM!”