I have recently seen a Reiki Level 1 and 2 teaching offered in our area and they are only a couple hours each and are only a week apart. To be honest I am horrified at something like this. I have no idea what their lineage is or background nor do I know the person involved but it dawns on me that many, many folks do not have a clear understanding of what to look for, what to expect or why things are taught the way they are or what lineage they are learning.

To the best of my knowledge there is only one direct lineage proven – Usui. This is the lineage and the only one.

In the Level 1 teaching, it should be a minimum of 4-6 hours to allow suitable time to practice within the group. You must have a very clear understanding of what Reiki’s Universal Energy can do, what it can’t do and a healthy understanding of how energy works without having to understand Quantum Physics. You can’t teach this is an hour.

During a Level 1 teaching you are taught Mula Bandha, this is a root lock for those who know yoga so that the Energy of the Earth doesn’t move down the path (you) back into the Earth. It is a control and also can not be taught successfully in an hour.

You will be taught about a series of events that took place (really miracles if you will) and that is the basis for Reiki as we know it. These events take place over 21 days. This is why a Reiki 2 class should NEVER, EVER be taught in closer proximity that 3 weeks. During this time you are strongly encouraged to become a clean vessel for Energy. This means giving up alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco. If you think for one minute you can give those up and feel clear enough to even work on your own energy you must be a Superhero ’cause it is not possible, and this is just the physical, not even mentioning the emotional work!

You must be a clear vessel so that the Universal Energy flows through you. If you have physical crap floating around your system, let alone the equivalent of energetic crap as well, YOU CAN & WILL PASS YOUR CRAP ONTO SOMEONE ELSE! This goes against everything, and I mean absolutely everything that Reiki is about!

Do your homework about the person teaching. Ask for a session to see how your energies react. If you don’t feel good about the fit, then this is the not the person, place or timing for you to take the teachings.

Tons of new stuff going on but I wanted to wait until I had all my dates lined up before I announced them all in one place! New classes starting and new workshops coming up too! And finally a Reiki 1 class that folks have been asking for complete with attunement that will let you become a practioner at the first level!

May 22nd – I am teaching 2 workshops. The first 2 hour workshop will be a Meditation workshop to get you body buzzing, awake and alive. After a short break I will be offering the 2nd 2 hour workshop that concentrates on the positive, healing power of Reiki. To sit for an attunement where I pass the skills of Reiki onto you, you will need to be in both workshops but if not seeking to become a Reiki 1 you are welcome to come just to the 2nd workshop.

Hey Folks –

Just a quick update as this week is going to be crazy! There is an absolute ton of yoga going on this week for you to check out!

Saturday is our regular class (always room for a couple more if you are interested $10 drop in fee), from 9:30-10:30am! This the first of my week. It is a great way to stretch connective tissue, not just working muscles. It is a quiet, reflective practice that is one of my personal fav’s! If you remember a couple weeks back I went to to study with an teacher in this arena, my 2nd certification!

The studio has been great to donate all proceeds -teachers as well as studio. One of our ladies organized the teachers, another organized a raffle – great stuff for a $5 fee (including 2 massages I have donated!) I have been busy trying to get other studios to join us! It is having their own gig on Saturday (that is awesome) and Yoga is also having some specials too!

Tuesday marks the start of a new 5 week session of Yoga! There is a kids class opposite me so it is great for Mom’s and Teacher’s who need to destress! 4:30-5:15 pm! $50 for a 5 week session or $11 a drop in, same for the kid’s class!

Next Saturday back in the am (9:30-10:30). This one will be a power class so get ready for a tush kicker! Later Saturday form 2:30-4:30 pm is my Yin Yoga Workshop that all proceeds go to benefit Community School for Girls and my friend and the Founder! Suggested donation is $25.

Catch me where you can! I have more news coming up so keep an eye out for a new line of business that I am offering! Woo Hoo!!!!!

Thanks! Namaste!

Sarah that is. She is an International level teacher who began her yoga teaching in 1987 out in Southern California with some of the best and so on when they were all “kids”. These are some of the biggest names of the next generation of American yogis, many of whom are on the travel circuit for Yoga weekends, their own Trainings, books, and even Institute’s.

I spent three amazing days last week studying my second advanced Yoga Certification with her style of Yoga aptly named Yoga, same as her book. It is an incredible tool for the beginner to understand the complexity of the Chinese medicine of Meridian Theory along with a variety of techniques for Meditating in the Buddhist tradition. This is a definite must read and a great reference. Each day began with a 15 minute silent meditation followed by a short practice (that flew by) and lengthy lecture time.

During my time I began to realize the first certification I had was really the ground work for this most ancient of all yoga traditions. This second “intensive” does not certify Instructors per se, brought a phenomenal depth to a very tough mentally as well as physical type of practice. I understood the concept of work to your edge of your flexibility, but I didn’t fully comprehend who many levels of edge there were or how many times it changes in a 5 minute hold of a pose. I understood the physical presence of reading an article or reciting a meaningful story while teaching a class and leaving some time for quiet introspective but now I have a different view of the power of silence and feel very comfortable not “filling the space” with chatter. It is sort of like chatting on a long drive because you are uncomfortable with the silence instead of just relishing the ride and enjoying the bond of silence because you are so comfortable with the other person in the car that you don’t need to talk.

My thanks to her for opening another door to an entirely new perspective, on my favorite style of yoga. Trust me, if she comes close again I will be the first in line.