"Just for today, I will live in the attitude of gratitude. Just for today, I will not fear or worry. Just for today, I will not anger. Just for today, I will respect all living beings. Just for today, I will be honest with myself. Just for today, I will not let my ego judge myself. And just for today, I will do my best."
These principles, derived from Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki, emphasize the simplicity and mindfulness necessary to lead a balanced life. But beyond these principles, Usui laid out three fundamental laws of energy, which underpin how Reiki works to heal and guide us through the complexities of life, karma, and disease.
The Three Laws of Reiki and Energy
Mikao Usui, through his deep spiritual practice, uncovered three essential laws that help us understand the way energy operates in our lives. These laws explain the flow of energy, how it impacts our thoughts, our karmic experiences, and our overall well-being.
1. Energy Follows Thought
The first law, "Energy follows thought," is perhaps one of the most fundamental spiritual principles. Wherever your thought goes, energy flows in that direction. This means that the thoughts we think, whether positive or negative, have the power to attract similar energies into our lives. If we focus on thoughts of love, joy, and compassion, the energy around us will begin to reflect those qualities. On the other hand, thoughts rooted in anger, fear, or worry draw negative experiences toward us.
At a fundamental level, this law teaches us to be mindful of our thoughts. If a thought is sustained with enough focus, it begins to gather energy around it and eventually manifests in our lives. It’s a form of mental magnetism that shapes our reality. Neuroscience even supports this idea to some extent, with studies showing how visualization can create physical changes in the brain. For example, athletes who visualize themselves performing well in their sports often see improvement in real life. This ability to "train the mind" is one of the ways we can actively engage with the first law of Reiki.
2. Like Attracts Like
The second law is that "like attracts like." In simple terms, this law states that our energetic field, or aura, attracts energies of a similar frequency. Negative energy attracts more negativity, and positive energy draws positive experiences. This concept is reflected in common sayings like "misery loves company," which captures the way negative thoughts can compound, creating a cycle of suffering.
In terms of spiritual health, our aura acts like a magnet, drawing similar frequencies toward us. If our aura is clouded by negative energy, we are more likely to attract negative situations, difficult relationships, or health problems. Conversely, a bright, positive energy field attracts abundance, joy, and harmony. This principle isn't fully proven by science yet, but it's been a cornerstone of spiritual traditions for centuries.
It's important to note that this principle doesn't just apply to attracting people or external circumstances. It also affects our physical and mental health. When we foster positive energy within, we are more likely to experience vitality and well-being. On the other hand, harboring resentment, anger, or guilt can lead to disease, as this negative energy stagnates in the body and mind.
3. All Disease Stems from a Lack of Reiki (Love)
The third law Usui imparted is that all "dis-ease" or illness stems from a lack of Reiki. Reiki, which translates to "universal life force energy," can also be understood as love. When there is a lack of love in our lives—whether self-love, love from others, or connection with universal love—we often try to fill this void through unhealthy habits. This lack of balance leads to various forms of disease, both physical and emotional.
For instance, if someone feels unworthy or unloved, they might seek solace in addictive behaviors or develop unhealthy coping mechanisms. Over time, this emotional imbalance can manifest as physical illness. Mikao Usui believed that every damage is reversible, given sufficient Reiki. This means that by bringing the energy of love into our body and mind, we can restore balance and heal ourselves.
Though modern science hasn’t fully embraced these spiritual ideas, there are anecdotal accounts of people healing from severe illnesses, including cancer, through energy work like Reiki. The affirmation here is simple: if we can fill the void of love in our lives, we can dissolve the toxic energy that causes disease. This healing process is gradual, but Reiki practitioners believe that anything—physical, mental, or spiritual—can be healed with time and dedication.
Healing with Reiki: The Power of Love
Ultimately, Reiki is about love—the universal life force that sustains us. When we allow this energy to flow freely, healing occurs naturally. Reiki doesn't just target symptoms; it addresses the root cause of disease, which is often a lack of love or balance in our lives. By receiving Reiki, we open ourselves up to love, forgiveness, and compassion, which in turn allows our body, mind, and spirit to heal.
Many Reiki practitioners believe that anything can be healed given enough Reiki. While modern medicine may not fully agree, the belief that love can heal is deeply ingrained in both spiritual traditions and human experience. Whether we are healing from physical illness, emotional trauma, or karmic imprints, the principle remains the same: love heals all.
Using Reiki and Willpower for a Balanced Life
Incorporating Reiki and the focused use of willpower can help us lead healthier, more balanced lives. By understanding that energy follows thought, we can become more mindful of the thoughts we entertain and the energy we cultivate. Like attracts like, so by fostering positivity and love, we can attract more of the same into our lives. Finally, recognizing that all disease stems from a lack of love allows us to take a more compassionate approach to healing—whether we are healing from physical illness or karmic wounds.
At its core, Reiki offers a path to healing that is gentle yet profound. It allows us to dissolve negative karma, restore balance, and live in harmony with the universal life force. Whether you are new to Reiki or a seasoned practitioner, embracing these principles can lead to deep and lasting transformation.