Curious about Reiki Shares and Healing Circles? Here's what happens, who they're for and how to join us online or in person in Surrey.
If you've had a look at our events page, you might have spotted a couple of things that sound a bit mysterious if you're new to Reiki. We get asked about them quite a lot, so we thought we'd explain what a Reiki Share and a Healing Circle actually are, who they're for and what happens when you come along.
First, a quick word about Reiki itself in case it's new to you. Reiki is a gentle energy practice that started in Japan in the early 1900s, and the name comes from two Japanese words, rei, meaning universal, and ki, meaning life force energy. A practitioner acts as a channel for that energy, and most people simply find it deeply relaxing. Reiki works alongside any medical or psychological care you're having but is never a replacement.
What is a Reiki Share?
A Reiki Share is a get-together for people who have done some Reiki training, where everyone has the opportunity to give and receive Reiki. It's a bit like a practice session and a catch-up with friends rolled into one.
At our Shares, we start each session with a different Reiki-inspired theme to reflect on together, and then we move into the hands-on part. We pair up with another practitioner and one person lies on a treatment couch, fully clothed, while their practice partner gently places their hands on or just above them. Each treatment lasts for about 30-40 minutes and then we swap so that each person gets a turn on the couch.
People often tell us that receiving Reiki from different practitioners feels really lovely and it's also a wonderful way for practitioners to keep their confidence up, especially if they don't get to practise very often.
Our next Reiki Share is on Sunday 13th December from 10am to 1pm in Bookham. It's free for Home of Reiki members and £35 for non-members, and you'll find all the details on our events page.
What is a Healing Circle?
Our Healing Circle is an online session that happens at 8pm on the first Monday of every month, so the next one is on Monday 7th December. You join from the comfort of your own home, which means you can get cosy in your favourite chair or even lie on the sofa under a blanket. If you'd like to light a candle, just pop it somewhere safe and never leave it burning unattended 🕯️
Together we self-heal before sending Reiki out as distant healing to the group, to the people we love, to anyone who needs it and to the planet as a whole. You don't need to do anything clever, and if you're not Reiki trained you can simply relax and let yourself receive. Many people find it a really peaceful way to round off a Monday evening.
It's free for members and £10 for everyone else, and you can book through our contact page.
Do I need to be Reiki trained?
To attend a Reiki Share, you'll need to have completed at least your Reiki Level 1 training, because the idea is that everyone gives as well as receives. It doesn't matter whether you trained with us or with someone else, or whether it was last month or twenty years ago, because you'll be made very welcome either way.
The Healing Circle is open to everyone, so if you're curious about Reiki and would like to feel what it's like, it's a gentle place to start.
Something you can try tonight
If you'd like a little taste of what a Healing Circle feels like, here's something simple you can try this evening. Sit somewhere comfortable, rest your hands on your chest or your tummy and take a few slow breaths.
Then bring to mind someone you love, or a place in the world that you know could do with some kindness, and quietly wish them well for a few minutes. You don't need any training to do this, and you might be surprised by how calm it leaves you feeling. It's a lovely reminder that the peace we're all looking for is already within us, beneath the noise of a busy day.
Come and join us
If you'd like to try Reiki on a one-to-one basis first, you can find a trusted practitioner near you in our Find a Practitioner directory. And if reading about Reiki Shares has got you wondering about learning Reiki yourself, have a look at our Reiki training page, because it might be the start of an amazing journey.
If you're already Reiki trained, you’re very welcome to become a Home of Reiki member. Membership includes free Healing Circles and Reiki Shares and a warm community of people who understand exactly where you are, wherever you trained.
We'd love to see you soon 🌸
With love and light,
Carolina & Alison x