Finding Your Way Back to Self-Reiki: A Gentle Guide for Practitioners
Let’s be honest—life gets busy, and as Reiki practitioners, we sometimes forget to prioritize ourselves. At times, it’s the moments when we most need Reiki ourselves, that we forget ourselves!
Personally, I’m struggling right now because it’s all too easy to get caught up in helping others, ticking off to-do lists, or just feeling too “meh” to sit down and give yourself the care you need. But skipping self-Reiki can throw us off balance, leaving us feeling drained or disconnected.
Here’s the good news: falling out of practice doesn’t make us “bad” practitioners. It just makes us human. What matters is recognizing when it’s time to realign and recommit to this essential practice. So, to help both you and me, I’ve made some lists of why self-Reiki is so important and how we can weave it back into our daily lives.
Why Self-Reiki is Non-Negotiable
Self-Reiki isn’t a luxury—it’s the foundation of everything we do as practitioners.
It keeps us balanced: When we’re grounded and centred, life feels smoother, and we’re better able to handle whatever comes our way.
It sharpens our practice: Taking care of our energy makes us clearer, more effective channels for Reiki when we’re working with others.
It’s self-care at its finest: Self-Reiki gives us a chance to slow down, tune in, and nurture ourselves in a way that no one else can.
Getting Back into the Flow
If it’s been a while since you’ve practised self-Reiki, don’t overthink it. Start small, be kind to yourself, and take these simple steps to bring it back into your life:
1. Ease In with Tiny Steps
Even 5 minutes of Reiki is better than none. Sit down, place your hands on your heart, and just breathe. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency.
2. Pick a Time That Works for You
Find a time in your day when you’re least likely to be interrupted. Mornings are great for setting intentions, while evenings can help you wind down and release the day.
3. Make It a Ritual
Create a little self-Reiki sanctuary—a corner with some crystals, a candle, or even just a cosy blanket. Let it be your space for grounding and healing.
4. Tie It to a Habit You Already Have
One trick that has worked wonders for me, is stacking self-Reiki onto something I already do. For example:
While lying in bed before you sleep.
During your meditation or journaling time.
As part of your morning coffee or tea ritual.
5. Let Go of “All or Nothing” Thinking
Some days you might only have time to place your hands on one chakra or quickly ground yourself. That’s okay! Self-Reiki isn’t about ticking boxes; it’s about showing up for yourself in whatever way you can.
Ways to Make Self-Reiki More Fun and Personal
Focus on one chakra at a time: This keeps things fresh and lets you dig a little deeper into specific areas of your energy.
Add affirmations: Pair your practice with phrases like “I am calm,” or “My energy flows freely.”
Visualize: Picture Reiki light flowing through you like a warm, soothing current.
Bring in tools: Crystals, essential oils, or Reiki-charged objects can make your practice feel extra special.
As practitioners, we are likely familiar with most, if not all, of these concepts. However, I’ve discovered that setting aside my pride and reading blogs from fellow practitioners is an excellent way to stay connected to shared knowledge. It’s both inspiring and grounding, reminding me of the purpose and goal we all share: helping people through Reiki.
“I matter. My energy matters. My well-being matters.”
Building the Habit (Without the Guilt)
Habits take time, so be patient with yourself as you ease back into regular self-Reiki. Here’s what might help:
Track your progress: Write down how often you practice and how it makes you feel. Seeing the benefits can motivate you to keep going.
Find an accountability buddy: Team up with another Reiki practitioner or join an online group where you can share your journey.
Celebrate small wins: Treat yourself to a little something—like your favourite tea or a mini crystal.
A Final Word
Returning to self-Reiki isn’t about being perfect—it’s about choosing to care for yourself, day by day, moment by moment. Every time you sit down to practice, you’re saying, I matter. My energy matters. My well-being matters.
So, if you’ve fallen out of practice, don’t worry. Start where you are. Place your hands on your heart, take a deep breath, and let the Reiki flow. You’ve got this.
Do you have any favourite tips or rituals that help you stay consistent with self-Reiki? Let’s share and inspire each other in the comments!
