I had no idea at the start of my reiki practice how influential the five principles of reiki were going to be.
The founder of reiki, Dr. Mikao Usui, discovered happiness, peace and physical and emotional healing through reiki and the five principles. He shared this practice with others and today’s reiki teachers have continued that tradition.
The five principles of reiki are spiritual guidelines followed by reiki practitioners. They promote the spiritual ideals of reiki and form the framework for a practitioner’s lifestyle. The five principles were translated from Japanese and while some translations may vary slightly, the meaning of the principles is the same.
Today’s translation of the 5 Principles of Reiki looks like this:
Just for today, I will not worry.
Just for today, I will not be angry.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
Just for today, I will give thanks to my many blessings.
Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and all living things.
Each of the five principles starts with “Just for today,” as a reminder when life gets overwhelming we can focus on how we react to it one day at a time. The five principles should not be used as guidelines for self judgement, but as a note of what we strive for. If you cannot meet them, it is perfectly okay because you can wipe the slate clean and start again tomorrow.
Exploring The Five Principles Of Reiki
Just For Today, I Will Not Worry
Worry is a low vibrating emotion that is based on fear of “what if” scenarios. It is being preoccupied with negative future outcomes that cause us to feel anxious and scared. By mentally and verbally affirming “Just for today, I will not worry” you are allowing your higher power take the stress and preoccupation of tomorrow off your mind. You are bringing yourself back to the present and trusting that whatever comes is for your greatest good. Letting go of tomorrow can be the hardest thing to do, but continue to practice and grow your faith. One day you will be free from worry and your life and health will benefit tremendously from it.
Just For Today, I Will Not Be Angry
Anger is a deep rooted emotion that is harmful and disruptive. Its expression triggers hurt and accomplishes nothing. Despite that, it is an emotion we all feel and experience. It is often based on fear or limiting beliefs. The idea is not to feel anger but to recognize it when it appears, identify the triggers and not react to it. Surrender anger to Universal Source and its destructive nature will end. Feed into it and it can take you down. By practicing “Just for today, I will not be angry” is making a conscious choice that anger will not dictate your day, your emotions or behavior. It is allowing anger to flow in and out like a passing breeze with no attachment. When you do this, it loses its power and hold on you.
Just For Today, I Will Do My Work Honestly
This principle refers to the intention we give to our work whether that work is our job or our spiritual growth. If you do a job you despise, you are not being honest with yourself. That kind of energy is not honoring your spiritual path either. The principle also helps to change the perception about your work and see the value it brings to yourself and others. To do your work honestly means that you will work hard to live purposefully toward your spiritual development on and off the clock.
Just For Today, I Will Be Grateful For My Many Blessings
Developing gratitude improves our overall well-being, makes us happier people and strengthens our emotions by keeping toxic feelings at bay. When we focus on the positive things we have in our life, we realize that our lives are more fulfilling than we thought. By practicing “Just for today, I will be grateful for my many blessings” we are teaching ourselves to appreciate what we have. In return, our lives will be healthier, happier and more abundant.
Just For Today, I Will Be Kind To My Neighbor And All Living Things
This principle of reiki teaches us to honor all living things. People, animals, plants, the earth and all its inhabitants play a role in our collective energy. “Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and all living things” reminds us to practice kindness and compassion with others no matter how different our viewpoints are or what our financial status or job title is. By honoring each other and showing kindness, we are respecting the crucial role we all play in our collective evolution. We also need to show kindness to ourselves as many of us are our worst critic. The kinder you are to others and yourself, the more kindness will come your way.
These principles form the foundation for a reiki lifestyle. They support us as practitioners and healers to live more consciously. Print out the Five Principles of Reiki here and tape them to your bathroom door, mirror or wall in your home where you can be reminded of them.
If you are interested in learning more about reiki and the five principles, read about my upcoming Reiki Level 1 Training.
