Ash Wednesday Fasting: Taking a break the Reiki way

I’ve always appreciated that Reiki is not a religion, but a certain mindfulness is required of Reiki practitioners.

Christian’s practice abstaining during Ash Wednesday and also during Lent.  It’s a collective vibration that is going on in over 2.1 billion people on this planet.

Being in balance in all areas of one’s life is a starting point.  Sometimes abstinence might come into that paradigm to help ‘reset’ the mind/body so it can appreciate all the indulgences and distractions that are thrown it’s way.  That is much easier said than done.  But here are a few suggestions I’ve tried that may assist the process of self-reflection and renewal:

1.        Make a commitment to abstain from one habit for a certain period of time.  Whether that be drinking alcohol, smoking, eating sweets, meat, surfing the Internet  or TV mindlessly, etc.  It could be one week, one month or longer.

2.       During that time of abstinence, reflect on how that habit has impacted your life in the past-positively and negatively.

3.       With #2 underway, you might discover that keeping a journal as you go along to be helpful to record thoughts and feelings about the habit that has been a part of your life.

4.       Practice good self-care.  Get a massage, practice self-Reiki, meditate.  Take this time for you to go within and explore how  this new space (absence of a habit) feels within.

5.       Find others who are also taking such a commitment-online or in person.  12 step recovery groups might work for some, Moderation Management might work for another.

6.       If you end up ‘cheating’ and going back to the habit during your commitment, don’t beat yourself up.  Reflect on what lead to the ‘slippage’.  What was the trigger?  Start over.

7.       When you reach the end of your commitment period, celebrate it.  Not with an overindulgence of the habit you abstained from, but a good pat on the back.  Receive some more self-care and nurturing.  You did it!

8.       As time goes on, notice if you want to take another extended commitment.  In Reiki, the founder, Mikao Usui fasted for 21 days before tapping into the source that is this healing art.  He had done fasts as part of his practice for many years.

9.       It usually does take 21 days to shift a pattern in one’s psyche, so be prepared to be surprised if you do go that long.

10.   Finally, remember, making a commitment to letting go of that which does not serve you is a powerful step in your healing.  Give credit where credit is due—to you!

Photo credit:  http://bit.ly/hV0nP1