Establishing and stating an intention prior to a Reiki session assists the healing process in important ways.
Gaining Clarity
Prior to each Reiki treatment, I allow 15 minutes or more for the client to share any concerns they wish to address. Based on this conversation, we establish an intention, or focus, for the session. The intention may be a desire to relieve tension in the neck and shoulders, the alleviation of chemotherapy side effects, relief from chronic pain, healing of an injury, recovery from surgery, assistance with the grieving process, or reducing acrimony in a relationship with a co-worker.
The process of establishing an intention helps the client get clear about what they want, which is the first step in accomplishing any goal. Clarity regarding the desired outcome also helps the client to be more receptive to the full benefits of the treatment and open to receiving insights that assist the healing process.
Stating the intention
I state the client’s intention in a prayer prior to starting the treatment, hold the intention while I give the treatment, and restate it as a positive affirmation as I close the treatment. Stating the intention further anchors it in the client’s conscious mind and also announces the desired outcome to the Higher Power and Reiki guides, making it easier for them to assist with the healing process. (This is similar to a Reiki teacher stating which level attunement is to take place prior to beginning the attunement process.)
My holding the intention in consciousness during the treatment increases the effectiveness of the session. Affirming the intention at the close of the treatment anchors it in the subconscious mind of the client and indicates trust that healing is accomplished.
Avoid placing limitations
While it is important for the client to have a clear intention as to the outcome they desire, it is also important that the practitioner avoid unintentionally placing limitations on the healing process. Keeping this in mind, I incorporate the following steps into my Reiji-ho process (preparation for treatment) prior to beginning the treatment.
My preparation
- Draw the appropriate symbol(s) on my palms.
- Give thanks for the privilege of being an instrument of healing grace.
- Consciously set my ego aside.
- Release attachment to outcome.
- Ask to be a clear channel for the flow of Reiki and ask for guidance for the treatment.
- Ask for the healing of all that is ready to be healed in the client, whether physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual and for the release of all energy that does not serve the client’s highest good.
- Repeat the client’s stated intention.
Begin the treatment
I then begin the treatment, allowing Reiki to guide me to the areas in need of healing. I continue to be aware of the client’s intention as I am guided through the session, which assists me in gaining insights helpful to the healing process. To close the treatment, I draw the Power symbol over the client’s mid-torso, place my hand over the area, give thanks, and state the intention as a positive affirmation, as if it is already done.
Typically, my Reiji-Ho process is said out loud and the closing is done silently. However, at times when I have said the closing prayer and reaffirmed the intention out loud, clients have commented that hearing their intention repeated as if it is already done serves as a powerful reinforcement.
Following the session
Clarity regarding the desired outcome supports the healing that continues following the session. It helps the client to be more aware of the changes brought about by the treatment and to be more receptive to intuitive information that can assist in completing the healing process in the days or weeks following the session.
Establishing and working with intention has been an essential component of my Reiki sessions for many years. After the first or second session, regular clients often come to their sessions with their intention already decided, although they may choose to modify it as we talk prior to beginning the treatment. I teach the process to my students, and participants use it during my Reiki Circles as well.
Healing is determined by the Higher Power and the Recipient
It is important to remember that while the client’s intention has been stated, and, I believe, facilitates the healing process, whatever healing takes place in a session is between the recipient and the Higher Power. As one of my clients put it: “You get the healing you need, not necessarily the healing you think you want.”
Note: Some material in this article is adapted from my book, Reiki: A Guide for the Practice of Levels I and II. ©2009-2013 Marianne Streich, Reiki for Living, all rights reserved. For re-posting permission, please contact Marianne.
Marianne is a Seattle-Area Reiki teacher and practitioner. She is the author of Reiki, A Guide for the Practice of Levels I and II and a former editor, contributor, and columnist for Reiki News Magazine (2004-2010). See her current class schedule.