So, you're interested in learning Reiki, but are not sure which course is best and whether or not to find a course locally? As an experienced Reiki Shihan (known as Teacher or 'Master' in the West) and as someone who, in the many years of practicing Reiki, has trained in and practiced various systems of Reiki and learnt under several Masters/Shihans of varying 'quality', I more than anyone understand how incredibly important it is to find the right Reiki course for you and importantly, the right Shihan (or Master).
With over 100 different systems of Reiki on offer and a flood of Reiki Teachers running courses, it can seem daunting to sort through it all. I hope this article can make the search a little easier for you, so let's five straight into the the factors to consider when searching "Where can I find a Reiki course near me?"
Understanding Reiki
Reiki, often translated as 'universal, vital life-force energy,' is a Japanese healing modality utilising that energy to promote healing on physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual levels. It involves a system of both spiritual and healing practices (including the most well known, hands-on healing practice) designed to help promote happiness, health and inner peace.
Who Can Learn Reiki?
One of the most appealing aspects of Reiki is its accessibility to all individuals, regardless of background or experience. There are no specials 'gifts' or skills required, as human beings, we all have the innate ability to channel and utilise Reiki for our health and wellbeing.
Somewhere deep down we all know this, it is the reason why when we have a belly-ache, we place our hands on our stomachs or when a child hurt their knee, our hands goes straight to the knee. Learning Reiki, opens up our channel and capacity to utilise that innate healing ability and energy, more effectively.
Who Can Benefit from Learning Reiki?
Anyone and everyone can benefit from learning Reiki. There are many people who learn Reiki to help manage things like depression and anxiety, others to connect deeper spiritually, to find greater connection and happiness in general and some come to Reiki really keen to utilise it somehow in a professional manner.
Whether you are in the health-care sector looking to add a healing tool to your professional toolkit, perhaps even seeking to pivot professionally into becoming a Reiki healer or are just someone with no background in healthcare whatsoever and are looking to improve your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health, Reiki is an incredible practice to learn.
Finding the Right Reiki Course Near You
With the widespread availability of Reiki training programs, locating a course in your area has never been easier. A simple online search for "Reiki course near me" will result in a plethora of options. The difficult question is then, which one is the right fit for you?
When looking to learn Reiki, you will need to weight up location and proximity to you with the style of Reiki taught and the integrity and experience of the Teacher. Sometimes, a particular system of Reiki or Teacher is worth travelling for, although, there are also benefits of continued learning, practice and community when the course local to you, especially when Reiki Teachers offer continued mentoring and community Reiki practice groups following the course.
These factors all need to be weighed up against each other.
Considerations When Choosing a Reiki Course
There are several factors to consider to ensure you find the right fit. Look for courses taught by experienced and certified Reiki Shihan or Reiki Masters ('Master' is a Westernised term and is not used in traditional Japanese Reiki) who adhere to traditional teachings and practices. Additionally, consider the course curriculum, teaching style, and any additional support or resources offered to students.
Western Reiki vs Japanese Reiki
There are now over 100 different systems of Reiki. In order to be genuine Reiki, they must trace back to founder, Mikao Usui. Without going into detail, avoid online courses, full stop. The Reiju/Attunement process (the handing down of Reiki to students) must be performed in person, not online.
Broadly speaking the Reiki systems that exist today can be predominantly categorized as Western and Japanese systems. Western Reiki (the most common system known as 'Usui Shiki Reiki Ryoho'), has evolved over time where some of the original foundational spiritual practices have been eliminated from the Teachings and new-age additional contemporary modalities, in some cases, have been added in. The focus is largely on hands-on healing, rather than spiritual growth. In the original system of Reiki, the spiritual practices were considered the foundation and essential to supporting the hands-on practice. The spiritual practices and the depth of spiritual growth of the Practitioner were considered vital to supporting and bolster the hands-on practice.
Japanese Reiki, for the most part, claims to have remained faithful to the original teachings of Usui Sensei, incorporating all the known original practices within the system, although there are some systems within the Japanese umbrella, which are a hybrid of both Western and Japanese Reiki. This can have the potential impact of diluting the original practices through distraction and additions.
Drawing from personal experience, after studying and practicing numerous systems under both the Western and Japanese umbrellas, my journey with Komyo Reiki Do, a Japanese system of Reiki founded by Pureland Buddhist Monk, Hyakuten Inomoto in Kyoto, resonated deeply, marked by its authenticity, simplicity and the transformative power into both personal and professional practice.
If I personally didn't have any local Reiki Shihans (Teacher/Master) to teach me this type of Reiki, I would consider travelling for it but this has to be weighed up with the post-course mentoring and continued practice and whether I could find either a local group to practice with (regardless of what system they practice) or whether I could travel periodically to practice with my Teacher (which is ideal).
Benefits of Learning Reiki Locally
Opting for a Reiki course near you offers numerous advantages beyond convenience. Local courses often provide opportunities for networking and community building with like-minded individuals which can not only encourage your daily practice, but can enhance and deepen you spiritual path.
Whatever course you decide on, make sure the Reiki Shihan (or Reiki 'Master' in the West) offers continued mentoring and hosts Reiki practice gatherings where you can receive regular Reiju/Attunements (these help to support and continue helping your open to the energy) and where you can feel supported in your continued practice and continue to grow in your own practice through community engagement, continued practice and support.
Choosing the Right Teacher
A vital aspect of selecting a Reiki course is finding the right Reiki Teacher. Look for someone with a deeply committed daily self-Reiki and spiritual practice (beyond the bare minimum), who has spiritual depth and experience. You want someone who is so deep into their relationship with Reiki and spiritual growth that their practices are integrated into the fabric of who they are, not just a side job or hobby. Look at their reviews online, really look through their website and ask them lot of questions in order to get an idea of how deep their spiritual practice, understanding and experience is. Most of all trust your gut.
Personal resonance with the teacher's approach and, as mentioned above, ongoing support through ongoing mentoring as well as offering regular Reiki practice gatherings post-course are also essential considerations.
Conclusion
Enrolling in a Reiki course near you is not just a step towards learning a new skill; it's an investment in your overall well-being and personal growth. As a Reiki colleague and mentor, once said to me, 'Reiki is freedom', it is like having the keys to the Universe. By harnessing the power of Reiki, you can embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and healing, unlocking your true potential.
Finding the best Reiki course might be a Reiki course near you, or it may be a course further away, depending on the system of Reiki you want to learn and the experience and integrity of the Teacher as well as the mentoring and after-course Reiki practice gatherings offered. These are all factors to weigh up.
Wishing you all the best on your Reiki quest. Reiki has absolutely transformed my life for the better and with consistency and a daily commitment to practice, I have no doubt it will transform yours too! If you have any further questions, or want to chat to more about Reiki please contact me and we can arrange a time to chat. If you would like to book a Reiki session in Melbourne (or distance Reiki worldwide), you can book an appointment here or if you would like to learn Reiki yourself, sign up for a Reiki course here. I look forward to connecting with you for Reiki!
Warmest,
Fiona x
Fiona Phillips
Certified Reiki Shihan (Teacher) and Practitioner
Komyo ReikiDo in Melbourne
Within The Space