The Reiki Precepts are a set of guidelines by which we may live our lives, and combined with Reiki healing, offer us a path to enlightenment. Over the next few weeks, we will explore how we can put the Reiki Precepts into action.
Today, let’s explore the Precept “Don’t worry”.

Worrying makes us tired, clouds our judgement, prevents us seeing opportunities and limits our potential. Energy used in worrying is wasted energy; it brings no change, resolution or achievement to a situation. The Reiki Precept “Don’t worry” holds three lessons for us:
(1) to be fully present in the moment
(2) to realise the universe is responsive to clear and pure intent
(3) to accept that there is a bigger picture, the full extent of which, we may not be aware of.

How often do you fully engage in the present moment? Let’s take meal time as an example: are you sitting quietly thinking about how your food tastes, what was involved in getting it to your plate, what nourishment it is giving your body? Or are you multi-tasking eating and watching TV, whilst worrying about tomorrow’s workload? Practice being fully present in every moment: When you’re out with friends: enjoy the company of the friend who is there sharing that moment with you, instead of worrying about the friend who didn’t make it, or the one you let down yesterday.

Worrying about having ‘so much to do and so little time’ won’t give you any less to do or any more time in which to do it! Action conquers anxiety – and this moment now is the only one in which you can act. Choose just one task, that you can complete now, and complete it. Having completed it, reward yourself. If you are overwhelmed by a big task, set a timer, and work fully focussed on that task, for just ten minutes. Stop when the timer sounds and reward yourself.

We shape our world and our future with our thoughts, emotions, words and deeds. Worrying about our future (what if this happens, or what if that happens) doesn’t send our responsive universe a clear message of what we need. ‘What if’ thinking usually attracts more of what we don’t want! When you find yourself thinking about your future: think in positive terms – what is the best possible outcome?

Remember, there may be a bigger picture here that you cannot see. Excessively planning how something will happen can prevent us seeing opportunities along the way. Remain observant. The universe will show you when you are on the right (or the wrong!) track.

This Reiki Precept isn’t just about anxiety management. It teaches us to become emotionally self-aware and there for more self-disciplined. Our emotions are there to guide us, not dominate us. Buddha taught his students to be mindful of all they said, did, thought and felt. Learning to meditate, taking the time to be mindful, will aid you in your self-development. Anxiety is often linked with depression. Using the techniques mentioned here may help ease anxiety and there for lift depression.

If you would like to know more about how Reiki can help with anxiety and depression, please get in touch, using the contact form on the Reiki Precepts page.