(Reiki Master’s Suggestions for Maintaining Positive Mental Health) In a recent article on happiness I was reminded that we are solely responsible for ourselves, our choices and our reactions.  There is no “out there”, only within.  Deciding who or what affects us, good or bad is totally our decision.  What a powerful concept!  Making a decision for or against our mental health requires staying in the present moment, which suggests leaving our well-traveled baggage at the door, in other words “to detach”.  Letting go in some situations is easy while in others it is virtually impossible.  What is the difference?  Not the situation, not the participants, what then? Our assessment is based on the ego’s evaluation of the situation and its accompanying after effects.  Ego decides how embarrassed we are, who we will or will not speak to after the event, how long we will hold the memory against the offender, and so on.  The goal of this article is not to debate ego in minutia, but to explore ways to maintain a sense of happiness.   After Reiki symbols were revived by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 1920’s, he developed a set of principles that serve as a guideline for happy living.  Let us take a few minutes to review these concepts.
Reiki Principle #1: Just for today, feel no anger. In the heat of the moment, when angry words are expressed, they are often regretted when tempers cool.  This principle suggests that before speaking we pause and reflect.  Maintaining happiness requires learning from the experience, working through accompanying emotions, and then moving to a place of peace.  Some describe the process as simply cultivating a state of “no worries” which leads us to the second principle.   Reiki Principle #2: Just for today, do not worry.   The Serenity Prayer (Reinhold Niebuhr, 1930’s) addresses this concept by suggesting we do what we can and let go of the rest.  One of the most effective ways to eliminate worry is to detach from the outcome.  With nothing invested in the end result, it is easier to be present in each moment.  Whatever occurs is divine order; instead of stressing about being heard or understood, simply let go and see where the Universe takes you.  As Wayne Dyer states, “our lives are bigger than ourselves.”  To master this concept, invest some time in self-discovery.
Reiki Principle #3: Just for today, be grateful. Happy people are grateful people, for they realize that they are not alone and are that they are taken care of.  When we are stressed from a bad experience, day at work, problem, etc. a quick and easy way to return to happiness is to stop obsessing and give thanks.  There are many ways to express gratitude, from simply saying “thank you” to keeping a gratitude journal of what we receive.   Recognizing when needs are met cultivates a deep desire to help others which in turn brings its own rewards.  Those who care for others are generously provided for; their generosity becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Reiki Principle #4: Just for today, do your work honestly.   I am not suggesting that we become workaholics, but instead complete to tasks with honestly and sincerity, knowing that however small or large our job, someone or something is benefiting from the work.  Even though we may never know what part we play, have faith that our work fits into a larger Universal plan.,
Reiki Principles #5: Just for today, be kind to every living thing. All of life has value.  As we care for others we create an energy that returns to us in kind.  So many humans and creatures have been needlessly hurt or killed when other options were certainly available.  It is important to remember that just as violence begets more of the same, happiness produces happy people. In conclusion, practicing these principles will keep us connected to this glorious Universe we call Planet Earth.  And once these principles become a part of our daily lives, they will open us up for next steps, awareness, inspiration, all are possible when we surrender to happiness. Interested in healing? Email me at c_hayes888@yahoo.com to book a Reiki session or call me at 210.215.8305.   Namaste, Cynthia Hazel, MA Reiki Master Human-being