How to explain Reiki to sceptical friends or family

Call it what it is: a meditative practice. Most people understand meditation today. In the Japanese practice the foundation is Hatsurei Ho, which is meditation, and the space we go into when giving a treatment is the same space we go into sitting alone. So you can say to a sceptical relative: I go into a meditative space, and you come into it with me. You are helping them to meditate.

I feel that something many people understand today is the concept of meditation, so you can explain this as a meditative practice. In the Japanese practice of the system of Reiki we practise Hatsurei Ho, a foundation practice, and it is meditation.

When we go into that space, it is basically the same space we go into when we are doing a Reiki treatment on someone, as much as when we are sitting in meditation by ourselves.

So if you were offering a treatment to a family member, you could say: I go into a meditative space, and you feel that and come into it with me. It is like you are helping them to meditate.

What is actually going on. The sceptic is reacting to a picture in their head. Describe the thing you actually do, sitting, breathing, hands resting, and there is nothing in it to argue with.

What to do. Say three plain sentences: it is a Japanese practice of meditation and hands-on relaxation; I do it every day for myself; sometimes I do it for other people and it supports balance and wellbeing. Offer, once, and let them come to it in their own time.

You might also ask: I told my doctor I do Reiki and she laughed. · Is Reiki actually a scam? · What does Reiki energy feel like?

Language for talking about the system without embarrassment is something we work on together inside Shinpiden+.

More questions answered: Reiki Questions Answered.