Honouring our Reiki Practice with New Tools

Today, I want to have an open conversation about something on my mind: how we can thoughtfully use new technology to support our Reiki practice and teaching while staying true to our traditions. As a Reiki teacher who, throughout more than a quarter of a century, has written and co-written a number of well-received Reiki books, co-founded the International House of Reiki, worked with Reiki associations, and more recently created Reiki with Bronwen, I’ve seen our community evolve in so many directions.

When I started teaching the system of Reiki, our tools were simple – in-person classes and a physically direct transmission of knowledge and energy; the internet was in its baby phase, and even manuals were frowned upon in some Reiki circles. Over the years, our community has gradually embraced new ways of connecting and sharing. I personally have developed websites, written e-books, created online training courses, recorded web classes, and launched podcasts. Each step forward has helped me reach more people seeking healing and spiritual growth.

Now, we’re facing another evolution in how we share knowledge. New technology tools are emerging that could help us make Reiki teachings more accessible and easier to understand. Just as we use websites and podcasts today, we have opportunities to use new educational tools that could help students engage with Reiki concepts in different ways.

I understand the hesitation some may feel. Our practice is deeply personal and hands-on. The essence of the system of Reiki is about energy, connection, and presence. However, there are many tools at our disposal to build our connection with others.

Moving forward, and as a one-woman show, if you like, I’m exploring thoughtful ways to use new tools to support me in getting the word out there and growing our community’s understandings. This includes creating study companions for blog posts (see below) or finding new ways to make complex Reiki concepts more accessible. Whatever tools I adopt, they will always serve to enhance, never replace, the core elements of our practice.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. How do you feel about using new tools to support Reiki learning? What concerns do you have? What possibilities excite you? Together, we can find a balanced path that honours the system while embracing helpful innovations that can support our practice and teaching.

Below is a Reiki Blog Companion (created by AI) to a blog I wrote called : Am I a Reiki Master?
What do you think?