What is Reiki?

When I'm working with a client who is new to Reiki I'm often asked, "What is Reiki?" My answer starts with, "Reiki is universal life-force energy. It is the energy that is in us and all around us." Sometimes that is all the explanation needed other than a procedural review of hand placements and other logistics. However, some people are clearly puzzled. Having practiced Reiki for almost 12 years, this energy seems so obvious to me. I notice it frequently in a person's posture, in a hand shake, in a facial expression, in spoken words, in music, art and food. But the person new to Reiki may not have noticed it or at least not in the same way. Reiki is the energy of our soul, it is our essence. We find it in our everyday lives in the food we eat as we convert it to energy for our physical selves. We find it in the hug from a friend; in the loving touch of parent; in the kind act from a stranger. If one is not attuned as a Reiki practitioner, she or he will infrequently notice this energy. However, a Reiki attunement allows one to consistently tap into this energy. Also, during a Reiki session, the recipient often notices the Reiki energy as warmth or increased sensation as the Reiki is received. (I highly recommend attunement as it allows one to offer Reiki to oneself and others. It is a practice that is easy to integrate into one's life. Please see the Class Descriptions) How do you define Reiki? Share your thoughts in the comments. Wishing you peace and light. You are Reiki. Janice Lodato, Reiki Master of Masters