There are many kinds of meditation. The method you choose depends on your intention and the tradition the practice comes from. Some techniques use visualization; others don’t. Some emphasize mindfulness; others focus on deep relaxation. Ultimately, it’s up to each person to find what fits.
In Reiki, as my Reiki teacher Rick Rivard explained, Usui Sensei taught a simple meditation that can be summarized in three parts:
- Relax
- Connect with the Reiki source
- Enjoy the connection
That’s it—simple, isn’t it?
The purpose of this meditation is to connect with higher consciousness and allow that higher consciousness to gently lift your awareness over time. There is nothing to “force.” You simply connect, relax, and allow.
As you practice, your mind and body begin to reconnect. Tension gradually releases, and the body can start to heal itself. This mind–body connection is mindfulness—but it’s an effortless mindfulness. It brings clarity and groundedness without strain.
At a certain point, this meditation may also bring inspiration, creativity, and a sense of fulfillment.
How to practice (for Reiki practitioners)
1) Relax
There are many ways to relax, and you can use your own method. For comparison, here is the approach I personally use to help both my body and mind settle.
Prepare the body
- I begin with the Inner Smile meditation I learned from Mantak Chia (there are many videos about this on YouTube).
- I do some simple stretching.
- I sit in a meditation posture: legs crossed, hands resting on my lap with palms facing upward, spine straight, eyes closed.
Prepare the mind
I use a short inner dialogue combined with visualization:
- “All worries about the future, please stand aside. I will welcome you later.”
I visualize entering a meditation room and taking off my right sandal/shoe at the doorway. - “All memories of the past, I accept the consequences of my past actions and thoughts. Please stand aside—I will welcome you later.”
I visualize taking off my left sandal/shoe. - “All judgments of right and wrong, I will deal with you later.”
Then I visualize stepping into the room.
After this, I place my attention on the gentle movement of my abdomen as I breathe, and I simply wait—allowing relaxation to deepen naturally.
2) Connect with the Reiki source
If you are a Reiki practitioner, you will already have learned ways to connect with Reiki energy:
- In Reiki Shoden (Reiki 1), you may visualize light above your head, raise your hands, and ask Reiki energy to come.
- In Reiki Okuden (Reiki 2), you may use the first symbol.
- In Reiki 3, you may use the DKM symbol.
After connecting, bring your attention down to the seika tanden (for simplicity: the space between your navel and your spine). Then place the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth (the palate).
These steps matter because, after connecting, you bring the energy down to be stored in the seika tanden, where it can circulate naturally.
Now, simply remain aware of the seika tanden and the movement of your abdomen. Stay relaxed. Gradually, as energy builds, the mind and body become calm and composed.
3) Enjoy the connection
As the energy builds in the seika tanden, the final step is to let that energy rise toward the heart center.
To support this, bring your hands together in front of your chest in Gasshō (also known as the namaskāra hand position). Then do the same thing as before: relax and simply be aware.
The energy may begin to move into the chest, bringing joy and happiness. It may continue upward toward the center of the brain, and then flow back to the universe through the crown of the head.
If you can feel this, you may then place your hands back on your lap, palms facing upward again—and simply enjoy.
Ending the session
When you are ready to finish:
- Place your hands in Gasshō again.
- Say thank you to the universe (or to Reiki, in your own words).
- Gently shake your hands.
- Open your eyes.
That’s it.
Closing thoughts
In Reiki, meditation is a way to connect the human mind with the Higher Mind. As humans, there are limits to what we can think, plan, or control. But the Higher Mind has no such limitation. Simply connecting with humility and gratitude can bring insight and inspiration you didn’t know was available to you.
What do you think? It’s easy, right? I hope you enjoy practicing it, and I’d love to hear your feedback.