Were you ever told as a child not to cry? To just "get over it," or to be strong because "crying is for sissies?" If so, you're not alone. So many generations of people have been taught to suppress their emotions, but I've got an important news flash for you--that teaching was wrong.
Your body system is designed to help you stay both safe and productive, and your emotions are a big part of its genius design. it's so important to honor what you authentically feel.
In Reiki, the first thing we learn is that our bodies are not just physical. We are also intellectual, emotional, and spiritual beings, and these facets all work intricately within our body system to make us human.
We weren't created to be mindless, emotionless robots! Learning to work with your true feelings will give you access to more strength and core power in creating a life you truly enjoy.
Learning to work with your true feelings will give you access to more strength and core power in creating a life you truly enjoy.
In Reiki there's something called the Gokai. Sometimes they are called the Reiki Precepts because Reiki Gokai refers to the Five Reiki Principles or Five Precepts that form the foundational ethical guidelines in Reiki practice. The term "Gokai" (五戒) is derived from Japanese, where "Go" means "five" and "Kai" means "precepts" or "principles."
They are in fact a poem, written in calligraphy and hung from a scroll in Mikao Usui's dojo in Japan in the early 1920s. These principles were established by Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki, as part of the spiritual and philosophical framework to support practitioners in their personal growth and spiritual development.
The most common English interpretation follows along the lines of:
Just For Today,
Do not anger.
Do not worry.
Be grateful.
Do your work with honestly (or with diligence).
Be kind to all life.
This is a simplification of greater concepts, some of which is lost in translation. For example, Usui is not telling us to ignore our worry, or lie about our anger. Rather, the poem includes a cultural idiom that in fact entreats us to engage with these aspects of our life experience, until we feel truly clear, and can move forward with our day from an aligned and peaceful place.
Let's review that poem again, shall we?
The Five Reiki Principles (Gokai)
Just for Today, I Will Not Be Angry
Japanese: 今日限り、怒りを抱かない
Meaning: Encourages the practitioner to cultivate inner reflection, understanding, and emotional balance. It emphasizes a healthy letting go of anger and fostering a peaceful mindset.
Just for Today, I Will Not Worry
Japanese: 今日限り、不安を抱かない
Meaning: Promotes living in the present moment and releasing unnecessary anxieties. It encourages trust in the flow of life and the reduction of mental stress.
Just for Today, I Will Be Grateful
Japanese: 今日限り、感謝の心を持つ
Meaning: Fosters an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for the blessings in one’s life. It helps shift focus from what is lacking to what is abundant.
Just for Today, I Will Do My Work Honestly
Japanese: 今日限り、誠実に働く
Meaning: Emphasizes integrity, responsibility, and dedication in all actions and endeavors. It encourages ethical behavior and commitment to one’s duties as a way of cultivating peace and power.
Just for Today, I Will Be Kind to Every Living Thing
Japanese: 今日限り、すべての生きとし生けるものに優しくする
Meaning: Advocates for compassion, empathy, and kindness towards all forms of life. It highlights the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of harmonious relationships.
Usui hung this poem in the center of his dojo because he felt that these ideals were an important part of life. They were a part of his personal belief system and he integrated these principles into Reiki as a way to harmonize the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of an individual. The Gokai are not just ethical guidelines but also serve as a spiritual practice that complements the energy healing aspects of Reiki.
Purpose and Application
Today, you can also enjoy the Gokai in your practice. I first found my relationship with this poem when I was working in a busy art gallery. Saying the Gokai allowed me a way to realign my mindset. Here are ways the poem is commonly used:
Personal Development: The Gokai serve as daily affirmations to guide you toward a balanced and harmonious life. By internalizing these principles, individuals can cultivate positive habits and attitudes.
Reiki Practice: During Reiki sessions, practitioners often meditate on the Five Reiki Principles to center themselves and set a positive intention. This mindfulness enhances the healing energy flow and creates a conducive environment for healing.
Spiritual Growth: The principles are designed to align the practitioner’s actions and thoughts with higher spiritual ideals, over the longer trajectory of their life. Reflecting on Gokai during trying times can help to foster growth and stimulate a more illuminated path of action.
Mikao Usui created Reiki as a system for cultivating joy. He meant for it to be for all people. If you struggle to work with your emotions in productive ways, the very first step is to acknowledge to yourself how you are feeling.
Here's a version of the poem I've interpreted, and often work with:
The Gokai have been interpreted in a number of ways but they all revolve around the essential ideals of gratitude, kindness and harmony. Feel free to print and save my interpretation above, put it on an altar, add it to your Pinterest, or whatever else will help you reconnect to your inner truths.
Understanding your emotions is the first step to creating harmony within yourself. By learning about your energy, you open the door to profound healing. In Reiki 1 Training, we dive deeper into this process, teaching you how to work with energy through hands-on techniques for yourself and others.
If you’re curious about taking the next step on this path, I’d love to connect with you. Remember, healing starts with the intention you set today—may it be a beautiful one!
DAILEY LITTLE is a healing practitioner, transformational life coach, ordained Priestess, and teacher who founded Healing Heart Reiki to help others navigate life with joy. She offers private sessions, and teaches classes in healing and mindset from a magical peaceful corner of the world in Northern California. For more info see: www.SantaRosaReiki.com
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