top of page
Search


The Seven Chakras: understanding stored emotions and life stages.
Our bodies are remarkable vessels that not only carry us through physical space but also hold the imprints of our emotional experiences. The chakra system, an ancient framework originating from Hindu and yogic traditions, offers a profound map for understanding how our life experiences become encoded in our physical and energetic bodies. Each of the seven main chakras corresponds to specific emotions, developmental stages, and life lessons that shape who we are today. By ex
Leanne Northwood
5 days ago5 min read


Internalising the Reiki Symbols: a journey within.
There's a common misconception in energy work that we need to somehow make universal energy stronger or gather more of it. But here's the thing: universal energy is already infinite and perfect. It's not something we can add to or amplify. What we can do, however, is clear away the mental and energetic clutter that blocks us from experiencing our true connection to it. This is where internalising the reiki symbols becomes such a beautiful and transformative practice. When w
Leanne Northwood
Jan 194 min read


The Neutral Mind: how it is essential to our reiki practice.
In the gentle practice of reiki, where energy flows through hands to facilitate healing, one of the most profound yet challenging aspects is maintaining what practitioners call a neutral mind. This state of mental stillness isn't about forcing ourselves to think nothing or suppressing our awareness. Rather, it's about cultivating a quality of presence that allows us to be open channels for healing energy without interference from our analytical thinking or ego-driven interpre
Leanne Northwood
Jan 125 min read


Reactivity to Responsiveness: how self-reiki changes your mind.
We've all been there. Someone cuts you off in traffic, your inbox explodes with demands, or a family member says that one thing that always sets you off, and suddenly you're flooded with emotion. Your heart races, your jaw clenches, and before you know it, you've reacted in a way you'll probably regret later. It's like your emotions hijack the driver's seat while your rational mind gets shoved into the boot. But what if there was a way to create space between what happens t
Leanne Northwood
Jan 54 min read


Reiki And Consciousness: exploring the ultimate nature of universal energy.
In the quiet moments of spiritual practice, profound questions often arise that bridge ancient wisdom traditions. One such question I have been contemplating as a student of both Advaita Vedanta and Reiki: Is the universal energy we work with in reiki the same as consciousness itself, or is it something that appears within consciousness? I have been pondering this for quite some time as I’m sure many others of different spiritual backgrounds have done. The information I have
Leanne Northwood
Dec 29, 20254 min read


Protection Rituals: rethinking energy protection in reiki practice.
Let's talk about something that comes up a lot in energy work circles: the idea that we need to protect ourselves from "negative energy." If you've spent any time in reiki communities or read books about energy healing, you've probably encountered elaborate protection rituals, shielding techniques, and warnings about picking up other people's "stuff." But what if I told you that the whole concept of needing energetic protection might be based on a misunderstanding of what rei
Leanne Northwood
Dec 22, 20254 min read


The Heart of Reiki: understanding traditional and Western approaches.
In the landscape of energy healing, few practices have experienced such widespread adoption, and adaptation, as reiki. Since its development by Mikao Usui in early 20th century Japan, reiki has travelled across oceans and cultures, transforming along the way. Today, practitioners and seekers of healing encounter two distinctly different approaches: traditional Japanese reiki and what has come to be known as Western reiki. Understanding these differences isn't about declaring
Leanne Northwood
Dec 15, 20254 min read


The Art of Detachment: cultivating the neutral mind.
In the practice of Usui Reiki Ryoho, one of the most challenging aspects for us to master can be the concept of detachment. We’re not talking about becoming cold or indifferent to the healing process, but rather about cultivating a state of neutral awareness that allows the universal life force energy to flow without interference from our personal judgments, expectations, or ego-driven desires. Detachment in reiki refers to the practitioner's ability to remain present and ope
Leanne Northwood
Nov 3, 20254 min read


Beyond Hand Positions: reiki as a spiritual discipline.
When most people think of reiki, they envision gentle hands-on healing sessions with soft music and relaxation. While this therapeutic...
Leanne Northwood
Aug 4, 20255 min read


Finding Peace: how meditation can transform your stress response.
In our hyper-connected world, stress has become an unwelcome constant companion for many of us. Between work deadlines, family...
Leanne Northwood
Jul 28, 20254 min read


Surrender in Reiki: the art of being, not doing.
In a world driven by action and achievement, reiki offers a radical proposition: that the deepest healing arises not from what we do, but...
Leanne Northwood
Jul 21, 20257 min read


Understanding Japanese Culture: how it enhances your reiki practice.
Reiki, the gentle spiritual/ healing art developed by Mikao Usui in early 20th-century Japan, carries within it the profound wisdom of...
Leanne Northwood
Jul 7, 20254 min read


Beyond Separation: embracing non-duality across spiritual traditions.
In the intricate tapestry of spiritual wisdom that has emerged across cultures and eras, there exists a golden thread that weaves through...
Leanne Northwood
Jun 30, 20259 min read


The Art of Tea: cultivating mindfulness through Japanese tea culture
In our fast-paced world of instant everything, there's something profoundly revolutionary about the simple act of drinking tea mindfully. While we gulp down coffee on the run and consume beverages without thought, the ancient practice of tea drinking offers us a gateway to presence, peace, and profound awareness. Nowhere is this more beautifully exemplified than in Japanese tea culture, where the humble act of preparing and sharing tea has been elevated to an art form that te
Leanne Northwood
Jun 23, 20256 min read


Reiki & Religion: understanding the spiritual context
One of the most frequently asked questions about reiki concerns its relationship to religion. Is reiki a religion? Does practicing reiki...
Leanne Northwood
Jun 16, 20257 min read


The Nature of Reality: through the lens of Usui Reiki Ryoho
In the early 20th century, Mikao Usui experienced a profound spiritual awakening on Mt Kurama that would forever change the landscape of...
Leanne Northwood
Jun 9, 20255 min read


Self Healing First: why personal development precedes service.
Personal development isn't selfish, it's necessary groundwork for meaningful service to others. When we prioritise our own healing and...
Leanne Northwood
Jun 2, 20254 min read


The Triple Diamond System: understanding the Japanese energy model in reiki practice.
In the world of Reiki, many practitioners are taught about chakras, the seven energy centres traditionally associated with Indian...
Leanne Northwood
May 26, 20256 min read


Gassho: the art of presence in reiki
In the realm of reiki practices, few are as fundamental yet often overlooked as Gassho. This seemingly simple gesture of bringing hands...
Leanne Northwood
May 19, 20256 min read


The Five Principles in Daily Life: living the gokai
At the heart of Usui Reiki Ryoho we have five simple yet profound principles known as the Gokai. Far from being mere philosophical...
Leanne Northwood
May 17, 20256 min read


Usui Reiki Ryoho - a spiritual practice rooted in tradition
In the landscape of modern wellness practices, few modalities have been as misunderstood or misrepresented as Usui Reiki Ryoho. While...
Leanne Northwood
May 17, 20256 min read
bottom of page
.png)