The Reiki Principles: A Simple Guide to Inner Peace

One unique aspect of Reiki is the Reiki Principles—five simple yet profound statements believed to have been written by Reiki’s founder, Mikao Usui. These principles, passed down through generations, serve as a roadmap for living a life of peace, balance, and healing. Although they are deceptively simple in wording, they can be challenging to fully embody in our hectic, anxiety-driven world. But that’s exactly what makes them so powerful.

A Blueprint for Well-Being

The Reiki Principles act as a blueprint for aligning our thoughts, words, and actions with the core values of Reiki. They are a gentle yet effective guide to living a life full of intention, mindfulness, and kindness. Each principle asks us to reflect on one aspect of our human experience—whether it's releasing anger, letting go of worry, or embracing gratitude—and work on it, "just for today." This emphasis on the present moment makes them accessible and practical, even in the midst of life’s chaos.

Incorporating these principles into your daily routine is one of the most powerful ways to recenter yourself. I know this firsthand. Since I began meditating on these principles regularly, I’ve noticed a significant shift in my own life. My commitment isn't perfect, and there have been plenty of days when I forget to attend to the principles entirely. Still overall, I've experienced an uptick in inner harmony, which has, in turn, helped me show up for others in a more loving, compassionate way.

The Power of "Just for Today"

Perhaps the idea of changing your mindset to one of peace feels overwhelming, especially in a world full of distractions, stress, and constant demands. It’s easy to feel like shifting your entire mindset for good is a daunting task, or another insurmountable thing on the "To-Do" List. But here’s the beauty of the Reiki Principles: they encourage us to focus on "just for today." This loving premise invites us to shift back to the present and make a commitment to ourselves, one palatable step at a time. You don't have to let go of anger for the rest of your life. But perhaps you can let go of anger, just for today.

And if you practice this each day, you’ll gradually see how letting go of anger builds a more peaceful inner world over time. Imagine how powerful that could be, day after day.

Reiki and Spiritual Freedom

Before we explore the principles themselves, it's important to remember that Reiki is not tied to any religion or dogma. It is a universal healing practice that seeks to do no harm and can be incorporated into anyone’s spiritual or religious beliefs without conflict. By embracing these principles, you are simply aligning with Reiki’s core purpose—healing and cultivating peace, both within yourself and in the world around you.

So, let's dive in!

The Reiki Principles

In her audiotape, The History of Reiki as Told by Mrs. Takata, Hawayo Takata shares a version of the principles that is likely closest to what Usui originally wrote (Stein, 1995):

• Just for today: do not anger.

• Just for today: do not worry.

• We shall count our blessings and honor our fathers and mothers, our teachers and neighbors, and honor our food.

• Make an honest living.

• Be kind to everything that has life.

Over time, different versions of these principles have appeared in Reiki texts, each with slight variations in wording, but all carrying the same essential message:

• Just for today, I will give thanks for my many blessings.

• Just for today, I will let go of worry.

• Just for today, I will let go of anger.

• Just for today, I will do my work honestly.

• Just for today, I will be kind to my neighbor and every living thing.

Or:

• Just for today, I will not worry.

• Just for today, I will not be angry.

• Just for today, I will be grateful for my many blessings.

• Just for today, I will do my work honestly.

• Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing.

They're beautiful, right? Imagine a world where we all commit to these few, simple intentions. We don't have to be perfect. It is just an invitation to try, day after day.

How to Incorporate the Reiki Principles into Your Life

Meditating on these principles each day is a powerful way to infuse Reiki’s healing energy into your routine. There are countless ways to do this.

I encourage my clients to make these principles visible in their lives, often providing them with a free handwritten written version (like the one pictured above) after their sessions.

As a visual person, I keep a written version of the principles near my bedside, so they're one of the first things I consume in those first precious, tender moments of the morning. They automatically set the intention for a peaceful, present and honest day before getting out of bed.

This practice works for me, and you'll find one that works for you; whether you incorporate them into your daily meditation, repeat them as a mantra on your way to work, or sprinkle them on your desk in the form of Post-it notes.

However you choose to incorporate them, I have no doubt that bringing these principles into your life will help cultivate a sense of peace within. And over time, their impact will be felt in all areas of your life. Small, consistent flurries of shifts in your mindset can snowball into a profound transformation.

The Ripple Effect of Healing

I hold a deep belief that the ripple effect of self-healing is immense. As we heal and nurture ourselves, the energy we carry naturally impacts those around us. Every time you practice these principles; you’re not just shifting your own life—you’re contributing to the healing of the world around you. Your peace is contagious, and your commitment to inner harmony has the power to uplift others.

So, here’s to you—as you embark on your journey with these powerful principles. Read them, learn from them, and most importantly, live them. Both your inner and outer worlds will feel the difference.

With Love, Jaime