What’s in a Reiki I Class?

This article appeared as part of a series for Spiritual Frontiers Fellowship

Did you know that one of the best ways to look and feel great is to take a Reiki class? Reiki Level I is usually taught over two class days or a weekend and involves about eleven teaching hours. After taking Reiki I, the student should wait at least two and a half or three months to go on for Reiki II. This interlude is essential to allow the student to adjust to a higher energetic frequency and to work amply with the energies and information passed on in Reiki I.

What actually transpires in a Reiki I class? First of all, no two classes are the same. Of course, I am presenting the same basic information about Reiki each time, but the needs of the group always vary. Groups always come together for a reason, so my students and I enjoy figuring out the commonalties that draw a group together.

For example, one group may have folks who are animal lovers while another may be composed of people who are healing from a betrayal in their relationships. Whatever the issues or interests of the group, we spend time addressing them confidentially while we master the fundamentals of Reiki.

What are these fundamentals? In every Reiki I class taught in the traditional Usui Method (named after Dr. Usui, the founder of Reiki), you learn how to do a Reiki treatment on yourself and others as well as how to use Reiki in a number of interesting ways: to preserve your food, to relieve burns, to bless gifts, bills, and business cards, and so on. You will be surprised at how many ways you can incorporate Reiki into your daily life!

In addition to learning how to use Reiki, you also receive four “attunements” in the Level I class. These are like tune-ups for your body, mind, and spirit, done by a “Master Energetic Mechanic,” namely your Reiki teacher. Students are usually deeply relaxed yet energized by the attunements and report a feeling of profound peace and well-being that lasts after the attunements are over.

Any good Reiki class will also include lots of hands-on practice, ample discussion and Q & A time, and a comfortable, confidential atmosphere in which you can feel free to express your feelings and thoughts, including difficult problems or challenges that are facing you. After the class, many of my students seek out the support they found in their Reiki I class by coming to my free open healing group on the last Thursday evening of the month.

Participation in a Reiki healing group and a Reiki I class can be incredible jump-starts for your life! In the ten years I have been teaching Reiki, I have seen Reiki change the lives of my students in amazing ways! Some have recovered from depression, others have left unsatisfying jobs to find and fulfill their missions. Still others have overcome daunting physical, spiritual, and emotional challenges. It is always my delight and honor to witness my beginning students experiencing the benefits of Reiki for the first time.

A Reiki I class can be one of the best investments you will ever make for your health and happiness! What’s holding you back from experiencing the vast benefits of learning Reiki?