Wednesday, March 3, 2010

This Time it's Personal

Recently, on Twitter, I received this tweet in my mentions column:
@ReikiAwakening Reiki is just faith healing without the faith. Witchcraft in other words. We foremost promote REAL alternative medicine.
I don't follow (on Twitter) the person who challenged me in this way, nor have I had any previous interaction with him. When I receive tweets like this, my first instinct is to try to explain that Reiki is real. I did send two tweets back in response, and then my dear rational friend Sophie Lhoste told me to block him. I did. Sophie reminded me that what we put our attention on increases, and what we ignore decreases. It was wise advice.

This came on the heels of two days of being challenged by another Twitter member who is a scientist and kept tweeting at me to explain what I do in scientific terms. I tried, unsuccessfully, to put a logical, rational explanation out there of what Reiki is, how it works, what I experience, and so forth. Eventually, after this person kept asking me repeatedly more probing questions, I found it impossible to explain. I'm not a scientist. I'm not a faith healer. I'm not a witch. I am a Reiki practitioner and a teacher. (I feel like I'm in a Star Trek episode, "Dammit, Jim, I'm a Reiki teacher, not a scientist!" Bones said that once, didn't he? ha).

It brought me to a realization and a little source of frustration that Reiki is not something that always has predictable or measurable results. I can intend for the energy to do a certain thing (relieve a headache, remove emotional blockages), and it may do that. The only way of knowing that it did is by getting the feedback from the recipient that he feels better. I can often get energetic "dings" when I scan a person's energy, alerting me to imbalances in a certain area when I'm giving a Reiki healing. I respond to those "dings" by directing the energy there as I am giving the healing. But the only way I know for sure if it worked is when I hear back that the person feels better. I don't always know what the outcome will be, although I nearly always get a response that there is relief of some kind after a healing session. That consistent validation keeps me confident that Reiki helps. But it's not an exact science, like pinpointing an issue with a laser beam and watching the changes occur through a microscope. It's not visible. It's subjective. And different results happen for different people, because needs are very individual. So it's hard to explain that to someone who wants a concrete explanation.

My mother-in-law was recently discovered to have a 5-cm tumor on her left lung. It was discovered accidentally. She underwent a battery of tests, both external and invasive. Yes, it's what you're thinking it is. And it may have spread. I'm not saying the word here. That's because I don't want to put more energy into the word or make it a self-fulfilling prophesy. As Sophie said, what we put attention on increases. That isn't to say I'm ignoring this, not at all. But I'm also doing all I can not to feed it.

Which brings me to the next point, regarding the vagueness of Reiki. I mobilized all of my Reiki friends and put in a request with the Distance Healing Network to send my mother-in-law healing energy. Another Reiki friend and I did a combined healing session for her, visualizing wrapping that tumor in healing energy and shrinking it. We sent light to her immune system. We worked together, feeling the energy flowing strongly.

Scans showed there was no change in the size of the mass. It did not grow, it did not shrink. Still there. Weirdly, biopsies came back inconclusive but the doctors feel the need to do more invasive biopsies because the scans showed the cells are active and spreading. I have no idea if or how all of this Reiki is helping. That's my frustration. She is still anxious and having trouble sleeping. The mass is still there. More tests and forthcoming treatments are planned. It's as if nothing made a difference.

Am I expecting miracles? Well I'd like to think that I could do SOMETHING to help. Yes, of course I'm there, taking her to appointments, offering support, love, presence, reassurance. But I'm blessed with the ability to do Reiki for a reason, and I want to use this gift to help someone I love so dearly! She wants to fight this, to live to watch her grandchildren grow and enjoy them. The doctor's words "stage 4....no cure....radiation...." echo off the walls and deflate hope with each bounce. I don't want those words to have energy that feed this diagnosis. I want positive thinking to prove a miracle can happen.

Abraham-Hicks is bold enough to say that positive thinking is all one needs to turn one towards complete health from any condition, nearly immediately. That sounds so bold, and I want to believe it, and yet it seems to fly in the face of reality. And yet....and yet....friends tell me of surprising results when doctors suddenly couldn't find a tumor when they were ready to operate. All that changed is the person remained positive and didn't get discouraged by the doctor's diagnosis. Miracles happen and I'm really hoping this can be one of those miracle stories. I also know it's not all up to me, even though I'd like to be able to do something that will help make a difference.

There are those who say Reiki goes towards a person's highest good, whatever that may be. It's so vague. And then there's the aspect of setting intention to drive the energy toward a specific goal. That's the opposite. Which is true? I'm not sure. Probably both. And I also don't have knowledge of what a person's highest good is. Sometimes this is challenging. I often ask for "the healing that is needed" and add that "any lessons attached to this healing be gently received." I trust in the higher powers to translate this intention into reality for the recipient. This leaves the challenge of explaining or reconciling what the outcome is to the goal of the healing. Is it really in one's highest good to remain sick or get worse? I don't know. I hope not. There are those who say that one has lessons to learn in this lifetime, or karmic debts to pay that are lived out through one's experiences. I don't know lots about this personally, so I listen to those ideas and take them in, weighing them against my own gut feelings. Suffering can be so hard to understand.

I've felt that it's my path to continue to offer and teach Reiki healing. It is a niche that I've fallen into and it's fit me so well that I'm merged with it. I receive emails from students and clients about how much the Reiki has helped them feel better. This is my validation. This is my signal to keep doing what it is I do. I can't give the scientists and skeptics who challenge me more of a concrete answer than that. There are literally hundreds of people who I've shared energy with that are grateful and received relief from receiving or learning Reiki. This keeps me going. This renews my faith every single day.

So despite not knowing what the energy will do, where or how it may specifically help a person, or knowing if it will or won't trigger a miracle, I keep on sharing it. I keep on believing in the power of Reiki.

The combination of trust and intention are keys to the process.

Thanks for reading.



35 comments:

Mitchypoo said...

I'm so sorry about your MIL but will think healing positive thoughts for her.

I wanted you to know that this post really helped me deal with ending a long-term friendship. There was a lot of negativity and the saying "what we put our attention on increases, and what we ignore decreases" really helped me. I've tried since last October to deal with this in a positive way. Now I feel better to put the ignore button on.

Alice Langholt said...

Thanks, Mitchypoo, for your comment, and for the healing thoughts for my MIL.

Yes, I am grateful for Sophie's sage advice and the strength it gave me to not allow myself to get sucked into arguments with close-minded people. There is no point when someone has made up his mind and is not willing to learn from experience. Reiki requires one to at least be open minded enough to say "I'll try and see." Without that, it's a waste of time to get involved.

Sorry about your friend, but good for you for having the strength to know when it's time to move on and not be dragged down any longer by negative energy. I'm glad that my post was useful to you and thank you again for leaving a comment.

Much love and light,
Alice

Unknown said...

I am sorry to hear about your mother in law. I am very close with mine also.The world if full of close minded people,that believe that what they believe is true and everyone else is wrong.negitive energy is full of ego and fear and sets you back.Think back to all the wonderful
positive things in your life including my mother in law, you will know what the right thing to do is.
p.s. there is no person on this earth that has an expiration date stamped on the bottom of their foot doctors though good intented are human

Sophie Lhoste said...

Thank you so much for the shout out Alice! I love your explanation of how Reiki works for you and how you keep going because other ppl tell you your Reiki works. You are so good at what you do and your Reiki works great for me, every time!! I'll vouch for that and I've been a Reiki Master 12 years!

Alice Langholt said...

Rhonda,

Thank you for your comforting words and caring. You are right that there are so many unknowns in life, and so it's good to focus on the positives every time. I appreciate you.

Alice

Sophie,

You continue to inspire me and it means so much to know that someone as powerful a healer and inspirational a person can validate the power of the Reiki healing energy I share. Thank you for all you do, Sophie. Love you bunches.

Alice

Amy Oscar said...

I, too, send blessings to your mother in law and the prayer that everything unfolds for the greatest good for all involved.

As to negative tweeters: Block them and be done with them. You need not defend your beliefs to anyone. The same is true for people who "test the psychic," demand proof/evidence. Refer them to people who have done research into such things - there are countless websites out there who can explain it better than you can, or should.

Now let's talk about healing. Let's talk about Reiki. Let's talk about "real" medicine, shall we?

No modality - from the most obscure energy work to the most scientifically provable medical procedure - helps everyone.

As healers and as loved ones, we can offer only as much as the patient is willing and able to accept. If your mother-in-law is going to heal, it is going to be because her body - at the level of energy, emotion and physical tissues - wills it so.

We cannot control outcomes, nor can anyone, even the most gifted surgeon or healer.

Everything is unfolding as it should. It is not up to you to save your MIL's life, no matter how well-intentioned you are, no matter how much you love her - even, no matter how much she wants you to do so.

The prayer I would offer is this: God/Reiki/Angels - please guide my beloved mother in law to the people and experiences that support the highest good. If it is her time to heal, make it so. If it is her time to leave us, make it easy on her - and on us. Use this time to bring our family around her in love, to heal and help all of us grow stronger and more loving toward each other. Use this illness as a catalyst for family healing, too.

So be it. So it is.
And then I would let it go.

Alice Langholt said...

Amy,

Your words and insight are deeply meaningful and appreciated. The advice regarding negative people is well taken and I'll follow it. (Have you met Sophie?)

Your comments about all medicine and healing are also wise.

Most of all, thank you for that prayer. It exudes love, strength and faith, and asks for the divine support we are all needing at this uncertain time.

I appreciate you, and send you love and gratitude, with a healthy dose of admiration in the mix.

Alice

Nancy Rohrman said...

Hi Alice,
I will also be sending loving Reiki energy to your MIL and to you & your family for I know this has an affect on all involved.

Thank you for this beautiful post about Reiki and your feelings when put in a challenging situation. Your accounting resonates with me deeply. I believe the challenger is here as a reminder for us not to question our actions or beliefs but as a reminder why we are on the path we are on. Most of these challengers have never given a thought to even trying Reiki. Yes, they say their negative things about it but I truly believe it is fear of the unknown and not being able to trust that keeps them at bay. Sophie gave you great advice...block, ignore...and move on. Just remember everyone has their right to an opinion...but that doesn't mean that is the opinion of the world.

Much love and light on your journey,
Nancy @Energizespirit

Alice Langholt said...

Nancy,

Thank you so much for your comment. You make a great point that the naysayer gives me a reason to reflect and I always come to the same conclusion, that I will keep doing Reiki because it works. It just does. Even if I don't understand why or how. They can accept that or not, and it doesn't change the way I know this.

Thank you also for the love and light you offer my family. I'm deeply appreciative.

Blessings,
Alice

raquel roysdon said...

You know your purpose and You are doing great for people. Let those who believe differently believe differently.
I am a Reiki II practictioner. I am also a "seer". I know people think I'm evil, etc. I can't change the way people think.
Live and let live.

Alice Langholt said...

Raquel,

Thanks for your comment. That is a strong and healthy attitude and you are obviously this way too. I've no doubt you share beautiful light, energy and intuitive insight with those who are open to receiving your gifts.
Love and light,
Alice

Unknown said...

I can relate. I have practiced as a Reiki Master Teacher since 1997 and have to admit that only in the past few years have I become comfortable with saying, "I don't know."

I don't want to know everything! The practice of BEing in the mystery actually enhances our understanding of the complexity of reality if we allow ourselves that sacred space of not knowing. Our modern lives usually demand immediate answers to every question and our tendency is to create logical systems with an efficient procedure to every handle and process every problem and concern. Many people steer clear of anything that is in the realm of the mysterious because it lies outside the false safety net of reason and logic.

I say, "Rest in the riddle of not knowing. Learn to be comfortable with your discomfort."


from my blog http://oshunspirit.blogspot.com/2009/07/resting-in-riddle-of-not-knowing.html

Alice Langholt said...

Susan,

What a sophisticated and actualized place to be, to be able to be comfortable with ambiguity and actually enjoy it. Thanks for giving me something to ponder and aspire to. I'm glad you came by today to read and comment.

Love and light,
Alice

dougggie said...

Alice
I had similar attacking tweets recently when I mentioned homeopathy in a conversation with a friend. After attempting to defend it by pointing the random stranger to a website listing the research proving there were positive results from it, all they did was pooh-pooh the quality of the research and all I felt was angry and deflated. I blocked them then, but have learnt my lesson and will block straight away in future to avoid the additional stress caused.
I agree with the earlier poster, they're speaking from a position of fear where everything they believe could just be turned on its head. You'll never change opinions like that.
And as you know, Reiki works well on babies and animals, who can hardly be accused of succumbing to the "placebo" effect.
I join with the others in sending positivity and good health to your MIL. Again, tumours can shrink and have done, science will always come up with a rational explanation for it, or say the original scans must have been wrong, as they know no other reason. The mind is a powerful healer as long as it wants to be, here's hoping your MIL can tap into that along with help from your healing circle. Regardless, the reiki will help her.

Alice Langholt said...

Caz,

I'm grateful for your comment. Yes, the energy spent trying to convince people who have their minds made up already is so much better spent helping those who are receptive. Thanks for learning along with me.

Thank you for your well wishes and healing thoughts for my mom-in-law, too. The prayers and caring of all who have posted today are very meaningful indeed. I sit in awe of the support, love and strength shown here.

Love and light,
Alice

Fred said...

Wow. This kind of discourse is reminiscent of the debate that goes on between Republicans and Democrats who seek only to defend their ideological position. A lot of noise is generated, but very little communication and understanding.

Sophie is right, and you did the right thing. There is nothing you can do to change the mind of a person whose position is intractable. They've made up their mind, and no force on earth (even Reiki!) can change it.

Having said that, I do believe that Reiki practitioners should try to communicate in language that people can understand -- even scientific people. We have to find a common language and set of terms that can help to demystify the art of our practice.

In my practice, I generally focus on the ways in which Reiki can promote the relaxation response. There is good evidence to support this claim. I know you are aware of the body of research that has been conducted by the National Institutes of health (NIH) on complementary, alternative medicine. Your readers may review some of the research and comments at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/reiki/.There are some excellent citations on the use of Reiki in clinical settings, with positive results.

Theoretical physicists postulated the existence of sub-atomic particles long before we had the ability to "prove" their existence. There are many things we do not understand in life. Traditional medicine certainly understands the "power of prayer" and of keeping a positive outlook. While we cannot "prove" the efficacy of Reiki (or most alternative modalities), it cannot do harm.

You do good work. And that good work stands on its own.

Alice Langholt said...

Thanks for your comment, Fred.

It should be said also that people such as Pamela Miles have dedicated their time and effort to promoting Reiki in medical practices and hospitals, and finding a common language that works. I deeply respect her work, and in fact, directed the scientist skeptic to address his questions to her if he honestly wanted answers phrased in his terminology.

I am indeed aware of NCCAM, and their attempts to explain Reiki in an accepted definition that works. I applaud their efforts and hope that their funded studies help validate what you, I, and so many others already experience and know through our practices to be effective.

There are closed minds on both sides of the fence when it comes to Reiki, just as there are in politics, as you pointed out. Some Reiki practitioners frown on those who employ different Reiki modalities from Usui Reiki. Politics exist all over.

Having come from zero knowledge or experience with energy practice to where I am now in the past four years, I do sometimes feel pulled to bring the naysayer over to this side by trying to show him what my transformational experience was like. Sadly, I'm rarely given the opportunity when it comes to people who've already decided to attack rather than experiment. So Sophie's advice is wise indeed, and I have resolved to direct my energy to those who are receptive.

Thanks for chiming in, and thanks for mentioning that I do good work. You do too. Keep that good energy flowing.
~Alice

Kat said...

Thank you for sharing your experiences and teaching. I am grateful to know you and be a student of yours. I am so sorry to hear about your MIL. I will keep her in my prayers and and would be honored to join you in sending Reiki to her. Keep shining your beautiful bright light Alice.
Love,
Kat

Alice Langholt said...

Thank you Kat,

It's wonderful to hear from my students who are so willing to share the positive learning experiences they've had with me. I appreciate your good energy for my MIL and know it all makes a difference. Thank you for offering your love, light and gratitude abundantly.

Love and light,
Alice

sage said...

Sending lots of light and love to you and your whole family!

I love Abraham and have learned so much from the work of Jerry & Ester Hicks! You might want to pick up a copy of the book You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay... it's such a wonderful and inspirational book! We really can heal ourselves, we really can change our lives by changing the way we think. That's not to say we don't need to do the work.. but Louise's book really helps us to 'know' what the work is we need to do!

All the Best to you.. and Thank You for continuing your beautiful blog and inspiring reiki work!

In Light~
Sage

Alice Langholt said...

Sage,

Thank you for the comment and for the book recommendation. I will look for it - I'm open to learning as much as I can!

Thank you for the love, light and encouragement you share. Thank you for reading my posts too.

Much love,
Alice

Agrigirl said...

Great post Alice. I don't buy the faith healing without faith comment. It is wise of you to feed the positive intentions. Love and light, Tammy

Divine Lotus Healing said...

Walk your true path, no matter what it is in life and you will succeed. Sadly many people judge others because they are unclear about their own way... keep on truckin' with your reiki and go with confidance! :)
Namaste.

Unknown said...

Alice,

Please don't be discouraged about your mil. I am sending reiki also. And to all those naysayers I have no comment for closed minds. I love to talk to people about reiki who want information or clarification. But those who assume there is something odd or wrong with practicing reiki--life's too short.

Alice Langholt said...

Tammy,

Thanks for your comment - I don't buy that idea either, as there seems to be a mix of faith and intention needed to do this sort of work. It isn't all one or the other, but both play a part. Thanks for all of your support. It's good to see you here.

Namaste, Alice
*******************

Divine Lotus Healing,

Thank you for your comment. I'll do my best to keep doing what I do and keep the negative energy away, turning toward the positive and focusing on that. I think this has been a good lesson and I thank you for your encouragement.
Love and light,
Alice

*********************
Devi,

Thank you for the energy and support for my m-i-l. All is gratefully accepted and appreciated from the heart. You are right that life's too short to spend arguing with those who don't get it and won't try. This has been a good lesson for me.
Thanks for reading and commenting. It's good to know you're there.

Blessings,
Alice

Divine Lotus Healing said...

I've been thinking about your story more and more this past week... in addition to doing reiki myself, I also am a channel for divine wisdom...skip ahead now... in my last channeling session the channel group told me to look up the words "reiki study science" and they would get me info about the science behind how this all works. I thought I'd pass it on to you too! I found this blog about it all and wanted to give it to you even though I know you are very connected to reiki info :) Blessings and Namaste.
http://reikidigest.blogspot.com/

jacqueline piazza said...

Alice I am so sorry to hear of your mother-in-laws illness. When I read your words I can hear your pain and most of all I can hear your fear. As someone who has been where where you are, I am very in touch with the sound. Your MIL is truly in the hands of her higher power. As for you and your family, I will send my healing to you. To heal your fear and your pain. there are many lessons here as your children and your husband watch the way you are caring for your beloved MIL. Never forget to heal yourself. For you are the driving force and without you, your family would be lost. Many blessings to you and your family.

Alice Langholt said...

Divine Lotus,

Thank you for the link, your story and the inspiration you share. It's good for all of us to have resources to support our work.

Jacqueline,

Thank you so much for your words of love, empathy and support. Thank you also for the supportive healing energy you are sending to me. I'm moved to tears by your words and filled with gratitude for your kindness.

Love and light,
Alice

Nicole said...

I had 2 friends give me reiki recently and my back stopped hurting. My back has hurt for 3 years from a car accident. Normally I'd think it was a bunch of crap, to each his own...but it's really helped me! Don't knock it 'til you try it I say!

Alice Langholt said...

Nicole,

It's like I've been saying, people should learn from experience, and all it takes is to be open enough to try it. Glad that you took the chance.

I can teach you how easy it is to do this for yourself any time you might feel you'd like to learn.

Love and light,
Alice

Nicole said...

Thank you Alice. My friends have shown me how. And I noticed you have crystals on your blog. I am a rock hound and dig my own. I love the quartz crystals I dig up, they are beautiful! Anyhoo, I give some of them to my reiki friends and I'd give some to you as well if you like. I hope to go again next month to dig!

Alice Langholt said...

Nicole,

That would be wonderful, please do get in touch next time you have some quartz! I'd be happy to trade with you if you'd like.

Any time I can be of support in your energy healing work, please just ask.

Much love and light,
Alice

Anonymous said...

Alice,
As someone who cares for you, I want to say this... You are a heavenly light being in an earth bound body, full of light and love, darkness will try and try to shut out your light, but where there is light darkness can not remain, so no matter how many attacks these people try and shove at you, there is only one thing to do, let them be who they already are, their own worst enemy. When a complete stranger attacks you like that, (you being such a beautiful wonderful woman they never took a care to try and know) they are having some serious deep seated issues and are filled with darkness, they will attack anyone or anything that gives them a way in, because they are not happy, nor do they know how to be happy, if they did, they would have never taunted you that way, their intention was to hurt not to heal, your intention is to heal and not hurt, so it is inevitable that they would clash with you, as life is full of opposition and contractions, like the old adage says, you've got to take the good with the bad (I know you already know that, as you are very wise my friend). Angry people can't stand to see others who are happy, shiny, and doing well. I am sorry to read of your Mother in Law. I know some excellent stuff to use for tumors, or cancers. Red Clover is excellent as a blood purifier and has helped many get over tumors and cancer with just the red clover, also there is something called Essiac Tea and it is especially for that and usually contains some red clover also. I will pray and send Reiki for her, you, and your family. Make sure she gets plenty of free radical fighting antioxidants, such as Acai Berry, Pomigranite, cherries, and especially blueberries, plenty of vitamin C, and green tea would not hurt (Decaf if she is sensitive to caffeine or if she has any heart issues) and last but not least Reishi mushroom (expensive, but excellent for many health issues, especially for this one in particular). I would go on but don't want to take up the whole page, LOL. You are one special lady Alice, and no one can take that from you, however they may try to harm you or make you doubt yourself. I know people like that always make me feel sad, and one more thing I am going to do, I am going to pray for those miserable people who were rude and testy to you, I am going to send them Reiki also, in hopes they will heal whatever is ailing them, so they no longer feel the need to hurt anyone, and so they can too be at peace. I love ya.
Sat Nam, **(-_-)**
Piper

Alice Langholt said...

Piper,

I appreciate you and your loving, caring words. Thank you also for your energy, both for me, and my mother in law. This is a difficult time for us, and so all of the support of family and friends has been very nurturing.

I'm doing my best to put my energy where it is of best use. Thank you again for adding your light.

Much love,
Alice

Reikihealer said...

Alice, I understand your feelings about the science and the fact that the treatment does not always work. Hold intention and highest healing good for all, but outcome might be a soul lesson vital for the client. It can't happen without the dis-ease. I recently treated a Catholic priest foran inoperable brain tumor-it disappeared after the 4th session!!! However he died from another cancer site. I believe he now works more powerfully from the other side with the bishop issue and their disapproval of Reiki-perhaps he can change their opinion.