Beginnings: The Story of Reiki Home

Reiki Home began as a small seed resulting from the lived experience of Reiki students around the globe. No matter what their language or culture, many Reiki students express their practice as giving them a sense of coming home.

At a retreat organized by Phyllis Furumoto and Paul Mitchell in 2009, the “HomeGroup” was asked to explore the questions: Does Usui Shiki Ryoho need/want a home? If so, how might that manifest? The discussion was so vibrant in the initial meeting that some members chose to meet during their free time and the energy of home grew.

That evening, the group presented the vision of Home as a place where:

• all students are welcome.
• students gather in physical and virtual presence.
• Reiki is shared in a safe, supportive and familiar space.

The group committed to “hold” the energy of “home” until the next annual gathering. The commitment became active, conscious, and intentional.

During the year, the HomeGroup explored the meaning of the word “home” and shared their personal experiences. They recognized “home” is:

• found in a relationship with ourselves and with one another.
• a state of being one with ourselves, others, and the world.
• expressed in global student gatherings.
• experienced in Reiki circles, wherever two or three students gather.

Desiring to express their journey, the group asked Elaine Andres to create a definition of home. The poem Home crystallized diverse expressions of the need for comfort, security, acceptance, and love. The poem became the focal point, a cornerstone for all those working with this new universal expression for home.

The HomeGroup shared their yearlong experience at the 2010 Retreat. The energy nurtured and expressed by the group reached out to engage the participants. The discussion was alive and vibrant. Energy filled the room and the desire for home grew and came alive.

During the next year, the group held the energy of “home” and continued to listen for the direction. By doing this work, they trusted “home” to unfold in its own way and in its own time.

New topics of conversation emerged as the group entered the unknown. The group realized “home” is about growing consciousness of “home” within ourselves and our community.

For over two years, the HomeGroup nurtured the seed and the energy of “home.” Within their care, the energy expanded and touched the hearts and souls of others. With the recognition that their work was complete, at their last meeting they celebrated their journey of learning by restating that:

• everyone is welcome.
• compassion is essential for growth.
• each individual is an indispensable part of the whole.
• the paradox of difference and oneness can coexist.

The HomeGroup celebrated that the small seed of “home” had taken form and was ready for a larger expression. The work and energy passed to the newly formed Board of Directors with the intention that the seed would mature and bear fruit. And it has.

Reiki Home is alive as this unfolding adventure continues.

Members of the HomeGroup: Elaine Andres, Facilitator. Charlotte Bessels, Tim Cunningham, Fran Freeman, Sue Kirtland, Elfie Schlumberger, Tim Thomas, Collene Delaney, Ingrid Van Alst.