We’re a Touch Starved Culture

stack of hands

During my Reiki 1 class at Kripalu Center, my teacher, Libby Barnett, when asked whether we directly touch the recipients of a Reiki session or hover in their energy field, responded,

“We’re a touch-starved culture. There are benefits from the direct touch in addition to the Reiki.”

She went on to talk about how touch is regulated and minimized in schools, for instance, and how that impacts connection between students and teachers. She discussed how touch relates to emotional intimacy in our families. As a social worker, she knows a lot about this subject and her authority and wisdom became deeply ingrained in me and all of her students that auspicious week in October 2001.

But now, here we are in isolation. I haven’t seen a client in person in 17 days. I shut down my in person practice a week before the shelter in place orders for Illinois in order to practice physical distancing.

I’ll make an assumption here, that you, as someone interested in, or a practitioner of Reiki, dearly miss the hands-on practice of Reiki.

My heart is with you.

My heart grieves with you the loss of touch.

I invite you to put your hands on your heart.

To feel the energy that is in you and all around you.

That is Reiki.

Do this every day, multiple times a day. Notice your breath. Notice the warmth from your hands. Appreciate the physical touch.

You are safe.

You are calm.

You are Reiki.

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Please know that my daily distance Reiki is being sent to you and the wider world for healing and peace.