Welcome to the winter 2025 edition of Reiki World!
As winter settles in and the pace of the year naturally begins to soften, we are delighted to welcome you to the Winter 2025 edition of Reiki World. This season always seems to invite a little more reflection and gentleness, and you’ll find that spirit echoed throughout the articles in this issue.
It has been a meaningful few months for the UK Reiki Federation. One of the highlights has been our new collaboration with Crisis UK, giving members the chance to offer Reiki within their Christmas wellbeing centres. This partnership not only reflects our values of compassion and community, it helps bring Reiki into spaces where warmth, presence, and human connection can make a real difference.
We are also proud to share news of a significant achievement for our Research Team: the publication of a peer-reviewed paper exploring Reiki within therapeutic and wellbeing settings. This is a milestone for the Federation and for practitioner-led research, and we hope it will inspire more members to contribute to the growing evidence base.
On the international front, momentum continues to build within the European Reiki Group. With new countries applying to join and growing engagement across our monthly meditation and Reiki shares, there is a real sense of collaboration strengthening across Europe. These relationships enrich our understanding and help shape a more aligned future for Reiki.
vicechair@reikifed.co.uk
This edition also brings thoughtful and diverse contributions from our community. You’ll find Duncan’s exploration of perception in Reiki practice, guidance on winter principles inspired by Japanese philosophy, uplifting stories of positive mental energy, and updates from events and teachers across the UK. Our social media highlights show just how active and connected our members have been in recent months, and our expanded volunteering opportunities reflect the vibrant community growing around the Federation.
As always, we hope this magazine offers something that supports you in your own practice, whether that’s insight, inspiration, or simply a moment of quiet connection during a busy season.
With gratitude and warm wishes for the months ahead.
Anne-Marie Carratu, Chief Executive and Gavin Ford , Operations Director
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Our leadership team:
Chief Executive - Anne-Marie Carratu
Operations Director - Gavin Ford
Education & Research Director - Duncan Cross
People & Culture Director - Urmi Raval
Marketing & Communications Director - Kerrie Baker
Community Engagement Director - Rani Malik
Volunteering with UKRF:
IT Support: We are looking for someone with excellent I.T. skills and a bit of spare time to support our team and the systems we have in place.
To find out more, email Gavin vicechair@reikifed.co.uk
Our Vision Statement
The UKRF is committed to providing support to the Reiki Community by promoting the highest standards of Reiki at all levels through respect, positivity and compassion.
We aim to lead the way and to be innovators in Reiki education, animal Reiki and research, for every step of your Reiki journey.
Our Values
Compassion: Supporting our members through their learning and practice
Kindness: To be kind to others at all times
Gratitude: To always value our members
Professionalism: To always uphold the Reiki principles, UK Reiki Federation Constitution and Code of Ethics for all our members and the public
Self-care: To promote wellbeing and treat our members and each other with respect and dignity
UKRF Supports Crisis UK
We are proud to share that this year, the UK Reiki Federation is supporting Crisis UK, the national charity dedicated to ending homelessness. This collaboration opens a powerful opportunity for our members to offer Reiki as part of Crisis’s wellbeing support for people experiencing homelessness this Christmas.
Each year, Crisis mobilises thousands of volunteers across the UK to create safe, welcoming spaces where guests can rest, eat, reconnect with others, and receive essential support. Alongside medical care, hairdressing, creative activities and emotional support, Crisis also offers a range of wellbeing services - and this year, Reiki is officially one of them.
UKRF members are invited to volunteer their time and share Reiki treatments within Crisis’s Londonbased centres. These sessions offer a gentle, calming, non-intrusive space for guests to experience stillness, comfort, and a sense of grounding during what can be an emotionally overwhelming time. These openings close mid-December, but if you’ve missed it then please do look out for it next year.
Crisis UK places great emphasis on compassion, dignity, and human connection, and Reiki aligns beautifully with this ethos. By being present, listening, and offering a peaceful experience, our volunteers help create small moments of relief that can make a meaningful difference.
Our members’ passion, professionalism, and heartcentred approach continue to inspire us, and we are honoured to bring Reiki into this important setting. This not only allows us to contribute to Crisis’s vital work, but also strengthens the UKRF’s mission to make Reiki accessible, understood, and genuinely supportive in community and wellbeing environments.
Visit www.crisis.org.uk/wellbeingvolunteer for more information.
Together, we can bring warmth, presence, and hope to those who need it most this winter.
Connecting to Reiki vs Shifting Perception
by Duncan Cross
A look into how we connect to Reiki
My first encounters and classes with Reiki were in the 1990s, with an overt emphasis on Reiki being for physical and emotional healing.
Over the last couple of years there has been greater emphasis on the spiritual aspects of Reiki with the promotion of Reiki connection techniques. In my early training there had never been an emphasis on connecting to Reiki before practicing, there was an assumption that you put your hands on and the energy flowed. You didn’t need to connect to the energy as the attunements had permanently created the connection (or reconnection) and you were attuned for life.
At the 2025 UK Reiki Federation conference a co-presenter (Frans Steine) discussed how many lineages teach that practitioners ‘connect’ to Reiki and the impact of this practise, in particular, how this was creating the idea that practitioners are not connected to Reiki all of the time and how this can impact the quality of Reiki for self and others.
This observation really made me think about my own training and my own resistance to many of the practices I had seen and experienced at Reiki Shares. Being told to connect to Reiki felt alien to me in these circumstances. I understand the connection practice as an approach, and that the rituals
or ceremonies that are used can be empowering to practitioners whether that be in grounding or providing a sense of working in partnership with the energy. Since I have been practicing Reiki for over 25 years, Reiki is a core to who I am. Reiki is interwoven into the very fabric of my being, and I practice without thinking. I am for the most part at one with the Reiki Energy. I don’t need to connect to Reiki; I put my hands in position and the energy flows.
What became clear to me in my reflections was that I had been taught (and now teach) that we are shifting our awareness and attention from the wider world to perceive the energetic world of Reiki and strengthen our perception or Reiki senses. We move into a mindful presence noticing the Reiki energy and how it flows, practicing a different sense from our usually 5 senses. Rather than connecting to Reiki, we move inward and allow our perception to experience the world in a different way and realise our connection to the universe.
By approaching this idea of connection through a view of strengthening perception of energy/ universe rather than connection to energy/universe, we make a fundamental shift, removing barriers to a greater relationship with spirit and ourselves, and allow ourselves to understand that we are the universe.
Connection rituals have a place in practice, especially for those at the beginning of their journey. Realising that we are all interconnected may cause existential crisis for some students or just be a step too far for some to understand. However, if you are further along in your journey and are still connecting to Reiki, it may be time to evaluate your practise and your perception. At some point in your Reiki excursion, you become Reiki and one with the universe, and potentially by practising connection rituals you are holding yourself back in the next step of journey.
Many of us teach that you become one with Reiki, and for many students, it takes time (often years) to understand our interconnectedness with everything around us and the Universe. But we really need to think about how we present our activities and when we teach the shift from connecting, to noticing the connection that we have and strengthening our perception of the connection.
There is no universally correct way to practice or teach Reiki, but there are often sets of dogma associated with Reiki that cause divides within the community. We should be able to discuss approaches and ask questions about our practice and how we enhance our practice. So my first question to those who connect is, “If you don’t connect to Reiki and put your hands on yourself does the energy still flow?”
That leads to my next question: “Do you connect to Reiki or do you change your perception of the energy?”
Duncan Cross UKRF Education & Research Director
Reiki is a core to who I am. Reiki is interwoven into the very fabric of my being,
Two months as ERG President: A strong start for European Reiki collaboration
by Gavin Ford
Most UKRF members know we are part of something bigger, but not everyone sees the full picture behind the initials. The European Reiki Group [ERG] is a collective of national Reiki organisations working together to raise standards, share knowledge and strengthen the reputation of Reiki across Europe. It is not a governing body or a watchdog, it is a professional alliance where organisations come together as equals to develop best practice, improve training pathways and support one another’s growth.
Stepping into the role of ERG President two months ago has been a genuine privilege. The strength of the ERG lies entirely in its members, each bringing their own perspectives, traditions and areas of expertise. When national bodies openly share what works, what does not and what they have learned along the way, we all move faster. It is collaboration at its best.
A personal highlight was being interviewed by the ERG media team early in my term. I found the interest both humbling and quite surprising. It reminded me how deeply people care about the direction of Reiki in Europe and how keen they are to understand the work being done on their behalf. The engagement around that interview showed the value of transparent communication and reinforced my commitment to keeping the conversation open.
Momentum has also been strong on the membership front. We have already received formal applications from two new countries, with two more in active discussion. This growth is not about numbers, it is evidence that Reiki communities across Europe want connection, shared learning and a unified voice that supports high standards and ethical practice.
Another area of real joy has been the monthly ERG meditation and Reiki share, hosted in the language of that month’s country. The energy in these sessions regularly transcends the language barrier, which says a lot about the universality of Reiki. The UKRF hosted the November edition on 17 November, a beautiful evening of shared intention and connection that truly reflected the spirit of our organisation.
Looking ahead, we continue to grow ERG membership and put stronger structure around future initiatives. Watch this space for more detail as projects unfold. What matters most is that collaboration is deepening, trust is building and we are moving towards a more aligned European Reiki community.
As you would expect from the way the UKRF operates, stability and professionalism sit at the base of everything we do. This is exactly what we hope to contribute to the ERG, alongside our European friends.
By combining our strengths, sharing what we have learned and supporting one another’s progress, we can build something genuinely meaningful for practitioners, students and communities across Europe. The work is only just beginning, but the early signs are exciting. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and optimistic about what we can build together.
Gavin Ford ERG President & UKRF Operations Director
When national bodies openly share what works, what does not and what they have learned along the way, we all move faster. It is collaboration at its best.
The latest issue of ERG’s newsletter for November 2025, produced by UKRF.
The practice of Gedoku Chiryo
by Giancarlo Serra
Clearing and Purifying the Body–Mind System
It can also assist in strengthening the connection with one’s ‘True Self’. This technique can be offered to your client as part of a Reiki treatment - it can be incorporated in your self-treatment or used as a standalone practice.
Please follow these steps if you are treating a client:
• Rest your hands, palms down, on your thighs.
• Close your eyes and ‘hara-centre’ yourself: focus your awareness in your seika tanden.
• For a few moments, simply ‘be’ – silently and restfully ‘watching the breath’: loosely focusing on the natural rhythms of your breathing.
• Let yourself ‘see‘ and feel the Reiki pervading and permeating your entire being, aware that you are oneness.
• Perform Gassho rei and make a silent statement of intent that you are beginning the session.
• Whilst the client can be lying down for this treatment, it will generally be far easier to administer if they are sitting upright on a chair.
• Place your left hand on their tanden area, and place your right hand on their lower back at about the same level as the hand on their tanden.
• Be aware of the Reiki flow beneath your hands. You may silently affirm the desire that all toxins be gently cleared from the client.
• Let the Reiki flow. ‘See’ and feel the Reiki flow. Be in the experience.
• Stay with it as long as you intuit is appropriate.
• When you recognise that enough has been achieved for the current session, withdraw your hands from the client.
• Manifest kansha – gratitude – for having been granted this opportunity to assist your client to heal themselves.
To complete the procedure, perform Gassho rei. You can of course also self-treat with Gendoku Chiryo Ho, by placing the right hand on your forehead.
Giancarlo Serra
Reiki Master Teacher
Read more from Giancarlo here: https://www.giancarloserra.org/
Meet our team...catch up with three of our UKRF directors...
email: chair@reikifed.co.uk
“I joined the UK Reiki Federation in 2011 as a Area Representative for Surrey and also then joined the Management Committee, which I am very honoured to be a part of.
I am passionate about taking the UK Reiki Federation forward and expanding our wonderful organisation. As a qualified teacher and assessor, I am also part of the Education Team.”
Anne-Marie Carratu UKRF Chief Executive Officer
“I discovered Reiki in 2018 while looking for a practical way to manage stress, and it has stayed with me ever since. Now a Reiki Master Practitioner and Teacher based on the Isle of Wight, my role as COO focuses on the operational backbone of the UKRF, from systems and technology to the day-to-day processes that keep the organisation running smoothly.
I also serve as President of the European Reiki Group, supporting collaboration and shared standards across Europe. I’m grateful for the trust placed in me and excited about what we can build together.”
Gavin Ford
UKRF Chief Operations Officer
email: education@reikifed.co.uk
“I am an Associate Professor (Teaching and Learning) and the director of the Karuna Centre for Reiki Training.
I am a Reiki Master teacher with over 25 years of experience. I learned Reiki whilst studying my psychology degree in 1998. I am a Professor of Learning & Teaching, was awarded a National Teaching Fellowship in 2019. I also have considerable experience in professional recognition in a range of sectors and this experience helps me to support the UK Reiki Federation.
I am a 6th Generation Reiki Master Teacher through Lourdes and John Gray, and have the privilege of being the only licensed teacher to use their materials.”
Find out more about our team here: https://www.reikifed.co.uk/about-the-ukrf/
UKRF Member Benefits
As the largest professional Reiki organisation in the UK we are setting the highest standard for Reiki
Members’ benefits include:
FREE directory listing on the UKRF website
FREE events - online Reiki shares & webinars
Access to website resources, support in our Members’
Only section & use of UKRF logo
Preferential rate for practitioner insurance
Frequent updates about industry best practice
Regular e-magazine Reiki World containing interesting articles and updates
You can see more about your membership benefits on our website www.reikifed.co.uk/join/
We are passionate about supporting you on every step of your Reiki journey
UKRF are available in many ways, including through our social media channels. You can interact with us through any of these platforms by using the details below. It’s a great way for us to stay in touch with our members and to continue to support you.
Email: admin@reikifed.co.uk
UKRF Research Milestone: Celebrating our newly published paper
We are delighted to share an important achievement within the UK Reiki Federation: the publication of a new peer-reviewed research paper co-authored by members of our own UKRF Research Team. This is a significant milestone not only for those directly involved, but for our entire Reiki community.
Published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, the paper explores the experiences and outcomes of Reiki within therapeutic and wellbeing settings. Through careful analysis, reflective practitioner insight, and robust academic collaboration, the study contributes meaningful evidence to the growing body of Reiki research.
For the UK Reiki Federation, this moment represents something deeply valuable: the recognition that Reiki practitioners, when given the opportunity and support, can play an active part in shaping professional knowledge. Research of this calibre helps strengthen credibility, encourages informed discussion, and provides a foundation for further academic inquiry.
Our Research Team, composed of dedicated UKRF volunteers and experienced practitioners, has worked with commitment and integrity to bring this project to publication. Their efforts help ensure that Reiki is represented within academic and clinical spaces with clarity, accuracy, and respect for its spiritual origins.
This achievement also highlights the importance of practitioner-led research — studies rooted in real practice, real clients, and real experiences. By contributing to the evidence base, our members help build stronger understanding of Reiki’s role in wellbeing and provide future researchers with a platform to continue exploring the many ways Reiki supports individuals.
REIKI WORLD
We encourage all members to read the full paper, reflect on its findings, and share in the pride of this accomplishment. Research publication is no small feat — it requires time, dedication, and a passion for advancing our collective knowledge. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the research team and offer our gratitude for their contribution to the wider field.
To read the full article, visit: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229925001220?via%3Dihub
As we continue to expand our research initiatives, we hope this inspiring achievement will encourage more practitioners to explore, question, and contribute to the evolving understanding of Reiki. Together, we are helping shape the future of Reiki — one study at a time.
Complementary Therapies in Medicine is an international, peerreviewed, open access journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research on the role of complementary and integrative approaches in healthcare. The journal aims to advance safe, effective, and evidence-based practice, with a focus on the responsible integration of these approaches to enhance patient outcomes.
Equine Assisted Reiki Training
with Reiki Master Teacher Laura Barbour
Join us for a wide range of online events
We love sharing moments from our events, celebrations, and community on social media – it’s another way of keeping the Reiki connection flowing. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn to stay up-to-date with our events, and help spread the word. Together, we can keep our Reiki community thriving online!
Winter Wisdom: Japanese Principles for a Season of Stillness, Reflection & Connection
Winter arrives softly, inviting us into a world of quiet landscapes, crisp air, and gentle introspection. As the pace of life naturally slows, this season becomes a powerful opportunity to turn inward, reconnect with our Reiki practice, and honour both the stillness and subtle movement within.
Japanese philosophy offers a wealth of wisdom that beautifully complements the themes of winterreflection, renewal, family, and harmony. In this issue, we explore several principles that can support and inspire your Reiki path during the colder months.
Wabi-Sabi: Embracing Imperfection & Impermanence
Winter reveals nature in its simplest form - bare trees, softened light, frost-kissed ground. This quiet beauty mirrors Wabi-Sabi, the appreciation of imperfection and the natural cycle of change.
As Reiki practitioners, we can embrace Wabi-Sabi by allowing ourselves to be present as we are, without striving for perfection. Winter encourages release, acceptance, and renewal—reminding us that healing unfolds in cycles, just like nature.
Seijaku: Stillness as a Source of Power
Meaning tranquility or silence, Seijaku captures the essence of winter’s peaceful pause. During this season, we can intentionally cultivate moments of stillness in our Reiki practice, allowing the energy to flow more freely and with greater depth.
In the quiet of winter, Seijaku becomes a guiding light—helping us reconnect with our inner landscape and the subtle wisdom that emerges when the world slows down.
Shinrin-Yoku: Nature as Medicine - Even in Winter
Forest bathing may conjure images of green leaves and warm sunlight, but winter offers its own restorative atmosphere. The muted palette, the hush of the air, and the deeper stillness create a unique environment for grounding and reflection.
Connecting with nature during winter—whether a woodland walk, a mindful moment with a tree, or simply observing the season’s beauty—can complement Reiki self-practice and help restore clarity, energy, and balance.
Mushin: A Clear Mind & an Open Heart
Mushin, the concept of “no-mind,” is the state of letting go - of worry, expectation, and mental clutter. Winter’s spaciousness gently nudges us toward this clarity.
In Reiki, Mushin invites us to release overthinking and allow universal energy to guide the flow. With fewer distractions, winter becomes a natural time to deepen presence, intuition, and inner calm.
Family, Community & Celebration – The Winter Heart
Winter is also a season of coming together, sharing warmth, and honouring the people who support us. Several Japanese principles beautifully reflect these themes:
Wa: Harmony & Unity
Wa encourages us to nurture peaceful relationships and foster harmony within ourselves and our homes. During winter gatherings, Reiki practitioners can embody Wa by creating calm, balanced environments that support connection.
Omoiyari: Compassion & Thoughtfulness
This principle reminds us to act with kindness, empathy, and sensitivity - qualities deeply aligned with Reiki. Winter celebrations offer a time to express Omoiyari through presence, listening, and gentle acts of care.
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Winter Wisdom: Japanese Principles for a Season of Stillness, Reflection & Connection
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Kotodama: The Spirit of Words
Kotodama teaches that words carry energy. In a season full of conversation, reflection, and storytelling, mindful communication becomes its own form of healing - uplifting both giver and receiver.
Kazoku: Family & Belonging
Whether we define family through blood, friendship, or community, winter brings opportunities to honour these connections. Reiki can support this by helping us send warmth, gratitude, and healing to the people who shape our lives.
Honouring Winter as a Reiki Practitioner
Winter invites us to slow down, reflect, and align with what matters most. Through principles like Wabi-Sabi, Seijaku, Mushin, and Wa, we find inspiration to deepen our practice and reconnect with the gentle wisdom of the season.
As you move through the coming months, may you be nourished by quiet moments, restored by stillness, and strengthened by the harmony that winter brings. Try these practices to bring the seasonal energy in:
• Winter Gassho Ritual
A slow, still Gassho with deep breathing to cultivate Seijaku (calm). Focus: Hands warming, breath softening, mind settling.
• Reiki Self-Hand Positions for Grounding
Emphasise belly (Hara), shoulders, and heart to support stability in darker months. Focus: Inner warmth and rooting.
• Candlelight Reiki Moment
Practice Reiki beside a candle to invite Mushin (clarity). Why: Light in darkness symbolises inner guidance.
• 5-Minute Wabi-Sabi Reflection
Place hands over heart and gently reflect on: “What am I ready to release? What beauty is here, even in imperfection?”
Winter Nature Connection: A Shinrin-Yoku Style Walk
A short, guided walk:.
Step outside with intention:
Notice the quiet. Feel the air. Notice bare branches. Place hands together briefly and send gratitude to nature. Finish with 1–2 minutes of Reiki self-treatment
Winter invites us to slow down, reflect, and align with what matters most.
Join the Movement: Volunteering with the UK Reiki Federation
In today’s fast-paced world, more people than ever are turning to holistic approaches like Reiki to find balance, healing, and wellbeing. As the demand for alternative therapies continues to grow, the UK Reiki Federation offers an exciting opportunity for dedicated individuals to make a difference - and reap personal and professional rewards as volunteers. Here’s what you need to know about becoming a valued part of this vibrant community.
Why Volunteer? The Personal and Professional Edge
Volunteering goes beyond simple community service; it’s a pathway to improved mental health and personal growth. Research consistently shows that engaging in volunteer activities can lower stress levels, boost selfesteem, and foster a sense of purpose. In fact, a report by the UK Office for National Statistics found that older adults who volunteer are 22% less likely to suffer from depression. Such activities help individuals feel connected and valued - key ingredients for overall wellbeingespecially important for those on their Reiki journey.
The Changing Landscape of Wellness
Volunteering goes beyond simple community service; it’s a pathway to improved mental health and personal growth.
The wellness industry in the UK is expanding rapidly, now valued at over £23 billion in 2024. This growth reflects a societal shift towards valuing holistic health practices like Reiki, mindfulness, and other complementary therapies. In a time when the world faces increased stress, uncertainty, and disconnect, the need for strong communities that support healing, connection, and professionalisation of these therapies has never been more urgent. Cultivating a sense of community is crucial to shifting the trajectory of health - from fragmented treatment models to integrated, accessible approaches that empower individuals and strengthen the fabric of healing.
Supporting Career Transitions Through Volunteering
Another compelling reason to volunteer is its value for those experiencing a career transition. Research shows that individuals shifting careers often turn to volunteering as a strategic tool for growth. It provides opportunities to develop relevant skills, expand professional networks, and explore new fields without the immediate pressures of paid employment. For many in transition, volunteering boosts confidence, enhances self-efficacy, and reduces feelings of uncertainty. It serves as a stepping stone that can lead to new career opportunities, personal fulfilment, and a clearer sense of purpose during times of change.
Flexible Opportunities for Every Commitment
One of the best aspects of volunteering with the UK Reiki Federation is flexibility. Whether you can spare an hour a week or more, there are roles suited to your schedule and interests. Short-term volunteers might assist with administrative tasks, social media outreach, or community engagement efforts. For those ready to take on more responsibility, opportunities include organising events, supporting training programs, or helping with operational tasks like compliance and project coordination. No matter your level of experience, your involvement can make a meaningful difference.
Top Reasons to Volunteer
• Gain New Skills: Enhance communication, leadership, organisation, or even marketing abilities.
• Build Your Network: Meet like-minded individuals and professional contacts in the thriving wellness community.
• Boost Confidence: Contribute to projects that support your growth and deepen your understanding of Reiki and holistic health.
• Personal Development: Experience a sense of achievement, gain new perspectives, and reflect on your journey.
Be Part of the Future of Reiki
Getting involved with the UK Reiki Federation is more than volunteering - it’s joining a passionate community committed to healing and wellbeing. Whether you’re just starting or have years of experience, volunteering is a powerful way to expand your practice, build your reputation, and help elevate Reiki’s role in today’s health landscape.
Volunteering with the UK Reiki Federation offers a rewarding experience that nurtures personal growth, and supports career development. As the wellness industry continues to flourish and the need for strong community connections intensifies, now is the perfect time to get involved. Your contribution, big or small, can shape the future of Reiki in the UK - and make a positive impact on countless lives.
The Reiki Principles
The UK Reiki Federation prides itself on working to these principles and values.
The Reiki Principles
To bring the spiritual depth into everyday life, Mikao Usui, the founder of the system of Reiki, created a set of five principles (or precepts). They can be found on his memorial stone in the grounds of the Saihoji Temple in Tokyo. He called them...
‘The secret method of inviting good fortune. The marvellous medicine for all sickness.’
Every morning and every night sit in Gassho (palms placed together) and speak these words out loud in your heart - Mikao Usui
The Power of Positive Mental Energy
by Tanya Leiper
I have previously written about the wonderful effects of thinking and speaking about our animals positively, and how this can lift and direct lovely positive energy, not only towards our animals, but also towards ourselves and any challenges that we might face together.
I love to give the example of the end of my riding lesson when my coach says, “Tell me something that went well.” This is an excellent way of helping to focus positive energy, not only towards myself but also towards my equine partner no matter how things went during our lesson together.
When we look at this within the broader context of our lives we must first realise and accept that life is not simple and that one of the certainties of our lives is that we will face challenges, some huge and seemingly insurmountable, while others may be small and more easily resolved.
The challenges that we face are all part of the wonderful fabric of our growth and self-development within this plane and since each of us walks a different path our overall life experience will always ultimately be unique to us.
When things are going well it is quite easy to enjoy bouncing along delighting in the moment and relishing the wonderful positive energy that surrounds us.
The great challenge always comes when things are not going so well, and it is during these times that it is most important to be kind to ourselves.
Taking time to stop and share lots of lovely positive Reiki energy with ourselves will help to nurture and support us while we are working our way through the messier more difficult parts of our lives.
As well as the act of sharing Reiki, taking time to think of a positive, even if it is only a tiny one will help to lift our mental energy and shine that tiny candle of light into what might otherwise feel like or be quite a dark situation.
By keeping that tiny candle of mental positivity lit it will quietly nurture and support us until we feel more able to light that second candle, then the third and so on.
“Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”
What an excellent saying this is and it really makes me smile, especially since it comes a from piece of children’s fiction, I am sure all Harry Potter fans will recognise it.
Personally, I find that a marvellous way of doing this is just by getting outside and taking a walk with my dogs, while enjoying their company and admiring the beauty of the natural world around us. It is amazing how mentally as well a physically refreshing this is.
And I suppose I am taking the long way round in saying that it is just as important to nurture our positive mental energy, as our physical energy, and a wonderful way of doing this is by finding a way of looking for the positives within life even if this can be difficult at times.
Tanya Leiper Reiki Master & UKRF Member
Geshe Lama Ahbay Tulku Rinpoche visits Caerphilly and Newport for the first time
by Lisa Pryce-Jones
My partner, David Muzzlewhite, and I were honoured to welcome Tibetan Buddhist monk Geshe Lama Ahbay Tulku Rinpoche to Newport South Wales for the very first time. During his stay in Newport, Rinpoche experienced the historic wonders of Caerphilly Castle and Tredegar House, while also sharing his profound teachings, blessings, and healing sessions with the local community.
Born in 1973, Ahbay Rinpoche entered the Gaden Monastery in South India at the age of seven. By nine, he had taken vows with the Dalai Lama’s senior tutor, Kabje Ling Rinpoche, receiving the name Thubten Tendar. At twelve, His Holiness the Dalai Lama recognised him as the third reincarnation of Ahbay Rinpoche. After decades of rigorous study in Buddhist philosophy, he attained the title of Geshe (Doctor of Buddhist Philosophy) and now serves as head of the Yega Choling Monastery in South India.
For more than 15 years, Rinpoche has travelled worldwide, sharing wisdom with compassion, kindness, and humour. His UK tour this year included blessing ceremonies including London, Manchester, Cardiff, and Swansea, before joining Lisa and David in Newport. During his five-day stay, Ahbay Rinpoche:
• Shared teachings with our Reiki students and special guests, including a puja, blessing ceremony, and open Q&A.
• Offered one-to-one healing sessions in our beautiful therapy space in Rhiwderin Village.
• Conducted a special blessing ceremony on a centuries-old oak tree in front of our home, extending healing to the village community.
• Carried out blessings for two new businesses in Cardiff and Swansea. As a gesture of thanks, Ahbay Rinpoche presented us with two sacred embroidered wall hangings:
• Green Tara Buddha – symbolising compassion, swift action, and overcoming fear.
• Medicine Buddha – the bright blue Buddha of healing, personally signed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Together, our efforts raised £1,000 for the Ahbay Rinpoche Monastery Fund, supporting the construction of a new monastery in South India. Due to be completed in June 2027, the monastery will accommodate over 100 monks as well as visitors.
Before returning to India, Ahbay Rinpoche travelled to Bristol, Glastonbury, and Stroud, continuing to share his wisdom across the UK. He plans to visit the UK again in 2026 and we are delighted that he has expressed that he would like to stay with us again.
His presence was an incredible gift – a reminder of the timeless wisdom and compassion that unites healing traditions across cultures.
We also captured a rare moment when Ahbay Rinpoche and his student monk, Tenzin, agreed to have their energy fields photographed using Kirlian photography, revealing their unique and deeply spiritual energy.
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Geshe Lama Ahbay Tulku Rinpoche visits
Caerphilly and Newport for the first time
by Lisa Pryce-Jones
(Continued from page 29)
Throughout history, every culture has embraced healing traditions, from the hands-on healing of Jesus, Reiki in Japan, Māori healing in New Zealand, Aboriginal healing in Australia, Ayurveda practices in India, Shamanic practices in South America, and Tibetan spiritual blessings passed down through generations - to name just a few. Healing is a universal language of the heart, reminding us that wherever we come from, the intention to restore balance and wellbeing connects us all.
If you would like to experience a healing session (in person or via Zoom) with myself or David or would like to find out more on how you can learn to heal yourself and others with our Reiki courses in beautiful South Wales, get in touch now:
We are pleased to offer our own range of UKRF branded clothing! The full range is available to view on our website. All items bear the UK Reiki Federation logo to add professionalism to your therapy business. The t-shirts, hoodies and polo shirts are available in various colours and sizes. View the full selection of styles and colours, and place your order via our website:
Shop online at www.reikifed.co.uk/shop
UK Reiki Federation Members’ Resources
As part of your UKRF membership you have access to exclusive resources in a special area of our website. Why not log in and have a look? We have more member benefits coming along all the time so check back regularly. This is where we have the member guidelines which we update regularly whenever there is new information and where we publish event info. www.reikifed.co.uk
On your mobile: Click the 3 lines, then scroll down to ‘Login’ to access the Members Area
Our current FREE online member events are:
Reiki Shares (Virtual via Zoom)
The UKRF Reiki share gives members the opportunity to join together to simply give and receive Reiki to help nurture, heal and support themselves, as well as others. We have various hosts for these events and at different times of the day during the week - so hopefully there’s a suitable time for everyone.
Wellbeing Webinars (Virtual via Zoom)
We will hold regular live webinars to offer support during challenging times and allow members the opportunity to connect with others. The webinars guide members through techniques and tips to use in their daily life. Webinars to date have included: Managing worry, fear, anxiety and stress, Boosting confidence in yourself, Creating a positive culture around yourself. All webinars can be accessed on the members page and contribute towards CPD.
AGM (Virtual via Zoom)
The UK Reiki Federation Reiki AGM (and other related observances) are annual events designed to bring people together whilst providing a platform to learn, research & support individual wellbeing and all within the Reiki community. These events are FREE to members.
ACCREDITED COURSES è
The UK Reiki Federation is happy to highlight courses offered by those Teacher members who have undergone the UKRF course verification process and achieved the status of an accredited course provider. Accredited courses comply with the National occupational standards (NOS) for Reiki and the UKRF considers such courses appropriate for training purposes. The directory includes courses which are suitable for Professional Practitioner training (NOS) and Practitioner training recorded as “Practitioner”. There are also courses which are suitable for CPD (Continuing & Professional Development), recorded as “CPD”.
“Professional Practitioner” courses have been checked against the National Occupational Standards for Reiki to ensure that all topics are included.
“CPD” courses (members only) are those which we feel would be beneficial to Reiki Practitioners.
Please also note that this list is not exhaustive and that our Teacher members all over the country also offer training courses and you may contact any of those Teachers.
Would you like to advertise your courses, retreats, holiday accommodation, supplies, books, new age items etc. to like minded individuals? Please send your adverts to publications@reikifed.co.uk
FULL COLOUR ADS & FEATURES PER ISSUE
Eighth page (105 x 70mm)
Quarter page (portrait 140 x 105mm)
Half page (landscape 140 x 210mm)
Full page (portrait 285 x 210mm)
Full page back cover (when available)
£25
£50
£75
£100
£125
Courses and retreats to be advertised by members only.
LEAFLETS
The colourful UK Reiki Federation ‘Client/Patient’ leaflets and ‘Information for the Carers of Animal & Pet Clients’ leaflets are an ideal way to explain about Reiki to clients and to anyone who would benefit from receiving information about it. They are available for purchase by members. £1.50 each or:
25 leaflets …........ £8.00
50 leaflets ….…… £12.00
100 leaflets ……... £18.00
200 leaflets ……… £30.00
Prices for ‘Client/Patient’ leaflets include postage and packing. Members may also request 25 copies of the UK Reiki Federation promotional leaflet free of charge, with a contribution of £1.50 for postage and packing if being requested without any other purchase. The UKRF information leaflets are popular with Teacher members who use them to advise their students about the UK Reiki Federation.
TO ORDER
Please visit our website and can be found by clicking on ‘Shop ►Publications’ or type in this link into your browser: https://www.reikifed.co.uk/product-category/publications/
