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I was inspired to write this after writing a brief section about Reiki and grief in my weekly email newsletter.
Grief is a deeply personal and unique journey.
Reiki offers a beautiful way to support yourself through each stage. Whether you’re in a state of resistance or finding peace, Reiki can help bring balance, clarity, and healing to your emotional body.
1. Denial
In this stage, we may struggle to accept the reality of our loss. Use Reiki to gently calm your nervous system by focusing on your heart chakra. Place your hands over your chest, breathe deeply, and invite light into your heart. Visualize this light slowly dissolving any resistance you may feel, helping to create space for acceptance and emotional peace. Reiki can help soothe the depths of denial and allow you to gently begin processing your emotions.
2. Anger
Anger is a natural response to loss, but it can feel overwhelming and all-consuming. To work with this emotion, place your hands on your solar plexus chakra (located above your navel). This is the energy center that governs personal power and control. Sending Reiki to this area can help release any fiery emotions and bring a sense of calm and clarity. Visualize the energy softening the sharp edges of your anger and filling you with peace, allowing you to move through this stage with more ease.
3. Bargaining
When we’re in the bargaining stage, we may find ourselves wishing for things to be different or trying to “make deals” with the universe. Reiki can help you ground and center yourself in the present moment. Focus on your root chakra, which connects you to the Earth. Place your hands on the base of your spine and breathe deeply. As you send Reiki to this area, imagine a calming, grounding energy flowing up from the Earth, helping you release any “what ifs” and guiding you toward acceptance.
4. Depression
Depression can feel like a heavy fog, making it difficult to move forward. Reiki can help lighten this weight. Focus on your heart chakra, as it holds the energy of love and healing. Place your hands over your heart and visualize a bright green or pink light filling your chest. Allow this light to soothe the sadness and encourage emotional healing. Reiki can provide a sense of support, offering the gentle nurturing energy you need to lift the fog of grief and continue the healing process toward becoming whole again.
5. Acceptance
In the final stage of grief, we begin to find peace with our loss. Reiki can help you celebrate this shift in energy by focusing on your crown chakra (at the top of your head). This is the energy center of spiritual connection and enlightenment. Place your hands lightly on your crown and visualize a beam of white light connecting you to the divine. As Reiki flows through you, invite clarity and peace into your mind and Spirit. This energy will help you find closure and a sense of calm as you move forward in your journey.
Reiki reminds us that we’re never alone in our grief. The great bright light of Reiki energy is available to all of us - a steady companion we can call upon as we walk hand-in-hand with each stage of mourning. You don’t need to be a master to access it. With simple intention, breath, and touch, you can awaken healing energy and invite it to guide you through your sorrow, denial, rage, bargaining, despair…and into peace.
And if you’re feeling the need for extra support, know that you don’t have to walk in solitude. A full Reiki session via Zoom with someone who has not only trained in this healing art but has also personally navigated the gritty, soul-stretching terrain of grief - someone like me - can be a deeply nourishing gift to give yourself. Your healing journey is sacred, and you deserve to be held in the compassionate, empowering light of Reiki.
If your Soul is nudging you to reach out for my help, I keep my Reiki rates VERY accessible. You can book a 30-minute or 60-minute session HERE.