Reiki Principles in Action

The other day after I posted the five Reiki Principles, I started thinking that it’s not enough to only say these first thing in the morning, but it’s also important to take the opportunities that are presented to us and to put them into practice as well. By doing this, we elevate ourselves as humans and as spiritual beings.

For example, there is a doughnut shop by my house and I decided the other day that I had to have a doughnut. I don’t go there often for myself, mostly to buy doughnuts for work, but when there is a call, it is usually best to answer it. They have a Happy Hour at the shop and it stays busy until they run out of doughnuts. A dozen costs you $12.50, but during Happy Hour the cost is only $6.25.

I parked and walked into the shop and it was crazy! The two drive-thru windows were busy and there were three or four people ahead of me and more that came in behind me. Looking inside, I’m thinking that the doughnut isn’t worth the wait and I start to leave when I get a feeling to stay put. So, I stay in line and smile at the woman ahead of me.

As I am waiting, I hear the server ask a young woman if she would like the special, a dozen doughnuts for $6.25. She says no, she is unable to because she only has $6.00. The server looks at her and doesn’t offer to forego the quarter for the dozen. I lean forward, feeling a bit awkward because I was listening to someone else's conversation, and quietly tell her that I have the money she’ll need for the doughnuts. I figure with tax and the $0.25, one dollar should do it. She gave me a huge smile and gratefully accepted the cash. I thought, “Okay, here is Reiki Principle #5, I Will Be Kind.”

It turned out the young woman was very indecisive and that picking out a dozen doughnuts was a monumental task for her. I watched as she made one difficult decision after another. What would have been a 30-second or less exercise for me (give me a dozen, no colored icing or sprinkles) took her about 20 minutes.

I was fascinated watching her. She would lean in, look at a tray, shake her head and look into another display case. This process was repeated twelve times for twelve different doughnuts. The man behind me started shifting and sighing and showing everyone his displeasure. I turned and looked at him and whispered “Isn’t she cute? It must be a really big deal for her.” Almost instantly his face softened and any anger he felt was gone. Reiki Principle #1, “Just for today, I Will Not Anger.”

The woman in front of me gave me a nudge with her arm and told me she didn’t think I would do that again! We both laughed and I said I was a slow learner and I was sure this wouldn’t be the last time. She smiled, nodded, and told me not to worry, it was a good thing, sometimes people needed to take a break and waiting in line was a great way to meet new people. Principle # 2, “…I Will Not Worry,” in action!

The young lady finally finished and thanked the clerk, who smiled and told her it was his pleasure, she’d made his day. As I looked at him smiling, I realized how much he really did love his job. Reiki Principle #4, “…I will do my work honestly.”

As she turned to leave, my indecisive young lady looked at me with shining eyes and said, “Thank you so much! My mom is going to love these!” She wasn’t even buying them for herself! She handed me $0.75 (no tax at the doughnut shop) and she seemed to skip out the door with her box in her arms. Reiki Principle #3? Definitely: “I Am Grateful For My Many Blessings.” But the gratefulness was not only felt by her.

I felt it. I was grateful that I was in the right place at the right time and that such a small act, giving $0.25, could have such a huge effect. The gentleman behind me and the woman in front of me have a beautiful story to tell when they get home. It might even spark a discussion on acts of kindness! The young woman gets to bring home unexpected joy to her family.

And me? I got to bond momentarily with kindred souls, even if they didn’t know it. I was also reminded that we should not miss opportunities when they are presented to us. They could be in the form of something as small as picking up a piece of trash or giving someone $0.25, or as large as finding a way to bring about world peace. By paying attention, we can elevate ourselves and others and fly like we have wings on our feet!

Be well…

Rayne