There is no right or wrong way to learn Reiki. You will get the most out of your experience if you choose a class and teacher that resonates with your sytle of learning the most. This is where asking to meet with or talk to potential teachers can be beneficial to choosing the best class for you. Every teacher I have met loves to talk about Reiki so do not hesitate to set up some interviews before deciding!
There are as many different teachers as there are types of Reiki. Most Reiki teachers are independent teachers. As a result, there is no “standard” way of teaching this beautiful energy practice. Reiki is a highly personal practice so everyone will experience it differently.
Listed below are a few things to remember when choosing a Reiki teacher. Followed by a summary of questions to ask potential teachers.
~ Personality/Ethics: Does the teacher consistently talk less of other teachers? Is student information kept confidential? Does the teacher create a safe and comfortable space? Does the teacher claim to know everything about Reiki? Learning doesn’t stop once the class ends. Reiki teachers are not able to teach you everything there is to know about Reiki. Teachers can pass the attunements, teach the history of the practice, energy centers and how to apply the energy but it’s the energy that teaches the most. The more we practice the more the healing energy teaches us. I’ve been practicing for 9 years and teaching for 2 1/2 yrs and I’m learning something new about Reiki all the time! Trust your feelings and your intuition.
~ Lineage: There are many different styles of Reiki. Some claim to teach Reiki and it’s something completely different. Usui Shiki Ryoho is the most common Reiki taught and it’s lineage includes Takata who brought Reiki from Japan to Hawaii. Since then teachers have added their own touches while still retaining the lineage. If lineage is important to you find out what style of Reiki is being taught and research.
~ Length of training. The length of study for Reiki Level 1 varies depending on the instructor. Courses vary from intensive 2-3 day weekend workshops all the way up to 4 months. I’ve even seen Reiki classes posted that are 1 day for 2 hours. Think about your learning style and how much time you are willing and able to invest in the classroom. Longer classes allow for more practice time, more questions to be answered and greater bonding between peers. Any Reiki training is beneficial and powerful regardless of the length. Again it’s about personal preference. Below are a few examples of training length:
2-3 day Weekend Workshops: These weekend courses are intensive and last all day each day. Most Reiki Level 1 classes are taught in this format and are easy to find on the internet.
1- 4 month Reiki classes: These classes typically meet once a week for 2-3 hours for 1-4 months. They usually include volunteer clinics towards the last few weeks of class giving students the oportunity to practice on and get feed-back from the general public
~ Cost/Financial investment. Most of us are caught up with the idea that the more expensive something is the higher the quality. That is not a true statement in most cases. Since Reiki practitioners & teachers are independent they have the freedom to decide what they will charge for their services. Classes can range in price from $67 to $400 for Level 1. The cost of a Reiki class can vary greatly depending on a number of factors including the classroom location and length of years teaching. Reiki practitioners tend to draw students of differing backgrounds. We all have a budget to maintain. That being said, don’t limit your Reiki training by price alone. Even if the class seems out of your range, ask to meet with the teacher. Ask about bartering or payment plans. Some teachers will barter for a portion of or all of your training. It doesn’t hurt to ask. Also, classes that are lower in cost does not mean you are getting less quality training. Ask to meet with or call the teachers that resonate with you.
~ One-on-one instruction: Don’t feel comfortable learning and sharing your healing experience with a group of people you don’t know? Don’t despair. There are lots of Reiki teachers that will teach one-on-one. Some may charge a higher fee depending on their schedule. One-on-one training allows the teacher to tailor the Reiki course to the students’ needs and preferences. If the teacher does not openly state they teach one-on-one in their materials, don’t hesitate to ask. They may make an exception if they feel a good match.
Summary of Questions to ask your potential instructor. (If not clear in description of course and policies)
What is the enrollment limit for your class? (10 students or fewer are best unless there are multiple teachers.)
What is your style of teaching? (All lecture? All hands-on? A mix of styles?)
How much practice time will we get? (Reiki is the teacher, the best way to learn is to practice!)
Are you available for questions/guidance after the end of the course?
Do I have to participate or share if I don’t feel comfortable?
What is your lineage or what style of Reiki do you teach?
Can I see the space before I decide to take the class?
I have tried to include all the questions that I feel are the most important. You can also ask your own questions. Ultimately you should trust your own instincts. Meeting with a teacher before committing to attending class will increase your chance of getting the most from your training.
Wishing you the best of luck in your search! For information on my upcoming Reiki classes email me at melissa.ameika@gmail.com
