This episode is born out of the reckoning I have had with myself over the last couple of months about my spiritual practice, and also the harmful ideas that I’ve seen floating around within the spiritual community. I also talk about the problem with “chakras”, the inconsistencies in Reiki, and how it’s a problem that there is a lack of Black representation within the Reiki community.
This episode might bring up some uncomfortable feelings for you. I encourage you to sit with your discomfort and maybe write down what specifically triggered that discomfort. I also encourage you to take a deep breath and listen with an open mind because more than likely some of your beliefs are going to be challenged. But challenging our beliefs is how we grow. Think of this episode as an invitation – especially if you are white. Reflect before reacting.
Like I mentioned in the episode, go check out The Spirit House Collective founded by AJA, the Spirit Guide Coach. If you are white or white passing, find out how to become a True Wellness Ally to help provide free and discounted workshops for BBIPOC+. If you are BBIPOC+, you can find out how to join the True Wellness Sponsorship Program.
Update October 29, 2020: I recently listened to an episode of Inciting a Riot that I highly encourage listeners to check out. Episode 153: Inciting a Decolonizing Reiki Riot, an incredibly amazing conversation with Marika Clymer.
Resources
Articles and blog posts exploring Reiki, hand positions, chakras, and the Hara:
- Who was Iris Ishikuro
- Historical Reiki Inconsistencies
- Did Dr. Usui use Hand Positions with Reiki?
- Reiki and the Seven Chakras
- Practicing Reiki? Hold the Chakras
- Truth About the Chakras
- The Rainbow Body: How the Western Chakra System came to be
- “Reiki Balances the Chakras”: a Japanese Healing Practice in New Age India
- Reiki Energetic System
- The Hara, the Source of Life and the Navel, the Gate of Spirit
Educators
Here are the anti-racism educators and/or offerings that I mentioned in this episode:
- Spiritual Activism 101 & 102 with Rachel Ricketts – Get educated on cultural appropriation in 102 (but don’t skip 101!)
- Inner Field Trips with Leesa Renee Hall – For highly sensitive folx
- Anti-racism education & community with Louiza “Weeze” Doran – There are workshops available as well as a community on Podia you can join (I highly recommend signing up for at least the Crew – Interview Series level because the interviews are gold). Weeze also co-hosts the podcast That’s Not How That Works
- History and anti-racism education with Lettie Shumate – There is a community on Patreon where she shares real history. Lettie also hosts the podcast Sincerely, Lettie
- Anti-racism education with Myisha T – There are webinars availabile, as well as a Co-Conspirators Lounge via Podia. Myisha also hosts the podcast Co-Conspired Conversations
Other Mentions
- Breathwork for the People – A collective of breathwork practitioners working to build an anti-oppressive, trauma-informed breathwork community
- Good Ancestor Podcast with Layla F. Saad – This is the interview with Rebekah Borucki I mentioned. The part I specifically referenced can be found at 18:50