9 Things That Can Hurt Your "Reiki"

Reiki is Universal Energy. (Rei=Universal, Ki=Energy) Everyone has this universal energy flowing within them. It is divine and cannot be destroyed. The natural flow of this energy, however, can be blocked. Many things we do in modern life are enemies to natural energy flow.

Here are 9 things that can disrupt the flow of your Reiki:

1. Lack of Exercise - You have to keep moving. It is a wonderful gift to your body and your mind to stay physically active. (This is one of the hardest things for me to be vigilant about.) Yoga is one of the best ways to keep the flow going and to stay healthy. (And it's perfect for an Earth-bound Virgo like me.)

2. GMOs in Your Diet/Poor Diet - There are so many toxins in our food today - things that are actually changing our DNA and hindering our ability to function properly. If you don't know what's actually in your food, I suggest you watch a few documentaries like Food, Inc. or FRESH, or start investigation on the Internet. You will be amazed at the real truth about our food system.

3. Too Much Alcohol - This one is pretty obvious. Only you can determine what is the right amount of alcohol for you. I stick to small amounts of Sake (it's alkaline). Alcohol can cause major blocks in energy - so be careful with how much you consume. (Hangovers feel bad for a reason.)

4. Stress - This one is really the worst thing that can happen to a body, mind, and spirit. We have to recognize how dangerous stress is on all of us. And we have to make it a priority to not allow it in our lives. Period.

5. Drugs - This one might seem obvious, but I am including prescription drugs on this one too. And pot isn't on this list. (By drugs, I mean Harmful drugs.) Hard drugs like cocaine and meth are obviously bad for us, but prescription drugs have very scary side effects too and can be seriously addictive. The deaths associated with prescription drugs each year is mind-blowing. There are no deaths from pot. Ever.

6. Tobacco - I don't have to say why tobacco is bad - we all know it is.

7. Negative Habits/Negative Thinking - Our minds are so powerful. When we think negative thoughts, we make negative things happen. Negative thoughts and habits will make negative things happen to energy flow as well. (Saying negative things will also hurt your Reiki. Remember to always speak with a positive attitude.)

8. Poor Breathing - Stop right here. Take a slow, deep breath through your nose. Hold it for half a second. Now take a slow deep exhale through your mouth. Feel the difference? Didn't that feel good? Every now and then, we have to stop and take slow, deep cleansing breaths.

9. Not Enough Sleep - The greatest gift you can give yourself is sleep. Getting enough rest also reduces stress. Make sure you get the sleep you need - this will always give you more balanced energy.

Along with taking better care of yourself, one of the best ways to restore your blocked energy is to get a Reiki session. Your Reiki practitioner can help get your chakras aligned -which always aids in balancing your body's healing energy. Another thing that helps your energy is laughing! Do it often.