There’s been quite a lot of discussion within the Reiki community as to whether or not start up in-person classes again due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some teachers have created online classes, others have begun in-person classes again and still others are doing a hybrid of both. Inherently, we all want to do the right thing to keep ourselves and our students safe. I went through my own reservations as to whether or not I should start in-person classes again. While I created one workshop online and host weekly meditations for my students and clients, I personally feel that taking a Reiki I, II or teacher training is something that should be done in person. Interconnectedness, non-duality, and oneness are all essential elements of teaching Reiki and it is very difficult to teach these concepts if we are not in the same physical space. I have had several people contact me who have taken online Reiki I classes and who now feel a bit lost on how to proceed with their practice. In my opinion, in-person classes offer the support and encouragement of the teacher, as well as the community created within the classroom itself.
Designing a way to bring Reiki classes back into the community took some time and research. Following the guidelines recommended by the Department of Health and CDC were an important factor for me in beginning again. Students need to know what they are walking into and I began by creating the following policy, which is on my website: All students will have their temperature checked prior to entering the classroom space; I will be wearing a face mask during the entire class; students are required to wear masks covering their mouth and nose at all times; hand sanitizer will be made readily available and its use encouraged; a Honeywell HPA 300 True Air purifier will be running during the entire class; students will be seated six feet apart; disposable sheets and pillow cases will be used on the massage tables; hands-on Reiki will be discussed, however we will be sharing Reiki with each other from a distance of six feet; the Reiju (spiritual blessing) will also be socially distanced. Students are encouraged to let me know when we need to take a break to go outside for some fresh air. All areas are wiped down completely with sanitizing wipes between classes/sessions. If students have any symptoms, they should NOT come to class.
Of course, anyone can write a policy, but it also has to be enforced, otherwise ethical issues can arise. The moment you decide that you are going to break the policy, you lose the trust of your students and clients.
While to some, these policies may seem extreme, it is my intention to keep everyone healthy and safe. It’s not only my responsibility as a registered nurse, but also as a professional Reiki teacher and practitioner. In moving forward with teaching in-person classes, I am also aligning with the Reiki Precepts:
For today only (because that’s all we have),
Do not anger (recognizing we all have our own way and I can only control mine)
Do not worry (protocols help to keep everyone safe)
Be grateful (having a space to teach safely)
Be honest in your work (maintaining an ethical practice)
Be compassionate to yourself and others (daily meditation, self-Reiki and mindfully offering Reiki classes and sessions during a pandemic, when it is so needed!)
One of my intentions for this blog was to encourage other Reiki teachers to begin teaching in-person classes again. Right now there are so many people who could benefit from Reiki as a self-care practice. We have no idea how long this will be our new way of being, but together we can find ways to safely and mindfully begin teaching in-person again.