This preparation guide is designed for an ideal scenario, but remember that Reiki is rooted in the practice of nonattachment. Approach the guidance below with lightness and self-compassion. Even if you’re unable to follow the steps outlined here, you will still receive the healing. However, you may find it more challenging to sense or track the experience fully. And that’s ok! You are doing your best, and that is enough.
Preparing for Animal Sessions
You don’t need to be present during your pet’s Reiki session, but you’re welcome to be if you’d like. Ideally, sessions should be scheduled during a time when your pet is naturally calm and less active. For example, if you typically take them for a walk at 5:30 PM after work, that’s probably not the best time. A quieter time, like when you’re at work and the house is peaceful, would work much better.
Playing the optional playlist during the session can also enhance the experience—my Boston Terriers, Mahana and Mayu, absolutely love it! If you choose to be present with your pet during their session, you might take time to prepare yourself or consider a dual session as a way to support them while also supporting yourself. Pets and their humans share a unique bond—so much so that our furry companions can sometimes absorb and reflect our ailments.
Preparing for Location Sessions
Property Reiki sessions are designed to clear stagnant energy, invite positive transformations, and enhance the overall harmony of your space. Before the session, consider physically tidying your home or the area you’d like to focus on—it can help set the intention. While your presence isn’t required during the session, you’re welcome to be there if you feel more comfortable. You might also want to play the optional playlist throughout your home to support the session. Personally, I often play music for my space, and sometimes my home even seems to “request” specific songs! What is your intuition telling you? These sessions can be incredibly helpful during life’s transitions—whether a child is heading off to college, a new baby is joining the family, you’re seeking a new relationship, or simply feeling that something is out of balance. Our homes often reflect our inner selves; the state of our living spaces frequently mirrors what’s happening within us.
Preparing Yourself
Have a light meal. It is best not to eat right before your session. Treat this time like a meditation or yoga practice—an opportunity to pause, breathe, and reconnect. If you love baths, take a warm soak before your Reiki session to help you relax and shift into a calm, open state. Not a bath person? No worries. Brew your favorite herbal tea, find a quiet space, and take a few minutes to just be—whether it’s soaking up some sunlight or sitting under a tree. Spend some time thinking about your intentions and journaling.
Preparing Your Space
At home, create a cozy spot to settle in. Grab some cushions, a blanket, or anything that makes you feel comfortable. If you like using crystals, essential oils, or incense, bring those into the mix to create a soothing vibe. Follow your intuition.
Here’s a link to a playlist I created, with a runtime of 37 minutes. While it’s not essential, it can greatly enhance your relaxation and support the flow of Reiki energy. Please note that if you’re using a free Spotify account, advertisements may interrupt the experience. In that case, I recommend skipping the playlist to ensure an uninterrupted session.
Create a Mini Retreat for Yourself
Get comfy—sit or lie down—and ensure you’re warm. Wear loose clothes, keep your phone silent, and step away from screens. This is your moment to hit pause.
Close your eyes, or use an eye mask, take a few deep breaths, and let your body relax. Let your thoughts quiet down—there’s nothing you need to do, nowhere else you need to be. Just be here, in this moment.
Notice the sounds around you or the rhythm of your breath. If your mind wanders (and it probably will), gently bring your focus back to your breathing. No judgment, no pressure.
Set Your Intention
All you need to do is set your intention to receive the Reiki energy. That’s it. Let go of thoughts about time, place, or your to-do list. Trust that the energy will flow to you in the way that’s best for you. If you’re new to Reiki, approach it with curiosity. It’s normal to wonder, “Is it working?” or “Why don’t I feel anything?” but try not to get caught up in those thoughts. Reiki is gentle, positive energy that flows exactly where it needs to, no matter what you feel—or don’t feel—in the moment.
Every session is unique. Reiki works in its own way to meet your needs, so whether you experience a deep shift or a subtle calm, know that it’s exactly what’s meant for you. One simple way to stay centered is to focus on your breath—inhale for 1, exhale for 2, and repeat. Keep it natural, and come back to it whenever you get distracted.
Relax for as long as feels right—5 minutes, 30 minutes, or more. If you drift off to sleep, that’s totally fine. Trust the process and let yourself just be.
Wrapping Up Your Session
When you’re ready, take three deep breaths to help your body shift gears. Slowly open your eyes and observe your surroundings. This small ritual signals it’s time to return to the body in the present. The playlist runs for 37 minutes, making it a perfect cue to wrap up your session.
Journal any thoughts, feelings, sensations, or ideas that came up during the session. Sometimes the quietest moments bring the clearest insights. Drink a glass of water to support the energy flow in your body, and as you go about your day, stay open to any shifts—whether it’s clarity on a decision, a spark of inspiration, or even just a heightened sense of calm.
Distance Reiki is a beautiful way to restore balance and harmony. It leaves you with that grounded, peaceful “all is well” feeling. To keep that energy flowing, consider scheduling regular sessions. Reiki isn’t just for challenges—it’s also a powerful way to maintain balance when you’re already feeling good.
No matter where you are in life, Reiki meets you where you need it most. Trust it, and trust yourself. You’ve got this.
A Special Note On Guidance
I am a channel, and because of that, I offer messages and guidance in addition to Reiki. Boundaries, consent, and privacy are integral to my practice, and I uphold them with the utmost care and professionalism. If you’ve scheduled a session on someone else’s behalf, the information shared during the session will vary depending on your relationship with that person and their privacy needs. For instance, if you’re the primary caregiver of a child (under the age of 13), you may receive detailed guidance on how to support them. However, if you’re a friend looking to assist someone undergoing chemotherapy, the insights might be more limited compared to what a primary caregiver, such as a family member, would receive in the same situation. Ultimately, the information provided is tailored to respect the recipient’s privacy and permissions. If you have any questions, please let me know.