The five Usui principles state:

                      Just for Today ~                         Kyo dake wa ~

                               Do Not be Angry                       Ikaru na

                               Do Not be Worried                    Shin pai suna

                               Be Grateful                               Kan sha shi te

                               Do Your Duties Fully                 Gyo-o hage me

                               Be Kind to Others                     Hito ni shin setsu ni

During original Japanese training, Reiki students were taught to mindfully chant these morning and night as a meditative practice, so they energetically entrain or become part of their subconscious understanding (similar to developing a habit). The outcome of this training is for the student to live their daily life according to the principles without having to consciously think about them.  

In our first mini training we will discuss the introduction to the principles: Just For Today. In subsequent months, we will discuss each one of the principles. We encourage your feedback or comments and will post some on the website each month as this series continues.

 
Just For Today ~ “Kyo dake wa”

To focus fully during this day you are experiencing, is also known as “living in the now”. According to another well know phrase, the past is gone, the future unknown and now is your “present”. Simply, as an aspect of how to live your life on a daily basis, your focus is the most important tool. Focusing your consciousness to be present in each moment and being fully involved in whatever activity you are engaged in, is living in the now. You will find a richer experience of life when you engage it this way. This is also known as “mindfulness”  –  a very rewarding meditative practice.

Many of us have a tendency to live in the future, looking forward to future events as the “best part” of the day and so miss out on what we’re accomplishing as we daydream of what is to come. The juice of life comes from the actual experience, moment to moment. When our focus is not there we miss it!

The easiest way to make any change is to approach it as – “just for today”. If your goal is to live a more present life simply state that message to yourself each morning with meaningful intention. If during the day you find yourself wandering from that, just restate it and continue on. You’ll find in a very short time that your focus has changed and you’ll be living in and enjoying your Present!