Tony Robbins famously said, “Where focus goes, energy flows,” and this statement could not be more true when it comes to the practice of Reiki. Whether we are a practitioner giving a session, or a client receiving healing, the intention we set before we begin is equally as important as the energy work itself.

When we set an intention, we are sending that commitment out into the universe. We are making a promise to ourselves and to the universe. How does Reiki fit into this? If you are unfamiliar with Reiki, this is a Japanese form of energy healing that translates to “Universal (Rei) Energy (Ki).” It’s important to note that Reiki can do no harm, and knows exactly where healing is needed when it comes to the highest good of the one receiving it.

Setting an intention before beginning our Reiki practice not only helps us become clear on what it is we want to heal, but it is also a way of giving Reiki our consent to move forward and heal what it is ready to be healed. You can think of intention as the driving force that moves the energy, and so the more clarity we have behind our purpose and meaning, the more effective Reiki treatment will be.

Through setting intentions, we align ourselves in the present moment so that we can have a clear direction of where we wish to take our future. Therefore, it’s important that we use affirming statements that align with our values. Below are a few examples of intentions you can set before your next Reiki session. It is always best to use the word “choose” as “intend” is more hopeful while “choose” is more definite and desired.

Reiki Healing Intentions:

1. I choose to heal my mind, body, and soul for my highest good.
2. I choose to release the pain I’m carrying in my heart and transmute it to love and light.
3. I choose to release the negative thought patterns in my mind stopping me from stepping into my true, personal power.
4. I choose to allow my voice to be heard because I am worthy.
5. I choose to be healthy. I intend to be happy. I intend to share my light with others.
6. I choose to forgive myself for […]
7. I choose to release resistance and surrender. I intend to trust myself.
8. I choose to release any old or stagnant energy blocks that have prevented me from healing and moving forward.

Setting intentions will not only help you in your Reiki practice, but it will also help you in all other areas of your life as well. While it’s true that our energy flows where our focus goes, we have the power to choose where we place our focus. Regardless of the circumstances that are happening outside of our control, we can say at any point in time, “I choose my reality and my reality is different,” and use our intentions to change our thought direction.

By bringing awareness to what it is that we do want, we can say no to everything else we don’t want; and so it is through this practice that we create a life of our own design. A life that doesn’t happen to us, but for us. A life where amazing possibilities happen through us, simply by living with intention. A life in which we are in control.