I have a saying I am known for in my Reiki Center that says: “The Source is the Source, of course, of course”. It is memorable and is also a deep Spiritual Truth.  Reiki Energy, as the highest frequency energy that is within us, surrounds us, connects us, and that we all can tune into is described in every culture and religion using different names. The Star Wars movie series calls it the” Force”. “The Force is an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us: it binds the galaxy together.” says Obi Wan Kenobi in A New Hope. Luke Skywalker says “The Force is everywhere. It is the energy between everything”.

 

Star Wars borrows quite a bit from Buddhist teachings and practices. Christian Feichtinger calls it “Zen with Lightsabers”. The name of the Jedi order itself could have been borrowed from Asian culture. Yoda is like a Zen Master.

 

Reiki training, (or Jedi training) helps us to touch into forces beyond what our limited human minds can comprehend. The presence of a true Reiki Master (Jedi Master) acts as a clear channel for this pure Light energy.  

 

Yoda explains to Luke that we are “Luminous Beings”.  “What is a Luminous being?” Luke asks. Luminous means “Lit-Up”. So naturally, Yoda is saying that we are made of light. We are not physical entities. We are pure energy. Your Light is your consciousness. Yoda is telling Luke that our physical form does not confine us, but that we are an infinity of energy channeled through the miracle of consciousness. “But how do you BECOME that energy?” Luke asks. Yoda teaches us to realize that we already ARE that energy! Sound Familiar?

 

I originally saw the Star Wars movies as a young teen before I became aware of Reiki. Even then I got the sense of a deeper message of healing and Spirituality. Rewatching after learning Reiki gives a whole new meaning to the films, and the sense of the power we can cultivate within. Just like Reiki, Jedi Masters are taught to be true to themselves. – Be their True Selves. They strive to realize and express their true nature. They take the time to reflect on who they are and listen to their hearts. “You must do what you feel is right and stay firm in your beliefs. Trust in the Force and yourself. Always choose the Light”. 

 

Star Wars encourages Mindful breathing and mediation - “I’m one with the Force. The Force is with me” says Chirrut Imwe.  This reminds me of the message that Mikao Usui enlightened with on Mount Kurama – I am the Universe, and the Universe is within me”.  

 

Anakin asks Obi Wan “Where do you go to meditate?” He answers, “To a state of mind and body where I reacquaint myself with simplicity”. When you are quiet and at peace, you will feel the Force. Focus your mind on the peaceful energy that binds the universe together. “Reach out with your feelings and feel the space around you says Obi Wan Kenobi to Luke Skywalker.

   

We also learn not to dwell in the past- learn from it, but don’t live in it. We know that all our energetic power is in this moment.

 

Yoda says, “Pass on what you have learned”. Let others benefit from your knowledge, which reinforces our role as teachers and guides.

 

The most important message in the entire Star Wars saga is: Let go of fear, let go of anger, let go of hate, and you will live on the noble path towards becoming enlightened – towards becoming a Jedi Master (a guardian of peace and justice in the galaxy).  This is very similar to our Reiki Healing Principles encouraging us to release anger and worry (so the Force will flow), and choose compassion, connectedness, and gratitude, so that we may become a healing presence for ourselves, each other, and the world. “Compassion, which I define as unconditional love, is central to a Jedi’s life” says Anakin Skywalker.

 

Mindfulness (Just for Today) ~ “Be Mindful of the future, but not at the expense of the moment. Keep your concentration here and now where it belongs” says Obi Wan Kenobi. Mindfulness is the energy that shines light on all things. It helps us drop regret and worry and leads us to insight into our True nature. Mindfulness means seeing the world as it is and acting accordingly. We are reminded of continually returning to our breath. Throughout Star Wars, we see the Jedi practicing mindfulness to better understand the Force, and as a means of choosing the Light.

 

Oneness and Compassion ~ “I Honor every living thing.”  Obi- Wan Kenobi in the Phantom Menace says “We form a Symbiont Circle.   What happens to one of you will affect the others. You must understand this”. Buddhism calls this Absolute Truth. This is about Connection and Honoring Oneness – even with Wookies! Buddhists speak of the interconnectivity between all things – with all of life. Nothing exists on its own- we exist interdependently. This reminds to be Grateful for the web of all life.

 

“We are keepers of the peace” says Mace Windu. A Jedi is mindful of his words – will your words bring peace…?

 

 

I have been sharing the “Reiki of Star Wars” Workshop in my Reiki center comparing the wisdom of the Yoda and the Buddha. I wear my light saber earrings and pants covered with stars. I start by humming the familiar theme music, and most join in, and then we begin… “Long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away” …

 

Prior to introductions which include why they were attracted to this workshop; participants may choose a message from the Star Wars Affirmation deck.  We discuss many of the quotes from this article. We compare Jedi wisdom with the Reiki Healing Principles. I then guide them through a meditation session focusing on their breath, their body, and their feelings with the intention of inner peace, calm and relaxation.  They focus their mind on the peaceful energy that binds the universe together.  As they do this, I secretly provide them with light sabers. Then we all stand and light up our sabers together as instruments of peace acknowledging the exponential nature of energy, and thus “Together we are More”.

 

Please feel free to contact me for more details if you would like to share this unique and fun workshop also.

 

Rickie Meryl Freedman is a Reiki Master/Teacher also certified in ReikiSound, a ReikiVoice Instructor, and a Certified Holistic Wellness Coach. She is an international speaker, author, and mentor. She created and opened “Reiki by Rickie ~ ReikiSpace & Learning Place” in Harrisburg PA in 2013 and has a full-time Reiki Practice. She authored “Reiki Rickie shares ReikiKids” and “Radiating Our Reiki Light” ~ Reiki Healing through Real Stories from Clients, Students, Practitioners and Teachers. Reiki by Rickie ~ ReikiSpace & Learning Place. 2793 Old Post Rd, STE 10; Harrisburg PA 17110. 717-599-2299. [email protected]. ReikibyRickie.com