May We Remember We’re Part of The Pillar of Light
My new found insight into the relationship between reiki and our ancestors is changing the way I relate to the world and how I practice reiki. Long story short, I’m aware now that I am already a part of the pillar of light, instead of the bringer of light.
Huh? Where Did the Pillar of Light Come From?
OK, OK. I know I jumped over way too many steps! So, let me explain how I got there. The most important thing while I perform reiki is the intention that I hold within me. So, I usually say some mantras and do a lot of visualizations to help make my intentions clear. I like picturing the reiki energy as a sparkling shower of light, like Tinkerbell’s Pixie Dust. It’s not just me. And it’s not just for reiki. I’ve listened to guided meditations where you’re supposed to imagine golden light washing over you. It’s a visualization tool that helps you work better with something so abstract as energy.
The idea of bringing forth a pillar of light or simply becoming a pillar of light is not new in the spirituality circle either. It’s a conduit between heaven and earth, or a person who spreads love and wisdom within a community. I suppose a beacon of light is a similar idea, a person who inspires others to serve the greater good.
How I Used to Relate to the Healing Energy
Here’s an example of how that all came together for me. I have this mantra that I repeat every morning and evening. The mantra means “May I bring forth a pillar of light.” I especially like to say it when I’m at a certain spot on the road where I get a clear view of the One World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan. (I seem to always get caught at the red light there, FYI) As I repeat the mantra 3 times, I imagine a downpour of light falling on the tower and then rippling out in all directions. Before, when I did this, I didn’t change my perspective. I always pictured myself as the distant recipient. I would see a wave of light coming towards me and through me, and then it would continue on in a big circle.
How I Relate to the Healing Energy Now
When I began exploring the relation ship between reiki and our ancestors, I had an idea. What if all of those little points of light in the pillar of light were individual souls of our collective ancestors? To me, that felt more intimate and effective than just pretty lights coming down from the sky. So, I tried connecting to the ancestors as I pictured the pillar of light, and I felt this instant pull. There was this longing to be together, like when you see the the person you missed standing right in front of you. My heart ran straight towards the light for a long embrace. Now, when I look at One World Trade Center and say the mantra, I’m simultaneously there, at the food of the skyscraper. I see droves of beautiful, shimmering souls flying off in all directions to go hug their loved ones.
I used to say that I received the reiki energy first, and shared whatever overflowed with others. Reiki was an energy that came from somewhere more sacred. Somewhere outside of me. Now, I know I don’t need to bring forth a pillar of light. I have always been a part of it. Now when I practice reiki, I feel the DNA in my body awakening the ancestors within me. I am not separate. I am an integral part. I’m returning to the role that we have always played as a spirit – as a member of the whole.
I am a walking pillar of light because my ancestors are always with me. And just like me, you are one too. If we go back far enough, our ancestors are all the same. Even at the lowest estimate, 20% of human genes are the same as plants. We are connected, each and every one of us. So, imagine yourself as a pillar of light. Imagine the DNA coursing through your veins reaching out to the DNA of everything that the light passes over. Connect, protect, and embrace them with love. At the least, it’s a very empowering, yet soothing way to meditate.