Rickie
Meryl Freedman, founder of Reiki by Rickie ~ ReikiSpace & Learning Place,
in Harrisburg, recognizes that children can learn reiki because they come to the learning process with open hearts. “Children understand reiki as a
natural part of them, and this gentle energy guides them with self-confidence,
inner peace and compassion,” she explains.
Since 2008, Freedman has
been teaching reiki to children. Through her ReikiKids class, she has observed
firsthand how children’s creativity and imagination are nurtured and developed.
“Coming to the process with open hearts means that children feel their energy
easily; they haven’t developed the filters, blocks and resistances that many
adults developed through the course of their life experiences,” she explains.
To make
learning fun, Freedman uses art, music and special activities. Children tune
into their innate feelings of love and compassion. They practice self-reiki and
share and receive reiki with other children, adults and animals. “Sharing reiki
with children allows them to learn how to manage their energy so they can stay
heart-centered and connected without ever taking on anyone else’s energy or
become drained of their own,” she notes.
At the
end of the workshop, children draw pictures of what their energy looks and
feels like. According to Freedman, the drawings are amazing and include vivid
energy colors, imaginative details and other surprises. From the children’s
perspectives, reiki is a really good thing. It is fun, calming and makes them
happy when they are upset.
“Reiki
can help children deal with life’s challenging issues and struggles from a
place of perspective and peace, which will help them find their place in the
world, feeling connected and grounded. They learn to live reiki—living
mindfulness, peace, compassion and gratitude—and, most of all, letting their
inner lights shine to be their true selves in the world,” believes Freedman.
