Meditation Practices
Thank you for taking this time for yourself.
Choose a self-care practice below by clicking on any option that resonates with you.
Breathwork Practices
Gassho
The Practice of Bringing Hands in Prayer Position
​Gassho, which means "two hands coming together," is a fundamental practice in Reiki and traditional Japanese spiritual disciplines. It is performed by bringing the palms together at the heart center, with the fingertips pointing upward. This simple yet powerful gesture signifies unity, gratitude, and reverence, helping to quiet the mind and deepen one’s connection to Reiki energy.
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How to Practice Gassho
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Find a Comfortable Position
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Sit in a quiet space with your spine naturally aligned. You may sit on a chair with your feet flat on the ground or cross-legged on a cushion.
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Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, allowing your body to relax.
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Bring Your Hands Together
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Place your hands in a prayer position at the center of your chest, lightly touching but not pressing too hard.
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Keep your shoulders relaxed and maintain a comfortable posture.
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Focus on Your Hands and Breath
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Gently direct your attention to the point where your fingertips meet.
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Breathe naturally, allowing your awareness to settle into the present moment.
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If thoughts arise, simply acknowledge them and return your focus to your hands.
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Silent Reflection or Intention
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This is an ideal time to set an intention for your Reiki practice or recite the Five Reiki Precepts silently.
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You may also express gratitude for the healing energy of Reiki.
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Practice Regularly
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Gassho can be practiced before and after a Reiki session to center your energy.
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It is also used in Gassho Meditation, a traditional Reiki practice where you focus on the sensation of your hands and allow the mind to become still.
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Why Practice Gassho
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Helps cultivate mindfulness and inner stillness
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Strengthens your connection to Reiki energy
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Encourages self-awareness and presence
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Serves as a ritual of respect and gratitude in your Reiki practice
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By integrating Gassho into your daily routine, you develop a deeper sense of harmony within yourself and enhance your ability to channel Reiki energy effectively.
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Joshin Kokyu-Ho
Joshin Kokyu Ho is a powerful breathwork technique used in traditional Japanese Reiki to purify the mind and body while deepening one's connection to Reiki energy. It enhances focus, relaxation, and energetic flow, making it an excellent daily practice for self-healing and spiritual development.
Steps for Joshin-Kokyu-Ho
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Find a Quiet Space
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Sit comfortably with a straight spine (cross-legged or in a chair).
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Place your hands in Gassho, (prayer position) or on your lap.
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Close your eyes and take a deep breath.
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Focus on the Hara (Tanden)
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Bring your awareness to the Hara/Tanden, located about two inches below the navel.
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This is your body's energy center, where Reiki energy is stored.
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Inhale Reiki Energy
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Breathe in deeply through your nose, visualizing Reiki energy entering with the breath.
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Imagine this energy as pure white light flowing down to your Tanden.
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Feel your lower abdomen expanding gently as you fill yourself with Reiki.
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Hold for a Moment
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Allow the energy to settle in your Tanden.
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Feel it accumulating, purifying, and strengthening your body.
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Exhale & Expand Reiki
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Slowly exhale through your mouth, releasing any tension, negativity, or blocked energy.
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As you breathe out, visualize Reiki energy expanding throughout your entire body.
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With each exhale, feel yourself becoming lighter, more open, and more connected to Reiki.
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Repeat for 5-10 Minutes
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Maintain a slow, steady breathing rhythm.
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Let go of thoughts and simply focus on the flow of breath and energy.
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Over time, you may feel a deep sense of peace, warmth, or tingling sensations.
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Close with Gratitude
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When ready, gently open your eyes.
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Place your hands in Gassho and give thanks for the energy received.
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Carry the sense of calm and clarity with you throughout your day.
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Centered & Calm
Ground the body, calm the mind, and reset the nervous system
​Set the Space (Optional but Recommended):
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Find a quiet, comfortable place
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Soften the lights or close your eyes
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Place one hand on the heart, one on the belly
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Grounding Breath (1 minute)
Begin by bringing awareness to your breath without changing it.
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Inhale naturally through the nose
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Exhale gently through the mouth
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Notice the movement of your hands with each breath
​*Affirmation (optional): “I am here. I am safe. I am grounded.”
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4-4-6 Breathing (3–5 minutes)
This pattern relaxes the body while building inner focus.
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Inhale through the nose for 4 seconds
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Hold the breath gently for 4 seconds
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Exhale slowly through the mouth for 6 seconds
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Repeat for several rounds, allowing each breath to smooth and deepen.
​*Tip: Visualize the breath like a wave—rising, pausing, and gently falling.
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Integration (1–2 minutes)
Let go of the breath pattern and return to natural breathing.
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Notice any shifts—body sensations, emotions, or mental clarity
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Place both hands over your heart center​​​
Stress Recovery
Use this practice when life feels overwhelming, chaotic, or emotionally intense. It’s designed to help you gently return to the present moment, regulate your nervous system, and reconnect with your breath.
Getting Started:​
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You can be seated, standing, or lying down—whatever feels safest and most supportive
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Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly (or by your sides if that’s more comfortable)
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Take a moment to simply notice your breath—no need to change anything yet
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Sigh it Out (1–2 Minutes) - Release tension with a few audible sighs.
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Inhale gently through the nose
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Exhale with an open mouth and let it go
(Try: "Haaaaa" or "Sssshhh")
​Repeat 3–5 times. Let your shoulders soften. Let the breath be messy.
3-3-6 Breathing (3–5 Minutes) - A simple rhythm to invite calm.
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Inhale through the nose for 3 seconds
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Hold for 3 seconds
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Exhale through the mouth slowly for 6 seconds
​Let the exhale feel longer, like a soft release.
If counting is too much, just focus on making the exhale longer than the inhale.
Soothing the Edges (2–3 Minutes) - Return to a natural breath.
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Feel your feet on the floor or your body supported
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Gently scan your body and offer yourself kindness
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If helpful, hum quietly or gently rock side to side
​​​Remember, your breath is always available to you. Even in the most stressful moments, a single mindful exhale can begin to shift your state.