A Gentle, Reiki-Inspired Approach to the New Year
/By Jennifer Stano — Last Updated: January 14, 2025
The beginning of a new year is when we naturally start to think about our resolutions and all the changes we would like to make in our lives. Typically, for many people that starts with a renewed dedication to the gym. A season of indulgence has led to dissatisfaction with our physical bodies, causing us to focus on all the things we dislike about it. We double down on diet goals, attempt to shake off unhealthy habits of the past, and muscle our way forward into a new and “better” version of ourselves.
It can be an overly aggressive, yang approach, one that is rooted in the assumption that there is something wrong with our bodies, and that our will power (or lack thereof) is the problem. Unfortunately, as many gyms will tell you, this initial energy and commitment tends to fade by the end of February. The cycle of guilt, self-loathing, and forced change seems to be a frequent January refrain, yet it’s one that has never particularly resonated with me.
Yes, many times, I, too, feel the need to make some adjustments to my eating and drinking patterns, and I do enjoy a good cleanse or fast after holiday indulgences. Over the years, I have come to take a more yin approach to January – one that focuses on doing less, clearing out space in my life, and taking time for gentle reflection to examine how I’d like to shape my year ahead.
As a Reiki Master practitioner and teacher, I’ve especially enjoyed turning to the Reiki principles or guidance during this time. I encourage my students to meditate on the principles, the foundation of Reiki as a spiritual practice, and begin to integrate them into their lives at a deeper level. They guide us on our Reiki journey, and while they may seem simple on the surface, there is deep wisdom within.
Each one begins with the words “Just for today,” and goes on to encourage us to focus on the present moment. Each day is a chance to begin again, just as each new year provides a blank slate to redefine our lives in alignment with our highest and greatest good.
The principles are:
Just for today, I will not worry.
Just for today, I will not be angry.
Just for today, I will count my blessings.
Just for today, I will do my work honestly.
Just for today, I will be kind to every living creature.
The one that particularly resonates with me this time of year is, “Just for today, I will be kind to every living creature.” I include myself as one of the living creatures in that phrase. Being kind to ourselves is especially necessary during the cold, dark winter when seasonal depression rears its ugly head and those of us in northern climates struggle to maintain a sunny outlook. Being kind to myself is the gateway to being kind to others.
One thing I especially love about the practice of Reiki is that first-level training focuses specifically on self-healing, or “healing the healer.” It’s critical that we do our own work before focusing on others. Putting on our own oxygen masks first is a rule on airplanes for a reason. We need to ensure we are grounded and steady before extending our emotional and mental energies to help others.
Being kind to ourselves can look differently for different people. For those who have taken Reiki I, a daily Reiki self-treatment practice can be a beautiful way to support ourselves during the cold, dark days of winter. For those who are not attuned to Reiki, seeing a practitioner, getting a massage, taking your favorite yoga class, scheduling an infrared sauna or salt therapy session, or similar self-care all gently support our bodies and minds.
For me, taking this more yin approach to the New Year includes lots of time for quiet reflection and meditation. As an introvert, being kind to myself includes extra solitude to help me recover my equilibrium after a busy, social holiday season. My daily practice helps nourish my soul so that I have more to share with the world. It’s necessary that we honor ourselves and our natural rhythms and doing so allows us to show up as our best selves in the world.
I invite you to ask yourself these questions: How can you be kinder to yourself this New Year? How can you make more space in your life? Can you do less now so that you’re able to do more later in the year? If you do set a resolution, I encourage you to set gentle and kind ones that make your soul feel expansive and that will carry you into the New Year refreshed and recharged.
As for me, during this first month of 2025, you will find me spending extra time snuggled in my favorite chair at home, journal and cup of tea in hand, with my beagle Mabel curled up by my side. I will be treating both Mabel and me to some Reiki as we enjoy our yin approach to the New Year. That is one resolution I will be happy to carry well into the year ahead.
Blessings to each of you.
