Reiki Precept No 5: Just for Today, I will be kind to my neighbour and every living being

When we hurt others, we hurt ourselves. We may not mean to hurt others but sometimes we are careless with what we say and do. Be mindful of your words and actions for they can have a powerful effect on others. This comes with taking responsibility for ourselves, on all levels of our being. We need to be aware of the energy we are giving out, our thoughts, words, deeds, intentions.  Intention is important: how can I help this person for their highest good? Ask your guides and angels and follow your inspiration. Being mindful of your own energy also implies being mindful of your own boundaries and needs. Help others but put boundaries in place regarding your limits and do not let others cross them. Kindness should extend to yourself too.


Kindness is on the love vibration. Its energy is warm, expansive, uplifting. Conversely when meanness, judgement and harshness hold you in their grip, your energy body contracts and draws in on itself - you literally become smaller as a person - and that is exactly what is happening, your soul is being squeezed of its light. That is why when you are mean and cruel to someone else, you are actually damaging yourself and shutting yourself off from the light  of your soul. We've all heard the phrase 'what you give out comes back to you' and it does, in the end. Those who carry more negativity than light don't usually experience instant karma (that is reserved for those who do carry more light) but your actions will always bear fruit in the end. Our actions, thoughts and words always reflect our true essence. Maybe we should look at ourselves in a new light through our spiritual eyes!


Kindness is contagious. If you do someone a good deed, they absorb the energy of that positive, uplifting interaction and are more likely to pass it on to someone else. In other words, when we are in a good place ourselves, kindness comes naturally.


So, kindness starts with you. What needs do you have that aren't being met right now? What can you do to change this? Maybe your work/life balance isn't right or maybe you are over-giving when it isn't appreciated. If it doesn't feel right, it usually isn't. Are you pushing yourself too hard, working long hours, putting up with something you hate, eating rubbish processed food? All these are damaging to your health and wellbeing. Equally are you happy with the way to treat the people around you - family, friends, colleagues? If not, that is usually a sign of an underlying problem that needs to be addressed. Be kind to yourself. When you are filled with that energy, it will radiate out to others. But always remember, you can only give what you currently have.