Looking for a Reiki Association?

[Ora West]

There are many Reiki associations across the globe and there are many
reasons for their existence and growth (or non-growth).
When we first arrived back in Australia in 1999 we joined an
association that was run by a Reiki Master. We paid our joining fees
and received an annual newsletter that focussed on the teachings of
that teacher and advertised her courses. This wasn't what we had
expected of an association (we were simply supporting her Reiki
business!) and soon left. The word association means an organisation
of persons having a common interest and we knew that it was certainly
not our interest (nor in our interests) to be a part this association.
The association did not survive much longer either.
At this point we started thinking seriously about what makes an
association worthwhile. We realised that we were looking for an
association that had community, was interested in setting some
standards for Reiki practices and promoted the system in the greater
community. To be successful in its own right an association needed to
fulfil certain requirements by providing support to would-be clients
and students of the system of Reiki as well its own members. It is not
about building the practise of another individual, school or
organisation.
It was then we found the Australian Reiki Connection or ARC. It
appeared to have proven itself in many ways - one way is simply that
it has been in existence since 1997. An important factor is that it is
not run by one individual but rather by members for members . The
president and the committee are not getting any 'kick backs' from
their positions and instead dedicate themselves to creating an
environment where members can come together to create a vibrant and
progressive Reiki community in Australia. Positions within the
association are voted on by members each year, a bi-monthly newsletter
brings everyone together along with a website that has a member's
section. As this is not an advertisement for ARC we wont list the
benefits and discounts members receive but, in short, we found what we
were looking for.
If you're in Australia we'd recommend this association to all Reiki
practitioners and if you're not - there are many other associations
around the world that are trying to promote, educate and support too.
It's a fabulous way to meet others and promote the growth of Reiki in
a positive light through active membership.