Classroom Calm for Teachers: Using Reiki at School

Hey there, teachers of the world. Every new class or semester feels a bit like opening a fresh journal, doesn’t it? Blank pages ready to be filled with those “aha!” moments and, let’s be real, a few scribbles, too. 

Teaching isn’t just clocking in and out. It’s a ride – sometimes incredible, sometimes testing every ounce of your patience. And while each chapter brings its own mix of high-fives and head scratches, know that we’re here, cheering you on from the sidelines.

We see those extra hours you’re putting in, the emotional roller-coasters with every student, the careful navigation of parent-teacher relationships, and the myriad tasks that stretch far beyond the classroom. 

Now, in light of all these challenges, have you ever considered trying Reiki? Whether you’re scratching your head wondering, “Reiki, really?” or you’re already familiar with its soothing touch, stay with us. We’ve got something special for you. 

We had a chat with the lovely Tessa, a Kindergarten teacher, who’s woven Reiki into her daily classroom routine. The results? Pretty incredible. Through Tessa’s lens, we’ll give you a glimpse into how this holistic practice can be a beacon of calm not just for you but for your students as well. 

We’ll also offer practical advice and, hopefully, inspire you to use Reiki in your classroom. After all, a little more peace for both you and your students might be just a Reiki class away. 

 

Reiki for back-to-school stress and anxiety relief 

While both teachers and students may sign at the thought of summer coming to an end, for teachers, the feeling cuts a little deeper than simply bidding farewell to a vacation. “Back to school” isn’t just a return to the classroom; it’s a return to the unique stresses and challenges that are woven into the fabric of modern education. Among these are:

• • Navigating relationships with diverse and sometimes challenging students

• • Bridging communication with parents and guardians

• • Navigating the maze of regulations and meeting ever-shifting requirements

• • Bringing work home, as administrative tasks spill beyond the bounds of the school day

• • Weathering the strain of tight budgets and scarce resources

• • Managing personal stress and keeping burnout at bay

That last one is where self-care, far from a luxury, emerges as a vital lifeline. For teachers, having a self-care plan that prioritizes relief from stress and anxiety is less an indulgence and more a strategic necessity. Such plans can span from traditional time-management strategies (think organized calendars and detailed to-do lists) to more holistic approaches that have been gaining traction in recent years (meditation, therapy, yoga, breathing techniques).

Enter Reiki, a non-invasive, holistic, and science-backed practice that aims to reduce the negative effects of stress and anxiety. With its studied therapeutic benefits, Reiki stands as more than just a buzzword—it’s a potential cornerstone of anyone’s self-care practice. But for teachers, the promise of Reiki doesn’t stop at well-being; educators who have integrated Reiki into their classrooms report that it can help cultivate a more peaceful and harmonious learning environment for their students, as well.

 

How this teacher uses Reiki to Foster a calm classroom

To get a first-hand account of Reiki’s benefits to the classroom, we interviewed dear friend and Kindergarten teacher Tessa Walsh.

Dragonfly: Have you noticed any big changes through using Reiki in your classroom? 

TW: Right now, we’re at the point in the year when I’m starting to set my classroom up. At the beginning of each year, I go into my classroom, set it up, send Reiki to the space and just be in there. I also do that every morning when I get to school. The odd time I forget, I’ll have a day where I go, “wow, what happened?” And I’ll stop and think, only to realize that I came in in a rush that morning and forgot to do my morning ritual of sending Reiki to my classroom. 

It makes a difference in the kids’ behavior, the calmness and the overall feel of the classroom. And it’s funny because I don’t tell a lot of people that it’s Reiki. But I’ve had a lot of teachers mention how calm my classes are compared to other classes. I’ve had other teachers say, “oh, I come in your classroom because I feel like I can breathe deeper when I get in here.”

When my calm, sweet kids go anywhere else, though, they turn into regular 4-5-year-olds. So I’ve had to start sending to the gym, and the music room – And the other adults notice when I forget. 

Dragonfly: Do you find that certain Kindergarten teachers struggle with the demands of their group? 

TW: Definitely. Kids at this age are notoriously difficult. Most teachers struggle with the energy levels of the kids. But even though we always divvy up our groups completely randomly, my students are always the calmest. 

Dragonfly: What do you do if you get kids who struggle more than others? 

TW: I’ve had quite a few children in foster care, and that was tough. But there was a huge difference caused by just daily exposure to Reiki in the classroom. 

Dragonfly: Did you hear ever back from foster parents? 

TW: I often hear that those kids are calmer and just happier than they had been before coming to Kindergarten. Parents, in general, tend to chalk the success up to good management or whatever. And it’s true, that definitely plays a part, but it’s not all of it. I know that even from years past when I didn’t use it – There’s definitely a difference. 

Dragonfly: The argument could be made that it’s your personality, and that you’re just calm yourself. As you are. But it sounds like there’s more to it. 

TW: I still had the same kinds of kids before I started doing Reiki, and I see a huge difference. 

Dragonfly: So, what do you do? What’s your morning ritual? 

TW: I sit and I meditate with all my Reiki symbols, and intend for Reiki to cleanse and remove any unneeded energies from the room, filling it with a sense of calm. I like to think of it as a form of protection for the classroom. 

Dragonfly: Are you open about using Reiki with parents and colleagues?

TW: Depends on the parent. If I know and trust the parent, absolutely. But Reiki isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, so I do so sparingly. 

Of course, there is the matter of permission with Reiki. But since Reiki never goes against anyone’s free will and can only promote the best possible outcomes, ethically, giving Reiki to my space is a non-issue.

But the consensus overall is that my room is calming and inviting, even though I have the youngest group in the school (Kindergarten – the fours and fives.) 

 

How Any Teacher Can Use Reiki in Their Classroom

With a growing body of research and heartfelt personal stories underscoring the benefits of Reiki, teachers may start to envision how this practice can unfold in their own classrooms. Broadly speaking, there are two primary ways to weave Reiki into the educational setting: Teachers can use Reiki on themselves, and they can use it to protect and cleanse the classroom space. Below, we’ll explore practical strategies for both applications. 

Reiki for Self-Care:

• Self-treatments: Consider starting your day with a self-treatment session to set a positive intention for the hours ahead. Even a brief session during your lunch break can significantly recalibrate your energy and temper the stresses that naturally accumulate throughout the day.
• Receiving Regular Treatments: Schedule appointments with other practitioners to maintain your own energy and balance.
• Mindful Interactions: Employ Reiki principles, such as compassion and nonjudgment, during challenging interactions with students, parents, or coworkers.
• Physical Relief: Use Reiki to alleviate the common physical strains of teaching, like back, neck, and foot pain.

 

Reiki for the Classroom:

• Prep the Space: Send Reiki energy to the classroom and students before the day begins, fostering a serene learning environment.
• Subtle Symbols: Place Reiki symbols discreetly within the room. This doesn’t have to be elaborate – even a simple sticky note on your desk can serve as a potent reminder and focal point.
• Mindful Curriculum: Integrate Reiki principles into your lessons. This might take the form of brief mindfulness exercises or incorporating themes like compassion, self-care, and awareness into your lessons.
• Visualization Exercises: Lead students in guided visualizations to help them envision success before tests or big projects.
• Intentions: Set a clear intention that your teaching will attract the students who can most benefit from your unique approach, and trust Reiki to help facilitate these connections.

 

Final Thoughts…

Every teaching journey has its transitions and challenges, sparking a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and nervous energy. For teachers, navigating those waters isn’t just about academic strategies; there’s an emotional aspect as well.

Amidst the many tasks that come with shaping young minds and the inevitable stresses of the teaching profession, prioritizing self-care isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s an essential. Enter Reiki: with its therapeutic benefits and calming properties, it stands as a promising ally for educators. It’s a tool poised to not only dial down work-related stress and anxiety but also to foster a nurturing, focused atmosphere that empowers students and teachers alike. 

By inviting Reiki into their personal and professional lives, teachers can transform their classrooms into sanctuaries, where anxiety yields to calm, where worries soften into trust, and where education becomes a journey students want to embark on. 

If you want to practice Reiki, why not sign up for one of our practitioners’ upcoming classes?

Need help to choose a practitioner? Read our guide! (How to Choose the Best Reiki Practitioner for You)