Five Reiki principles to anchor you in 2026

I have decided I'm abandoning the whole 'new year, new me' thing. It's just too much pressure. I've started to move through January feeling some heaviness and when I was preparing for a client recently, I came across the five Reiki principles introduced to me in my training. Reading them has brought me a renewed sense of focus and reminded me why I find this practice so transformational.

Gentle reminders

The Reiki principles aren’t rules or resolutions — they’re gentle reminders you can return to on difficult days, or when you want to centre yourself and carve out a more compassionate, positive approach to your day.

Just for today...

I will not be angry

I will not worry

I will work with diligence

I will be grateful

I will be kind to others and to myself

I like to interpret 'Just for today' as suggesting that we shouldn't put pressure on ourselves to make big changes. It's a way of avoiding unrealistic goals - a nod to taking life one step at a time. It's too easy nowadays to become overwhelmed by our responsibilities and the fast momentum of life. 'Just for today' encourages us to be present (really hard to do, I know!).

A daily mantra

Think of these as small mantras. Simple, repeatable steps that can gradually shape how we experience daily life and relationships. Finding an intention, word, or phrase for the day can be a lovely way to cut through the noise and anchor yourself when life gets hectic or tough.

Just for today I will not be angry

Without sounding too preachy, responding with anger is ultimately our choice. Can you choose not to give too much of your energy away when you react to someone or something with anger? Anger is a secondary emotion, protecting us from feelings like fear, sadness, grief or hurt. If we can understand what triggered this response, it becomes a lot easier to avoid lashing out, and then we become in control again.

Just for today I will not worry

This one is difficult one as so many of us are born worriers or deal with anxiety on a regular basis. Trying to focus on the here and now and what we want today to look like can be a helpful way to ground ourselves. You don't need to have everything figured out for the year, and there will always be ups and downs as anxiety crops up. Reiki can help us to address the energy blockages that lead to worry and fear, so that we can live a more fulfilled life. And it's easy to forget - we must make time for having fun!

Just for today I will work with diligence

Can you give it your best try and that simply be enough? Progress doesn't need to be big or loud to be meaningful. Think about small, consistent steps and the rest will fall into place. Focusing on showing up, working honestly with others and taking your responsibilities seriously without burning yourself out, will undoubtedly take you far.

Just for today I will be grateful

We're often told to push harder, aim higher or do more to achieve, but gratitude invites us to pause and notice what's good in our life. When we stop and think about it, there is so much to appreciate. This can lift us up when we're feeling low or stressed out. Can you carve out a few minutes each day to acknowledge one thing you're grateful for?

Just for today I will be kind to others and to myself

If you believe in karma, this one is worth remembering! Simple acts of kindness can help reduce your stress levels and bring meaning to every day. Reiki is inherently a compassionate practice and invites us to create space where the body and mind feel safe enough to heal. If we can be kind to ourselves and ease up on self-criticism, we find connection internally and with those around us.

An invitation to slow down

If you’re starting the new year feeling tired, unsure or low, that’s okay. Balance and contentment are built through small, everyday choices rather than significant shifts. The five Reiki principles are here for you to come back to, particularly if you feel you've lost your focus. I hope these offer you a sense steadiness as you embark on 2026.

Reiki can offer a calm, supportive space to pause and reset — feel free to reach out if you’re curious!