A prayer walk in Kyoto
In the Magic Spot, where Mikao Usui was said to be.
One of my big intentions for coming to Japan was to visit Mount Kurama, which is just outside of Kyoto. Mikao Usui meditated for twenty-one days on Mount Kurama and discovered the healing modality we call Reiki. And so, I went.
I arrived at seven AM before any tourists were there, which was so magical. The temple is up and up and up and up these steps with beautiful forest and nature all around. So green. These beautiful little temples and shrines on the way that I sat in and meditated.
And from the beginning, even on the train heading there, I was hit with this wave of gratitude for my life. The kind that hits you upside the head and makes you want to cry and weep. Today I was full of so much weeping and crying for the magnitude of my life.
This walk up these steps was a prayer walk. I prayed for so many people. And if you are reading this, I likely prayed for you. (Yes, even you.) Many of you sent me your intentions for this pilgrimage, and every single intention I received I sat with, walked with, and loved on. I felt into everyone I love — my mom and dad, sisters, my friends, my community, my clients, my family. Prayers for Aspen, prayers for Olaf, prayers for Carmen, my Reiki teacher. Praying and praying and praying, feeling and feeling and loving and loving.
And when I made it to the spot where Mikao Usui was said to have sat for twenty one days, I did what seemed appropriate. I put my hands on myself and gave myself healing energy. And I allowed myself to hear God. To stop talking, stop praying, stop asking, stop yearning, stop longing, and just be with God. I don’t know about you, but sometimes my prayers are me more talking at God rather than listening.
There I was on this Buddhist temple, feeling the magnitude of God. And it was interesting — on a Buddhist temple, feeling the presence of Jesus. Jesus, the greatest healer and teacher. He was so present.
When I descended down the other side of the mountain, the crowds were getting bigger. I was deeply rejuvenated, so dropped in, so rested — at the onsen I felt like I could have slept for hours. I went and had a beautiful lunch on the river and then soaked at the Kurama onsen and got a massage. It was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. It is definitely up there.
I have pictures to share, and if you ever get the chance to come to this beautiful mountain, please let me know and I will give you guidance.
Thank you for being with me.
