01789 292052

Photo by Marc-Olivier Jodoin

Realistic hope is realising that intervention may be temporary and transient. This is not the same as false hope which leads to feelings of hopelessness and carries dangers of disappointment, a roller coaster of bitterness and feelings of wasted time, effort, and money chasing after the unobtainable.

There are elements of grief, depression, and denial when we are faced with limitations of our expected future, potentially leading to feelings of powerlessness. We may refuse to give up attachments, which can lead to feelings of a lack of an acceptable future. 

As we observe our thoughts, we may find unaddressed fears about death or face exaggerated claims about treatments. We may have fears about conventional treatments versus alternative and complementary therapy or perceive the health provider/patient relationship as indifferent rather than professional. We may find that our worries, anger, and fears are being met with domination of the positive, which becomes exhausting – the smiling, positive affirmation of “Everything will be fine” can create unrealistic hope. There is the potential to become uncertain, defensive, and pessimistic. 

By understanding and accepting uncertainty, we can meet our challenges with resilience and realistic hope. It is helpful to prepare for certainty.  A lack of preparation creates a cognitive dissonance, where we suffer with inconsistent thoughts, beliefs or attitudes – reality hits harder if we are in denial and we may have difficulty understanding what is happening to us. As a result, divisive behaviour can develop between us and those in our support network, resulting in disconnected feelings.

The benefits of realistic hopefulness help sustain our quality of life. We can change to a more positive lifestyle, becoming aware of the quality of our life, putting into place preparations, practical and financial and identifying feelings of gratitude. We can learn to connect and communicate with our friends and family in more positive ways. By appreciating the life we had, and being grateful for the life we have now, we can let go of entitlement and accept what is, which gives us a sense of control.

Acceptance is the opposite of resignation. By accepting thoughts and emotions in a non-judgemental way, we can explore what is under our control, what is under someone else’s control and what is not under anyone’s control. We are equipped to safely investigate the best and worst scenario and then work out what is most likely and what we can do to help ourselves.

Reiki is a complementary treatment that raises our energy and vibrations. The connection between the recipient and the Reiki practitioner creates a flow that works on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. As you observe, you can feel where the Reiki energy is blocked, and this holistic approach gives clarity. Connections are strengthened through learning Reiki for self-treatment, through personal attunement at three different levels. Through knowledge of Reiki, you may learn awareness, create an integrative mindset, and build a background of resilience.

For more information about her next Reiki course on 14th July, contact Jenny Smart email:   Telephone: 07813 339951

Jenny Smart, BA Hons, MEd, APGCE, is a Reiki Master/Teacher who offers courses and private appointments at Lifeways

Share This