Reiki Blog Companion: How to Find Your Hara Podcast

In this Reiki Blog Companion episode, we explore the fascinating concept of Hara, derived from an online class on Japanese Reiki taught by Bronwen Logan, who has 25 years of experience in traditional Japanese Reiki. 
We delve into the significance of Hara as the home of personal power, balance, and deep knowing, located two inches below the navel. This discussion bridges the gap between traditional Eastern practices like Tai Chi and Qigong, and modern understandings, pondering whether this concept is symbolic or has a physiological basis. 
We highlight how the class integrates breathwork and meditation to help individuals experience and cultivate their own Hara, offering a practical guide to tapping into inner strength and resilience. 
Suitable for both beginners and seasoned practitioners, this episode emphasizes that true power lies within us, waiting to be rediscovered. Join us as we unpack how connecting with our Hara can transform our approach to life, enhancing our groundedness, resilience, and authenticity.

For more about Bronwen's class:
https://reikiwithbronwen.com/courses/finding-your-hara-finding-you-16-february-2025/

00:00 Introduction to Hara
00:29 Context: Japanese Reiki and Bronwyn Logan
01:29 Understanding Hara: Location and Significance
02:22 Experiencing Hara: Practices and Benefits
03:54 Cultural and Personal Perspectives on Hara
08:31 Practical Applications and Daily Practices
10:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Transcript

0:00

Alright, welcome everyone. Let's kick off this deep dive and, um, we're gonna be looking at this really fascinating concept called Hara. Okay. And get this, our source is an online class description. Oh, interesting. I know, right? You, you might be thinking, how much can we really glean from something like that? But trust me, you'd be surprised. Oh, bad. So buckle up. Because, um, we're about to, uh, we're going to go way beyond just a surface level understanding here. Okay, cool. I'm excited. Alright, so before we dive headfirst into this whole Hara thing. Right. Let's give everybody a little bit of context. The class itself is all about Japanese Reiki. Okay. Which, just in case anything's new to the idea, is basically a form of energy healing. Mm hmm. Now, the teacher for this class is Bronwyn Logan, who has, wait for it, a whopping 25 years of experience. Wow. Specifically focused on traditional Japanese Reiki. See, now that's something I think is super important. Yeah. That emphasis on lineage and tradition. It's not just about, you know, learning a few techniques here and there. Right. It really tells us that we're dealing with a whole system of knowledge that's been carefully passed down. Through generations. Through generations, exactly. So, Bronwyn's background, I think, really gives this information. It's a lot of weight. It does. And, you know, it also highlights, I think, a key difference between traditional Japanese Reiki and some of the more, um, westernized versions that we often come across. Yeah, that's a good point. Yeah. Okay, so lift it to the star of the show here, Hara. Let's do it. So the class describes it as the home of personal power, balance, and deep knowing. Okay. And here's where it gets really interesting. Located two inches below the navel. Oh, wow. What are your first thoughts on that? You know, it makes me think of a lot of other practices from the East, like Tai Chi and Qigong. Uh huh. They also place a lot of emphasis on that specific area. Really? Oh, yeah, as a central point for energy flow in the body. It's fascinating. Yeah. And, you know, it makes you wonder, is this physical location, is it purely symbolic or could there be something more to it? Like, actually, there is a really dense network of nerves in that region of the abdomen. And so that could be a possible explanation for these feelings of, you know, power and groundedness. Makes you think about those subtle sensations we often ignore, right? Yeah. What I think is really cool about this whole thing is this class actually promises to help you experience your Hara. Yeah. Not just read about it in some dusty old book. That's a big difference. Huge difference. Yeah. And they focus on teaching traditional Japanese practices. So it's not just your run of the mill energy healing 101. That's what I love about this. It's like, you know, you can read all about Hara, but actually feeling it, like its influence within your own body, that takes it to a whole new level. Sure. They also mention breathwork and meditation, which I think are both really powerful tools for, like, tuning into those subtle energies. Yeah, and they're very clear that this class isn't just for, you know, the Reiki masters who've been doing this for years. Whether you're completely new to Reiki or you've been practicing for a while. Mm hmm. If you are the least bit curious about tapping into your own, what they call, energetic center. I love that phrase. Then, this is for you. It's great, isn't it? It really makes you think, like, what does my own center feel like right now? Yeah. You know? Like, is it solid? Is it balanced? Or do I feel kind of scattered and off kilter? I love that. Yeah. This class really seems designed to help people get in touch with those sensations. And learn how to cultivate a stronger sense of balance. Speaking of accessible, they've even listed international times for the live class, which is, get this, only 65 US just. Wow. And if you can't make the live class, they even offer a recording. Oh nice! But you know what really piqued my curiosity? What's that? The class description mentions a blog post titled, What it means to be a woman of Hada. Oh, interesting. And it just makes you wonder, how could this concept apply differently to different people, maybe even across cultures? That's a really crucial question. And, you know, it's important to be mindful of the cultural lens that we're bringing to this concept. I think exploring those nuances can really, like, deepen our understanding. It could. Absolutely. It's fascinating, isn't it? It is. It seems like we're just scratching the surface here. Yeah. There's so much more to unpack about Hara and how it relates to, like, resilience and personal power. I agree. The strength, it's not something we need to create from scratch, it's already within us. So it's more about remembering. Remembering or rediscovering, I guess you could say. Right. That power that already resides in our harala. So it's not about building something new. Right. But uncovering what's already there. Exactly. That's a really powerful shift in perspective. It is. And, you know, practices like breathwork and meditation, which they mention as part of the class. Yeah. Those become tools to peel back those layers. I see. And access that deeper sense of self. It makes you think about how we often, like, look for validation and strengths outside of ourselves. Mm hmm. In achievements or material things. Yes. But what if the real source of power. Lies within in our hara. Mm hmm. Just waiting to be tapped into you've hit on a fundamental truth that I think so many wisdom traditions point to yeah true power isn't External internal it's internal exactly and you know What fascinates me is how this concept of hara connects to the idea of being centered right when you're truly centered You're more grounded, you're more resilient, and you're better able to handle, you know, whatever life throws your way. So, it's not just about feeling good then. Right. It's about being more empowered. In every aspect of your life. In work, relationships. Creativity, everything. Yeah, I'm starting to, uh, feel a little bit inspired to explore my own Hara a bit more deeply. It's a powerful concept. Do you think this is something that could be cultivated, like strengthened over time? Oh, without a doubt. Okay. It's like a muscle. Yeah. You know, it gets stronger with consistent practice. Okay. The more you engage with practices like breath work, meditation, even just mindful movement, the more present and accessible your hara becomes. So it's like an ongoing journey. Yeah. Not like a one time fix. Exactly. Okay, that makes sense. Yeah. It does beg the question, though. What's that? How do we even know if we're connecting with our hara? That is the question, isn't it? Like, what does that actually feel like? I'm sure that's something they explore in depth in the class. Probably. But I can share my own personal experience. Okay. For me, it's this feeling of groundedness. Of being really rooted in my body. Almost like a sense of stability that emanates from my core. It's making me think about how, you know, we so often look outside of ourselves for answers and solutions. But what if, by connecting to our hurrah, we can actually access a level of wisdom and intuition that's been there all along? I think that's a profound insight. You know, it's like we have this internal compass, this wellspring of inner knowing that can guide us if we just learn to listen. And that's the power of practices like Reiki and meditation. Exactly. They quiet the external noise. We can tune in. To that inner voice. You know, it's really amazing to me how a, just a simple online class description can lead us down such a fascinating path. It is, isn't it? We've, you know, we've explored the history, we've talked about the philosophy, we even touched on the potential, like, scientific underpinnings of Hara. What does all of this mean for, for you, the listener? I think that's the question we all want the answer to. Yeah. And, you know, I don't think there is one right answer to that. Right. But what I find so compelling is that this concept of Hara, which, you know, it's been around for centuries, it offers us this framework for understanding our own I guess personal power and it's not about like, you know, some mystical force that's out there somewhere Yeah, it's really about tapping into a source of strength and resilience That I truly believe exists within each of us. It's like we've been handed a map to an inner treasure Oh, I like that that we never knew we had. Yeah, and this class with its focus on the traditional Japanese practices It's like It's like a guided expedition to help us discover that treasure. That's a great way to put it. And you know what's even more exciting? Is that the map, it's just the beginning. Yeah. The real journey starts when we actually start to apply these principles in our lives. So how do we, how do we take these insights about our, all this stuff that we've been talking about? How do we turn it into something tangible, something we can actually use? That's the key, right? Yeah, in everyday life. Exactly. To deal with all the ups and downs. Well, you know, the class description mentions breath work and meditation as, um, as key practices. Yeah. And I think that's a fantastic starting point. Okay. You know, simply becoming aware of your breath. Just, even just the sensations in your body can be such a powerful way to start connecting with your hara. Okay. It's like dropping an anchor into that, you know, that center point. Yeah. Feeling that sense of groundedness. Yeah, and it doesn't have to be complicated, right? No, not at all. It could be as simple as taking a few minutes each day to just sit quietly, focus on your breath, and bring your attention to that area two inches below the navel. Exactly. You got it. And see what happens. And, you know, it's really about cultivating that sense of presence. Okay. Of being fully, uh, embodied in this moment. Right. And from that place of, you know, of centeredness, that's where we can really start to tap into that, uh, That wellspring of inner strength it's like, um, it's almost like we're learning to access this, uh, This hidden reserve of energy. It is. This, this source of resilience that can help us get through anything. Absolutely. And that's incredibly empowering, isn't it? Yeah, because, you know, when we feel connected to our Harco, when we have that sense of groundedness, that inner strength, Yeah. we're just, we're less likely to be swayed by all the things that are happening outside of us. Right. You know, we become more resilient in the face of challenges, and we're able to show up, you know, in the world with more authenticity and purpose. This whole deep dive has really, like, shifted my perspective on, on what it actually means to be powerful. Oh, yeah. It's, you know, it's not about dominating others or achieving, you know, some measure of success in the, in the, uh, you know, eyes of the world. Yeah. It's really about cultivating that inner strength. Mm hmm. That unwavering sense of self. That comes from connecting to our heart. That comes from hara, yeah. And the beauty of all this is that this power, this ability, it's available to absolutely everyone. It's a good point. It's not limited by age or gender or background. It's, it's our birthright. I love that. We just have to remember how to access it. So as we wrap up, you know, our exploration of Hera, I want to leave you, the listener, with a little challenge. Okay. For the next, say, I don't know, few days. Just try, try incorporating some of these, these simple practices that we've been talking about into your daily routine. Like what? Take a few minutes each day to connect with your breath. Bring your attention to that space two inches below your navel and just see what happens. Just notice. Yeah. Does it shift your energy? Does it change the way you feel in your body? Does it impact how you interact with the world around you? Yeah. And remember, this isn't about achieving some kind of perfect state of being. No, it's about exploration. Yeah. It's about being curious and giving yourself permission to tap into a source of power that's been there within you all along. Well, thank you so much for joining us on this deep dive into Hara. Yeah, this has been great. We hope it sparked a little bit of curiosity in you and inspired you to embark on your own, you know, journey of self discovery. Because remember, the journey itself is the reward. It is. So keep exploring, keep learning, and you know, most importantly, keep diving deep. I love it. Alright everyone, until next time. Take care.