How To Pray, Send Reiki, etc. to Someone Else in a Consent Circuit Kind of Way

Greetings, fellow human. I’m writing today to share the protocol I use when offering any kind of prayer or energy to someone else.

First I would offer that I frame the consent process as a circuit rather than a switch. A switch model says: ‘once we make an agreement, then it’s either yes or no’ - there is little room for ambiguity, and revoking consent would terminate whatever ‘relationship’ one is in - relationship in quotes, as this could be as simple as agreeing/not to having your picture taken at a party.

When conceived as a circuit, consent becomes a conversation, and I enjoy using the FRIES model when contemplating consent circuits .

FRIES

This acronym was originally created to assist folks in cultivating consent between romantic partners, and it absolutely works as a framework for any kind of consent

Within an intimate context, the FRIES model for consent suggests that we are actively engaging in an ongoing conversation that seeks and supports freedom and liberation through agreement; knowing this can change at any time.

Likewise, if someone is confronting a major moment, like the death of a family member, a life-threatening diagnosis, etc., I believe all offerings having to do with prayer, energy work, good vibes, etc - need to be consensual in order to be ethical - if they offering is specific to a person for a specific reason.

My reasons for this way of thinking are many, and here’s a short list

• Maybe they don’t pray

• Maybe they don’t like the kind of energy work i’m offering

• Maybe they pray a different way

• Or have some kind of trauma

• Maybe I want to come from a place of altruism

So I always ask. If I know someone’s practice I’ll make a specific offer like the one below. I know this person’s religion - they had already expressed their fond memories of their loved one - and we have an ongoing relating that I feel comfortable and appropriate asking if I can pray for her.

Permit to Pray

An example of simple exchange between me and a friend. I waited until they confirmed a YES to receiving my offering before I did anything.

What do you think? Put it in the comments below.