To truly unlock the power of any teaching, practice, or journey, you must be fully invested—not just in the outcome, but in the process itself. This isn’t about half-hearted attempts or waiting for results to magically appear. It’s about committing to the work, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain.
The story of the Reiki grandmaster Mikao Usui and the beggars in Japan is a powerful reminder of this truth. The grandmaster, driven by compassion, sought to bring healing to all, even those living on the margins of society. But he realized that no matter how much energy he poured into his efforts, the beggars would never fully benefit unless they were equally invested in their own transformation.
One beggar’s candid admission, “Begging is easier,” speaks volumes. It’s not that healing wasn’t possible—it’s that the effort required to change felt overwhelming compared to the familiarity of their current reality.
This story isn’t just about Reiki or healing; it’s a metaphor for every aspect of life. Whether you’re optimizing your English skills, building a business, or navigating your personal growth, the same principle applies: investment precedes transformation. What Does It Mean to ; Be Invested? Being invested goes beyond showing up or going through the motions. It’s about:
1. Commitment to the Process: Transformation doesn’t happen overnight. It requires consistent effort, even when progress feels slow. Being invested means trusting the process, even when the results aren’t immediately visible.
2. Embracing Discomfort: Growth often requires stepping outside your comfort zone. Whether it’s practicing a new language, pitching a business idea, or confronting limiting beliefs, discomfort is a sign that you’re stretching yourself.
3. Taking Ownership: Being invested means taking responsibility for your journey. It’s about recognizing that while guidance and support are invaluable, the ultimate power to change lies within you.
The Alchemy of Energy
The grandmaster’s story also highlights the importance of absorbing and alchemizing energy. In Reiki, our energy is channeled to promote healing and balance. But this principle extends far beyond spiritual practices. Think of energy as the fuel for your goals. When you’re fully invested, you absorb the energy around you—lessons, experiences, even setbacks—and transform it into something meaningful. This is the alchemy of growth: turning challenges into opportunities, effort into results, and dreams into reality.
For example, when learning English, every mistake is an opportunity to improve. When building a business, every failure is a lesson in resilience. When navigating life, every obstacle is a chance to grow stronger. The key is to stay open and receptive, allowing yourself to absorb and transform the energy of each experience.
Why Begging Is Easier (And Why It’s Not Enough)
The beggar’s statement, *“Begging is easier,”* is a poignant reminder of why so many people resist change. Familiarity, even when it’s painful or limiting, often feels safer than the unknown. It’s easier to stay in a job you dislike than to pursue your passion. It’s easier to avoid difficult conversations than to confront them. It’s easier to settle for mediocrity than to strive for excellence. But “easier” doesn’t mean better. In fact, the path of least resistance often leads to stagnation. True growth requires effort, courage, and a willingness to embrace discomfort. It’s about choosing the harder path because you know it leads to something greater.
How to Cultivate Investment in Your Life
1. Clarify Your Why:
What drives you? What do you want to achieve, and why does it matter? When your “why” is clear, it becomes easier to stay invested, even when the journey gets tough.
2. Set Intentions, Not Just Goals:
Goals are important, but intentions go deeper. They’re about aligning your actions with your values and purpose. For example, instead of just aiming to “speak fluent English,” set the intention to “communicate confidently and authentically.”
3. Celebrate Small Wins:
Transformation is a series of small steps, not one giant leap. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small. This builds momentum and reinforces your investment in the process.
4. Surround Yourself with Support:
Investment is easier when you’re not alone. Seek out mentors, peers, and communities that inspire and challenge you.
5. Practice Self-Compassion:
Being invested doesn’t mean being perfect. It’s about showing up, even when you stumble. Treat yourself with kindness and remember that every step forward is progress.
The Ripple Effect of Investment When you’re fully invested in your own growth, the impact extends far beyond yourself. Just as the master sought to heal others, your transformation can inspire and uplift those around you. Whether it’s through your improved communication, your thriving business, or your personal journey, your investment creates a ripple effect of positive change.
So, ask yourself: Where in your life are you holding back? Where are you choosing “easier” over “better”? And what would it look like to fully invest in your growth, your goals, and your potential? The path won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it. Because when you’re truly invested, you’re not just transforming your life—you’re alchemizing your energy into something extraordinary. *Be invested. Be transformed.*
