holistic healing

Intuition Chronicles is my tracking system where I document the internal messages I receive and the results of heeding or ignoring them. I’ve shared a variety of my learn-the-hard-way stories in previous posts. Ugh! Happily, this is a success story, but I didn’t know it till months later. Since the outcome of following hunches isn’t always immediately apparent and can easily be overlooked, I’ve found that having a record to review is a great teaching aid.

While I do learn quickly by experiencing the inconvenience, discomfort, or expense of discounting inner guidance, I prefer to learn the easy way! I don’t always know until later that I’ve had a successful intuitive encounter, so I keep track of the nudges that don’t seem to make sense as well as the hindsight-activated realizations that I unknowingly acted on a nudge. I can use all the experiences for learning.

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In December 2019, I got a wild hair to buy allspice essential oil. I didn’t know why and had no clue what I’d do with it. Some exploration online taught me that it’s an antiviral spice and combines nicely with several other antiviral herbs and spices. I purchased the lot and made a batch of air purification spritzers for my home and office and to share as gifts.

It wasn’t until the following spring that I recognized that “wild hair” purchase as an extrasensory “knowing”. It didn’t come in the verbal format I’m accustomed to. I never heard a voice in my head saying, “Buy this; you’ll be glad later.” My attention was inexplicably drawn to the product and I felt an urge to buy it. When antiviral oils became hard to come by in 2020, I was extremely grateful I had an adequate stock on hand, and the epiphany blossomed. If I didn’t have an active practice of recording intuitive messages, I likely would have never perceived this as a victory.

This is when people usually point out that they frequently have sudden desires to buy items and wonder how they can tell the difference between impulsive shopping and an intuitive hunch. Valid question! Who doesn’t get urges to spend money out of the blue?

I have a two-pronged answer to that. A) Keeping track in a journal makes it easy to look back and say, “Aha! I was guided to do xyz and that proved incredibly helpful in the future. I’ll pay attention the next time a message like that appears.” Or, “Yikes, I regret spending all that money on something so frivolous. Next time I’ll be more mindful.” B) My intuition speaks to me calmly, but firmly, without any sense of desperation, whereas impulsive shopping can feel like I absolutely must have this thing or else I just won’t be ok. My intuition knows that I’m already ok and isn’t trying to prove my worthiness to me; it’s trying to make my life and my calling easier. Both the quality of the message and the act of mindfully recording it help me discern the difference.

I know that learning to recognize and interpret subtle directives from the metaphysical realm can seem daunting. At first there might be some confusion if the memo was issued by the soul or the consumeristic conditioning we’ve all been exposed to. To add to the complexity, there are a variety of ways intuition can communicate. Sometimes my eyes are mysteriously drawn to an object. Other times I get clear verbal instruction, have a gut feeling, or just know that I need to do something. Synchronicity is another guiding factor and too big of a topic to address today. (More on that in a later post.)

The more I’m tuned into the intention to receive and decipher guidance, the easier it is to notice it. Just like learning a language or instrument, we get better with practice. Even if you don’t feel confident following through on your intuition just yet, you can build your confidence by making notes and beginning your practice today. Soon you’ll be fluent in this new language.

Intuition Chronicles: Success Revealed in the Rearview Mirror

Intuition Chronicles is my tracking system where I document the internal messages I receive and the…
This question comes up a lot. I get it; it’s an unusual situation. When people come into my office for a treatment, I guide them through a chat and then onto the table where they remain mostly still throughout the session, unless discomfort prompts some type of reconfiguration. It’s structured.

If you’re receiving a session at your own home, there can be some confusion about what you need to do as that structure is not in place.

Reiki does not go through the wires or the internet. It doesn’t need electronics to stay connected. It happens in the quantum field of infinite possibilities. There is no need for cameras or microphones. I find it distracting and it makes it difficult for recipients to relax, so I don’t use Zoom or any other video app.

Neither does Reiki require you to perform any special ritual or meditative state. It will meet you wherever, however you are.

So what do you need to do?

The short answer is: you don’t need to do anything. Well… you need to be willing to receive, but that seems a given if you’ve signed up and provided payment for a treatment.

Willingness? Check. End of the checklist.

But… what do you DO? Again, you don’t need to do anything. I trade sessions weekly with my Reiki buddy and we don’t schedule the timing. She does my session when it’s convenient for her and I usually don’t know when that is. I go about my day with my Reiki receptors open and my system receives and integrates the healing energy without my conscious awareness.

It’s like mobile banking. You don’t need to be there when a deposit is made.

If you have an actual appointment time and want to be engaged in the process, you might like to lay down and rest. Some of my clients like to set up a spa-like atmosphere and light candles, diffuse essential oils, pull out the fuzzy blankets, and/or surround themselves with crystals. This can be fun for some people, and the ritual of creating a healing space does speak to the subconscious. It’s like saying, “Hey, look at this environment I’ve created for myself. Obviously some deep healing is about to happen.” It can be very helpful to soothe the inner skeptic.

Now, if you’re getting a Reiki treatment because of anxiety or trauma, trying to force yourself to relax probably will not lead to a relaxing experience. If curling up on the couch in the middle of the day sounds excruciatingly painful to you, don’t do it. Perhaps you’d be better served by sitting in your favorite chair looking at the clouds. Or going for a walk. Or painting or gardening or playing with your dog. Restorative yoga might be a good choice if that’s in your repertoire.

Reiki is not a one-size-fits-all modality. There is limitless freedom to find a strategy that suits yourself and your own particular needs at the moment. If you love to meditate, but find it hard to carve out the time, you might like to take advantage of this appointment to do so. If attempting to meditate makes you feel like ants are crawling all over your skin, don’t torture yourself. Torturing yourself is unlikely to lead to healing. When I say it so bluntly, it makes sense, right? There is no “should” when it comes to Reiki.

Your nervous system is a unique entity that has been wired and rewired, connected, disconnected and rewired again based on your unique constitution and experiences. It will let you know what activities are within the safe and acceptable range for you at any moment. So if doing the laundry or reorganizing your desk helps you to feel at ease, that just might be the right choice for you. You get to decide. It’s YOUR session. Make it work for you.

Distance Reiki Treatments: What Should the Client Do?

This question comes up a lot. I get it; it’s an unusual situation. When people come…
Lots of times I don’t know the reason for the internal nudges I get. Sometimes it becomes clear days, or even weeks, later. That’s why I keep track of intuitive messages and my response (or lack thereof) to them. But sometimes even a direct instruction doesn’t yield any tangible results.

This leads me to the conclusion that it’s not all about me. Shocking, right?!

Several weeks ago, as I was layering up to head out into the winterscape of Philly in February, I was instructed, “Green.” That’s it. Just one word. Given that I was standing in front of my selection of scarves at that very moment wondering which one to wear, it seemed a no-brainer. I wrapped my green scarf around my neck and ventured out, eager to learn why.

Nothing. Nada. Zilch. No clue why I was meant to do that. No Prince Charming swept me off my feet proclaiming my color scheme to be a clear indication of our destiny to spend all of eternity together. No approach by exotic animals attracted by the vibrant color. Not even a compliment from a passerby.

This type of thing happens frequently. Sure, I could have misinterpreted the message or missed the follow-up signs that I had chosen correctly. More likely, someone else might have benefited from seeing my green scarf. Perhaps (subconsciously) a neighbor was reminded about a gift they needed to purchase for a niece who adores green. I can think of any number of similar scenarios that are just as likely, and just as imaginary. It doesn’t really matter. I followed my instructions and my job is now done.

Often I am told to “turn left” when I’m actually heading to the right. Sometimes I find cash on the sidewalk, run into a friend, or discover a newly opened store that sells exactly what I’ve been looking for. Frequently, though, I have no idea why I was lead down that path. Maybe someone needed that smile I offered when we passed, it was my turn to drop money for another to discover, or my presence somehow delivered a color-coded message that was beneficial on some level.

Just because the evidence of cause and effect isn’t apparent, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Sometimes we just aren’t meant to know. Lots of issues are above my pay grade and I’m not always mindful enough to notice subtle results. Either way, it’s of no concern. It’s my job to receive the messages and do my best to comply. The “why” is often none of my business, especially when it’s not about me.

Intuition Chronicles: It’s Not Always About Me!

Lots of times I don’t know the reason for the internal nudges I get. Sometimes it…
I’ve mentioned this gem before, but lately it seems it could use a spotlight. Flower essences are a form of plant medicine that affect internal energy patterns and help restore emotional equilibrium. Of all the strategies I suggest to clients for releasing trauma, this is the most popular as it requires very little effort.

For people who are already struggling with bursting schedules, popping a few drops of a homeopathic potion in their mouths is much more appealing that squeezing in a daily meditation, mantra practice, or journaling exercise. It does pair quite nicely with these efforts for those looking for a multi-faceted approach. Reiki and somatic therapies will also be invaluable for those seeking professional support.

Star of Bethlehem is brilliant at preventing fresh upset from getting stored in the system as well as nudging out any pain that has been lodged for decades. The more sensitive of us can be burdened with trauma passed down along ancestral lines as well as from previous lifetimes. I don’t know many people who have managed to dodge trauma entirely and with the information bombarding us from across the globe these days, collateral trauma is practically unavoidable.

Sheesh, this isn’t meant to be a doomsday post! Trauma; it’s natural and common. That’s life. Yet there is hope! There are countless remedies, and here is one of my favorites that is incredibly effective, affordable, and easy to use. If you’re geeking out on the idea of applying a simple, natural therapy to cultivate greater mental and emotional wellness, I’d encourage you to explore flower remedies thoroughly. Star of Bethlehem is but one in a complex system of plant helpers standing by, ready to assist your blossoming well-being. Pun intended. 😉

Star of Bethlehem- a Bach Flower Remedy for Trauma

I’ve mentioned this gem before, but lately it seems it could use a spotlight. Flower essences…
I’m sure my students get tired of me repeating the same answer to almost every question that begins with, “How do you…”. If you desire to heal psoriasis, increase abundance, find a new home that meets all your needs, or awaken you intuition, the process is the same.

State your intention and apply Reiki.

Really! It’s that simple. There’s no need to make it complicated.

“But… how?” Is generally the follow- up inquiry. Again, my reply rarely wavers. Use the hand positions you were taught in class. They were designed to cover all the glands, organs, and chakras. You need all of your team playing at an optimal level. I don’t usually suggest focusing on any one particular zone as we are seeking full system balance.

You might be tempted to soak your third eye center with daily Reiki treatments, knowing this is the chakra involved with seeing clearly. Over the years, I’ve come to recognize that having a wide open sixth chakra isn’t all that helpful when there isn’t a flow throughout the entire being. If there is unhealed trauma that stirs up fear of knowing, it might reside in your pelvis or your kidneys. It will actively inhibit your progress and needs to addressed before getting the desired results. Same with any limiting beliefs lurking in the shadows.

If your particular flavor of intercepting intuition is auditory, you’ll want to tend to the ears. If it’s a gut-knowing, treating the abdomen will be invaluable. In order to follow up on any messages, you’ll find it helpful to have a functional, fiery solar plexus, and clear communication abilities.

I could go on, but I think I’ve made my point! You’ll want all systems online, balanced, and connected with one another. (Same goes for psoriasis, abundance, and house hunting too.)

Any impediments in your system need to addressed to experience optimal benefits. Inviting powerful energy to enter in through one portal without clearing the way for it to circulate can be problematic. Think of an eight lane highway that suddenly narrows down to a single lane track. Havoc! A consistent two lane road is much more functional and can be built up steadily over time.

During your practice, you might be guided to stray from the traditional positions. Excellent! It could be your intuition awakening, and telling you exactly what you need to maximize its function. Otherwise, carry on with the series, and trust that Reiki always goes where it is needed most.

If there’s music, poetry or prose, or an image that symbolizes your abilities to access inner knowing, you might like to bring it into your practice. Sensory perception affects the subconscious, a powerful resource, and I consider such additions to be icing on the cake. The cake itself is setting the intention and applying Reiki. (Yes, I know that I sound like a broken record.)

This is a basic step in a series of recommended actions for connecting with intuition. Opening your willingness to prioritize these practices was the first post. Future posts will cover starting small, asking for guidance, listening attentively, keeping records, and taking action. It might seem like a lot of effort, but I can assure you that the benefits are well worth it. For now, start where you are and keep up your daily practice.

Intuition Chronicles: A Simple Reiki Practice to Awaken Inner Guidance

I’m sure my students get tired of me repeating the same answer to almost every question…
It’s been nearly two years since I ditched the shampoo/conditioner routine. I was tired of spending a small fortune on organic products that still contained some questionable ingredients and wanted to lessen my contribution to the failing recycling system. I was delighted to discover an entirely radical approach. Super- cheap (a little over $10 TOTAL over the past 22 months!), zero plastic containers, and completely natural products (baking soda and apple cider vinegar).

Shampoo is a brilliant self-sustaining marketing ploy. It strips natural oils from the scalp, causing it to produce… more oil. Since I gave it up, my scalp hasn’t been oily once. After the first month of settling into the new habit, I have never considered turning back. My hair looks great, I can go for up to two weeks in between treatments, and I’ve just now spent 30 minutes searching for, and failing to find, any split ends.

I haven’t had my hair cut in two years now. It’s straight and long, so that in itself is no big accomplishment. I started wondering if I’ve ever gone this long in between cuts before, and am certain I haven’t. Usually split ends annoy me around the one year mark, and I make a trip to the salon. Not last winter. Not this winter. So I inspected my hair and couldn’t find a single raggedy one!

As I’ve been sharing this triumph with friends, there have been a lot of how-to questions. Hence this post. If you’re interested in saving big bucks, time and energy without sacrificing appearances, here’s the 411 on how to no-poo.

Place 1 teaspoon baking soda in a small jar. Repurpose a 4 oz squeeze bottle (check under your sink; they seem to breed under there!), add about an ounce of apple cider vinegar. Once you’re in the shower, get your hair thoroughly wet. Add about ¼ cup of warm water to the baking soda, swish until mixed and pour it over the crown of your head. Use your fingertips to scrub your scalp and work your way down to the ends. Rinse thoroughly. Very thoroughly. Otherwise it will feel gritty and you won’t get the full benefits of waiting so long in between treatments because it will make you nuts.

Fill the squeeze bottle with warm water. Pour over your scalp, keeping your chin up as vinegar is not eyeball friendly. Rub it down the length of your hair using the same motion as you would with a bar of soap. Let it sit for a few minutes while you finish your shower routine and rinse it out. I noticed that when I didn’t rinse the vinegar out completely, my hair looked I’d added mouse (do people still do that?) or some other hair- styling product that is less 1987. Not my thing, but you could play around if it’s yours.

I have thick, straight, long hair so you might need to experiment some with quantities or ratios to get it just right for you. I will add that the first few applications didn’t sell me completely. My hair had a tacky feeling that I suspect was old product lingering. So plan accordingly and give yourself a month before making the call.

I’ve used approximately 50 teaspoons of baking soda and 50 ounces of organic ACV with no visits to the salon over a two year period. One box and one and a half bottles, totaling about $14. I’ve contributed no plastic containers to the waste stream (let’s face it, that’s likely where most plastics go these days) and rarely have to fuss with anything hair related. Now that I’ve discovered GarageBand, I’m so very tickled to have all that extra time so I can play creatively. I’m sure you have other things you’d rather do with your time and money too.

For all you fellow rebels, you’ll also get a kick out of bucking the system. It brings me great joy to bypass the messages from the advertising industry and figure out what really works best for me. Give it a try and let me know what you think!

Upgraded Hair Care, Follow- Up Report

It’s been nearly two years since I ditched the shampoo/conditioner routine. I was tired of spending…
I really enjoyed this blog post by meditation teacher and neuropsychologist, Dr. Rick Hanson. He has taught me so much over the past several years about how the brain and the mind work. It’s a nice complement to the post I recently made about using Reiki to reduce unhelpful attachments.

Many of the seemingly problematic traits I’m working to lessen are actually a product of evolution. That doesn’t mean I’m forever doomed to suffer, but that what I experience is perfectly natural. There are strategies for overcoming behaviors whose roots lie in not being eaten by a tiger. While I’m not in danger of being dinner for a large animal, my brain unnecessarily protects me from such crises. I need to intervene if I wish to experience freedom from such evolutionary overprotection.

He explains it a lot better if you also like to geek out about why we do the things we do when we really don’t want to do them! He also provides very simple, very practical tools for creating lasting change that don’t include Reiki, but pair nicely with it for those on that path.

Cling Less, Love More

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Rick Hanson: Cling Less, Love More

I really enjoyed this blog post by meditation teacher and neuropsychologist, Dr. Rick Hanson. He has…
Ushering people into the realm of self-empowerment is my calling. Teaching Reiki classes and providing sessions, both distance and in-person, brings me great joy. Yet I’ve recognized a gap in the services I provide. Once initiated into the Reiki world, there’s not a lot of guidance or connection for practitioners.

Becoming actively involved in one’s wellness is not well supported in our culture. For those interested in reclaiming wholeness and worthiness, accessing guidance from the soul level and creating a lifestyle designed to foster optimal health and happiness, the path is often a solitary one.

This has inspired me to build a new tier of services specifically for Reiki folks. The latest installation is Reiki Squares, an online guided self-care practice. We begin on March 4 with a focus on self-compassion, a concept with which many of us struggle. Intellectually we might understand that we can’t really assist anyone when we’re depleted, but we have few role models for applying self-compassion in the real world.

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If you’ve been attuned to level 1 Reiki or beyond, regardless of when that happened or how often you practice or don’t practice, you’re welcome to join us. Whatever issues you’re dealing with, Reiki can help.

This is a trauma-informed event and we will begin every session establishing community agreements to build an emotionally safe container. There will be an opportunity, but no obligation, to share about your experience. Many find that being witnessed by colleagues adds value and often we can learn from the adventures of others.

Find more information on this and other services on my Reiki Tribe page, as well as an opportunity to signup for a monthly newsletter announcing future events.

Practicing in community helps remind us that we’re not alone. Healing doesn’t need to be a solitary practice. Join us for an hour of self-compassion and self-care that will hopefully inspire you to add these elements to your daily life.

Online Guided Reiki Practice

Ushering people into the realm of self-empowerment is my calling. Teaching Reiki classes and providing sessions,…
I have Reiki to thank for keeping me healthy, happy, sane, and solvent during this on-and-on-and-ongoing pandemic. The yearning I feel to share these benefits with everyone has been magnified since 2020. I recognize the need for support beyond traditional sessions and certification classes, and a new service has emerged as a result.

I was in massage school during my Reiki initiation and surrounded by a wide variety of holistic health advocates. It was normal to devote oneself to daily practices of self-care and to actively participate in pursuing physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, and energetic wellness. After graduation, I continued working at the school’s student clinic as well as a spa. Not a glamor-type spa, but a health-oriented one, with an attached movement studio and organic café. I didn’t realize then what a blessing this introduction was for helping me create a Reiki lifestyle.

Self-care was as normal to me as wet is to a fish. I didn’t realize till I left the protective waters of Santa Fe, and later California, that this is not always the case. It’s now clear to me that many folks don’t have support for cementing a consistent practice into their lives. Enthusiasm and curiosity that was so bright during a Reiki class begins to dissipate gradually out in the real world.

We live in a culture that massively undervalues self-care and taking time for ourselves. Society would have us believe that it’s better to sacrifice all our energy in pursuit of status, productivity, busy-ness, wealth, and taking care of others until we get too depleted to continue. It’s ok to devote resources to our own wellness after receiving a devastating diagnosis, but not before. Ridiculous!

The healthier and more vibrant I am, the more helpful I can be to others. I’ve devoted my career to promoting lifestyles that embrace wellness, self-care, and self-empowerment. I’m passionate about helping others actively engage in creating optimal wellness and the lives they desire. Which is why I’m offering new services that will support Reiki practitioners.

Sure, you can always retake a class to revive your passion. I even offer refresher attunements for those seeking a jump-start. It’s easy to book an appointment to receive a session, either distance or in-person. These are all helpful options for practitioners seeking support beyond what their self-treatment efforts can provide. But they’re not necessarily the best match for someone who is struggling to get a personal or professional practice off the ground.

It’s common to need some extra guidance about how to make Reiki work for you. I’ve come across many folks who took a class years ago in which the teacher prescribed an inflexible routine that just wasn’t realistic. Sadly, they abandoned the practice altogether as a result.

A Reiki practice doesn’t need to be rigid! I’ve managed to dedicate myself to a daily ritual that is constantly evolving to meet my needs. I have nearly twenty years’ experience allowing Reiki to work for me rather than following some arbitrary rules. In addition, Reiki has helped me to building a career that is meaningful, enjoyable, and sustainable.

Which leads to the next phase of my business.

20-minute phone coaching sessions for Reiki practitioners. If you’re seeking guidance about how to build your own practice, either personal or professional, I’d be delighted to share my knowledge with you. I’m keen to help others get in touch with their inner wisdom and allow the soul to lead the way.

During these phone calls, we will focus on one specific topic and troubleshoot any obstacles that prevent you from moving forward and experiencing your best possible outcome. If you find yourself stuck on ANY issue, I would be delighted to coach you on how to use Reiki and step into your power. I have nearly two decades of experience creating both personal and professional Reiki practices that are outside the narrow and constrictive boxes that are often presented as the only way.

Here’s a list of the most common questions I get from Reiki people. I feel confident that Reiki can be used in every situation excepting trying to manipulate others; if you don’t see your specific quandary, no worries! I repeat, these are just the most common questions I receive, intending to spark your own unique questions, which would be most welcome during a coaching session.

How do I anchor my self-treatment practice into a daily routine that suits my life?

How do I apply Reiki to a specific challenge or goal?

How do I heal childhood adversity or trauma?

How do I overcome procrastination or lack of motivation?

How do I establish and maintain healthy boundaries?

How do I protect myself from feeling overwhelmed/depleted/dumped upon?

How do I begin a professional practice?

How do I overcome my discomfort around charging a fair fee for my services?

How do I attract compatible clients?

Contact me to set up an appointment and together we will explore how to use Reiki to forge your own path.

If you’d like to stay informed of services and events curated specifically for Reiki practitioners, check out my Reiki Tribe page or sign up for the newsletter. This is the home base where I’m consolidating all the information for those of us on the Reiki path.

Reiki Tribe News Signup

Coaching Sessions for Reiki Practitioners

I have Reiki to thank for keeping me healthy, happy, sane, and solvent during this on-and-on-and-ongoing…