inspiration

Increasing busy-ness at work has inspired me on a mission to fine-tune my routine and optimize my feel-good practices. Today I’m focused on giving myself plenty of time to get to where I’m going. It seems that no matter how long I’ve been awake, I’m always rushing to get out the door. This causes a fair amount of stress that erodes the self-care practices I’ve developed. Really what’s the point in meditating in the morning if I run around frantically trying to get ready for work in 4 minutes flat!?!

This morning, in an effort to be more kind to myself, I allowed more spaciousness in my schedule. I reserved a full 20 minutes to get dressed, gather my lunch, and double check that my wallet and other essentials are in the proper bag before heading downstairs. Yesterday I panicked because I couldn’t find my transit pass, ran back up to my third floor apartment to ransack various purses, only to realize it was in my pocket all along. ARGH! Not a peaceful entry into the world.

Since I don’t bother with makeup and it takes only 30 seconds to comb my hair, this 20 minutes allows the leisurely pace of my spiritual practice to extend into my commute. No doubt the lack of frenzied rushing will set a tone for a much more peaceful day at work. I’m thrilled to say goodbye to a bad habit that I’ve ignore for too long; one that is caused by trying to do one more thing before I leave the house. Once again, I’m remembering that sometimes less is more, and that good planning is the foundation for reducing the amount of stress I subject myself to.

Radical Self-Care, Spaciousness

Increasing busy-ness at work has inspired me on a mission to fine-tune my routine and optimize…
I am entering a four day stretch of giving lots of massages. I think most people understand that it’s a very physically demanding job. I want to give each and every client the best treatment possible; that means that I need to be especially on top of my self-care. I’m grateful for the exploration over the past few days with doing less, meditation, and yoga as these are all essential elements of my daily routine. Another element that is a priority for showing up as my best massage-therapist-self, is nutrition. I need to be well fueled to remain focused on my clients and not on my upcoming snack.

The way I accomplish this is a food plan. Not very mystical, I know! Yet it works wonders for me to have a general idea (I do like to leave room for flexibility) of the meals that will sustain me over the next several days. I keep it simple usually by preparing several servings of a whole grain that can be reheated each day for breakfast, prepping lots of veggies to throw together quick salads, and my favorite to-go lunch, green smoothies.

Making the food plan helps assure me that I have all the ingredients on hand that I will need for several days. I really don’t want to be bothered with a trip to the store for one item. Certainly not in this 98 degree weather! It also helps me remember when I need to defrost or soak anything overnight. It takes just a few minutes to put together and then forms the basis of a shopping list of necessary ingredients. This moment of foresight allows me to relax a bit more knowing I will have all the nutrients I need to perform well at work.

I divide my day planner into three columns for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Then I pencil (important as I change my mind frequently!) in abbreviations for the meals I have planned. I keep it as simple as possible. Millet/CB/MS/GB is my breakfast porridge with coconut butter, maple syrup, and goji berries. It’s easy to confirm that I have all those ingredients and to remember that I like to soak the millet overnight. If you’d like more structure, Kris Carr offers these detailed instructions and a downloadable planner here.

If you’re interested in avoiding energy crashes and urgent trips to the vending machines or fast food joints, this is a great tool. Planning meals might sound like a hassle, but for me it allows a loose structure that I can relax into. It’s comforting to know that I have everything I need for the next several days and that I won’t be getting hungry (or irritable!) at work. It’s a foundation that allows me to save money on impulse foods and helps me avoid unhealthy snacks. In my eyes it’s a win-win-win practice!

Radical Self-Care, Food Plan

I am entering a four day stretch of giving lots of massages. I think most people understand…
Last night I was reading an article in a massage therapy magazine about sports massage. College athletes who were trying out for professional teams were receiving daily massage during their training. The result was fewer overall injuries and quicker recovery from the injuries that did occur. This really isn’t news to anyone in the business of bodywork. We know that lengthening the soft tissue creates a greater range of movement and flexibility that helps protect the body. What really struck me about this article was the use of the word “prehab”.

I had an insightful flash that prehab isn’t just for athletes. We can all benefit from noticing our weaknesses and restrictions and preparing ourselves for challenging situations. We can prevent the need to rehab from injuries by being proactive and taking charge of our health.

In the same way that I like to “pre-hydrate” before a hike, I can prehab for a long car ride or a conference that involves sitting in an uncomfortable chair for several days. I can prehab for a stressful situation like a court date, an exam, or a holiday dinner with the in-laws. I think everyone is aware of the upcoming stressful events in their lives- they are those entries on our calendars that make us cringe or reach for chips or chocolate or vodka. I’d like to propose a more effective and healthier alternative: stress management.

Reducing our overall stress level allows us to better deal with acute situations that activate our fight or flight mode. Strengthening the relaxation response in preparation for difficulties ahead does not guarantee it will all be rainbows and roses, but will certainly reduce the impact on our state of mind. Practicing stress management helps prevent injury (including melt downs or blow ups) and helps us recovery more quickly.

Rather than being a victim to circumstances, we could invest our resources into prehab. Let’s face it, stress happens. Sometimes more than others. There’s no reason to be caught off guard when it does. Taking responsibility for our physical, mental, and emotional health and well-being demands that we take action. The cost of rehab is generally higher and includes more pain than preventative measures. I’m all for anything that removes extraneous suffering from my world. Prehab has just become an important part of my self-care regime. Starting now.

Prehab

Last night I was reading an article in a massage therapy magazine about sports massage. College…
Generally speaking people book Reiki sessions with me because they are struggling with some area of their lives; health, prosperity, sense of belonging, stress, and relationships are the most common concerns. As we work together and they become willing to release this struggle, very often peace quickly descends. This does not mean that they remain inactive; rather they choose to accept the circumstances as their current reality and pursue a path to the outcome they desire. They stop fighting against something and instead work toward something else.

The current trend I’m noticing among not only my clients but also in my own life as well as those of many of my friends, is that even after the act of surrendering struggle, forward movement stalls. Despite clear intentions, decisive action, and heartfelt desire, progress seems blocked. Plans get revised, investment in creating change gets boosted and … Nothing happens. Master manifestors are stuck treading water.

I’ve begun exploring the possibility that while MY plan is completely off the rails and seemingly at a dead end, perhaps I am experiencing a different plan. A plan that supersedes MY plan. A Divine Plan. Perhaps THE PLAN- the optimal position gifted to me to support my soul’s purpose, my personal healing, and spiritual growth.

As I let go of my well-reasoned and deeply investigated plan (less than graciously more times than not!) I am coming to realize that MY Plan was actually a distraction, a tangent, heck it’s really a detour from The Plan. As I release the resistance to this awakening, I feel incredibly comforted by a knowingness that I’m back on track. Now I simply sit back and watch as the resources I need appear as if by magic. And in much greater ways than I ever could have planned on my own.

Not MY Plan

Generally speaking people book Reiki sessions with me because they are struggling with some area of…
Dr. Christiane Northrup wrote a brilliant article about the psoas being the most vital muscle in the body. That’s quite a definitive statement, right?! She does a fantastic job of establishing body-mind connection and explaining the importance of releasing the constant fight-or-flight reflex to enjoy optimal health. Not only am I experiencing the truth of her words from the inside of my own body, but I’ve witnessed it countless times in my bodywork clients.

I highly encourage reading what she has to say. She includes things to observe in yourself as well as tips for regaining balance, all in easy-to-understand language. Check it out here!

Psoas Rules!

Dr. Christiane Northrup wrote a brilliant article about the psoas being the most vital muscle in…
This morning I took a yoga class where the instructor offered an optional intention of extending unconditional friendliness, first to ourselves and our bodies, and then outwards towards others. I hopped on board right away, touched by the simplicity and power of this expression. In just two words, he summed up my approach to health and healing.

Let us approach our bodies with friendliness. No matter what. For me this meant backing off quite a bit during class as I was feeling tired and somewhat fragile. Rather than pushing through fatigue or forcing my body to hold poses it wasn’t really up to, I chose friendliness and rested frequently. I had planned to do a vigorous practice as I was feeling stiff and wanted to let go of accumulated tension. My body’s innate wisdom had a different plan for me, and because I was willing to listen, I benefited greatly.

This philosophy is also how I approach bodywork. So often we treat our bodies as the enemy; something to be conquered or beaten into submission, punished or ignored. Thousands of times I’ve seen pain melt away during a session in which I used friendliness as an intention rather than aggression or manipulation. To me it is intuitively obvious that we don’t lessen suffering by hurting one another or ourselves.

This newfound clarity has inspired me to behave differently. I’m decided to make friends with my body; to respect, honor, listen, cherish, and treat her with kindness. I will speak to her lovingly and give her the support she needs to thrive. It’s high time I make unconditional friendliness an internal priority rather than merely an external one. After all, my body will be with me for the rest of my life, we might as well be the best of friends!

Unconditional Friendliness

This morning I took a yoga class where the instructor offered an optional intention of extending…
It’s no big secret that I’ve moved loads (pun intended!) of times. I’ve lived in all four time zones of the continental US and have done some major criss-crossing of the country. It’s rare for me to have the same address for more than 18 months. Just ask my mom, who learned long ago to use a post-it note in her address book for easier updates. So it was not a surprise when I found myself looking for a new home last month. I had been renting the same room for a year and a half and it was time for an improvement.

I’ve used Reiki to support each of my relocation efforts for the past 13 years. (That includes three states, two time zones, and about ten post-its.) I’ve developed some tips that I think others will find helpful. My main objective, however, is to demonstrate how Reiki can assist us in creating positive change in our lives. This healing energy aligns us with our highest good and gives us the clarity and motivation to follow our internal guidance.

The technique I use is quite simple. I invoke all the Usui Reiki symbols for healing any blocks I have to experiencing my highest good. I fill my energy field with life-force energy and allow myself to marinate in the healing vibes. I imagine how I would like to feel in my new home. It’s really as simple as that. I don’t make lists of the desires I have for carpet vs hardwood floors or any such specifics; I leave that up to the Universe. I tune in to the sense of feeling comfortable, safe, and welcome, and loving my home. I send distance Reiki to my future, knowing it will support me in attracting the perfect location and transitioning gracefully.

This certainly does not mean that I take no action other than visualizing my hopes. It is, however, my first and most important step in the process. Once Reiki is activated as my personal moving coordinator, I receive inspiration and information that leads me on my way. I might get an impulse to contact somebody or investigate a website. I could be guided to turn left unexpectedly and to explore a neighborhood off my beaten path. I don’t just sit around waiting for my new address to be delivered to me, and neither do I run around like a crazed, desperate woman frantic to make something happen. I tune up, tune in, and take note. Intuition invariably shows me how to proceed.

I also spend time filling my current home with Reiki. It’s important to express gratitude for what we have in order to bless our future (thank you Louise Hay for teaching me this important lesson!). Quite often, once one gives notice that they are moving, resentment or disappointment can brew. Keeping the current situation harmonious and balanced is vital to the process of creating a harmonious and balanced future home.

From that point on, it’s simply a matter of basking in Reiki energy, trusting the guidance that comes, and taking inspired action. Whatever is on the day’s agenda gets Reikied before, during, and after; and this leads to clarity about creating future agendas. Sometimes the message is: wait. I got that message daily for about ten days straight. So frustrating! Yet even though there was so much to be done, it wasn’t time yet. So I waited, with varying degrees of patience, until the green light appeared and then it was time to pack boxes full throttle.

Interestingly enough, on the big day, I ignored some guidance. Not intentionally, but I was tired and there was a lot to do. Consequently I was involved in a minor fender bender. I’m quite sure that I had been tuned in, rather than in go-go-go mode, I could have avoided this delay. Luckily no one was hurt and I was forced to slow down. Such a good reminder to pay attention, and that when we ask for Divine Guidance and Assistance, it is ultimately our responsibility to receive it. Lesson learned and I’ve moved on to turning my new space into a home that’s filled with beauty, comfort, gratitude, and of course, Reiki.

Reiki for Moving

It’s no big secret that I’ve moved loads (pun intended!) of times. I’ve lived in all…
Last week a client reported that his girlfriend had really enjoyed the Community Reiki Clinic they attended a few months back. I was delighted to hear this; it had been her first experience with Reiki healing and I hadn’t gotten a chance to check in with her afterwards. He went on to tell me, “She quit her job soon after that.” What? That was certainly unexpected! I joked that I would not be using this as a testimonial on my website.

He then explained that she had been wanting to leave her job for some time and just hadn’t found the motivation. Apparently the Reiki session helped her to get clear that it was time to move on and she started looking for new employment. Once the wheels were in motion, it didn’t take long to find a position that was better suited to her. He claims she’s much happier now.

Actually, this story isn’t uncommon. Very often people report that they feel stuck in uncomfortable situations; jobs, relationships, housing, and health are the most common scenarios I hear about from my clients. They know something needs to change, but they just aren’t sure how to begin. Reiki can quickly help them see the bigger picture, and align themselves with the improvement they seek. Somehow the disharmonious circumstance drains a person’s energy, leaving them floundering and uncertain. Once they get a Reiki recharge, focus and stamina are boosted, and the way is made clear.

This is the same phenomenon that prevents me from answering “yes” to the common question, “Can you heal me?” Sometimes what people mean when they ask me that is if I can magically make them happy in an environment or relationship that is not serving their highest good. I’ve seen Reiki change lives in dramatic ways to support the recipient. Indeed it is not always convenient, but it is a powerful energizer. When our lifestyles are not in alignment with our highest good, Reiki seems to attract the necessary circumstances to motivate us to seek change.

Reiki: it will make unhappy circumstances intolerable. If you’re feeling stuck, in your job or elsewhere, it can give you the nudge you need to transform your life. It always supports our highest good. I’m considering a new tag line: Get Reiki and Say Goodbye to Everything that Holds You Back. Nah, too many words. I’ll stick with Relax, Renew, Restore.

Letting Go, Moving On

Last week a client reported that his girlfriend had really enjoyed the Community Reiki Clinic they attended…
Lately I’ve been doing quite a bit of long-distance Reiki. It can be a difficult concept to grasp, but energy is not limited by time or space. There is a symbol that level 2 Reiki students learn that allows us to send energy to someone who is not in the same room. Reiki can be transmitted across the globe for the healing benefit of a recipient far away. There are scientific explanations for this phenomenon, but let’s face it; we’re talking about a spiritually guided energy. It’s a whole lot easier for me to grasp that the higher power directing Reiki knows how to deliver a package to wherever it needs to go, than to wrap my mind around Quantum physics.

What I especially appreciate about long-distance Reiki (also called remote Reiki), is the simplicity and convenience for the client. There’s no need to get dressed, leave the house, trudge through traffic, scout out a parking spot, or face inclement weather. It helps stay-at-home parents who would otherwise need to find childcare, those with transportation challenges, and people who just plain don’t want to go outside. It eliminates the need to block out time from a busy schedule for traveling time and allows one to integrate the healing energy from the comfort of home rather than on the freeway.

When I offer a long-distance session to a client, I suggest that they make the time to create a quiet space in which they will not be disturbed. Their only job is to rest and be comfortable. Usually people lie down, but some like to be in nature, or in their favorite chair. As long as they are relaxed, they are allowing themselves to receive the maximum benefits. I simply go into a meditative state, invoke the Reiki symbols, and imagine the client is before me. Some practitioners use a teddy bear or a pillow as a surrogate to help focus their attention. It’s not necessary, but can be a useful tool.

When I’m working with a client I haven’t met in person, we communicate in advance by email. Not only does it help me connect with them and get a sense of their intention, but it also reassures the recipient that this virtual stranger whom they have hired to send healing life-force energy to them is for real. (Yes, I know. It can be a difficult concept to grasp!) Often after the first three or four sessions we both become comfortable enough to minimize the electronic connection.

I’ve read stories of miraculous recoveries people have experienced through remote Reiki. Blood clots disappearing, tumors shrinking and mysterious ailments evaporating. While I believe all that to be possible, mostly what I have witnessed are clients who have a greater sense of ease in their minds and bodies, and are better able to cope with the stresses of their daily lives. This seems to me to be the key to maintaining health and quality of life. Managing stress is a necessity of modern life. Long-distance Reiki offers people an opportunity to do this in a super-easy, convenient, comfortable way, without adding the stress of having to arrive on time at an appointment across town. What could be better than that?!

If you’re interested in learning more, visit my website. I offer complimentary 10 minute phone consultations to those who are unsure if my services can benefit them. There’s no topic I enjoy more than health and healing, so please don’t hesitate to contact me if you’re interested in learning more.

Ultimate Stress Relief- Long Distance Reiki

Lately I’ve been doing quite a bit of long-distance Reiki. It can be a difficult concept…