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Reiki

I like to think of my health as a savings account. Every day I make deposits and withdrawals based on my thoughts, words, and actions. Obviously I want to continuously increase my balance, so I aspire to make more frequent and larger deposits than withdrawals. This way I am giving my body the support it needs to do its job of being well and energetic.

Stress seems to be the number one withdrawal to our health accounts in modern society. Whether it be at work or home, from family or society, financial or social; it seems inescapable. Worse yet, it often drives us to seek comfort in activities that further deplete our health such as over-drinking, -exercising, -eating, numbing out in front of the TV, or any type of distracting behavior that saps our life-force energy. When these withdrawals exceed our healthy deposits, we make ourselves more vulnerable to disease and discomfort.

Perhaps the most healthful thing we can do for ourselves is to practice kindness; not only towards others, but also towards ourselves. This looks different for each person as our passions and challenges are all unique. For me, being kind to myself means planning nutritious meals and regular mealtimes, making time to rest, meditating, reading inspiring books and blogs, and dancing. These are all activities that make me feel great and boost my energy. And they all take time, special props or settings, and a good deal of effort.

I have discovered a super-power for creating limitless deposits with little effort. I’m talking about daily application of Reiki healing energy. Reiki is a powerful healing technique that uses gentle touch to flood one’s body with universal life-force energy. This is the same energy that the immune system uses to function at maximum effectiveness. Most people don’t have the luxury of scheduling an appointment every day with a professional Reiki practitioner, so I am a huge proponent of self-treatments.

One of the great things about Reiki is that is can do no harm. For this reason, it’s super easy to learn and to treat oneself. There are no prerequisites or special abilities involved. I’ve distilled the essence of what people need to know for self-use into a three hour class that promotes a simple sequence of hand positions that is my absolute top recommendation for maintaining wellness. Even better, it’s easy to give oneself a dose of Reiki “on the fly” in stressful situations or during downtime. Think meetings, airports, subways, exams, family holiday dinners, and busy checkout lines.

If you’re interested in making daily contributions to your health savings account and becoming your most vibrant self, I am here to encourage you to take a Reiki class and commit to giving yourself the gift of a 10-20 minute blast of healing energy daily. If you live in or near Philadelphia, I’d like to invite you to my Reiki for Self-Care: Banish Stress from 2016 class on Sunday, January 17. We may not have control over the amount of stress that life deals us, but we absolutely have the power to manage it with daily practices of self-care and kindness.

Daily Health Deposits

I like to think of my health as a savings account. Every day I make deposits…
Lately I’ve been on a quest to discover the Sacred Feminine within me. Part of that process has been to understand what those words even mean! At first glance, feminine energy seems to be soft, compassionate, passive. While these qualities are indeed an aspect of what I was seeking to uncover, they are far from the whole. I’ve come to realize that there is also a fierceness that is sometimes present in deep femininity (think of a mamma bear protecting her cubs). As it turns out, what I really wanted was to embody this power in a gentle, loving way.

I also began to realize that there is a world of difference between the feminine quality of creativity and the trait of passivity. They might look the same from the outside, but from the inner perspective, they are as different as night and day. Just as we can’t watch a pregnant woman growing a baby, we know that is exactly what is happening. Magnetism is the same. We might look like we’re sitting around doing nothing, but we are instead using this feminine power to get clear on what we want, and are drawing it to ourselves through the practice of Being rather than Doing.

Reiki self-treatments help me to move through stuck emotions as well as to discover remnants of stuckness needing to be released. They help to soothe the ruffled feathers of the healing work I am doing. I know I have much to learn as I continue this mystical journey, and I trust in the energy of Reiki to support me along the way. I’m certain that this process works for uncovering the Sacred Masculine as well. I’m not entirely sure what that path looks like, but I suspect it’s a process embracing the journey from aggressiveness to assertiveness.

Reclaiming the Feminine

Lately I’ve been on a quest to discover the Sacred Feminine within me. Part of that…
Every day we are all faced with circumstances we have no control over. Changes in barometric pressure, hormones, and pollen are a few that come to mind because some people suffer terrific headaches as a result. Yet it is my belief that when our body/mind/spirit balance is maintained, we can minimize or even eliminate the effects of these seeming troublemakers.

When our life-force energy is flowing harmoniously, our chakras and glands are vitalized and toxins are easily disposed of. Our immunity is functioning in top-gear and we are distinctly less susceptible to outside forces. The closer to optimal balance we are at any given moment, the less likely we will be toppled off-balance by any outside force. This can also apply to someone cutting us off in traffic, excessive or unpleasant fragrances, behavior in a colleague that we judge as rude, or a late bus.

There are countless ways to achieve balance in our lives. Reiki and meditation are the easiest, quickest, and most accessible tools that I know of for inviting peace, harmony, and well-being to become our default zone. Vacations are delightful, but they come too infrequently and end to quickly. Therapy is helpful, but we are reliant on someone else to meet with us. Exercise is irreplaceable, yet sometimes inconvenient. Both Reiki and meditation can be utilized anywhere, anytime, without any preparation or outside assistance. Practicing these simple techniques can stack the deck in our favor and keep us ahead of the potential discomfort of unforeseen events.

Stacking the Deck

Every day we are all faced with circumstances we have no control over. Changes in barometric…
As a teacher, I have always felt the importance of clarifying to my students that as Reiki practitioners, we’re just the hose- not the water. It’s pretty easy to get carried away by the amazing results we witness time and time again when working with clients. It’s not unusual for people to get up from a treatment claiming to feel better than they have in decades or that the weight of the world has been lifted from their shoulders. It’s equally common for them in this blissed-out state to believe that we have magic hands or work miracles.

As lovely as it is to be appreciated and have one’s work be so well received, those of us who have learned to allow this healing energy flow through our hands must remember that we are merely humble conduits. In actuality, I am nothing special. Reiki, on the other hand, is quite spectacular! It always knows where to go and when to stop. Because it is divinely guided it can do no harm. This is the miracle! We practitioners are simply facilitators. While it’s true that the higher our vibrations are, the cleaner our pipes are, and the more strongly the energy can flow through us. Yet I must give credit where the credit is due, and in this case it is abundantly clear that all accolades belong to the water, not the hose.

Just the Hose

As a teacher, I have always felt the importance of clarifying to my students that as…
“Reiki. It’s better than therapy!” A friend told me this last night, and I just had to laugh. We have been working together for several months now, doing Reiki sessions as part of her general wellness routine. The benefits of deep relaxation, inner peace, and overall well-being grow every treatment. The shift that occurs on an inner level that quiets the mind allows the parasympathetic nervous system to kick in and deep healing to begin. I truly believe that the body knows how to heal itself; Reiki is merely a tool that allows the system to reset to it’s natural, relaxed state which supports this innate ability.

I’ve personally never experienced psycho-therapy. I do not intend to diminish the effectiveness of this work by any means. I am aware that countless people have experienced valuable relief with therapy. I am absolutely not suggesting that anyone substitute Reiki for treatment that is helping them in any way, shape, or form. And I know from personal experience that Reiki has the capacity to shift stuck energy in ways that talking about being stuck cannot.

We can only be aware of the Truth of our Being when we feel safe, accepted, and calm. Reiki is a means to achieve this state. Once we have become present, we can often see with newfound clarity and open to intuitive guidance. From this sacred space it is possible to recognize the negative patterns we’ve fallen into and the inaccurate beliefs that hold us in them. When we become connected to our Higher Selves, we discover the resources of strength, wisdom, and grace that assist us in aligning with our Spirits. When this alignment is nurtured, deep and lasting healing occurs. Reiki is not the only path to such a transition; it is however, the most powerful, gentle, and easily accessible way that I’ve ever encountered.

Reiki. It’s Better Than Therapy!

“Reiki. It’s better than therapy!” A friend told me this last night, and I just had…
Reiki is a terrific tool for breaking the pattern of insomnia. It resets energy flow, calms the mind, and enables one to relax and welcome rest. I have discovered that it also has a restorative benefit even if one remains awake all night. I have come to accept that there are some nights I’m just not going to sleep, no matter what. It’s not uncommon for the energy of a full moon to keep me awake, or loud noises, or an uncomfortable bed. But I don’t need to suffer because of these circumstances.

This past weekend I found myself on an air mattress in the nursery of 11 month old twins. I volunteered to take care of my niece and nephew while my brother and his wife were out of town. I knew full well when I signed up that sleep was unlikely. First of all, one of them snores. Seriously! And whenever one stirs, there’s a mad rush to replace the pacifier before crying wakes the other up. Plus my neck was unhappy with my borrowed pillow.

Luckily I had the company of Reiki healing energy. Rather than tossing and turning and counting the hours of sleeplessness, I used this precious time for an extended and thorough Reiki self-treatment. Immediately my breath began to deepen and my tension evaporate. The mental suffering that often accompanies lying awake at night diminished and I gave thanks for this opportunity to give myself the gift of relaxation and contemplation. As I focused my attention of the warmth flowing from my hands I realized that while sleep is invaluable, the blessing of receiving hours of an overnight energy treatment offered even greater restorative powers.

Don’t get me wrong- I wouldn’t trade a good night’s sleep for Reiki on a regular basis. However, I did feel refreshed the next morning. There was no foggy sensation of stumbling about in pursuit of caffeine. I wasn’t irritable or impatient. A sense of deeper inner peace unfolded around me and supported me throughout the day. And when I finally made it home to my own bed, I enjoyed the deepest rest I’ve experienced in months. Caring for my own health in the midst of challenging situations is fantastically easy with the miracle of Reiki at my fingertips. I look forward to the day when it is considered a must-have tool for everybody.

Sleepless

Reiki is a terrific tool for breaking the pattern of insomnia. It resets energy flow, calms…
I sometimes struggle with my seeming inability to describe the powerful healing benefits of Reiki. Words seem such an inadequate way of expressing a cosmic force that offers the essence of divine love to anyone open to receiving it. Yet words are the most common method we humans have of communicating with one another. Rather than merely stating that Reiki provides healing on all levels (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, energetic) and expecting that those unfamiliar with the concept of energywork will understand, I’ve decided to delve into the specifics of what that actually looks and feels like.

I find it difficult to ask for help; especially when I need it. This is a bit of a problem as there’s no sense in asking when I don’t need it, although sometimes I can plan ahead when I know a challenge is coming. I’m referring to times when I’m experiencing emotional distress and wanting comforting support. Reaching out to someone when I’m feeling pain is almost unbearable because if they are unable or unwilling to provide it, the wounded part of me that is activated takes it personally and creates more suffering. Even when I’m successful at finding a willing friend to sit with me in my time of need, they sometimes are uncomfortable being present with pain, are unskilled at the art of deep listening, or are unable to resist the urge to “fix” me.

I don’t need fixing. I need a compassionate witness who hears and understands me and continues to love me, including the mistakes I may have made or the grief I may be experiencing. And of course, I want it instantly! This is where the beauty of Reiki for self-care comes in. As a practitioner of this amazing healing art, I have access to divinely guided life-force energy at my fingertips 24/7. Reiki is never busy or flakey or impatient. This soothing balm flows immediately to where it is most needed and suddenly it is easier to remember that I am a divinely guided spiritual being and everything I need has already been provided to me. Reiki helps me reset my thinking and release resistance to What Is and allows me to graciously extract myself from any false identity as a victim. From there, my clear thinking is restored and my heart is at ease.

The circumstances might remain unchanged, yet everything is different. Reiki keeps me from spiraling downward into despair, from lashing out at anyone else in pain, from turning to unhealthy substances or behaviors to distract or numb myself, and from creating more suffering. From the calm that emerges I am better able to respond lovingly if a response is called for, or to let go and move on if that is what’s appropriate. It is not a magic pill that makes my world a perfect place; rather a remedy that promotes inner peace and the ability to accept life as it unfolds and allows my higher self to hold the reigns. The greatest gift of all is that anyone can learn how to practice Reiki in a day or two, and have this incredibly powerful tool available at their own fingertips 24/7.

Reiki as a Lifeline

I sometimes struggle with my seeming inability to describe the powerful healing benefits of Reiki. Words…
Philadelphia, The City of Brotherly Love

What a wild ride the past six months have been for me! I moved from the mild climate of coastal California to the urban winter of Pennsylvania. I have no doubt that without the powerful tool of Reiki I would be an enormous emotional mess right now. Leaving behind beloved friends, sunrise walks along the ocean, and a blossoming private practice was extremely difficult. Sorting through belongings in order to decide what to pack and ship, give away, or donate was exhausting. Finding my way around the busy city of Philadelphia via public transit was stressful. Growing my business once again from the ground up and cultivating new relationships was indeed a labor of love, and quite time consuming. Building a new life from a completely blank slate requires a great deal of energy. The blessing of Reiki self-treatments have helped me remain sane during this whirlwind of change.

My health and peace of mind have been top priorities for the past two decades. I know that as an energyworker, taking good care of myself is a necessity to be of the highest service to my students and clients. It’s important for me to be vibrant and calm and able to remain fully present with others. Keeping my ki (AKA qi, chi, prana, life-force energy) flowing and my heart shining requires me to have healthful habits, pure thoughts, natural whole foods, lots of movement, creative expression, and a positive environment. Anyone who has ever moved across the street, let alone across the country, knows that without effort these things will not magically happen.

The beauty of Reiki is that it is super-easy and effective to treat oneself. In fact, it’s the most powerful tool I know for self-awareness, personal growth, and healing. And it is available to us practitioners wherever and whenever we want. Years ago I made the decision that I was worth the time and effort of a daily self-treatment, and I have not looked back since. Every night before I go to sleep I spend 10-20 minutes flowing this healing, nurturing energy to balance my body-mind-spirit and every morning I awaken feeling refreshed and ready for whatever the day will bring. The return on my investment is beyond priceless and the benefits are too numerous to count.

Transition

What a wild ride the past six months have been for me! I moved from the…
Thanksgiving is a day Americans traditionally pause to give thanks. This year I am adding a Reiki blessing to all that I do. Every slice of the knife or swoosh of the spoon will carry a boost of spiritually guided life-force energy to enhance the well-being of those who savor the meal. Every smile on my route to my brother’s home, every hug within those walls, every word I exchange with my family will be infused with the healing power of Reiki. Even these words I am typing now have been saturated in loving-kindness that is now drifting into your awareness and available if you should choose to receive it. I invite you to join me in painting the world with sacred energy; whether it be healing energy, love, light, or any inspiration you have to share. Let’s use our gratitude to uplift those around us for the highest good of all.

Thank You, Reiki!

Thanksgiving is a day Americans traditionally pause to give thanks. This year I am adding a…