Reiki

Last week I became an aunt, for the first time ever. My twin niece and nephew were born twelve full weeks before their due date (under the sign of Taurus, rather than Leo; I’m still trying to understand the implications of that!). These darlings are now being cared for by the wonderful staff at a NICU in Philadelphia, while I reside in California. I have plans to visit after the due date, which means that for the next several months, 3,000 miles lie between us. Geographic miles, that is. As a Reiki Master, I am fully aware that when it comes to energy work, distance is but an illusion.

I’ve been sending long distance Reiki to the twins since their conception. Generally speaking, it’s necessary to ask for permission to send healing energy to anybody as we never wish to interfere (nor are we actually able to) with their free will. In this case, and in cases where the recipient is unconscious or otherwise unresponsive, it is possible to ask their spirits for permission. As Reiki is divinely guided, it will never do harm, and once sent, it is then up to the receiver’s spirit to allow it, regulate the flow, or decline it. So far the baby girl has been wide open to receiving, and the boy a bit hesitant, but he’s coming around gradually.

I decided to share my involvement with my brother. As a former Marine, and current administrator, the realm of metaphysics is rather unfamiliar to him. As the father of two premature babies, he is willing to explore all possible resources for his children. (I’m secretly hoping that he’ll let me attune him when I visit so that he can provide hands-on Reiki often.) He asked me a rather perceptive question that really caused me to think. Do babies receive the same intensity level of Reiki treatments as adults? I’d never actually thought of it this way. As I said earlier, Reiki is divinely guided, so it can never do harm, and each person receives exactly as much as they need.

Still, I began to wonder if babies get a muted dosage of healing energy because of their tiny size. I immediately had a distinct knowing-ness that this is not the case. When I get this sensation deep in my core about an idea, I’ve learned that it is not my mind communicating with me, but rather my Higher Self, the part of me that remains connected to the divine. Babies are able to receive more. Their innocence and purity keeps their vibration at such a high level that the incoming energy feels familiar to them. Their egos have not yet developed, they have no sense of undeserving-ness, and therefore no resistance to receiving. Their minds do not get in the way questioning the methods or results, and their hearts have not been guarded or tarnished by painful experiences. I imagine that to them, it is the most natural thing in the world to be bathed in the healing light of God’s love and divine protection. These tiny creatures, barely one week old, eleven weeks prior to their due date, have taught me the most amazing lesson. Our essence is the same pure consciousness as this healing light. It always has been, and always will be. It’s just that we have forgotten. Now is the time to remember.

Reiki for Babies

Last week I became an aunt, for the first time ever. My twin niece and nephew…
A friend of mine recently informed me that she had hurt her knee playing sports. She was calling to cancel our plans to try out a new dance class that night, and instead wanted to rest, ice the injury, and elevate her leg. The massage therapist within me applauded her efforts at covering all the best remedial bases. The Reiki Master within blurted out, “Did you Reiki it?” This is my primary and immediate response to every unplanned event in my life. Mosquito bite? Reiki! Dating mishap? Reiki! Bicycle accident? Reiki, Reiki, Reiki!!! After a short pause, she replied, “No. I think of Reiki as something for other people.” I gently suggested that while she was practicing good self-care for her physical self, that she add some energetic healing to the mix for accelerated recovery.

Well, she did, and her condition was improved enough to not cause her to cancel a camping trip, and several days later, the pain was completely gone. Needless to say, I am a huge fan of self-treatment. Not a day goes by that I don’t use Reiki for myself several times. Before I even get out of bed, I thank the Divine Creator for another day, a good night’s sleep, and my own life. I send Reiki to any achy parts or emotional discord, and also send Reiki to the rest of my day to ease any upcoming stress or difficulties. I Reiki my teapot as I turn it on, moisturizer as I apply it to my face, and whichever crystals I decide to wear that day for therapy. I Reiki my breakfast as I prepare it, my yoga mat as I unroll it, my shower filter as I undress. Let’s not forget my water bottle, the watering can I use for my plants, my vehicle, my laptop, my cell phone. I’m not joking! Everything in my life gets blessed on a regular basis.

Sometimes I get caught up in the busy-ness of my daily life and temporarily forget my connection to Reiki. I haven’t lost it, as that’s impossible, but I do become unaware. It is in these moments that anxiety or irritation creeps in, that I find myself rushing and break a dish or stub my toe, or yel profanitiesl at my computer. Fortunately I am so tuned in to my emotions and mindful of the guidance system they offer, that when I find myself feeling less than peaceful, joyful, and loving; I know I have forgotten my truth. I have forgotten that My Essence is the Light of Pure Consciousness and that I have the power to channel Divine Love whenever I wish. Every time I wake up to this delicious fact, it just takes a moment to set the intention to return to Reiki awareness, and boom! I’m back in the flow. This is the reward for anyone who wishes to become attuned to Reiki; the connection to this healing, spiritually guided energy is always available to us, no matter what. We just need to remember to connect to what is already, and eternally, there.

Reiki, It’s Not Just For Other People!

A friend of mine recently informed me that she had hurt her knee playing sports. She…
Yesterday, my twin niece and nephew arrived in this world. They are the first of the next generation, and apparently so anxious to join us, that they came twelve weeks early. They are getting the best medical care at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Jefferson Hospital in Philadelphia. I have no doubt that the doctors and nurses there are doing everything within their power to keep them safe. Yet I know that the artificial environment in any hospital along with the toxic energy of fear and worry is not ideal for any being, let alone precious babies who weigh less than 3 lbs each.

Thank heavens for Reiki, the healing energy of divine love. An even bigger thanks for the long distance Reiki symbol that allows me to transmit healing energy to these darlings from my own home in California. (I jokingly call it the faraway app.) Level 2 students are attuned to a sacred symbol that allows them to direct the flow of Reiki to anywhere, or anywhen. I often use it to send healing to a time in the past when a trauma was experienced or to an expected difficult situation (such as an exam or surgery) in the future. The long distance symbol can also be used to send healing to the oceans, the planet, or war zones.

Please note that it cannot, however, be used to get your philandering boyfriend to become faithful or your uncle to stop smoking. Reiki never interferes with a person’s free will and does not ever manipulate anyone’s behavior. But in times of emergency, it is possible to contact the higher self of an individual for permission. This is how I got the go-ahead from the twins- their eternal spirits are willing recipients. Their mother has asked for healing and prayers in the past, so she is fair game as well. I have contacted my friends and the larger Reiki community to ask for their support. As you might imagine, they are eager to help.

The limits of time and space are but an illusion. Energy is not bound by location nor a calendar, and divine healing energy most certainly has the capacity to go where and when it is needed. I feel truly blessed to have the skill and understanding to be of service to my family even though I am unable to be physically present. I can only imagine how frustrated and powerless I’d be feeling right now if I had never been introduced to this miraculous treatment. What’s even more amazing is that anyone and everyone can learn to do this. Yes, the power of a treatment is amplified with practice and experience; and the higher the consciousness and vibration of practitioner, the stronger the flow of energy. Given that information, there is no time like the present to contact a Reiki Master Teacher in your area and begin your training soon. The world will be a better place if you do.

Thank Heavens for Long Distance Reiki!

Yesterday, my twin niece and nephew arrived in this world. They are the first of the…
I’ve never endured a hot flash personally, but many of my clients experience this annoyance on a regular basis. Sleep is disturbed, equanimity is eradicated, routines are interrupted, and sometimes relationships deteriorate. Yes, it’s true that hot flashes are a common side effect of menopause and perimenopause. However, it doesn’t mean that all women are doomed to suffer hopelessly and indefinitely. A return to equilibrium is possible, and Reiki is a gentle, yet powerful, technique for getting there.

Stress is a widely accepted trigger, and the relaxing effects of a Reiki treatment are a potent cure. I see the relaxation response as multifaceted. When our bodies are inundated with stress, muscles tense and circulation is impaired. Toxins accumulate in the tissues and over time all bodily systems function with less and less efficiency. Chronic stress also upsets the hormonal balance in a woman’s body as excess stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol run amok. Hormonal imbalance is another common trigger for hot flashes. Creating a relaxing environment and bathing the senses and nervous system in healing, soothing energy offers a much welcomed remedy.

A Reiki treatment can easily be tailored to target the liver (which cleanses the blood and helps to regulate hormones) so that it is more available to handle fluctuations in estrogen. Focus on the ovaries is also an important strategy. Traditional hand positions will cover these areas, and the practitioner may choose to linger there if guided to do so. Balancing the chakras is also helpful and serves to reduce excess heat in the system. I am often lead to stimulate the liver meridian acupressure points and the liver and ovary reflex points on the feet for added benefit. I’m amazed at the power of Reiki to clear blockages throughout the entire system.

Naturally it is important to follow a doctor’s advice when dealing with any health issue. Reducing caffeine, spicy foods, and alcohol intake are general recommendations for decreasing hot flashes, along with moderate exercise and cessation of smoking. Releasing addictions, cultivating well-being and overall health, and nurturing lifestyle changes can all be supported with divinely guided life- force energy that is channeled through a Reiki treatment. Obviously these changes take time and diligent effort. A series of sessions will most likely be needed to assist a client through these shifts and to maintain the delicate beginnings of new habits. My clients report that the relief they experience, the improved quality of sleep, the elimination of extreme irritability, and the freedom from symptoms is completely worth the investment. There really is non-invasive, side-effect free help available for hot flashes. You don’t have to suffer any longer. Allow your intuition to guide you to a practitioner and invite balance into your life today.

Reiki for Hot Flashes

I’ve never endured a hot flash personally, but many of my clients experience this annoyance on…
One of my dearest friends came to receive a Reiki treatment from me last week. This woman is one of the most empowered, self- motivated, passionate, and compassionate people I have ever met. Being in the same room with her is a cross between grandma’s baked cookies and sunbathing on a tropical beach. It’s just delicious. The fact that she enjoys and appreciates my work is the ultimate compliment.

We talked for quite some time before the hands-on portion of the treatment. I find that active listening and empathic connection beforehand amplifies the energy. She wanted clarity about changes in her life and also support to focus on solutions rather problems. I really enjoy helping people fine-tune their intentions to get the most from a session. Also, it really helps me decide on a loose treatment plan, which generally morphs into something else entirely, but I am always guided on how to begin based on each client’s words.

I was lead to do chakra balancing to enhance the connection between her being and the world at large. It is quite common for me to be guided to do this with my clients. No doubt I am influenced by my own fascination with the chakra system and my reverence for the potency of this work. As I reached the crown chakra, I noticed an intense resistance. I had never felt anything quite like this and it captured my attention immediately. Her other energy centers had responded to the Reiki with opening and acceptance. I was perplexed.

Then I remembered that my friend is agnostic. She is unsure of the presence of a divine being in this world. The crown chakra is the location where our connection to God originates. It makes perfect sense that her crown would react with suspicion (her word, not mine!) I immediately dropped this course of action. Clearly her spirit was not interested in having an open crown chakra and it certainly is not my place to override her wishes. I don’t actually think I could have won this battle if I had tried. Reiki can do no harm and must be willingly accepted. I do suspect that if I had continued, there would have been some dissonance, possibly even some kick-back. Not for her, but for me.

Once again, the wisdom of Reiki has impressed me. It is truly divinely guided life force energy. And it always knows exactly what each person needs.

You Can’t Force Connection

One of my dearest friends came to receive a Reiki treatment from me last week. This…
Earlier today I burned myself. About 40% of the back of hand met the tea kettle that had just come to a boil. And stuck there for a second or two. Now, I’m not ashamed to say that I cursed like a sailor. Horrific expletives flew out of my mouth. Then I remembered who I am. I took a deep breath, ran some cool water over the burn, and activated the healing power of Reiki. Here’s the thing; I had the perfect day off planned and I just didn’t have time for an actual treatment. By some miracle of planets aligning, I had carved out enough time to watch a movie before I rode my bike around the peninsula to watch the sunset. There was no wiggle room in my timeline; the sun would not wait for me. Plus I have two prenatal massages scheduled tomorrow, for which I will be kneading (pun intended!) my knuckles.

So, I activated the symbol that we use to send Reiki through time and space and intended for the healing to continue until it wasn’t needed anymore. Sure, I dabbed on some aloe and lavender oil. I have nothing to prove and use all the tools available to me at any given time. Then I sat down and watched my two hour movie, occasionally remembering to boost the on-going healing. Then I bicycled along the coast, arriving just in time to revel in the sight of the orange sun sinking into the Pacific. As I am preparing to bid the world good night, I will charge up my Reiki crystal to keep the healing energy flowing while I sleep.

I am quite confident that I will have full use of my hand tomorrow. It might be a bit red, maybe a bit sore when touched, but I know from experience that the damage has been minimized. There are so many great things about Reiki, but one that I love the most is that it works anywhere, anytime, always. Sure, the power of ritual may amplify the results, but after years of use and developing an intimate relationship with this energy, all I need to do is intend for it to flow. And without a doubt, flow it will. What a blessing it is to have access to such a beautiful, reliable technique. Now that I’ve had a chance to report on this special benefit of Reiki, I do hope I won’t need to personally experience the emergency uses of it anymore. Seriously. I get it! I know it’s at my disposal and that’s enough for me.

Update: I wrote this last night, and wanted to review it with fresh eyes today for final edits before posting. When I woke up this morning, I had completely forgotten that I had burned my hand until I washed it in hot water. I did feel a slight twinge of discomfort in that moment. However, I am delighted to report that there are no blisters nor any redness and I am able to apply pressure without any pain. Thank you, thank you, thank you Reiki!

Reiki on the Fly

Earlier today I burned myself. About 40% of the back of hand met the tea kettle…
Some of the most profound changes I see in my Reiki practice come when I work with caregivers. Whether amateur or professional, full or part time, people who take care of others give a lot of themselves, and unfortunately often take on unwanted and unnecessary energy during their acts of service. Parents, teachers, nurses, doctors, bodyworkers, councilors, and ministers are just a few examples of what I am referring to. Often the type of person who is drawn to such fields is sensitive, empathic, generous, and loving. They want to help others, and if they’re not careful, they do so at great personal cost.

I learned very early in my massage career how important clean boundaries are. I had excellent tools to clear my energy field and prevent my clients’ issues from affecting me. Yet there were days when I was tired, overworked, or stressed out that my boundaries were weak and I got “slimed”. I remember one day in particular when all four of my clients had neck pain as their primary complaint, and later that night, so did I! Alas, it’s not always so easy to track stray energy. Sometimes we feel drained, funky, tired, cranky, or just “off” for no obvious reason. Especially when working with clients who are in pain, it is easy to over-give or pick up vibes that don’t belong to us. I think we can all agree that this serves no one. We can never suffer enough to alleviate someone else’s suffering. It just doesn’t work that way.

Reiki is the most powerful technique I have experienced for clearing any unwanted energies from our auras, bodies, hearts, and souls. It re-establishes healthy energy flow within, connects us to natural cosmic vibrations, and releases any excess junk that we may have picked up inadvertently. Reiki helps us return to ourselves and renew our connection to Spirit. What’s even more exciting in my eyes, is that regular Reiki “tune-ups” can keep our energy fields vibrant and shiny and our protective force fields healthy and strong. It’s so much easier, more comfortable, more convenient, more balanced to prevent ourselves from allowing unwanted energy in than to release it once it is already present. There is enough pain, discomfort and disease in the world already; we don’t need to absorb any of it in the process of helping others.

Reiki for Caregivers

Some of the most profound changes I see in my Reiki practice come when I work…
This past week has been all about Reiki for me. I’ve spent time each morning charging crystals to send healing energy to friends near and far as well as to support several of my own goals. One of my biggest intentions for this year is promote my Reiki practice. At first I felt silly using Reiki to guide me towards creating a successful, prosperous business, but then I realized that this was exactly the optimal path for me. You see, I just love sharing healing energy with others. I enjoy seeing the relaxed look on people’s faces after a session and listening to the feedback of what has shifted for them since their last treatment. I have a gift for moving energy blockages and for listening to and understanding the deepest needs behind someone’s requests. And I have a genuine desire to uplift the vibration not only of my clients and my immediate surroundings, but of the planet at large.

Using Reiki to attract the perfect clients benefits an ever-expanding circle of recipients. It might begin with me and the person receiving the healing, but I have seen how the effects ripple outward, touching the lives of spouses and co-workers, children, pets, and even strangers. I truly believe it is my life purpose to share these gifts with as many people as possible. If it were also my career, I would have more time and energy to share with people who need my healing touch. My day job interferes with my being the best practitioner I can be.

So I have decided to shift my focus from how I can earn more money to get ahead financially, to how I can best serve the most people. I suspect in the end, my path will lead to both greater service and more abundance. I also truly and deeply believe that there is enough for us all to live comfortable, enjoyable, secure lifestyles while doing what we love. The directions to get there might seem a bit scary. Right now, I’m being called to reduce the number of hours at the spa where I earn the majority of my income. Yet I trust that Reiki will guide me through this transition process.

So now I am a Reiki junkie! I use it when designing promotional materials, writing this blog, editing my website, searching for an office to share, and when praying to attract the clients who need me. I Reiki myself to become more aligned with Spirit and a better channel for the energy. I Reiki my phone, my calendar, my checkbook, my laptop… each and every tool I use to communicate my offerings to the community. Honest to goodness, I Reiki my sheets while folding them and my massage table and essential oils as I prepare for a session. I Reiki the water I serve to clients and the glasses I serve it in. Yesterday a new friend came to my home to receive a massage. She is also a Reiki Master and was excited to learn that I do combo massage/Reiki sessions. Before she even got in the door she said, “I can feel the energy all the way out here.” I made a joke that even my apartment has a big aura. 🙂

So, yes. Reiki, Reiki, Reiki, Reiki. Any challenge or goal or even mundane tasks are improved by the healing that is possible with divine guidance. This morning I awoke to the lovely sound of rain on my roof. We have had an extremely dry “rainy season” this year in California, and I know many healers have been using their skills to draw down moisture from the skies. I know in my heart that my Reiki infused prayers helped. There are no limits to the power of love, especially when boosted with spiritually guided life-force energy. Thank you Reiki!

Reiki, Reiki, Reiki, Reiki

This past week has been all about Reiki for me. I’ve spent time each morning charging…
Reiki is often described as a hands-on healing technique for stress relief and relaxation. While this is absolutely true, it is not the whole truth. This divinely guided energy removes mental and emotional blockages and reestablishes alignment with our spirit. The Reiki symbols can be used to support us in achieving our goals, provided those goals are aligned with our highest purpose and highest good. If we agree to take action towards these goals by committing to healthy lifestyle changes, the power is amplified even further.

I want to further explain this lofty idea with practical examples that I have witnessed in my own life as well as in my friends’ and clients’ lives. I also want to be clear that while Reiki can be used to support someone release addictive behavior such as alcohol or tobacco, it is not a magical quick-fix. It is one ingredient in a recipe (a powerful and effective ingredient, for sure); not the recipe itself. Energywork can only help people as much as they are willing to help themselves. And it is not a substitute for professional medical care. A compliment, but not a substitute.

After reviewing my session notes from the past two months, I am pleasantly surprised at the full spectrum of challenges that I’ve used Reiki to ease. “Stuckness” is a complaint I often here from my clients. Reiki can help illuminate as well as blast through areas where we are blocked or unclear. In fact, clarity is another hot topic. Often times people know that they have strayed from their paths, but are unsure how to get back. Reiki can help dispel the fog and activate the intuitive center allowing us to receive guidance from a higher source. “Monkey mind” is a Buddhist term for the constant loop of thoughts that play repeatedly in our heads, contributing to anxiety and tension and insomnia. We all have it, although less and less with awareness and mindfulness practice. Reiki can help calm those busy monkeys down.

Weight loss, or more specifically overeating, can be addressed during a series of treatments, as can major trauma (physical, emotional, or spiritual) that has been held in the body over time. I’ve helped a client experience a more harmonious relationship with her ex, mainly through shifting her own expectations and releasing pain points that triggered her for years. I’ve used Reiki to support concrete goals such as relieving knee or shoulder pain as well as more mystical goals like spiritual growth or finding one’s life purpose. In my eyes, any goal that is in alignment with the principals of love, joy, peace, freedom, and equality can benefit from the added boost of healing energy. Finding a new home or vehicle or job, attracting the perfect clients or friends, planning the ideal vacation, conceiving a healthy child, feeling at ease in day to day life, releasing old resentment or guilt, finding a spiritually connected life partner, feeling confident during a presentation or exam, …. I could go on and on! But I think you get the idea. Reiki for goals. It helps.

Reiki for Goals

Reiki is often described as a hands-on healing technique for stress relief and relaxation. While this…