Positive people tend to be optimistic, supportive, and uplifting. They motivate and inspire others to be the best version of themselves.
Here are some benefits of spending time around positive people:
To surround yourself with positive energy, start by identifying the people in your life who bring you down and limit your growth.
Choose your friends wisely. Surround yourself with people who inspire and uplift you. Avoid those who bring negativity and drama into your life. Avoid spending too much time with negative people; their energy can affect your mental health and well-being. Instead, seek out people with a positive attitude and outlook on life.
Engage in activities that bring you joy. Doing things you love can help increase your happiness and bring more positivity into your life. You can find positive people in your workplace, social circles, or through shared interests and hobbies. Join a group or club that aligns with your values to meet like-minded individuals.
Create a positive environment for yourself. Surround yourself with positive affirmations, colors, and scents that make you feel good. This can include surrounding yourself with uplifting quotes and affirmations, listening to upbeat music, and engaging in activities that bring you joy and happiness. Practicing gratitude and focusing on the positive aspects of your life can also help you attract positive energy.
Surrounding yourself with positive energy is crucial to living a happy and fulfilling life. Remember that you can choose the people, places, and things you surround yourself with. Make a conscious effort to seek out positive energy and let go of anything that doesn’t serve you. By doing so, you’ll be taking an important step towards creating a brighter, more positive future for yourself.
– Written for Bufkor by Ivan Young in partnership with Chittons spiritually conscious activewear.
]]>Meditation might be a practice that you started hearing a lot about during the pandemic, but maybe you never took the leap to dive deeper into the practice.
While it can be intimidating to outsiders and there’s a lot of misconceptions about what meditation actually is, the best way to get started is just that–to start.
Continue reading below as we provide you with some guidance on how to approach meditation as a beginner.
Just like any new practice or hobby you pick up, when you start meditating, you want to have realistic expectations about what you can accomplish at the beginning.
Maybe you won’t be able to sit for an hour-long meditation in complete silence, but that’s completely expected as a beginner.
So, start your meditation practice with an open mind and be proud of yourself for starting such an incredible habit, no matter what your outcome is on your first day, month, or even year of meditating.
There are many different types of meditation that you may practice, so choosing a method to focus on will be the next step.
The three main types of meditation include body scan, breath-based, or guided meditation. Neither of these is superior to the other, though each person will generally have a preference for one over the other.
Try them each out on a few occasions and do some research to see which one is the right fit for you.
You don’t need a dedicated meditation room in order to get started with this practice, though you should be meditating in a quiet and calm space where you can really put your mind at ease.
Many people use their bedroom or office space as a meditation space, though it can really be anywhere that you’re most comfortable and won’t be interrupted during a session.
If you’re serious about your meditation journey, be sure to carve out some time from each day so you can stay regular with it.
Meditation is a journey, so you will only get better the more you practice this new ‘muscle’. Irregular meditation won’t give you the desired results you’re looking for, so be intentional with this practice so you can provide yourself with all the great benefits.
Once you’ve considered all the above points and have realistic expectations about your meditation practice, you’re ready to dive deeper and really explore this area of self-care. There’s no better time than now to get started, so don’t let anything get in your way of enjoying the benefits of meditation–even as a beginner.
– Written by Bailey Schramm in partnership with Chittons spiritually conscious, luxury activewear.
]]>Whether we like it or not, the winter months bring more darkness and cold weather to most of us. This winter climate can be a time when people struggle with their mental health, since they don’t have the option of spending time outdoors in the sun to relax.
Furthermore, ‘Seasonal Affective Disorder’ is a real thing. Many of us experience a lack of motivation, sadness and a general feeling of hopelessness during the winter months. Although SAD should be treated the same way as regular depression (i.e: with medications and certain types of therapy), there are still things we can do to make winter more bearable.
There are some simple steps we can all take to boost our mood until spring rolls around:
#1: Get as much exercise as possible. Although it’s not as easy to get outdoors for a run or a walk in the harsh winter weather, there are still great ways to get exercise. Consider getting outdoors during daylight hours, or joining a gym to exercise when it’s too dark to be outdoors. It is extremely well-known that exercise produces mood-boosting endorphins.
#2: Don’t abandon your social plans. Summer might be a busier time in your social calendar, but resist the urge to hibernate during the winter! Although your home is cozy and warm, your mood can be lifted greatly by maintaining regular social interactions with friends and family.
#3: Maintain a balanced diet. Christmas and the rest of the winter period is often a great excuse to eat plenty of comfort food. While you should definitely let loose and enjoy this, be sure to maintain a varied diet full of vegetables, fruit, protein and healthy fats. Your mood will be sure to thank you!
#4: Travel for some winter sun. As well as having something to look forward to, it could be a great idea to travel somewhere which is sunny and warm. This will help give you your fix of vitamin D before summer arrives.
#5: Make the most of natural daylight. While it might be more brief, there is still plenty of sunlight to take advantage of during the winter. Open your blinds and curtains to let as much of it flood into your home as possible.
#6: Get a healthy sleep schedule. As hard as it might be at first, you should try to avoid using blue-light emitting electronic devices before bedtime. These can disturb your sleep pattern since the brain does not know how to make sense of the fluctuating light levels. Try to keep things dark before bedtime, as well as going to sleep and waking up at the same time each day.
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Written by Jack Vale
]]>Your heart is one of the most essential organs in your body. Your cardiovascular system provides the blood flow needed for you to move and perform daily activities. In addition, it regulates your temperature and helps control other bodily functions such as breathing, digestion, and hormone production. Although we all know that our heart plays a vital role in our health, many people don’t realize that stress can affect its function and increase the risk of heart disease. Let’s explore how stress can contribute to an unhealthy cardiovascular system.
Stress can cause your blood pressure to rise. High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and kidney disease. Your heart must work harder than usual to pump blood through your body. This can lead to more problems, such as coronary artery disease (CAD) and arrhythmias.
There are things you can do to control stress and manage high blood pressure:
Stress can raise your risk of a heart attack or stroke by increasing your body’s stress hormones. These hormones, like adrenaline and cortisol, cause blood vessels to narrow, which can cause blood clots to form. Blood clots are one of the leading causes of heart attacks and strokes.
If you have high blood pressure or diabetes and are under stress, this can also increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke because these conditions make it more likely for blood vessels to become damaged in response to physical activity or emotional stressors like anger or frustration.
Stress can change the gut flora in your body, which can affect heart health. Gut flora is bacteria found in the intestines and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract that help with digestion and other processes. They’re also known as gut microflora or microbiota, and they may directly correlate to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors such as high blood pressure—while some strains of bacteria may lower blood pressure, others have been shown to raise it.
Stress can cause various symptoms, including chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeat. When stressed, your body releases hormones that increase your heart rate and blood pressure. This puts extra strain on your heart and increases the risk for life-threatening conditions such as heart attack or stroke.
If you find that stress is getting in the way of your heart health, there are many things you can do to help yourself out. Start by talking to your doctor about any unusual symptoms or feelings. Having someone to talk with about what’s going on will help relieve some of the pressure.
Try some relaxation techniques such as meditation or mindfulness exercises. These approaches effectively manage chronic stress and reduce anxiety levels, which can lead to better health outcomes like decreased cardiovascular risk factors.
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Written by Geraldine Orentas
]]>It appears that humans have been drawn to crystals for a very long time. They are often beautiful, sometimes rare, and can allow the wearer to make a statement of wealth or status, or believe that the stones can make improvements in life.
Amulets of Baltic amber have been found dating back 30,000 years, and in Britain amber beads have been discovered dating back to the end of the last ice age. Some of the earliest recorded uses of crystals for magic and healing are by the ancient Sumerians and in traditional Chinese medicine. Other ancient cultures used crystals as aides in achieving balance emotionally, spiritually, and in health.
The Romans carried crystal amulets and talismans. Egyptians used stones for health and protection, and had amulets carved from crystals placed in their tombs. Use of crystals is documented in ancient India, Greece, China, and Japan. The people of North, Central, and South America have used crystals, as did the Maoris of New Zealand. Twelve stones were in the breastplate of the Jewish High Priest; the Hebrew Bible dictates which stones were to be used.
As more was learned about the human body, the use of healing crystals and amulets began to fall out of favor in Western cultures. Interest in these crystals was rekindled in the 1960s and 70s, as interest in different spiritual practices and methods of healing became more mainstream.
There are many ways to work with crystals. Most methods focus on the color of the crystal, and often connect that color to the Chakra centers. Other methods focus on the shape into which the crystal is carved, or the combinations of crystals used.
The Crown Chakra, or 7th Chakra, is usually associated with the colors Violet, Clear, or White. Some stones which are associated with this chakra are Amethyst, Charoite, Gold, Quartz, Selenite, Serpentine, Spirit Quartz, Tanzanite, and Violet Fluorite.
The Third Eye/Brow Chakra, or the 6th Chakra, is usually associated with the color Indigo. Some stones which are associated with this chakra are Azurite, Blue Fluorite, Crazy Lace Agate, Fluorite, Gold, Iolite, Lapis Lazuli, Tanzanite, and Turquoise.
The Throat Chakra, or 5th Chakra, is usually associated with the color Turquoise. Some stones which are associated with this chakra are Aquamarine, Blue Fluorite, Celestite, Chrysocolla, Fluorite, Labradorite, Malachite, Sapphire, Sodalite, and Tanzanite.
The Heart Chakra, or 4th Chakra, is usually associated with the color Green, and sometimes with Pink. Some stones which are associated with this chakra are Adamite, Amazonite, Andradite Garnet, Charoite, Emerald, Fluorite, Green Apatite, Green Aventurine, Hiddenite, Jade, Malachite, Moldavite, Peridot, Prehnite, and Rose Quartz.
The Solar Plexus Chakra, or 3rd Chakra, is usually associated with the color Yellow. Some stones which are associated with this chakra are Adamite, Andradite Garnet, Citrine, Golden Topaz, Limonite, Prehnite, Pyrite, Spessartine Garnet, Tiger’s Eye, Yellow Fluorite, and Yellow Sapphire.
The Sacral Chakra, or 2nd Chakra, is usually associated with the color Orange. Some stones which are associated with this chakra are Amber, Carnelian, Golden Topaz, Heliodor, Ocean Jasper, Orange Aventurine, Orange Calcite, Spessartine Garnet, Sunstone, and Yellow Apatite.
The Root/Base Chakra, or the 1st Chakra, is usually associated with the color Red, and sometimes with Black. Some stones which are associated with this chakra are Some stones which are associated with this chakra are.
Once you have identified which stones you wish to use, there are many ways you can incorporate crystal energy into your life. You can wear them in jewelry or in your pocket. You can use them for meditation. You can put them throughout your home/workspace. You can use a crystal grid. You can even buy bottles that let you to infuse your water with crystal energy. (Do not put your crystals directly into water, as some crystals are not safely ingested.)
You may choose to work with a healer who works with crystals. There are Certified Crystal Healers (please note—this certificate is not regulated). Many Reiki healers use crystals, as do some shamans. You can take a “Sound Bath” with crystal singing bowls. An online search will provide resources for your area.
We know that crystals can be used as an energy source. Piezoelectricity (electric polarization) results when mechanical stress is applied to certain crystals. This polarization is used in watches, radios, microprocessors. Crystals respond to the energies around them, which causes them to vibrate at an atomic level.
Do crystal vibrations have an effect on living things? Science has not definitively answered that question. The human body is filled with electrical currents. These currents cause our muscles to contract, among other things. Therefore, we know that humans are filled with electricity, and that measurable electricity can be created in crystals.
We know that the Placebo effect is real. If we believe something will help, it often will. Science is still developing an understanding of how the Placebo effect works; studies are being done to learn how the brain reacts to a placebo. So it is possible that any benefit received from working with crystals is obtained through the Placebo effect.
So, are crystals for you? They are pretty to look at, and often inexpensive. If used properly, they will not harm you, and who knows, you might even feel better if you use them.. So if you are curious, why not go to your local rock shop and hold a few crystals. See how you respond. You might even find a few that needs to come home with you.
]]>Therapy is psychological counseling. There are many ways of performing therapy, based on the clinician’s theoretical approach, personality, and own life story. Therapy is often a relatively long-term process in which a client works with a mental health professional to diagnose and treat problematic behaviors, relationships, or situation.
A life coach may work with a client on a short-term or long-term basis. The primary goals of life coaching include clarifying and setting goals, identifying obstacles to meeting those goals, and achieving desired results. The life coach often serves as an accountability partner, to help the client stay on track and achieve the desired outcomes. Sessions may be weekly or as needed.
Therapy focuses on how the past affects the present. A full personal history is taken, and the therapist and client work together to identify past issues and trauma that may be having an impact on how the client lives in the present. In contrast, life coaching focuses on the present and the future. The client’s current situation is considered the starting point, and a plan of action is created for moving forward. In summary, a therapist looks at the past to help clients change their ways of thinking and behaving that affect their present, and therefore their futures. A coach looks at the present to help clients establish goals for making changes that will help them reach their goals for the future.
Therapy and life coaching do have some goals in common. Regardless of which type of professional you choose to work with, they both assist their clients in making positive changes in their lives and becoming better. A therapist operates from a mental healthcare perspective (while the client may be physically well) while a life coach, on the other hand, works with people who are healthy and functional but are having difficulty realizing or reaching their maximum potential.
Traditionally, therapy takes place in the therapist’s office, and sessions typically last 45-50 minutes weekly. In some states, therapists can only practice in the state in which they are licensed. Currently, more and more therapists meet with clients by phone or online, although by law both the client must still reside in the state in which the therapist is licensed.
Coaching sessions traditionally take place on the phone or online, although they may take place in the coach’s office. Many coaches prefer to work weekly with their clients.
At this time, coaches are generally not regulated by any government authority; however, several states are considering implementing regulation. Most states regulate therapy; the license is usually called something similar to Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist or Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. Licensed Clinical Social Workers, Licensed Psychologists, and Psychiatrists can also perform psychological counseling.
In-office therapy is typically covered by health insurance (telemedicine is often not covered). Some therapists are on insurance panels, others accept insurance as an out-of-network provider. Still others will not bill your insurance directly, but will give you a receipt to send into your claims department to receive reimbursement for your sessions. Coaching is not covered by insurance.
Therapists usually charge by the session, while coaches often set their fees based on packages of services, which include scheduled sessions and in-between contact.
The decision of which type of professional best suits you is your choice. You may choose to work with a licensed mental health professional, and work to heal the past to create a better future. You may choose to work with a life coach to get help defining and reaching your goals. Many times, a person will start with either coaching or therapy, and then add in the other to work on issues from different angles. Coaching and therapy can work very well together. Whatever your choice, if you are looking for help moving forward in your life, help is out there.
]]>A Spiritual Life Coach is someone who helps you connect with your true self. This is often done by digging deeply to find out who you are, separate from what you do. To find out what you believe, what you do not believe, what your source of hope/relief/peace is. Your spiritual path is unique to you. A Spiritual Life Coach can help to deepen your spiritual life, so that you can feel the joy of connecting to that which is larger than yourself.
Spiritual Life Coaches are not the same as religious leaders. They typically will not work with you based on any organized religion, rather, they will help you discover how YOU connect with spirit, whatever that term means to you. It is hard to think about or discuss concepts without a name or a label, so your coach may help you define not only what you believe but how you choose to refer to that universal presence. A spiritual coach will help you find the language that work for you.
Once you have connected (or reconnected) with your spiritual life, your life may change in dramatic ways. You may tune into long neglected or unknown desires. You may choose to make changes in your life.
With the help of a Spiritual Life Coach, you can identify the steps you need to take to achieve your goals, remove limiting factors, and change any beliefs that stand in your way. A Spiritual Life Coach approaches these tasks in a deep, holistic way. Your coach can help you to access your higher self, your inner knowing, to counterbalance the messages that you get from ego/friends/family/society.
A Spiritual Life Coach helps you dig deeply into the beliefs that you hold strongly, and understand how your connection to the divine might change those thoughts. A coach can help you see the effectiveness of the laws of the universe and how you can use those laws to get the things you want instead of accepting things as they are. You can begin to live by spiritual principles that stretch far beyond societal conventions and logic. By moving deeply into that which is larger than yourself, you can move into a happier, more fulfilling life.
– Help with your subconscious thoughts and default settings
As human beings are all living, to some extent on auto-pilot. Our pasts and our environments work together to influence the way we think. Over time we develop thought patterns and overall views of the world. By tapping into your spiritual self, and your connection to that which is larger than you, a Spiritual Life Coach can help you recognize your thought patterns and world views and make conscious changes. Those changes can then help you get your life on the track in a way that feels right for you.
– Understand the laws of the Universe
When you understand the laws of the universe, you understand that much of what you experience is the result of cause-and-effect. Things will begin to feel less personal. You will begin to feel as if you have some control over your future. A Spiritual Life Coach helps you truly understand the laws of the Universe, so that you can make positive, productive changes in how you approach your life. Your coach will help you to see how you view things, and what your unintentional cause/effect patterns might be. Your coach can help you understand why you do what you do, and how to make change in those patterns.
– Help connect you to the forgotten parts of yourself
In today’s busy world, many of us have lost our connection to the spiritual, and to the divine masculine and divine feminine that is a part of each of us. A Spiritual Life Coach can help you to rekindle that connection to your inner, divine duality so that you can embrace the truth of who you really are. You can use those aspects of your Self to achieve your goals and feel more solid, grounded, and peaceful.
– Help find your true Self and your life purpose
The goal of each and every person is to find their life’s purpose, and one of the best ways to do that is through the guidance and support of a Spiritual Life Coach. Questions like “How do I achieve more fulfillment” What should I be doing with my life” and “What are those things that are meant for me” often bubble up during quiet moments, or moment of crisis. A Spiritual Life Coach can help you find the answers to these questions and make decisions that are in alignment with your life’s purpose.
– Help ward off stagnation and trauma, heal wounds and release energy blocks
Depending on their training, Spiritual Life Coaches will have various tools and methods to help you release old trauma. They can help you understand how parts of your energy system may be unbalanced. They can assist in the shifting of these energies, releasing that which no longer serves you and bringing that which helps you move toward your higher purpose.
Working with a Spiritual Life Coach can be life-changing. As humans, we all desire happiness, love, fulfillment, clarity of direction, connection, a life free of pain, fear, tension, anxiety, anguish, and so on. A Spiritual Life Coach will guide you as you show up for yourself, face your truth, and discover the numerous things that make you happy. Your coach can be an accountability partner to help you keep moving forward. Discovering your life’s purpose is a beautiful thing, and it helps you feel happy, loved, connected, and fulfilled.
]]>How do you feel about change? Most of us feel at least a little nervous about change, especially when it’s being pushed on us. I used to have a manager who would say “when the wind changes direction, you just have to adjust your sails.” I remember how I felt when he said that: dismissed, controlled, and even more nervous than I had been before.
And then there’s transformation. It actually means “to change,” but for some reason we think of it as a positive thing. The lowly caterpillar changes into a beautiful butterfly. Free to fly. I’ve always wondered what it feels like to be that caterpillar in a cocoon—I think if it was me I would be scared half to death. In the dark, changing like crazy, and not knowing what was happening.
Or perhaps the butterfly has a knowing, an inner sense that the transformation will lead to something natural, something better. Perhaps that is helpful while hanging from a tree branch, locked inside a cocoon, in the dark. I know, I know, science tells us that butterflies don’t think. But hang in here with me.
Would you feel differently about change if you could have that inner knowing? The certainty that while the change might be uncomfortable, or frightening, that the end result would be marvelous? If you could find a way to have that sense of peace and rightness, your experiences of change would be very different.
The sense of dread or fear that comes from unexpected change can be very unsettling. Usually, something bad has happened over which we have no control: death of a loved one, loss of a job, divorce, financial crisis, and so on. Of course, these things are terrible, and your world gets turned upside down.
Sometimes the change is something you wanted: a career change, a new baby, buying a house, relocation to a new area. And then the reality hits, and you find yourself reacting to the changes in a way that surprises you. Even good changes can be very stressful.
It’s also possible to be begging for change, and to feel absolutely stuck. You can’t seem to move forward, to figure out how to move in the direction you have chosen for yourself. You may become frustrated or depressed, and you may lose hope that you will ever achieve your dream.
So how do you become like the caterpillar and know that everything will be just fine? How do you take the steps you need to take to move forward? How do you hang onto hope in the face of pain and disappointment?
It might be time for someone to travel down this path with you.
When you’re dealing with change, or wishing for change, it can be easy to isolate yourself. You may not feel like socializing or talking, and find yourself enjoying your own company the most. Or you may think that you are too busy to talk to someone, or you don’t want to burden your friends and family, or, or, or . . . we can come up with so many reasons to suffer alone.
Self-help materials can be a great resource in these times. Books and videos that help you to look at things differently or develop a plan can be very helpful. And the addition of another human being can make a huge difference.
I was recently on a road trip, and I was so grateful for my travel buddy! We had GPS, but he was able to help me find the signs that told me what lane I needed to be in before the GPS let me know, so that I had plenty time to move over. He helped me spot gas stations when it was time for a break, and was able to Google places to eat while I was driving. And he kept me company so I didn’t get too bored or sleepy. The trip would have been very different without him in the passenger seat. And he drove half the way, so I had someone to share the work of driving.
A travel buddy during times of change can do the same things: help you see what needs to happen next, help you find resources, make the journey pleasant, and make sure you’re not doing more than is good for you.
Of course, you have your friends and family, but often times someone you don’t have a personal relationship with can be the most helpful in difficult times. They can say what you need to hear rather than what you want to hear. There isn’t the emotional risk of talking to someone you’re close to.
You may find your travel companion through your spiritual practice. Your minister/priest/rabbi/prayer partner can often be a source of relief and strength. Twelve-step meetings can be a source of hope and mentoring. Meditation groups, study groups—virtually any person or group who has experience in nurturing those in need can be of great help.
Certified Life Coaches and Licensed Mental Health Professionals can be very helpful during times of change. They have training for helping people to create a better life for themselves by working through issues related to stress, anxiety, depression, relationship problems, career burnout, and many other issues. Coaches can be good accountability partners, checking in with you to see if you are taking the steps you have planned to move forward in your life. Mental Health Professionals can help you heal from the pain from your past that may be holding you back.
Spiritual Life Coaches and Energy Healers can help you to relax, clear your mind, recharge your body, and connect with that which is larger than yourself. They can help you to deeply know yourself, so you can build a life that is truly a fit for you.
If you are experiencing uncomfortable change, find your travel companion. Consider having more than one, as they will each bring different gifts for the journey. Relax, knowing you’re in good hands. You won’t be the same as you were before, but you may learn to fly.
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I first saw Sheila for a Reiki treatment because I was curious—and then I got hooked. I enjoy the feeling of recharging my body and clearing my mind. During the treatments, I slowly drift into a light sleep, and awake feeling refreshed, pampered–like I’m experiencing the Spring season inside. I will definitely see Sheila again, and highly recommend her.
BR, San Pedro
The treatment simply felt good—relaxing contentment and peacefulness–like everything is right in the world. I am eager for another treatment and definitely recommend Sheila.
Joyce, Reno
]]>Reiki can help bring relief and balance to your life. Learning to perform Reiki as a Certified Reiki Practitioner allows you to provide this relief to yourself and your loved ones. Click here to find out more. We look forward to hearing from you!
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The History and Benefits of Reiki
The term Reiki comes from a combination of two Japanese words—Rei and Ki. The Japanese language incorporates different levels of meaning, so direct translation is difficult. A simple translation of the words is that “Rei” means miracle or spiritual guidance, and “Ki” means Universal Life Energy. Combined, they translate to miraculous, or spiritually guided Universal Life Energy.
Since ancient times, eastern cultures have tapped into Universal Life Energy. Some methods developed to enhance the flow of energy are Tai Chi, Meditation, Acupuncture, and Reiki. The purpose of a Reiki treatment is to restore balance to a person whose energy has become unbalanced. Because Reiki energy is pure and omniscient, there is no such thing as bad Reiki energy.
In ancient times, the knowledge of Universal Life Energy was passed from teacher to student through oral teaching. Over time, the original knowledge of healing with Universal Life Energy was lost, and many believe that it was rediscovered by Dr. Mikao Usui over a century ago. It was Dr. Usui that gave this life force energy the name Reiki.
Dr. Usui was born in 1865 in the city of Kyoto in Japan. As a child he studied in a Tendai Buddhist monastery school, and over time he studied medicine, psychology, fortune telling and world religions. During his life Dr. Usui worked in many different professions, including as an industrialist, reporter, missionary, and as a private secretary to an important Politian named Shimpei Goto.
At some point, Dr. Usui became a Tendai Buddhist Monk, and occasionally observed a form of meditation that lasted 21 days. One time his meditation took place on Mount Kurama—this was where he was given the inspiration for what would become Reiki. In April of 1922 he opened his first school/clinic in Harajuku, Tokyo. This was a time of cultural change in Japan, and Dr. Usui became well-known and highly respected among the older population, who saw his teachings as a return to the old ways.
On September 1, 1923, a 7.9 earthquake hit the area, with the epicenter 50 miles from Tokyo. More than 140,000 people died, most from the resulting fires. The earthquake was the worst natural disaster in Japan’s history. Dr. Usui and his students provided Reiki healing in the area, and interest in Reiki expanded greatly. Emperor Tenno ultimately honored Usui with a doctorate.
Over time, Dr. Usui appointed a few Grand Masters, including Madam Takata, who took his teachings to the United States. Dr. Usui passed away in 1926 at the age of 62. He is buried in the Saihoji Temple in Tokyo. There is a large memorial next to his grave that describes his life and work—this is where we get much of our information about Dr. Usui.
As Reiki training has spread across time and across cultures, natural variations have occurred in the teachings. There are now several Reiki associations which endorse different methods of teaching Reiki. In truth, there is only one Reiki, which belong to everyone. Together, we can use it to bring great healing in the world.
Who would benefit from receiving Reiki? Everyone! Reiki can bring about relaxation, destroy energy blockages, balance the chakras, and increase the vibrational frequency of the body. Benefits may include:
– Stress reduction
– Reduction of trauma or depression
– Improved immune functioning
– A sense of rejuvenation
– Improved relationships
– A balanced life, better life and a sense of peace
What Happens in a Reiki Session?
While Reiki can be performed anywhere, it is usually performed in either a private practice office or a healthcare facility. In private practice, the practitioners will have prepared a relaxing space for you, with soft music or a waterfall, soft lighting, and perhaps some aromatherapy. Recipient are most often laying on a massage table, but may sit in a chair. Recipients remain fully clothed, and if on a table will often be covered with a sheet or blanket. Your head will be on a pillow, and you may be given an eye pillow or offered a bolster for your knees.
Once the Reiki begins, practitioners hold their hands in a variety of locations either directly on or over your body. Treatment often begins at the head and ends at the feet, but practitioners listen to messages from their bodies and the bodies of the recipient to customize the treatment. Depending on the preferences of both the practitioners and the recipients, other treatment modalities may be combined with Reiki. This may include aromatherapy, crystals, sound, color, aura reading/cleansing, calling in spirit guides, and so on.
A typical Reiki session will last approximately 1 hour. After the session, you may feel very relaxed or even light-headed. Your practitioner will encourage you to have a drink of water, and to spend a little time before driving to get back into your body. You may have experienced daydreams/dreams/memories/bodily sensations during your Reiki session. Your practitioner may offer you an opportunity to process any feelings or images that came to you during the session, and may refer you to a medical professional or therapist if it seems indicated.
Other ways of receiving Reiki may be a rapid Reiki session, a group healing session, or a distance session. Reiki may be used to clear energy from a home or office, and can be used to treat plants and animals.
Reiki is not a replacement for traditional medical treatment. If you have any health concerns at all, please consult with a trusted medical professional. Reiki is also not psychological counseling. While it can create a state of deep relaxation, and may aid in relieving trauma and depression, your practitioner is most likely not a mental health provider. If you believe that you are a danger to yourself of others, or if you are experiencing deep psychological distress, please consult with a mental health professional.
Only you have the answer to this question. Reiki has become quite popular. If you ask around, you may find that you know someone who has received a Reiki treatment. Do some online research. If you want to give it a try, be sure to work with a certified Reiki Healer. Be ready to relax, rebalance, and rejuvenate.
]]>You will meet Olive and her grandfather, whom she is worried about. Grandpa lives with his dog Scout at the edge of the woods near a lake. Olive wants her granddad to come live with her so that she will know that he is safe. When Olive goes to visit her grandfather to move him to Kansas, she finds a story that he has written for her daughter, Lottie. While reading the story, Olive learns about herself, and others, and that all is not as it seems. Through the grandfather’s story, which gives a voice to things that often seem non-sentient, we revisit ideas of age, self-sufficiency, our forgotten past, and what is really important.
This is a gentle, uplifting story, filled with symbolism that speaks of inter-connection and influence.
For more information, visit http://www.langmarc.com/book/permanence-of-waves/
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