Jun. 5, 2019
One thing Reiki does is reduce stress. When you are without stress, you are at peace, and I feel strongly when you bring peace to someone's life, you can bring peace into this world... However, stress reduction is not a luxury, or a superfluous
act, reserved only for those with time or money. It is a necessity. Why? Because stress makes us sick; accounting for 90% of all illness. Here's how:
We are made of trillions of cells, and our bodies act
the same as an individual cell. When you place cells in a petri dish with nutrients, the cells open up, moving toward the positive growth signal emanating from the nutrients. When you place cells in a petri dish with toxins, the cells close off
and move away from the threatening, negative signal. Cells cannot be open and closed at the same time. In other words, cells can either be in growth-mode or protection-mode.
Our bodies are the same.
When we perceive a threat (or a stressor), the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis is stimulated. When the hypothalamus (the part of the brain that interprets perception) sees stress, it wants to tell the whole body "something's going on",
so it sends the signal to the pituitary gland (i.e. "the master gland"), which sends signals to the adrenal glands causing a "Fight or Flight" reaction (i.e. sympathetic nervous system response) by releasing stress hormones, adrenaline and cortisol.
Stress does 3 important things to us:
The first thing stress hormones do is cause the blood to go to the arms and legs (preparing to run or fight). If the blood is going to the arms and legs, where
was it before? In the viscera (your gut). What is the function of the viscera? Growth, health, and maintenance. So when the blood leaves the viscera, because stress hormones squeezed the blood vessels in the gut closed, protection-mode
is enabled, and growth is shut off. Growth is imperative to our health, given our cells are dying every day and need to be replaced (for example, the lining of your gut is replaced every 3 days). So when daily stress floods your body with adrenaline
and cortisol, it inhibits your ability to replace cells at a normal rate, causing you to get sick.
Another fun thing stress does... when you're in "Fight or Flight", the stress hormones shut off functions not needed in "Fight or
Flight" - your body's immune system. When a tiger is chasing you, your body is directing its energy to not being eaten vs. a bacterial infection you may have. Now, the important thing to note here is... when you get sick, you don't "catch" something,
the gross truth is you already have a plethora of bacteria, germs, parasites, viruses, etc. in your body right now. The only reason you're not sick is because your immune system is strong. Turn off the immune system due to stress, and you can no
longer fight off these toxins (i.e. "opportunistic organisms").
The third thing stress does... it dumbs us down. When we're in "Fight or Flight", we do not use conscious reasoning, we use reflex behavior. Aside from
adrenaline & cortisol squeezing the blood vessels in the gut, causing the blood to go to the periphery, when these stress hormones are released into the body, they also squeeze the blood vessels in the prefrontal cortex (which regulates complex cognitive,
emotional, and behavioral functioning - i.e. consciousness), pushing the blood to the back of the brain for reflex behavior. When you're under stress, you're less intelligent.
In summation, stress not only inhibits cell growth,
it reduces immune function, and makes you less intelligent. Given the above examples, it would be hard to argue that stress reduction is a luxury. Rather, it's your armor to keep you healthy, strong, and functioning in today's stressful world.
It is important to note that according to a research study at Hartford Hospital (in Hartford, CT), Reiki reduced stress in patients by 94%. Therefore, Reiki prevents illness by reducing your stress.
May. 6, 2019
I will be giving a talk on this subject at the May 18th Metaphysical Empowerment & Wellness Fair at Unity of Portland at 3:45pm, but here's a sneak peek...
In order to understand Energy Healing, you must first
understand how energy works.
Everything is energy. We are made of energy and connected by fields of energy. Quantum physics has shown us this. Biology has shown us that every cell has an electromagnetic field
(EMF), every molecule that makes up a cell has an EMF, every one of our organs has an EMF, every person's body has an EMF that extends about 5 meters outward. On a larger scale, the planets have EMFs, stars have EMFs, everything has a field, from micro-
to macro-, and our fields are constantly in contact with one another.
Energy is unseen (by most), but it creates matter, not the other way around. Your external reality is configured based on your electromagnetic field which is
formulated from a biological reaction inside your body, created by your thoughts. In other words, every thought in your mind and feeling in your heart is triggering a gene expression, which triggers a protein synthesis in your cells, which produces an
electrical and magnetic field. These fields can be measured by EEG and MRI machines. You are literally molding the quantum soup that surrounds you based on your thoughts & feelings. One would caution to you be aware of what energy you're
sending out into the Universe! Based on the universal law of mirroring, our external reality is a reflection of our internal state. So it is prudent to understand just how powerful you are, and to be aware of what you're putting out, as you will
receive it back.
Imagine we are all in an invisible ocean. Every thought, word, and action sends ripples out from us, bumping into everyone else, who have a reaction and send their own ripples outward. We are all connected
by this invisible field, and we all have an effect on each other. It is fair to say someone having a bad day in China is affecting you where you are right now. This is why we should concern ourselves with the well-being of others, but that's an
entirely different subject for another day...
That is the science behind energy. Now, as far as healing is concerned, I will discuss Reiki, given my training as a Reiki Master and that I work with this energy for my hands-on
healing. So what exactly is happening there? First off, I am interacting with the client's field and channeling Reiki energy. When I gently lay my hands on a client, I am using the energy to increase blood flow to that area, to oxygenate
the cells, and most importantly, to induce a Parasympathetic Nervous System response. This is the body's Rest & Restore state, which is imperative for post-injury, post-illness, and post-surgery so that the body may heal itself.
Energy healing is innately understood by each of us. For example, when you have a headache, what do you immediately do (besides grab some Tylenol)? You place your head in your hands. When you have a stomach ache, what you instinctively
do? You place your hands on your tummy. What about when you stub your toe? If you're me, you sit down and go "ow ow ow" while grabbing your toe and holding it until it feels better. You are energy healing yourself in these moments.
It's what humans have done for thousands of years, because it works. And moreover, it is scientifically-based.
So the next time you hear someone downplay the validity of Energy Healing, you'll have a greater understanding
of what it is and can hopefully help educate them. We all have this ability to help ourselves & others feel better, so why not use it?
Apr. 8, 2019
We've all faced situations where the outcome wasn't what we expected, which might have been very painful to process. Perhaps we realized that what we wanted wasn't for us. Or maybe we've been beating ourselves up over what we "should have" or "should not have" done.
Many times in our life, we will come to a crossroads where we realize we need to let go of expectations. Maybe it hurts to think we couldn't change the outcome and are still holding on to the hope that things
will be different. Sometimes these attachments keep us frozen in pain because ultimately that path wasn't in our highest and greatest good. Sometimes, we have to learn to let go...
Understand that letting go isn't an
admission of failure. When one door closes another one always opens. This is the way of the Universe. Holding ourselves in a space of desperately wanting something that wasn't meant for us only limits us from being open and receptive to all
the good and abundance that is rightfully ours. Sometimes clearing the path and making space is what we need to do.
Grieving is a necessary part of the process. Know that you are justified in your feelings. Experience
your emotions, let them flow, allow the energy to move. You have every right to feel the way you do. It was a traumatic realization and you owe it to yourself to allow the tears to flow, to cleanse, and wash away your pain. Understand the
ebb and flow of life, that this is not an ending, but a beginning, because now you can let go of the limited thoughts and beliefs that held you prisoner.
You deserve to be free from that pain, you've been through enough.
Allow it fall away. Allow the release. Relax into your deep breathing. Feel the warmth growing in your belly and radiating throughout your body. Know you are loved. Know you are safe. Know the Universe has your back. Know you are worthy. Know you are a gift. Know you deserve only the best life has to offer. Open yourself to the possibility that there's something even better waiting for you.
When we do this, we are not only forgiving the person or situation that disappointed us, we are forgiving ourselves. We can release the self-deprecation and stop the self-inflicted punishment. We can open our hearts and minds
and show ourselves the love we are seeking. In so doing, we are signalling to the Universe that THIS is what we truly desire. Then, it can't not bring it to us. 
Mar. 7, 2019
Sometimes the people in our lives act quite harshly towards us, leaving us to wonder what we did wrong. It's easy to let the whirlwind of emotions scoop you up & take you to painful places. It's easy to end up in this thought process when you're at the brunt of someone's misguided abuse.
It's important that in the moment, you recognize what is happening. Become the Observer. Notice how it feels in your body to be bombarded with such negativity.
It doesn't feel great, witness that, but do not attach to it. Ask yourself what this person's experience was that caused them to act so harshly. What meaning did they give that experience, and how are they projecting that on to you?
Truthfully, we're all victims of victims at some point in our lives. And when we are conditioned by society, our parents, or childhood trauma, that negative energy gets stuck in our system. Being unconscious to it, we project
that pain onto others, not even realizing that we've become the abuser.
So often we are stuck in fear, and act out of fear, and have forgotten that that's not the way. That is our unfortunate programming. In every moment,
in every thought, word, and action, we have the choice to act from a place of love or fear.
Since 9/11/01, our society has shifted to living/acting from a place of fear and paranoia, seeing everyone and everything as separate and
a threat to be quashed preemptively. You can see how this ideology has tainted our world through the headlines and global devastation all around. This is not the way. This is not our true nature.
So you when you
encounter someone spewing vitriol, recognize that it comes from an experience directly or in-directly where they learned this was the only way to be safe. Have compassion for the soul that is screaming inside to be seen, heard, witnessed, accepted, and
loved unconditionally. Recognize this need in yourself, and how we all share this need. We all are truly in this together, and when you choose to act from a place of love and compassion, not only are you healing the world, you are giving permission
to others to do the same.
Feb. 5, 2019
What a perfect day to take it easy, and take care of you...
When we spread ourselves so thin taking care of everything & everyone else, we often don't have anything left in our cup. Well, Valentine's Day is the perfect day to remind
yourself what a badass you are, and to do something special for you!
Here are some things you can do for YOU this Valentine's Day:
1). Take a stroll through
nature - Whether it be at your favorite park, or hiking your favorite trail, or spending time watching the waves roll in, feeling that cool ocean breeze... go outside, commune with the beauty of nature, and re-connect.
2).
Take a bath - Epsom salt or bubble bath, whichever you prefer. I suggest adding some lavendar or ylang-ylang essential oil for extra relaxation. Feel free to light some candles and play some
soft music for the complete experience.
3). Have a Reiki treatment - Start your self-care day off right with a Reiki session to release all the tension and stuck energy that's been
weighing you down mentally & physically. Feeling that yuckiness replaced with renewed energy, you can enjoy this day from a peaceful center, and feel stress-free for days!
4). Take
yourself out to dinner - You deserve a nice meal, so why not take yourself on a date? You'd be surprised how good it feels to get away from the hustle and bustle of a busy day, settle in to a comfy booth, and enjoy a delicious meal at your own
pace, in peace.
5). Take yourself to the theater - When was the last time you had a good laugh, or was engrossed in a good drama, went to the opera, or the symphony? Positive
entertainment can lift your spirits and help you to unwind. If it's been too long since you did any of these activities, then it's long overdue, and you deserve the break!
6). Be
around animals - Whether you hit up a vegan petting zoo, or the humane society, by allowing your energy field to commune with animals, you will instantly raise your vibration and reduce your stress. In fact, you may not have realized how much
you were scowling until that facial tension melts into a smile as you behold the pure light and joy of animals!
7). Take a nap - That's right, you have permission to lay down and
snooze! There's something so luxurious about taking a nap; to decide you deserve a temporary reprieve in your day, and doing it. Hold your calls, everyone! You've got some important nap work to do!
Whatever you
do this Valentine's Day, be sure to take some time for yourself & relax!