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	<title>Wisecracks &#187; Balance</title>
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	<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog</link>
	<description>A Coachable Moment</description>
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		<title>Meditation Musings &#8211; Being In The Now</title>
		<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2010/07/meditation-musings-being-in-the-now/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2010/07/meditation-musings-being-in-the-now/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 24 Jul 2010 09:29:19 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jim Barrett</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Meditation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Attitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Focus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lessons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mindful]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/?p=481</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Meditation comes in many forms and with many techniques but one of the commonalities of most of them is that one must usually start by being in the Now. Among the traditional Ways, most fall into one of two methods; concentrative or mindful. In concentrative meditation one focuses their attention on something specific, the breathing, [...]]]></description>
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<p>Meditation comes in many forms and with many techniques but one of the commonalities of most of them is that one must usually start by being in the Now.</p>
<p>Among the traditional Ways, most fall into one of two methods; concentrative or mindful. In concentrative meditation one focuses their attention on something specific, the breathing, an image, or a  sound (mantra), while in mindful meditation one allows thoughts, images, feelings, sensory input, to pass through the mind without attaching to them or becoming engaged by them. In either technique one must have a starting point and that point is usually the Now.</p>
<p>Most of us don&#8217;t spend much time in the Now. Have you ever finished a routine trip in the car without being aware of the actual trip? You were somewhere but you weren&#8217;t in the Now. Your mind was thinking about something else while your body was on “auto-pilot”. When you are lying awake for the second night in a row, unable to sleep because your thoughts keep whirling around in your head, you&#8217;re not in the Now. When you walk away from the stove without turning off the burner, you&#8217;re dangerously not in the Now. For much of human history not being in the Now was often a fatal condition.</p>
<p>Babies exist in the Now and one can often watch as toddlers stop living in the Now over a matter of weeks or months. If you&#8217;ve ever played an intense game of volleyball (or some other sport) and felt like you had all the time in the world as everything around you slowed down, you were in the Now. The runner who&#8217;s in “the zone” and exhilarates in the feeling of the breath in their nostrils and the blood pumping in their arteries is in the Now.</p>
<p>Meditation allows us to relearn being in the Now and many of us then carry that process out of the zendo and into our daily lives. When one has learned to use that gentle, persistent redirection of the mind into the Now while meditating one often finds applications in other places. When faced with a complicated or tedious task at work, being in the Now allows us to keep focus and make better use of our time and energy. When interacting with other people, being in the Now makes us more tuned-in to them and can make us aware of subtle verbal and nonverbal cues we would otherwise miss.  If one is in the Now at bedtime those whirling thoughts aren&#8217;t there and one can finally get to sleep. In a strange or unfamiliar situation being in the Now can bring to our attention details and information that can help keep us safe.</p>
<p>Some schools of meditation indicate that the ultimate goal of  sitting is to move into a state where one is always in the Now. I would like to meet such a person. I marvel at the thought of such a disciplined mind and I think it would be fascinating to see how they deal with their day-to-day world.</p>
<p>Personally, this is one of the reasons that I say I “practice” meditation, staying in the Now isn&#8217;t always easy for me. I have, however, learned to notice the signs of my distraction and gently and persistently pull myself back into the moment. As time goes by I&#8217;ll continue to get better at it. It&#8217;s another tool in my spiritual and mental toolbox that helps enhance my life and make me a better person.</p>
<p>Namaste,<br />
Jim</p>
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		<title>Reiki for Self-Care</title>
		<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2010/06/reiki-for-self-care/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2010/06/reiki-for-self-care/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 25 Jun 2010 22:24:41 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sandy Walden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Reiki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Focus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forgiveness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meditation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Peace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relaxation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Soul]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spiritual]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/?p=453</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[What do you do to take care of yourself? You may exercise, eat right, meditate or a variety of other activities which offers relaxation and the opportunity to &#8216;unwind&#8217;.  May I suggest that you consider adding Reiki to your daily practice? Reiki, defined as Universal Life Energy, is an excellent addition to your daily routine. [...]]]></description>
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<p>What do you do to take care of yourself? You may exercise, eat right, meditate or a variety of other activities which <a href="http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Device-Memory_home_user_pictures_IMG00104.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-468" title="_Device Memory_home_user_pictures_IMG00104" src="http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Device-Memory_home_user_pictures_IMG00104-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>offers relaxation and the opportunity to &#8216;unwind&#8217;.  May I suggest that you consider adding Reiki to your daily practice?</p>
<p>Reiki, defined as Universal Life Energy, is an excellent addition to your daily routine. When I teach Reiki I always encourage my students to give themselves Reiki every day.  Reiki is a gentle, hands on healing technique which offers balancing of your life energy. You don&#8217;t need any special equipment or tools to do Reiki. Simply your time and intention. It doesn&#8217;t get much better than that!</p>
<p>When you give yourself Reiki you learn to become more aware of your own energy, when you are out of balance and the subtle shifts as you come back into balance. Reiki helps you on all levels, the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. And here&#8217;s another wonderful detail, you don&#8217;t need to know where the imbalance is or on which level you need to heal. Because Reiki is channeled through you from our Higher Power, it goes where it&#8217;s most needed for your highest good.</p>
<p>You may want to spend an hour or more giving yourself Reiki everyday, or you may only spend a few moments with Reiki. What sort of time do you want to give to yourself? It&#8217;s all up to you and it&#8217;s always going to work for your benefit. Personally, I often give myself Reiki while I relax in the evening, even while I&#8217;m watching television or reading a book.</p>
<p>Once you&#8217;ve been attuned to Reiki, by taking a Reiki class, you will discover that it&#8217;s available to you at any time, simply hold the intention that Reiki flow and the energy flow begins. Ahhh, love that!</p>
<p>As always, I encourage you to take excellent care of yourself. I&#8217;d also like to suggest that you consider adding Reiki to your daily routine. It&#8217;s a lovely addition and an excellent method of self-care.</p>
<p>Namaste,</p>
<p>Sandy</p>
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		<title>Reiki Yesterday, Reiki Today, Reiki Tomorrow</title>
		<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2010/01/reiki-yesterday-reiki-today-reiki-tomorrow/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2010/01/reiki-yesterday-reiki-today-reiki-tomorrow/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:07:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sandy Walden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holistic Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reiki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gentle Healing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Force Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meditation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relaxation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relief]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stress Relief]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/?p=418</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;m very grateful to have Reiki in my life.  I use Reiki daily; it just seems so natural to me now. I came to Reiki at the gentle prodding of my son Jeff. As a young man in his early 20&#8242;s he tried Reiki primarily to prove to himself that there was nothing to it. [...]]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/DSCF0739-e1264385296911.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-416" title="DSCF0739" src="http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/DSCF0739-e1264385296911-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>I&#8217;m very grateful to have Reiki in my life.  I use Reiki daily; it just seems so natural to me now.</p>
<p>I came to Reiki at the gentle prodding of my son Jeff. As a young man in his early 20&#8242;s he tried Reiki primarily to prove to himself that there was nothing to it. He was currently going to school, working a full time job and of course was also an entrepreneur growing his own business as well. In short he was exhausted and extremely stressed. One session with a Reiki practitioner and he was hooked. Before long he was insistent that I give it a try as I had a few issues myself.</p>
<p>Here I am a few short years later. Not only do I give myself Reiki every day, my dog receives Reiki daily as do my loved ones. Sometimes I&#8217;m able to offer Reiki to them in person, but most actually receive distance Reiki. I&#8217;m grateful to be able to offer Reiki to my clients as well. Of course some come into my office for their Reiki session but others are open to receiving Reiki from a distance. It&#8217;s not at all unusual to feel the Reiki begin to flow during my weekly MasterMind, meditation sessions and often during life coaching sessions. When I feel it I simply let the participants know that I feel it flowing and ask their kind permission.</p>
<p>Still I&#8217;m reminded on a regular basis that even those closest to me sometimes don&#8217;t understand why I&#8217;m offering them Reiki. My youngest sister recently asked me why I offer her Reiki, after all she&#8217;s not currently sick and told me that she thought Reiki was primarily to heal one if they are in pain or physically ill. I&#8217;m so grateful that she asked about Reiki again, even though we have of course had conversations about Reiki often in the past. It gave me the opportunity to explain to her one on one, that while Reiki does of course offer very gentle healing when one is ill, Reiki always supports our best health as Reiki serves to bring us into balance on all levels. I explained that Reiki helps us to release what no longer serves our highest good, while offering us energetic balance on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels.</p>
<p>One of the most important points that I strive to make clear to those new to Reiki as well as to those who experience Reiki on a regular basis is that Reiki can do absolutely no harm. I will never, ever suggest to anyone that Reiki is a substitute for medical attention, but rather that Reiki is a wonderful complement. For instance, if I develop a headache when I&#8217;m out in the sun for hours, I do a few things all at once. I drink a glass of water, and depending on the severity of the headache I may or may not take an aspirin, but I will most definitely give myself Reiki. My thought is that the headache may be because of dehydration, or it could be a reminder to release stress of some sort. The Reiki will address the cause of the stress and if I&#8217;m ready to be in balance again, I will achieve that balance and will feel better.</p>
<p>Will Reiki heal someone of their pain? Perhaps, however it&#8217;s very important for me to remember that Reiki is not mine to control. Reiki may well alleviate or eliminate the pain of someone who is on my table, that is often the result. It&#8217;s also been my experience that someone I have offered Reiki to may still have pain. My Dad is a prime example. A quadriplegic for 36 years he is often in intense pain. When I visit of course I offer him Reiki. He has told me that after receiving Reiki the pain is eased, but not eliminated. I don&#8217;t question the pain that remains but I do offer my gratitude for the relief that he experiences from Reiki. I have no way of knowing how the pain serves him or to what purpose he uses the Reiki, but I trust that the Reiki is bringing him into balance in the way that serves his highest good at the moment.</p>
<p>For now and in the future I will continue to give myself Reiki, I will offer it to family, friends and clients as I know how much better my life is with Reiki. My spiritual faith is stronger, my mind is clearer, my emotional and physical well being all are improved when I give myself Reiki on a regular basis. So, I offer gratitude that I have experienced Reiki in the past, I will most definitely share Reiki today and I&#8217;m excited to share Reiki with others tomorrow.</p>
<p>This week I wish you all the blessings that I know Reiki can bring into your life.</p>
<p>Namaste,</p>
<p>Sandy</p>
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		<title>Changes</title>
		<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/10/changes/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/10/changes/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 18 Oct 2009 21:45:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sandy Walden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holistic Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reiki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Appreciation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Attitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Family]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Focus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Frustration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Health]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Force Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relaxation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transition]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/?p=68</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Optimistic. Happy. Excited. Those are some of the words I would use if asked how I feel about life these days. I realize that there are big changes going on everywhere. Many people are losing their jobs and we are told many times a day that times are tough. We are in a crisis. Things [...]]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/DSCF0535.JPG"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-340" title="DSCF0535" src="http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/DSCF0535-300x225.jpg" alt="DSCF0535" width="300" height="225" /></a>Optimistic. Happy. Excited. Those are some of the words I would use if asked how I feel about life these days. I realize that there are big changes going on everywhere. Many people are losing their jobs and we are told many times a day that times are tough. We are in a crisis. Things have not been this dire in years. But that&#8217;s just not the way I feel.</p>
<p>I find myself turning off the television and radio and simply ignoring most of the newspaper. It&#8217;s not that I&#8217;m hiding my head in the sand to avoid reality, it&#8217;s just that I&#8217;m selective about which reality I want to immerse myself in. The truth is that I&#8217;m happy and healthy and so are most of the people that I know. Some have lost their jobs and yes, many have tightened their belts and had to make substantial changes in their lifestyles. What does that mean? It simply means change. Change is neither good nor bad on it&#8217;s own, but it does offer options to us.</p>
<p>It seems that many large businesses are closing or paring down. At the same time, many small businesses are healthier than ever.</p>
<p>Many of the people I know, friends and clients are entrepreneurs, others work for small businesses. Most of these people acknowledge that the way they do business has changed substantially, but most of them are enjoying abundance and prosperity at a level that is not being described in the media. Why? Because scary is more dramatic, it sells better. The truth is that I&#8217;m not likely to watch the news if I think the announcer is only going to talk about the fact that the businesses operated just fine today. All the children showed up on time, healthy and happy for school and all is generally A-okay all over town.</p>
<p>We get excited, all worked up about bad news. It motivates us to get out there and save someone or something. That&#8217;s great! Now let&#8217;s get just as excited about the good news.</p>
<p>I have to say that life is changing for me, personally and professionally. Particularly this time of year I find that I really enjoy the changes. I deliberately make changes in the house from rearranging items to changing colors. It elevates my mood and helps me to get ready for the holiday season and colder weather.</p>
<p>What can you do to learn to flow with the inevitable changes that life brings? I suggest a few things. First and foremost I encourage you to simply turn off negative messages whenever possible. That may mean only listening to the television or radio news long enough to hear about the weather and sports. Better yet, why not read a newspaper and select which articles you want to read. That way you have control of what messages you are receiving and when. If you find yourself surrounded by negative people, either change the subject or simply excuse yourself as soon as possible.  Refuse to add to  the conversation when gossip starts.</p>
<p>Another of my favorite tools is color. Most of us react very strongly to color whether we realize it or not. Wear colors that make you feel happy. Surround yourself with these colors if at all possible. I don&#8217;t mean that you have to refurnish entire rooms, adding pillows, candles or even flowers can bring in colors which have a dramatic affect on your mood.</p>
<p>Music is another powerful tonic to gloomy days. Most of us have a favorite song or CD, listening to it always puts us in a good mood, so put it on whenever you have the opportunity.</p>
<p>Of  course I add Reiki, it always helps me to regain my focus and balance and to relieve the stress in my life.</p>
<p>Making a list of the things I&#8217;m grateful for, the blessings in my life, reminds me that while my life may be unfolding in a way that was not originally part of my plans, I always have much to be grateful. This always helps my mood.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s important to be sure to use good self-care when going through stressful change. It can help to balance the emotions and of course  things like eating right and exercising not only keep you healthy, but make you stronger in mind and body to handle whatever is happening, hopefully in a more positive manner. The holistic life coach in me just couldn&#8217;t wrap this up without getting in a plug for self-care.</p>
<p>Change is inevitable. Some changes will be tougher to get through, but I know we will do better if we stick together and work together to make the outcome positive for all. In short the outcome is not  pre-destined, we have options. Arm yourself with a few tools for tough situations and know how to lighten up your tough days. We can and will get through these changes and more will come. Exciting isn&#8217;t it?</p>
<p>Wishing you a fabulous week of changes.</p>
<p>Warmly,</p>
<p>Sandy</p>
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		<title>Life Coaching Basics</title>
		<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/08/life-coaching-basics/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/08/life-coaching-basics/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 27 Aug 2009 08:49:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sandy Walden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holistic Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reiki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Achievement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Focus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Professional]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Success]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Support]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Therapy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Transition]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/08/life-coaching-basics/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Life coaching is not about therapy, consulting, counseling, or advice. It is basically a process that addresses business successes, personal projects, transitions and general conditions among others especially in the client’s personal life and profession by putting efforts on the current situation, discovering the barriers, challenges and selecting the course of action in order to [...]]]></description>
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<p>Life coaching is not about therapy, consulting, counseling, or advice. It is basically a process that addresses business successes, personal projects, transitions and general conditions among others especially in the client’s personal life and profession by putting efforts on the current situation, discovering the barriers, challenges and selecting the course of action in order to make life be how you would like it to be.</p>
<p>Life coaching involves the coach and the client and the relationship between the two of them, giving all the power to the client. It is believed that one knows the answers to every single question or problem he or she may be facing in his or her life, though the answers maybe hidden or concealed. As a life coach, my skills revolve around knowing the right questions to ask a client, being equipped with helpful tools and techniques that empower you to get to the answers that you already have within yourself.</p>
<p>One may ask, why work with a life coach? What each and every person dreams of is success, achievement, happiness and joy. Working with a life coach assists the clients to uncover their own blocks so that they are better able to manifest and allow the life they truly want to live.</p>
<p>As a holistic life coach, I assist an individuals in identifying and setting the goals that he or she really wants without basing them on others interests. My role as coach is to assist clients in clarifying their personal values in order to attain something better when it comes to setting the goals. Remember that when the goals are based on the things that the client value most, they become more naturally motivated.</p>
<p>As your life coach, I&#8217;m with you for every step. As a client you will learn to forgive your past mistakes and see them instead as valuable lessons. We are going to work together to focus on your very best self.</p>
<p>For this week, I wish you focus and balance in your life. Please feel free to send me an email or give me a call for your free life coaching consultation.</p>
<p>Warmly,<br />
Sandy</p>
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		<title>Vision Boards</title>
		<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/08/vision-boards/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/08/vision-boards/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 22 Aug 2009 09:05:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sandy Walden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holistic Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reiki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Workshops]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Attraction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Best Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Desired Results]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Excitement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Focus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Manifest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meditate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Tool]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vision Board]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/08/vision-boards/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I love vision boards! In fact I just made four new ones the other day. What are vision boards? They are basically a visual guide to help you manifest your best life. Vision boards are always a surprise to me. The process is really very simple. First of all, I put on some music that [...]]]></description>
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<p>I love vision boards! In fact I just made four new ones the other day.</p>
<p>What are vision boards? They are basically a visual guide to help you manifest your best life.</p>
<p>Vision boards are always a surprise to me. The process is really very simple. First of all, I put on some music that feels good. It might be meditative, or energizing, depending on what appeals to me that day. Then I find several poster boards. They can be plain white or colored. This last time I used 3 different colors. I didn&#8217;t really make a decision to use colored boards; I simply laid out a variety and selected those which attracted me without thinking about it. The next step was to gather magazines, photos, and &#8216;things&#8217; that made me feel good. Then the fun started.</p>
<p>I went through the photos and pulled out a few that I liked, some I cut up to use though I didn&#8217;t know just how I would use them at that point. Next I went through several magazines. This should be a relaxed, fun exercise. I tore out pages that attracted me for a variety of reasons. Some were simply pretty; others interesting and still others shouted at me that they showed something that I absolutely wanted to bring about in my life.</p>
<p>Next began the process of assembling my boards. I didn&#8217;t know how many I would create when I started so this was all a work in progress. I laid out pictures, words that I had cut-out, objects that needed to be a part of these boards. Moving everything around until it felt just right. Then I simply glued everything into place and finished off with writing on my boards where it felt right. My boards have pictures, writing, stones and words, simply things that speak to me.</p>
<p>When the process was complete I actually had 4 vision boards. Each one focused on separate areas of my life. One was about home and personal. Another focused on my business. A third was all about travel and the final board focused on my life coaching and Reiki business.</p>
<p>Now, to use these vision boards. The purpose of making the vision boards is to become clear about what I want to manifest in my life. After all, how can I bring about desired results if I have no idea what those desired results are? This process is very free flowing; I simply explored and felt my way through. For example, I want a new car. I don&#8217;t need a new car, lol, but I do want one. I&#8217;d like a convertible please. As I flipped through the magazines I pulled out pictures that made me smile when I first saw them. I wound up with pictures of 3 cars, 2 of them convertibles and one in particular is a red convertible. Yahoo! I cut each of them out, added my picture and now when I look at that board I am actually able to see myself driving those cars. It makes me very excited! I feel myself smile automatically when I look at the vision board and it makes my tummy get all fluttery, sort of like Christmas morning when I was a little girl. I know that we get what we ask for, what we expect in this life. So, I&#8217;ve decided to ask for and expect things that I want. Like a convertible.</p>
<p>By focusing on these boards every day for a short time, giving thought to vacation time with my husband (one of the items on one of my vision boards), allowing myself to experience the emotion that these experiences bring up I am actually bringing each and every one of these experiences closer and closer. I don&#8217;t think about them as something that is going to happen in the future. Oh no, I allow myself to experience the thoughts, feelings, smells and touches that each of these experiences brings about right now. That&#8217;s what brings them about.</p>
<p>I update my vision boards when it feels right. I may keep a vision board only a few days, a few months, or maybe years. It&#8217;s very exciting to look back and realize that something I originally thought of as a dream has become my reality. And of course that simply keeps the process moving along, bringing in more of what I want to experience.</p>
<p>The vision boards have become wonderful tools that I encourage all of my life coaching and Reiki clients to use. I also offer workshops for vision boards as I find that they are powerful tools for anyone to use.</p>
<p>This week I encourage you to make a vision board. Some variation will of course work as well. Consider collecting a model car that looks just like the full size car you want in your driveway and put it into a special box that you focus on every day. Any variation of this process works. It&#8217;s really all about allowing yourself to experience the reality of your dreams coming true. And then they do.</p>
<p>Warmly,<br />
Sandy</p>
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		<title>Let Your Emotions be Your Guide</title>
		<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/08/let-your-emotions-be-your-guide/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/08/let-your-emotions-be-your-guide/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 15 Aug 2009 11:29:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sandy Walden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holistic Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reiki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Anger]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Attention]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Compassion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Disappointment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotional Scale]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fear]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forgiveness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Law of Attraction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Support]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/08/let-your-emotions-be-your-guide/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[They had an argument. In fact she said it was pretty much a knock-down, drag-out fight, loud and ugly it left them both hurt and feeling cut-off from one another for the next 24 hours. Pretty unusual for them because they generally get along very well. Here&#8217;s where it gets interesting. She told me that [...]]]></description>
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<p><a href="http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/DSCF0533.JPG"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-351" title="DSCF0533" src="http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/DSCF0533-300x225.jpg" alt="DSCF0533" width="300" height="225" /></a>They had an argument. In fact she said it was pretty much a knock-down, drag-out fight, loud and ugly it left them both hurt and feeling cut-off from one another for the next 24 hours. Pretty unusual for them because they generally get along very well. Here&#8217;s where it gets interesting. She told me that she knew the day before that a real argument was coming with him, she could feel it.</p>
<p>As both a life coach and a Reiki practitioner, I strongly believe and work with my clients to understand the law of attraction. Quite simply that means that what we put our attention on, what we think about, what we expect, what we &#8216;know&#8217; is going to happen will in fact come into our experience.</p>
<p>When we talked about this unfortunate argument she shared her thoughts the day before that an argument was about to happen. So, we talked about ways it could have been avoided. Oh, not the discussion. The subject they covered probably should have been addressed, but it could have been handled in their normal loving manner, quickly and easily.</p>
<p>We began with her thoughts and feelings the day prior to the fight. She was feeling great and was on top of the world. When she spoke with her husband he was not as supportive as she would have liked him to be and she was very disappointed. She noted how she felt and although she didn&#8217;t take the time to think about it at that very moment, she later realized that she had a few options. She could have reached for a slightly better feeling, possibly frustration as this would have begun the process of lessening her feeling bad. Instead, she became angry, which moved her to a feeling that made her feel even worse.</p>
<p>She held onto that anger all evening and by morning she had moved further on the emotional scale. Unfortunately, she hadn&#8217;t moved to a better feeling but instead to a worse feeling, insecurity and guilt. In short, she was pretty much primed for that fight. She knew it was coming and she was bringing it on, not altogether unconsciously.</p>
<p>As we chatted, we talked about the emotional scale. It&#8217;s a tool that I find invaluable as a life coach, working with Reiki clients and of course in my everyday life. An awareness of how we feel is truly a very practical and easy guide and it helps us to take our lives in the direction that we truly want to move.</p>
<p>She talked about how her disappointment, anger and insecurity had brought about the argument, then she moved onto ways it could have been a useful and productive discussion. As she talked through the event she began re-framing thoughts and comments in a manner which made her feel a bit better. Progress! This continued, the more she thought and discussed the more she repeatedly found ways to make small, incremental movement up the emotional scale. She was feeling better and better. She was able to re-frame the comments she heard as well as the comments she had made. In this way she was able to forgive both herself and her husband as she realized that there is always more than one way to say and look at every situation.</p>
<p>We chatted a few days later. She had been very deliberately paying attention to her gut, how she felt as well as to her thoughts, were they negative or positive. When her feelings or thoughts were not pleasant she was taking the time to reach for that ever so slightly better feeling or thought. She was very excited with the progress that she was seeing. She noticed that when she was putting her attention on what she wanted rather than what she didn&#8217;t want that she was getting much more satisfying results.</p>
<p>Of course I will continue to coach her to make this awareness of how she feels and what she is thinking a natural part of her life. It will become easier and easier.</p>
<p>For any of us, as we see positive results, we are encouraged to do more of what is bringing about those results. Success leads to success. Fabulous!</p>
<p>For today, I encourage you to really pay attention to how you are feeling during the day. When you make decisions or say something, how do you feel? What are you thinking? Become aware and reach for a better feeling and I feel very sure you will have a better day.</p>
<p>Warmly,<br />
Sandy</p>
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		<title>Attitude Adjustment</title>
		<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/07/attitude-adjustment/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/07/attitude-adjustment/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 18 Jul 2009 19:33:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sandy Walden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holistic Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reiki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Abundance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Attitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Entrepreneurs]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Excitement]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Frustration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gratitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laughter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lessons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meditation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Prosperity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spiritual]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/07/attitude-adjustment/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I seem to recall that in the 80&#8242;s the phrase &#8216;attitude adjustment&#8217; was used again and again. I&#8217;m not sure why it went away. In the real estate world, I&#8217;ve learned that agents, buyers and sellers say that everything is location, location, location. I&#8217;m convinced that in the real world everything is attitude, attitude, attitude. [...]]]></description>
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<p>I seem to recall that in the 80&#8242;s the phrase &#8216;attitude adjustment&#8217; was used again and again. I&#8217;m not sure why it went away.</p>
<p>In the real estate world, I&#8217;ve learned that agents, buyers and sellers say that everything is location, location, location. I&#8217;m convinced that in the real world everything is attitude, attitude, attitude.</p>
<p>This is proven to me again and again. One of my favorite clients just announced that she has just completed her best fiscal year ever. She isn&#8217;t devoting more time to her business, she&#8217;s still the most devoted wife and mom and her church isn&#8217;t seeing any less of her either. What&#8217;s changed? Her attitude! She expects to bring in more abundance and prosperity, in all facets of her life. And she is doing just that. We continue her coaching sessions and she has added Reiki to her sessions as well as she has also discovered that self-care makes her more relaxed and more productive as well.</p>
<p>On a day to day basis life happens. We always have two options regarding any situation, no matter how dire or fabulous the situation may appear at first glance. We can celebrate the good, or positive aspects of the circumstances or we can bemoan the negative. This applies in all circumstances.</p>
<p>Yesterday, just about every bit of electronics that I own broke down or mal-functioned in some way or another. I couldn&#8217;t seem to find the directions to forward calls on my cell phone, then a few hours later it crashed altogether. No cell. My son had completely crashed and reconstructed my laptop less than a week ago, all cleared of viruses. Yesterday it was struck by another virus. It kept going down. For the life of me it seemed that I wasn&#8217;t able to figure out how to work the DVD player or the VCR. Two options. Get frustrated and upset, which wouldn&#8217;t have solved any of the above. Or enjoy a cup of tea and read one of the books I have around from one of my favorite authors. Guess which I decided to do.</p>
<p>Today, I am assured that the cell phone is covered under insurance and my virus protection found the virus for my computer, isolated and removed. Getting upset yesterday would have made me feel lousy and it wouldn&#8217;t have changed the situation. In other words a rotten attitude would simply have resulted in a rotten evening. Instead I enjoyed my book very much, and the tea eventually became a relaxing glass of wine. A quiet evening spent doing one of my favorite things with the dogs. Just what I needed. I woke up refreshed and relaxed today. In fact, I felt so good that I decided today would be more of the same. The only electronic time today is spent writing this blog. <img src='http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' /> I am feeling blessed and grateful today.</p>
<p>We are always with the options of attitude regarding our circumstances. It&#8217;s that simple. My step-father, the man I&#8217;ve always called Dad, broke his neck and became a quadriplegic at the age of 29. He and my mother decided that wasn&#8217;t the end of life. He recovered enough to come home and raise children. She went to nursing school, something she had wanted to do all her life. They used the opportunity to benefit all of us, in fact my dad still refers to each day as a bonus. My parents are amazing life coaches.</p>
<p>This doesn&#8217;t mean that there are not frustrations, aggravations or grief in our lives. However, we have the choice to move through these emotions and reach for a slightly better feeling every time we experience them. Attitude counts.</p>
<p>I would encourage you to stop several times a day, notice how you are feeling, what sort of thoughts are going through your mind and what words are coming out of your mouth. If they are harsh, unkind or simply negative I would encourage you to take a few moments. Think and feel your way to a slightly better feeling, a slightly kinder approach. Adjust your attitude and I&#8217;m willing to bet your entire life will become just a little bit better.</p>
<p>I wish you a fabulous day and it will be if you choose to see it in just that way.</p>
<p>Warmly,<br />
Sandy</p>
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		<title>Another Lesson from Indiana</title>
		<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/07/another-lesson-from-indiana/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/07/another-lesson-from-indiana/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 09:04:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sandy Walden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holistic Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reiki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Adoption]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Behaviorist]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boxer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Compassion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Depression]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Duke]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kindness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lessons]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relaxation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Soul]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stress]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;ve written here about my buddy Indiana before. He&#8217;s the charming, good looking, friendly and ever so clever boxer dog who lives with my husband and me. Indy will be five years old in just a few weeks, so he&#8217;s now officially a middle-aged gentleman in the boxer world. All my life I&#8217;ve had the [...]]]></description>
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<p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-100" title="Indy and Duke" src="http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/IMG00088-732376-795400-300x225.jpg" alt="Indy and Duke" width="300" height="225" />I&#8217;ve written here about my buddy Indiana before. He&#8217;s the charming, good looking, friendly and ever so clever boxer dog who lives with my husband and me. Indy will be five years old in just a few weeks, so he&#8217;s now officially a middle-aged gentleman in the boxer world. All my life I&#8217;ve had the privilege of living with dogs and they have always had so much to teach me. Indy is no exception.</p>
<p>Recently our son Jeff who lives in Los Angeles decided he really wanted a dog to keep him company. He&#8217;s been raised with boxers and really missed Indy, so he adopted a boxer that he named Duke. Duke is a big, beautiful boy, friendly and very mellow, somewhere between 1 and 2 years old. The rescue wasn&#8217;t sure of his age as they had no idea where he originally came from. This dog seemed perfect to live with Jeff and so they went home together.</p>
<p>They bonded instantly and became best buddies. The problem is that Duke couldn&#8217;t get over the noise and constant activity of LA. The poor guy actually started loosing his hair. After consulting a behaviorist, veterinarian and trainer who each independently told Jeff that Duke was clearly not going to adjust to being an urban dog, Jeff decided to re home his buddy. So, he made arrangements for Duke to go to Texas to live with his elder brother Bill and his wife Felicia. The only problem is that they could not take him for 3 months and Duke clearly could not stay in LA, his stress level was just escalating.</p>
<p>Road trip! Duke and Jeff made their way across the USA to Milwaukee. Duke is going to hang with us until Bill and Felicia are able to take him home in a few months. All of this is well and good, we were pretty sure Indy would be happy to have a friend for a few months as he&#8217;s always done well with doggy company. But Duke has little or no experience with other dogs, so we really didn&#8217;t know how this would go.</p>
<p>I should have known that I could trust the dogs, particularly Indy to handle the situation perfectly. From the moment Duke walked into the yard, Indy reined in his normally exuberant behavior, walked over to Duke and in their silent language invited his new pal to stroll through the yard with him and look it all over. Duke was only slightly hesitant. Indy was calm and patient, luring him when Duke was shy and playing a bit now and then when Duke showed a bit more interest.</p>
<p>This has been going on for a few days now. I&#8217;ve been walking them together each day so that Duke is more comfortable with me when Jeff leaves and to of course reinforce his training and give them both needed exercise. The life coach in me is pleased and somewhat surprised to see that the doggy training continues between the two of them regardless of what I do. They walk on opposite sides of me, but Duke is still watching Indy and taking all of his cues from him. In the house they are also learning about one another. Indy continues to lure his new friend into the occasional game of chase or tug, exhibiting patience that I did not for a moment expect from him. Meal time is interesting as well. Duke is a big boy; a bit underweight and not filled out yet. As such he eats considerably more than Indiana. They get separate bowls and when Duke is finished he invariably heads over to Indy&#8217;s bowl. He will gently and politely put his face near the bowl. If Indy is done he will back off and let Duke finish the food. If Indy is not done he simply pushes Duke away with a short growl that says &#8216;not now buddy&#8217; and Duke quietly goes about his business.</p>
<p>I refer to the coaching lessons that they are both teaching me; because it strikes me that they are teaching me every moment that I watch them together. Indiana is a terrific life coach to Duke. He is patient but he also clearly has expectations. He will lure or invite Duke to do certain things, if Duke accepts they work on it together, like playing with a tug toy, a totally new experience for Duke. If Duke refuses, Indy simply walks away without taking it at all personally. He simply tries something else a bit later. What a great life coach! Indy offers, suggests, provokes just a little bit. Then he waits to see the results. If they are pleasing he lures and asks for a bit more. If the results are not successful, he tries something else. Have I mentioned that I think my Indy is a bit of a genius? lol</p>
<p>Both dogs are of course receiving Reiki everyday. It&#8217;s simply part of the daily routine around here. I strongly believe that Reiki is much of the reason that Indy has made such an amazing physical recovery from his stroke a few months ago. I can only imagine how it has helped him mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Of course I want Duke to enjoy the same benefits as much as possible. He&#8217;s a very special dog and deserves to know the love and benefits of people who care about him very much. Reiki is part of that experience while he&#8217;s involved with this family.</p>
<p>Once again, I&#8217;d like to thank the animals in my life for the simple yet profound lessons that they teach me again and again. They keep the lessons easy and straightforward. That&#8217;s greatly appreciated and I will keep applying these lessons learned while I work with my own holistic life coaching clients.</p>
<p>This week I encourage you to take a bit of time. Observe the animals in your life. Maybe they&#8217;re your pets, or even the squirrels and birds in the yard. It doesn&#8217;t take long to realize they are all teaching us and if we pay attention we can learn an awful lot.</p>
<p>Warmly,<br />
Sandy</p>
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		<title>July Reiki Healing Circle in Milwaukee</title>
		<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/07/july-reiki-healing-circle-in-milwaukee-2/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sat, 11 Jul 2009 01:35:48 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sandy Walden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holistic Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reiki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Attitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Blessings]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Compassion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Focus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forgiveness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gratitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Heart]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Positive]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relief]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Soul]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Success]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Good morning, I&#8217;m so excited that we will be holding our third Reiki Healing Circle tomorrow, Saturday, July 11. Each month I have been blessed by meeting new Reiki practitioners. Each month we have had the honor of sending Reiki to more families. What an incredible feeling. If you haven&#8217;t read about this before, I&#8217;d [...]]]></description>
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<p>Good morning,</p>
<p>I&#8217;m so excited that we will be holding our third Reiki Healing Circle tomorrow, Saturday, July 11.</p>
<p>Each month I have been blessed by meeting new Reiki practitioners. Each month we have had the honor of sending Reiki to more families. What an incredible feeling. If you haven&#8217;t read about this before, I&#8217;d like to explain a little bit.</p>
<p>I am honored to be the co-founder of Milwaukee Reiki Healing Circles for special needs children, their families and caregivers. This monthly event is entirely free of charge. While we are happy to welcome all who are able to attend in person, it&#8217;s important to remember that Reiki is not limited to space or distance, so we are just as happy to offer Reiki to those who are far away. Likewise, Reiki practitioners of all levels are invited to participate. If possible in person, if it is not possible to participate in person, we invite you to send Reiki.</p>
<p>Our healing circle is held at 2534 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from 10am to 12 noon on the second Saturday of each month. We ask that special needs families who would like to participate in person please register for this free event by calling my co-founder Sally O&#8217;Brien at 414-257-1931. Alternately, simply email me at Serenity@SandyWalden.com to have your family added to those who are receiving at a distance. Each special needs family will receive Reiki for 15 minutes. Again; please remember that Reiki is healing energy, there are no space or distance limitations. We are happy to send to anyone who would like to receive. This is an on-going event. Please share this information with anyone you think may be interested in participating, either as a Reiki practitioner or as someone who would like to receive Reiki.</p>
<p>Future Reiki Healing Circles will continue to be held the 2nd Saturday every month, beginning at 10 a.m. Dates for the remainder of 2009 are below.</p>
<p>August 8<br />
September 12<br />
October 10<br />
November 14<br />
December 12</p>
<p>When we offer Reiki to others healing and blessings are not only received by those who are present, but also by all involved. When you have shared this information with others, you are part of this circle and we will send you blessings as well. So, the simple fact that everything we think, say and do not only goes out to others but comes back to us is confirmed once again. Thank you for sending your love to this project and for sharing this information with others. I know this is going to be a fabulous event and that all will benefit.</p>
<p>Namaste,<br />
Sandy</p>
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