Reiki Yesterday, Reiki Today, Reiki Tomorrow

Sunday, January 31st, 2010

I’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’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.

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’m able to offer Reiki to them in person, but most actually receive distance Reiki. I’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’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.

Still I’m reminded on a regular basis that even those closest to me sometimes don’t understand why I’m offering them Reiki. My youngest sister recently asked me why I offer her Reiki, after all she’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’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.

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’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’m ready to be in balance again, I will achieve that balance and will feel better.

Will Reiki heal someone of their pain? Perhaps, however it’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’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’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.

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’m excited to share Reiki with others tomorrow.

This week I wish you all the blessings that I know Reiki can bring into your life.

Namaste,

Sandy

Sweet Indiana

Saturday, November 28th, 2009

Silly Indy. Rolled up his favorite blankie to lie down, but he kept stumbling and falling down. Never fear, he’s a clever boy, he eventually braced himself against a chair and just slid down. He’s managing very well.

Indy is my boxer buddy. He turned five years old this past July and is in the prime of his doggy life. But he’s hit a few bumps this past year.

Indy and Duke, Thanksgiving Day

Indiana, just watching the world go round.

Indy had a stroke last spring. Things looked pretty grim for the first several days;  in fact we were all spending as much time with him as possible as it looked as though he would surely die. On the day that I thought would be his last, he started to recover. From there on he made steady progress to an almost full recovery.

Fast forward to this week. All was well until one night Indy was restless around 2:30am. Completely out of character as this boy likes his solid 12 bedtime hours of sleep. I got up with him and he stumbled down the stairs, falling for the past few. This happened a few times in the wee early hours and I knew what had happened again. I had to leave very early that day so I told Indy when I would be back and explained to my husband all of the particulars and how to help Indiana the most.

By the time I got back in the afternoon I didn’t know just what to expect. Not what I found, that’s for sure. I returned to find my now ’tilted’ boy, playing and trying to engage everyone else in play. Clearly he was in no pain and I got the feeling that he wanted us all to know just that.

We lay down on the floor and Indy allowed me to give him Reiki for well over an hour. We then took a nice long nap and both felt much better.

That first night Indy went upstairs to sleep just like normal, but the journey up the stairs was clearly difficult for him. By the middle of the night we were both back down on the first floor. He curled on his favorite blanket and went to sleep. Since then, he hasn’t tried to go upstairs at all. Our youngest son Mike has been staying with us and he has been sleeping on the couch so that Indy won’t be alone and has someone nearby if he needs them.

I’m once again being reminded of so many things. The life coach in me admires the common sense and good nature that Indy is exhibiting. He can’t go up and down the stairs so he’s simply not, excellent self-care! Duke, the boxer that we once fostered has been here for the past few days and Indy really likes him, so when Duke goes outside so does Indy. They stroll around the yard and Indy even tries to coax Duke into playing with him. Imagine this normally very graceful dog trying to run around, stumbling and tipping a bit, but showing Duke that he’s willing! It could be heart-breaking I suppose, but I see it as quite wonderful. Indy knows what he can and cannot do and is quite determined to enjoy everything that he can.

We went to Grandma and Grandpa’s for both Thanksgiving and a birthday party. Guess who was lined up first at the door? Yep, Indy was determined not to be left out of these gatherings. He got to the truck and turned around and just looked at me as if to say ‘Okay, I got this far, now you lift me up please.’ Naturally I did. While at the gatherings, he got plenty of ear rubs and did his best to be sure that little baby faces were kept clean. Another job well done.

I really don’t know what’s ahead for my pal. He’s middle-aged, really at the time most boxers are at their peak of strength and endurance. I’m grateful for that, as I’m sure it’s serving Indy well. I’ll continue to offer Reiki to him everyday, he clearly knows how and when it helps him and I love having the opportunity to offer it to him, more cuddle time for both of us.

We won’t eliminate playtime or walks.  We will of course let Indy set the pace and the time frame. This smart boy clearly knows what he wants and what he can do, so I’ll just let him tell me.

In the meantime, I’ll continue to learn from Indiana. He’s happy! He wants to participate in family activities and he will. When he’s had enough he simply lies down and we are doing our best to be sure that his favorite spots are a bit extra fluffy and warm. Excellent life lessons for me. Enjoy everything I can and take a rest when I’m tired. Find a way to do what you want to do and don’t worry if it looks silly to anyone else. And oh yeah, don’t forget to be affectionate at every opportunity.

This week I hope you take the opportunity to  enjoy every moment, make the most of what you have and expect the very best outcome. Most of all, be happy whenever  possible.

Warmly,

Sandy

Changes

Sunday, October 18th, 2009

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’s just not the way I feel.

I find myself turning off the television and radio and simply ignoring most of the newspaper. It’s not that I’m hiding my head in the sand to avoid reality, it’s just that I’m selective about which reality I want to immerse myself in. The truth is that I’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’s own, but it does offer options to us.

It seems that many large businesses are closing or paring down. At the same time, many small businesses are healthier than ever.

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’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.

We get excited, all worked up about bad news. It motivates us to get out there and save someone or something. That’s great! Now let’s get just as excited about the good news.

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.

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.

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’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.

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.

Of course I add Reiki, it always helps me to regain my focus and balance and to relieve the stress in my life.

Making a list of the things I’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.

It’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’t wrap this up without getting in a plug for self-care.

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’t it?

Wishing you a fabulous week of changes.

Warmly,

Sandy

Reiki Basics

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

Reiki, pronounced RAY-KEY is defined as Universal Life Force Energy. It is a technique that is used for reducing stress, increasing relaxation and assisting the bodies natural ability to heal itself. It is a natural, safe way of spiritual healing and self improvement that anyone can turn to. It has great beneftits and always creates a beneficial effect. Reiki has been known shown to work well in conjunction with other medical techniques when it comes to relieving side effects and promoting recovery. The ability to use this technique is not taught though it is transferred during the study session. It allows the learners to tap into unlimited supply of energy so as to improve an individual’s health which in turn enhances the quality of life.

Reiki was developed early in the last century in Japan by Dr. Usui as a system of healing that he practiced and taught basing on his mystical life experience and by making use of his general studies. According to the researchers, Reiki is something that is original and it cannot be compared with other spiritual paths in the world at large.

Reiki is available to each and every individual on earth because its use is not dependent on anyone’s intellectual capacity. This explains why its use has been widely taught to different people of all ages and backgrounds. Reiki is not a religion though it is spiritual in nature. There is no set of beliefs that one must accept or adhere to in order to learn and use Reiki. This is so because Reiki is not dependant at all and it can work for anyone whether you believe or not.

Reiki triggers the bodies natural abilities of healing, improves and helps in maintaining one’s health. Reiki’s healing is effective and natural therapy that balances energies and brings about well being and health to an individual. This healing is also a system that attains and promotes wholeness of spirit, mind and body as well. It works together with the higher self of the receiver when it comes to prompting health, emotional and psychic body.

Reiki is unique energy work whereby healing is accomplished through the touch of the hands which allows energy to flow from limitless source to the patient via the practitioner. This kind of healing involves pure energy form and desire of healing. Reiki is believed to aid better sleep, reduce blood pressure and create deep relaxation among others.

Reiki is always beneficial, absolutely never causing harm, only being accepted and used as ones higher self chooses.

I have found that Reiki has has made profound changes in my life, all for the better. This week I encourage and invite you to experience Reiki and all of it’s benefits for yourself.

Warmly,
Sandy

Wonderful, Wonderful Day

Monday, May 4th, 2009

Saturday, May 2nd was the date for our first Reiki Healing Circle for Special Needs Children and their families and caregivers.

To begin with the weather was lovely. Here in Milwaukee, Wisconsin you don’t know what to expect in early May. Even a snowstorm is a possibility, but instead we were blessed with a day that was sunny, warm and just delightful.

The purpose of this free monthly event is to offer Reiki to special needs children, their families and their caregivers. As co-founder of this event I’ve been blogging about it frequently, posting to social networking sites and emailing people that I know. I felt sure that all of these wonderful contacts would bring in the Reiki practitioners and families to make this a success. That’s just what happened. I started getting a call here, an email there from people I had never met, we had a connection and it was wonderful.

Reiki is energy healing; as such it is not limited by distance or space. Meaning that Reiki practitioners did not have to be in the room to send Reiki to these families. Likewise, while families were certainly welcome to attend in person, they did not need to attend to receive Reiki.

In the end, there were thirteen Reiki practitioners in attendance. One Reiki level I, 4 level II practitioners and 9 Reiki masters. Several others could not be in attendance but set the intention for all of these families to receive Reiki and ’sent’ from their distant locations. Two families with special needs children were able to attend in person, we sent distant Reiki to 3 other families. The love and energy in that room was awesome to say the least. I didn’t want to leave. Finally I did need to move on with my day, but I have to say, the feeling of love, caring and Reiki energy stayed with me for the rest of the day and the next as well.

I would like to offer my most sincere thanks to the families who attended. Please know that each and every one of you will be sent Reiki from now on with love and gratitude. To my Reiki friends, new and old I send my love and gratitude. I knew you wouldn’t let me down, that you would step up to the plate for these deserving families, but I could not have dreamed of the response that was received.

I know each and every one of us participated in this event with the desire to give back to our community. We wanted to offer what we could to these very special families. But I have to say, I think we got at least as much as we gave. The hugs I received from these families were worth every second that I’ve devoted the past several weeks. In fact, just thinking about it allows me to feel small arms around my neck even now and brings tears of joy. I know I got the better end of this deal and can’t wait to participate in this event every month.

If there’s a lesson here for the holistic life coach, it’s simply that when we give from the heart, we always get much more in return. I feel humbled, honored and blessed to have been able to share the wonderful gift of Reiki with these families and with my Reiki friends. I’d say that I got an awful lot in return for my time.

Wishing you a week spent giving to others, you’ll enjoy fabulous gifts in return.

With love,
Sandy

First Reiki Healing Circle – Next Week

Saturday, April 25th, 2009

As co-founder of Reiki Healing Circles in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I can’t tell you how excited I am to realize that our very first Reiki Healing Circle is going to take place in one short week, Saturday, May 2, 2009.

This Reiki Healing Circle is a gathering of Reiki practitioners for the purpose of offering Reiki energy to special needs children, their families and caregivers. This event is completely free of charge; let me be clear there is absolutely no fee to receive Reiki at this event. Reiki practitioners of all levels are welcome to participate either in person or by sending distance Reiki.

This event will take place at 2534 S. Kinnickinnic Avenue in Milwaukee, Wisconsin beginning at 10 a.m. We ask that special needs families register to participate in this free event by calling my co-founder Sally O’Brien at 414-257-1931. Each special needs family will receive Reiki for 15 minutes.

I will co-host a one hour teleseminar for all Reiki practitioners who will participate either in person or by distance. If you are a Reiki practitioner and would like to participate, please send an email to Sobrien23@wi.rr.com or SerenityLifeCoach@SandyWalden.com so that you may be given the number to call and the access code for this teleseminar. During this call we will set our intention for all who will be participating. This teleseminar will begin at 6 p.m. PST, 7 p.m. MST, 8p.m. CST and 9 p.m. EST.

This will be an on-going event. We will be holding these Reiki Healing Circles every month, the second Saturday of the month. Please feel free to share this information with anyone who you think may be interested in participating.

The holistic life coach part of me is very excited about this event. I know that when we offer others Reiki that healing and blessings are not only received by those who we have invited to receive, 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, once again 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.

For testimonials from a reiki circle in Pennsylvania, please see: http://www.the-place-for-reiki.com/children_circle.htm

Namaste,
Sandy

Reiki and My Dog

Saturday, April 11th, 2009

Indiana is my steadfast companion. Not quite 5 years old, Indy is an excellent representative of the boxer breed. He’s beautiful fawn color, with a black ‘mask’. Big black eyes that are amazingly expressive. Sometimes I forget that Indy doesn’t actually talk to me. You see he always has something to say. He grunts, groans, snorts, whines and generally makes his feelings clear on just about any subject. Always up for a good wrestling game or long walk, Indy is just as happy to follow me from room to room and simply lay on the floor close to whatever I am doing. He’s loving, gentle, playful, sassy, chatty, obedient and smart and just a swell guy to have as my buddy.

Here’s the thing. I think there is something seriously wrong with my friend. A week ago I noticed him stumbling now and then coming down the stairs or even walking through the hallway. Now this is not completely unusual for a young boxer. They get excited or their attention wanders and sometimes it’s as though their feet almost get tangled. This is not what was happening. The next day I realized that his head was tilted, just as he does when I’m talking to him and he’s paying serious attention. Except now it’s that way all the time. With his lip drooping on one side the drooling is now constant; it was definitely time for a visit to the vet.

Our vet is amazing. Indy loves to go to the office and has to be reminded all of the time about his manners when he’s there. Everyone there gets lots of sloppy boxer kisses and hugs, in turn they seem to have an endless supply of doggy treats and always time for a good ear scratch. Dr. Stefanie was not able to diagnose what was going on with my buddy except for a mild case of doggy acne, easily treated with an antibiotic. She asked what his behavior was like and was very interested when I told her that Indy had been asking for more Reiki the last day or two. Dr. Stefanie had never heard of Reiki and was very curious. She was fascinated by the fact that Indy lets me now when he wants to receive it as well as when he is done. She also found it very curious that since this ailment had started just a few days prior, Indy has been asking for more Reiki and accepting for a longer period of time. While she didn’t totally understand it, she encouraged the continued practice.

Since then, Indy has also been to a vet internist and again no official diagnosis although again the veterinarian took the time to patiently and kindly remind me that boxers are very prone to cancer. The good news is that we don’t know that’s what is progressing.

As of today, only a short week after all of this has begun, I really don’t know what to expect. Indy is still asking for Reiki frequently, accepting it for longer periods of time than he had in the past. I hope that the energy is helping to heal whatever is afflicting him, it’s my belief that it is helping. He’s still ’tilted’ and continues to be show weakness on the right side, but he’s started to play again. I really missed that in the past week. We’re all up at the lake and yesterday Shadow, the neighbor dog came over. They started playing and running up and down the yard. Each went to the lake for a drink of water and when Indy shook his head he actually tipped right over into the muck, making him a candidate for a full bath before 10am. It was very funny! But the good news is that he got up and continued playing.

As a holistic life coach, one of the things I talk to my clients about all of the time is the fact that every aspect of our lives affects all others. This week has been a very real reminder of that for me. Not knowing what is happening with Indy has affected every person in my family, including my grown sons who no longer live with us. In many ways, Indy is continuing to teach me and to remind me of lessons already learned.

I will continue to offer Reiki to Indiana, he enjoys it and I believe it is helping him to heal on whatever level he is meant to be healed. It also offers me peace as I know that Reiki works on all levels, mind, body and spirit. Indy deserves all of that and more.

This has been a great reminder to me, to offer Reiki to all of those I care about, friends and family, two legged or four. I will also be making it clear to coaching and Reiki clients that there are very real benefits to our animal companions when they receive Reiki. And why not? They deserve the best we can offer them; they already offer us all of their love and devotion.

Wishing you a fabulous week, filled with love gratitude and a deep appreciation for the animals in our lives.

Warmly,
Sandy

Reiki Healing Circle – Update

Saturday, April 4th, 2009

I’d like to update you about this wonderful project.

Reiki Circle for Special Needs Children, their Families and Caregivers
Saturday, May 2, 2009 10am
2534 S. Kinnickinnic Ave. Suite 202
Milwaukee, WI 53207
2 Hour event – once a month
(There are no chairs, so please bring a chair if you would like to sit)

To recap a bit. We are putting together a monthly event for the purpose of offering Reiki to special needs children, their families and caregivers. Those who choose to receive Reiki will simply have a seat in the center of the room while those offering Reiki will either stand or sit in a circle surrounding the receivers. For approximately fifteen (15) minutes, Reiki will be offered.

Please note, we now have a location (special thanks to Reiki master Jeff Montoya for making the arrangements for this wonderful space). We have also set a time to begin, 10am on Saturday, May 2, 2009.

Now I’m calling on everyone I know and those that I hope to get to know for some assistance. In order to make this monthly gathering happen we still need a few things.

1. Special needs children; do you know any families who may benefit from this experience? Do you have any contact with someone who does? Groups, centers, etc. If you know of someone who would be interested in receiving, please pass along my contact information so that we may make the appropriate arrangements.

2. Publicity – let’s get the word out, Internet, television, radio, newspaper, magazines. The more people find out about this, the more can be served.

4. Reiki practitioners of all levels. If you are in the area we would be honored if you are able to join us in person for these events. If you are not able to attend, we would greatly appreciate and welcome distant Reiki.

5. Public figures, does anyone know of a politician, elected or aspiring to office who might like to lend their face and name to this project? It may greatly increase visibility and get the word out to more families.

I have no doubt that this will be a wonderful success. How can it fail to be a success? Those of us who are able to offer Reiki are already blessed by the opportunity to share and the opportunity to come together and offer this to others simply increases our blessings. Now we’d like to share this wonderful blessing with others in our community.

I’m asking you to keep us in mind this week as you go about your business. If you know of someone who might be able to assist, participate or help out in any way,
please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Your support and any participation that you offer for this powerful event is greatly appreciated. Please feel free to contact me via email or give me a call at 414….

Namaste,
Sandy

Reiki Circle

Saturday, March 7th, 2009

Recently I met an amazing woman. Her name is Sally K. O’Brien and she offers her talents in Milwaukee, Wisconsin as a life coach and a Reiki master, among other things.

Prior to our meeting I knew we would have some things in common, as I am also a holistic life coach and Reiki practitioner. What I had no way of knowing before our meeting, was how much I would like this woman and find that I had the desire to know more about her and to work with her. She is warm and friendly and very direct, all qualities that I value and appreciate. Most of all, she believes in giving back and that’s where things got really interesting.

It seems that some time ago Sally had read about Reiki circles in a magazine that was published in 2005. These Reiki circles had been developed for the purpose of offering Reiki to special needs children, their families and caregivers. This touched Sally very deeply and she had kept the information for a model that she knew she herself would someday develop.

This is really a very simple, powerful gathering. Those who choose to receive Reiki have a seat in the center of the room. Those offering Reiki either stand or sit in a circle surrounding the receivers. For approximately fifteen minutes, Reiki is offered to those who are in attendance.

When Sally shared this information with me we immediately agreed that it needs to happen in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and the surrounding area. This was one week ago. We’ve met again since that first time and outlined a plan for making this happen, as I know it will.

So, now I’m calling on everyone I know and those that I hope to get to know for some assistance. In order to make this monthly gathering happen we need a few things.

1. Location – we need to have a place that everyone can meet
2. People! Who are these special needs children, how do we find them? Any contacts?
3. Publicity – let’s get the word out, internet, TV, radio, newspaper, magazines.
The more people find out about this, the more can be served.
4. Reiki practitioners of all levels. If you are in the area we would be honored if
you are able to join us in person for these events. If you are not able to attend
we would greatly appreciate and welcome distant Reiki.

As for me, once again, this brings me back to the most basic of all beliefs. The holistic life coach in me is grateful for the opportunity to give back, as I know I have received great blessings in my life and this will simply keep those blessings ‘in flow’ so to speak.

I feel sure that if the seed of this idea is planted, these circles will develop in many other places and serve many other groups. Personally, I feel drawn to develop this type of circle for our military, police and fire fighters, in short those who serve and protect us. However, it’s my hope that this idea is like the pebble thrown into the pond and that the ripples that are created become circles for those recovering from addictions, those who have been abused, the lonely, groups of people who would simply appreciate receiving Reiki, they need have no more in common that that.

I am asking you to keep us in mind this week as you go about your business. If you know of someone who might be able to assist, participate or help out in any way, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Wishing you a week filled with blessings and fabulous opportunities to share those blessings with those you care about.

With warmth and love,
Sandy

Be a Kid Again

Saturday, November 1st, 2008

It turns out that our kids are always teaching us lessons. All three are grown and in fact the eldest is married. Each of them has been on their own since he was eighteen years old, they have responsible jobs, and if you would meet any of them one on one you would have an impression of average young men. But when they are all together, they resume the roles they had when they were all less than 10 years old. It’s a hoot!

My husband and I joined them at our place at the lake yesterday, the place where everyone can just completely relax and have fun. As soon as they heard us arrive, I heard one of them call out ‘Indy’s here!’ Yes, they really were more excited to see the dog than their Dad and me, that’s okay; he was incredibly, silly happy to see all of his kids too.

As soon as we got in the house the stories began. Each one upping the ante just a bit when it came his turn to get a word in edgewise. For some reason the lampshades were all slightly askew and I actually asked how in the world lampshades on standing lamps got knocked awry. Silly me. It didn’t take long for the story-telling and needling each other to move on to a bit of ‘nudging’ one another as they walked around. Oh yeah, that’s how the lampshades get in that condition! How in the world had I forgotten? They teased one another and had the dog running from one to the other for what seemed like forever. In short, they all acted like they were little boys again.

Two of them took Indy for a walk so that Indy could see the beautiful Wisconsin autumn. When they returned, another enticed Indy into a game of chase. They ran up and down the hill, hiding and then pouncing when the other came into view. The third boy was hanging out with his Dad, puttering with the boat as they got ready to put it away for the winter. Too much chattering and laughing was heard for it to have been efficient, but they got the job done.

Later they ‘discovered’ the games that have been on the shelf in the family room for the four years that we have been here. I heard one yell ‘We have Battleship and Scrabble!’ the others came running. From there on I heard good-natured accusations of cheating, shouts of surprise and not just laughing, but giggling as they tried to out-smart each other. No one was exempt, the daughter-in-law was in the middle of it all and even my husband was trying to make up words for Scrabble.

I want to thank all four of our kids (yes, we consider our beautiful daughter-in-law to be one of our kids now) for reminding us to relax, let go and have fun. They are all responsible adults in their day jobs, but when they are together they remember to enjoy each other and laugh. Simply laugh. Once again, I’ve been reminded that most of us have amazing life coaches in our lives; we just need to look around and pay a bit of attention.

So just for today, I suggest that you take a trip down memory lane. Try to remember that fabulous feeling of laughing and giggling. Remember the mud smooshing through your toes on a warm spring day, the feeling of flying a kite, playing in a leaf pile or making a snowman. Whatever it is that makes you feel like a happy kid again. Please take a few minutes, close your eyes and try to recall. Let yourself feel the happiness, the smooshy mud, the cool breeze, the warmth of sun on your face as you lay in the grass and watched clouds float by. And don’t forget to allow yourself to chuckle, grin, laugh and giggle.

I wish you a fabulous day recalling happy memories and making new memories to recall in the future.

With warmth,
Sandy