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	<title>Wisecracks &#187; Relaxation</title>
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	<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog</link>
	<description>A Coachable Moment</description>
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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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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sandywalden.com%2Fblog%2F2010%2F01%2Freiki-yesterday-reiki-today-reiki-tomorrow%2F"><br />
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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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		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<title>Retreat &#8211; It&#8217;s All About You</title>
		<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2010/01/retreat-its-all-about-you/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2010/01/retreat-its-all-about-you/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:04:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sandy Walden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holistic Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reiki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retreats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Focus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meditation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Psych-K]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relaxation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retreat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Soul]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Vision Board]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yoga]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/?p=406</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I am silly excited about the retreat that is coming up. From Friday, February 5th &#8211; Sunday, February 7th. Ladies, you are invited to participate. This weekend is really dedicated to you. An opportunity to relax and put the focus on what you want and need. This retreat will be held at Shalom House, located [...]]]></description>
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<p>I am silly excited about the retreat that is coming up. From Friday, February 5th &#8211; Sunday, February 7th. Ladies, you are invited to participate.</p>
<p><img src="../../images/IMG_9501.JPG" alt="" /><img src="../../images/IMG_9402.JPG" alt="" /></p>
<p>This weekend is really dedicated to you. An opportunity to relax and put the focus on what you want and need. This retreat will be held at Shalom House, located in the lovely Kettle Moraine area. Spending time with other women, you will have the opportunity to listen to your heart and to hear what your soul is trying to say to you.</p>
<p>We will offer many opportunities to you, but remember, the choices are all yours. You may experience a personal Reiki session, or PSYCH-K, join in guided meditation or yoga. Supplies will be available to create your own vision board as well and of course every conversation will have a bit of life coaching involved. There are plenty of quiet places to take a nap, enjoy your own thoughts, read a book , write in your journal or even take a walk in the beautiful woods.  It&#8217;s all up to you.</p>
<p>I am honored to be co-hosting this event with life coach Melissa Heisler. Melissa co-hosted the November retreat with me and it was powerful beyond what either of us could ever have expected.</p>
<p>Please join us,</p>
<p><img src="../../images/Sandy.jpg" alt="" hspace="10" vspace="10" align="left" />Sandy Walden<br />
Serenity, Holistic Life Coach and Reiki Master</p>
<p><img src="../../images/Melissa.jpg" alt="" hspace="10" vspace="10" align="left" />Melissa Heisler<br />
It&#8217;s My Life. Personal and Business Coach</p>
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		<item>
		<title>What did you Expect?</title>
		<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/11/what-did-you-expect/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/11/what-did-you-expect/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:22:11 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sandy Walden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holistic Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reiki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retreats]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Appreciation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Attitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forgiveness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Fun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Heart]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Laughter]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meditation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Psych-K]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relationship]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relaxation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Retreat]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Support]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/?p=276</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[My co-host and wonderful new friend, Melissa Heisler and I welcomed a group of five (5) women for our Relax and Recharge Retreat this past weekend. We had talked about  our hopes and plans for the retreat and created an outline to guide us as well as letting the participants know what to expect. That [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sandywalden.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F11%2Fwhat-did-you-expect%2F"><br />
				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sandywalden.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F11%2Fwhat-did-you-expect%2F&amp;source=SandyWalden&amp;style=normal" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/IMG00061.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-327" title="IMG00061" src="http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/IMG00061-300x225.jpg" alt="IMG00061" width="300" height="225" /></a>My co-host and wonderful new friend, Melissa Heisler and I welcomed a group of five (5) women for our Relax and Recharge Retreat this past weekend.</p>
<p>We had talked about  our hopes and plans for the retreat and created an outline to guide us as well as letting the participants know what to expect. That plan pretty much flew right out the window, and it was to the benefit of all of us.</p>
<p>Everyone came for their own reason and of course those reasons and personal stories will remain confidential. What I found most interesting though was that all of the participants had desires and intentions in common, even if they were not aware of these desires and intentions went they registered for the event.</p>
<p>The weekend seemed to fly. Bonds were quickly and firmly established. Some ladies slept in, getting some much needed and well earned rest. Others spent those early hours in quiet talk. We walked for miles while we shared precious stories, sometimes all of us together, other times one on one. There was opportunity for Psych-K and Reiki and we all participated in guided meditation, taking our own private journeys in our mind while listening to our souls. We even spent some time creating our own vision boards. And do these ladies have vision! Each vision board was of course very different from the others. Another step toward creating the future that each is bringing about in her own life.</p>
<p>We ate well, nurturing our bodies while we nurtured our souls. It was a weekend of discovery and remembering. Recalling the laughter and pure joy of youth and simple pleasures.  Life coaching went on almost constantly, and some of it was even offered by the coaches; Melissa and me. The support and positive suggestions offered by each of these women to one another was heartwarming and genuine. They were positive, supportive and kind, most of all they were right on point, time and again.  Tears flowed, but there was also laughter. So much joy, I can hear it even now.</p>
<p>Can you bend spoons? Me too!  But Melissa shared this skill in a whole new way. Instead of using force to bend the spoon, she taught how to make the spoon pliable and easy to bend by using your heart and mind. Love that! And yes, it worked.  I was smart enough to buy some extra spoons from the accommodating diner down the road or I suspect I would be looking for new spoons for my lake home even now. They bent easily and it was just so cool to see the looks of amazement and happiness of the faces of the amazing ladies. They were always powerful but now they realized it in a whole new way. Very exciting stuff!</p>
<p>While it was our original plan to include Reiki, Psych-K, meditation, life coaching, etc., we soon realized that the schedule was not important at all. The days and nights unfolded perfectly. It&#8217;s pretty tough to ask for more than that.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m grateful to each of these women for sharing and participating. I&#8217;m also grateful to them for reminding me of a powerful lesson. I had certain expectations and plans when Melissa and I were putting all of this together. And while I still believe it&#8217;s important to have expectations and plans, I was gently and wonderfully reminded that it&#8217;s very important to let go of expectations when something much better comes along.</p>
<p>I wish you a week where your expectations are not only met but exceeded in surprising and most fabulous ways.</p>
<p>Warmly,</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>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="tweetmeme_button" style="float: right; margin-left: 10px;">
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				<img src="http://api.tweetmeme.com/imagebutton.gif?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sandywalden.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F10%2Fchanges%2F&amp;source=SandyWalden&amp;style=normal" height="61" width="50" /><br />
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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>Reiki Basics</title>
		<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/08/reiki-basics/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/08/reiki-basics/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:34:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sandy Walden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holistic Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reiki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Attitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Benefits]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caring]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Focus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Healing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Force Energy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relaxation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relief]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spiritual]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stress Reduction]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Support]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/08/reiki-basics/</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 [...]]]></description>
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<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Reiki is always beneficial, absolutely never causing harm, only being accepted and used as ones higher self chooses.</p>
<p>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&#8217;s benefits for yourself.</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>Relax and Rejuvenate</title>
		<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/06/relax-and-rejuvenate/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/06/relax-and-rejuvenate/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:34:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sandy Walden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holistic Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reiki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Animal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boxer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[De-Stress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dedication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dog]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Forgiveness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Goals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Indy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meditate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Meditation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rejuvenate]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relax]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relaxation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spirit]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Do you take the time to relax? Do you allow yourself the time to truly rejuvenate? Do you know how to really recharge your batteries? What works for you? We live in a society that appreciates and values the 80 hour work week. We applaud those who are workaholics, talking about the amazing work ethic [...]]]></description>
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			<a href="http://api.tweetmeme.com/share?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sandywalden.com%2Fblog%2F2009%2F06%2Frelax-and-rejuvenate%2F"><br />
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<p><a href="http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/DSC00982.JPG"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-360" title="DSC00982" src="http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/DSC00982-225x300.jpg" alt="DSC00982" width="225" height="300" /></a>Do you take the time to relax? Do you allow yourself the time to truly rejuvenate? Do you know how to really recharge your batteries? What works for you?</p>
<p>We live in a society that appreciates and values the 80 hour work week. We applaud those who are workaholics, talking about the amazing work ethic and dedication. But if you are working that 40+ hour work week, are you truly being your most effective?</p>
<p>When I work with clients as their holistic life coach or as their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Reiki</span> master my main goal is to help them find the best balance for their lives.  It seems to be well and easily understood that &#8216;other people&#8217; are more effective when they&#8217;ve had rest, some time to rejuvenate. Often these same people need to really think about it to realize that the same rules do govern their own lives. We think better, listen better and make calmer more rational decisions when we are not stressed.</p>
<p>What works for you? Do  you know? I have several outlets. Walking with my dog Indy puts me in a good mood. I find working in the perennial gardens absolutely refreshes me, it allows me to feel creative, to see beauty and to appreciate the process of growth and change. Going to our home at the lake is amazing for me. Simply the act of approaching the house and unlocking the door begins the process of melting any stress that I feel.</p>
<p>Of course there are other ways for me to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">de</span>-stress and rejuvenate. Meditation even for a few minutes helps me to remember that there is time enough for everything that is truly important. Giving or receiving <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Reiki</span> is very powerful for me. I find that my body feels more at easy, my mind lets go of nagging worries and my spirit feels lighter.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s not all about getting for me. Giving <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Reiki</span>, especially to animals offers me a wonderful lift. I feel a strong connection to my dog Indy and love to offer him <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Reiki</span>. Likewise, time spent offering <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Reiki</span> to my gardens helps me tremendously and I know that offering the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Reiki</span> to pets or the earth offers them amazing benefits.</p>
<p>My point is that when we take time to rejuvenate ourselves, either by relaxing or by simply allowing our mind, body and spirit to play a bit we find ourselves feeling more balanced. Work is more productive, time with family is more manageable and enjoyable. Balance, balance, balance.</p>
<p>While it&#8217;s true that I remind my life coaching clients as well as my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Reiki</span> clients of this simple fact regularly, I sometimes have to remind myself as well. It turns out that I&#8217;m pretty human, I get busy and need to be reminded that it&#8217;s not only okay to take care of myself, it&#8217;s to the benefit of myself, my family and my clients.</p>
<p>For today, I encourage you to find even ten minutes to do something that just makes you smile. I promise that it&#8217;s worth it.</p>
<p>Wishing you a fabulous few minutes just for you. As for me, it&#8217;s time to go and walk in my gardens and offer them some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Reiki</span>. They&#8217;ll benefit and so will I. Who could ask for more?</p>
<p>Warmly,<br />
Sandy</p>
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		<title>Take a Nap</title>
		<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/03/take-a-nap/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/03/take-a-nap/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 28 Mar 2009 09:33:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sandy Walden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holistic Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reiki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Emotions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Frustration]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Milwaukee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[nurture]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Nurturing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relaxation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relief]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rest]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Self-care]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stress]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wisconsin]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[I remember when my boys were small; they would run, play and be on the move seemingly non-stop. If they didn&#8217;t slow down every once in a while for a short rest they would inevitably &#8216;hit the wall&#8217;. They would have an emotional melt-down, usually followed by a nap. When they awoke I would see [...]]]></description>
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<p>I remember when my boys were small; they would run, play and be on the move seemingly non-stop. If they didn&#8217;t slow down every once in a while for a short rest they would inevitably &#8216;hit the wall&#8217;. They would have an emotional melt-down, usually followed by a nap. When they awoke I would see smiles and hear giggles again.</p>
<p>Simple isn&#8217;t it? The same happens to adults as well. Many will work far too many hours with far too little rest, becoming frustrated and disappointed as the results they are achieving are not what they wanted. We need to take time to rest! It&#8217;s part of that self care that I talk about all of the time.</p>
<p>Each of my clients knows when we meet; I&#8217;m going to ask what they have done to nurture and care for themselves. Holistic life coach here, remember. If I&#8217;m not resting enough, nourishing myself well and exercising a little bit, there are real consequences. I simply am not going to do my job as well as I would like if I&#8217;m hungry and tired. I might not have the energy to go hiking with my husband if I haven&#8217;t taken the time to exercise a bit regularly.</p>
<p>How do you take care of yourself? For me, it&#8217;s imperative that I have time for a bath every day. I need to be in the water, quiet and alone. It nurtures me on every level. I might spend 5 minutes or an hour, different days I find that I have different needs. I know when it&#8217;s time for my bath, not according to the clock, but by the restless and edgy feeling that I begin to experience. Taking that time gives me what I need.</p>
<p>Even my dog Indy knows what he needs, and because he has never been taught not to ask for what he needs he will ask me to take him for a walk, he needs exercise. Alright, I&#8217;m in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, sometimes he has to settle for the treadmill, but the point is that he is a more contented, well behaved dog when his needs are met.</p>
<p>This is not complicated at all. I realize that it&#8217;s often difficult to eat, sleep and exercise as we know we should. But I encourage you to put yourself on the list of top priorities. If you need a vacation but simply cannot take the time, how about a 15 of meditation in a quiet room. Allow yourself to feel the rest and appreciate how much better you feel afterwards. Maybe you feel like you should be at the gym everyday but it&#8217;s not going to happen. You might consider taking a short walk with your family, a friend or enjoy the peace and quiet of a short walk by yourself in the park.</p>
<p>Little changes to take care of yourself may yield big results. A dear friend who is deeply faithful was feeling stretched because she simply felt she was not devoting any time to her faith. This was on her mind frequently, affecting her work and other day to day activities because she felt this lack which was so important for her. Simply allowing herself a scheduled time to practice and study a little bit has helped her tremendously.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m not going to tell you that I eat right all the time, sleep every night and exercise faithfully. Instead I have learned to listen to myself and to acknowledge what my body; mind and emotions are telling me that I need. Remembering my own life coach and what she taught me, I pay attention to that need and nurture myself. When I&#8217;m feeling better, I&#8217;m more productive and everyone around me is happier as well.</p>
<p>This week I encourage you to take a nap. Enjoy the feeling of refreshment from 20 minutes with your eyes closed, not thinking about or doing anything. Notice how happy you feel when you awake. And then do it again the next day, and the next&#8230;</p>
<p>With warmth and a yawn,<br />
Sandy</p>
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		<title>Balance</title>
		<link>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/02/balance/</link>
		<comments>http://www.sandywalden.com/blog/2009/02/balance/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:40:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Sandy Walden</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Holistic Life Coaching]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Reiki]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Balance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Calm]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Focus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Gratitude]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Joy]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Love]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Milwaukee]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pain Relief]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Peace]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Personal]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Relaxation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Serenity]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Wisconsin]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[If you ever read my blog, you know that I&#8217;m a holistic life coach. Why? Because I strongly believe that we must find balance in our lives to move forward in a meaningful way. That means that what happens in my personal life affects my social life, my business life, etc. That&#8217;s the holistic point [...]]]></description>
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<p>If you ever read my blog, you know that I&#8217;m a holistic life coach. Why? Because I strongly believe that we must find balance in our lives to move forward in a meaningful way. That means that what happens in my personal life affects my social life, my business life, etc. That&#8217;s the holistic point of view.</p>
<p>Living in Milwaukee, Wisconsin I am surrounded by people who do not accept change quickly or easily, and yes, I am one of them. We tend to be pretty conservative in that respect. We like to think about things, talk it over and look from all angles. If we see value, we generally give it a whirl. Once we experience value, we embrace this change and are staunch supporters. This is of course a generalization; however, I&#8217;m a prime example of this behavior.</p>
<p>I first experienced Reiki at the prompting of my son, Jeff. There were a lot of issues going on in my life, leaving me feeling physically, mentally and emotionally stressed. He recommended a Reiki master in the Milwaukee area. If I say that it changed my life I would be offering an understatement. Reiki helped me to bring balance into my life. Very important to someone who has a holistic point of view. I did have the attitude that comes naturally to most of us from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I had a million questions and prior to the experience I was not ready to wrap my arms around the experience. However, after my first Reiki session I knew I had found something profound that would change my life.</p>
<p>Reiki has been a valuable tool for me ever since my first experience. Because of that I have become a Reiki practitioner myself, pleased to offer Reiki to family and friends as would request it. Now I&#8217;ve decided to make Reiki available to my coaching clients as well. Actually it simply makes sense. The Reiki experience has helped me to experience calm and balance. When I work with life coaching clients we are striving to find a way to move forward in a positive, balanced manner.</p>
<p>Once again, a citizen of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has found a new experience, approached it carefully and come to embrace it enthusiastically. Some of us in Milwaukee may be a bit slow to experience something new to us, but when we do, if it proves to be a beneficial experience, it becomes something we stand behind.</p>
<p>Look for my website to be updated in the next week or so. It is my pleasure to offer Reiki to life coaching clients, but I am also very pleased to offer it to those who would simply like to experience Reiki on its own. My life is very good and I would like to share as much of this wonder, peace and serenity with others as possible.</p>
<p>I wish you a balanced and fabulous day.</p>
<p>With warmth and love,<br />
Sandy</p>
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