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Seeds for Change Wellness
Reiki Newsletter:  February  2009
         
                       
                   Reiki Happenings  
                       February 2009  
                                                                                    
 Vol 8   Issue 2

The Reiki Principles:

Just for today…
I let go of worry              
I let go of anger
I give thanks for my many blessings
I do my work honestly
I am kind to every living thing

      
           May You Walk in Gratitude for the Blessings Each Day Brings
                                     Reminder: Reiki Share Dates  this Month
                                   Wed Morning:      Feb 4     9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
                                    Fri Morning:        Feb 13   9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
                                    Sun Afternoon:   Feb 15   2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
                                    Thurs Evening    Feb 26   7:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Table of Contents:
1.  Interesting Reiki Stories
2.  Requests for Long Distance Healing
3.  Q & A
4.  What's New?
5.  Interesting Websites
6.  Recommendations:  Books, Audio, Etc
7.  Working with Others:
8.  Reiki Shares
9.  Tips & Tidbits:
10.Miscellaneous
1.  Interesting Reiki Stories:

Reiki stories are posted as a way to help keep us inspired and to remember to use Reiki
as a tool in healing.  If you have an experience or story to share, please forward it to us,
otherwise I will try to post a story or two monthly that I find on the web.

Some Miracles Just Take a Little Longer - A Story of Healing Lupus
Carolyn Spinelli   
Source

I went to the Doctor last month for a routine physical, something most of us do on a
regular basis. However, this one was unusual for me because all of my lab work came
back negative. As near as my Doctor could tell, I am very healthy. He couldn’t explain it
and was very confused. You see, 10 years ago I was diagnosed with Lupus. My path to
this last physical has not been short, quick, or painless, but it has been an adventure.

I was very ill ten years ago when I met Lynn, and she invited me to visit a healing circle at
Madeline’s house. She explained it might seem a little weird, but what did I have to lose.
That was my first encounter with energy work, Chakras, and the whole concept of being
more than the sum of my parts. Within that group of healers I was exposed to concepts,
friendships and “new” ideas. I began to feel better. Within 18 months I discovered
something called Reiki, and Herbology, and a new way of thinking – (complete with a
support group) that would lead me on a path of discovery and totally change my life
forever.

Through the guidance of that first group I found new methods of regaining control of my
life, periodically slowing the pace and reevaluating my personal and professional priorities.

I found that teachers appeared when I was ready to learn. It was Madeline with the healing
circle and first Chakra class and Eileen at the Dandelion Herb Shop. It continued with
training at the Baltimore School of Massage, Linda and Dawn with Reiki, and Ralph, my
own husband who knew more about this “stuff” than I ever imagined and too many others
to mention. Some teachers dealt only with the physical, some with the mind and others
with spiritual aspects. Many taught me that all were related and could not be
compartmented. I found a confidence to explore new ideas and ways of living, some were
easy and comfortable and others were not. Some worked and some did not.

Ralph supported my efforts and provided the necessary “sanity checks” along the way. I
learned that it was easier to be compassionate, loving and forgiving to others than it was
to love and forgive myself. However, treating myself as I tried to treat others became
crucial to my healing. I learned that I could not give from an empty cup and that I needed
to refill my own and allow others to help me refill the cup…I had to learn to be a gracious
receiver.

My health has improved gradually and steadily over the years. I am still careful about how
much I obligate myself to do (still tend to try to do too much) and try to maintain a balance
between my personal and professional life. Learning to say NO has been difficult.

I am delighted to report that at this juncture, I am off all medications (the M.D.s said it
would never happen) and have a full time massage and Trager practice. The adventure
continues and I now look forward to the future with great anticipation.

Carolyn Spinelli    Source

2.  Requests for Long Distance Healing:

Requests for Long Distance Healing:
When there are several requests, in our small way, we can participate by adding each  
individual to our prayer list or to send long distance Reiki.  Please consider printing out
these requests so you can remember these people over this next month.

If you make a request for long distance healing, it would be helpful if you could provide us
with some feedback on how the person is doing after a period of time.Remember if there
are multiple requests, you can use the stack method of sending long distance Reiki.  One
suggestion would be:  When time permits-- send long distance Reiki for one specific
request,  then add that request  to an on-going list or stack that receives    
unlimited Reiki.

Level I Practitioners:  
You can participate in the Long Distance Requests by adding the individuals to your
prayer list or send positive thoughts and intentions.


Request Submitted by Judith T
I have a friend, Mitzi Carroll, who is in U of P hospital.  She has lymphoma, and when they
went to put a port in her brain for spinal chemo, she suffered a stroke.  She is completely
paralyzed on the left side.  She currently in Rhoads Building, room 7022. Thank you,
Judith

Request Submitted by Leslie H
My friend's mother, Maryanne, suffered a stroke and is now in a rehabilatition center in
Bryn Mar. She has difficulty with movement in her left side and it will be a long road back.
If you can ask for long distance reiki / prayers, I would appreciate it so much. Also,
another friend's father, Paul, is in congestive heart failure in Grand View Hospital. Please
send the same to him. Thank you all so much. Blessings to all! Leslie

Request Submitted by Mangantar H.
Name : Mangantar Simon Hutagalung, Age    : 45, Location: Berlin, Germany
Symptoms: Blood Disorder and Heart Disease

Request Submitted by Susan
My aunt, Mary Jean Lista, Hatfield, PA, suffered a severe stroke in August 2008. Her time
at rehab is complete and she will be coming home in a few days.  Anyone who could
include her on their long distance reiki/ and or prayer list, it would be greatly appreciated.
For more improvement as well as for support her brother and sister she lives with who will
be assisting her.

Request:
That we continue to send prayers and reiki to our country's leaders that they will act and
perform their duties for the highest good of all.

This section will be updated as requests come in, if you have a request for Long
Distance Reiki, email it to
seedsforchange@comcast.net, title the request Long
Distance Reiki
3. Q & A

QUESTION:
If someone says they are not feeling anything during a session, does it mean they are not
receiving Reiki?

ANSWER:
Reiki works on a subtle energetic level and some clients are unable to experience it at a
conscious level.  This does not mean that the energy is not working.  However, it is very
unusual for a client receiving a full Reiki treatment not to feel relaxed.  Perhaps the
important point to note here is that it is important for neither the practitioner nor the client
to get too attached to the outcome of a treatment.  You are simply there to make the
energy available to them.  It is their system that determines how receptive they will be to
Reiki and how they will experience the energy.
4.  What's New?

New Center Location  158 Green Street, Silverdale, PA 18963
We are in full swing now at our new location, even though we have a few remaining details
to add into the decor...I like to think of it as a work in progress...but regardless, it is a
warm, wonderfully homey environment.  We hope you will get a chance to stop by for a
class, workshop or session.  
All hours are by appointment.

Some Upcoming Classes/Events You May Be Interested In
See our Calendar Page
See our Events Page
New Photos of Seeds for Change

Frugal Fridays
Know someone interested in trying a Reiki session? Or someone who could benefit from a
session?  For the month of February, each Friday, there is an introductory 30 minute
special, $20.

See Section 10 below for Reiki Classes:
Level I:  Offered Monthly
Level II:  Offered in Nov and February
Level III:  Master Practitioner Apprenticeship Program
Level III: Master Teacher Apprenticeship Program

For More Classes See
Calendar

Check Out Our Blogs:
http://justalist.blogspot.com  
http://seedsforchangewellness.blogspot.com
http://reikiretreat.blogspot.com
http://geopathicstress.blogspot.com
5.  Interesting Websites:
Nvisible
The merging point between Earth and Star. A window into the greater reality where the invisible is
made visible

The Great Illusion
You are invited to visit this website to visit another reality.  The reality of thoughts, words and surreal
images that are hidden from you  ...within your own mind. You need to experience it
yourself...photos are awesome!
6. Recommendations:
Here is a recommendation sent in by Gerry L:

Breaktrough- Eight Steps to Wellness
Author: Suzanne Somers

Hi Susan, not sure if you've already suggested this book, but I've just started reading it
recently & I'm not done yet, but it really has a lot to offer.  It's by Suzanne Somers, and it's
called "Breakthrough - Eight Steps to Wellness".  

I know that she has authored other books (this is the first one I've read), and I am amazed
by the simplicity and great information within it.  If anyone is looking to restore their health
and live a long and healthy life, this book really gives you some great information to help
guide you there.  I was going to say the information is cutting edge, but I don't think it is
that, just doctors looking closely at natural ways to balance and maintain the body...not
loading people up on drugs.

Just as I started getting into the book I began seeing a pattern of insomnia over the past
few months, the information in this book led me to some great resolutions.  Thank
goodness I am sleeping much better...because I LOVE my sleep.

You and I have talked before about how bad MSG is, but the doctors in this book
specifically describe the direct damage it causes your brain and that is why you get a
headache from it!!!  It also speaks to the damaging effects of artificial sweeteners, which
so many people now consume...yikes!  We think there's trouble now with Alzheimers...just
wait!

Anyway, I am fascinated by the information the anti-aging doctors provide in this book.  
There are summaries after each interview, a great index in the back, and some other
resources to go to - that I've not yet had the chance to do. Anyway, I love it!

Thanks Gerry- It sounds like a really good one to read!
7.  Working with Others:
See other articles from this section located in our Energy Files

If You Experience a Loss of Energy after Giving a Reiki Treatment....Try This
Author: Margaret Jang
Part 1

I have heard numerous complaints from Reiki practitioners that they feel drained of
energy or feel very tired after administering a Reiki treatment. This not only surprises me,
but it also intrigues me.

While some Reiki teachers do not teach or stress the importance of building,
strengthening, maintaining and protecting energy levels, I strongly believe that when
working with universal life force energy, whether it is through Reiki or any other
energy-based modality, it is an essential requirement to know the basic steps. Otherwise,
it leaves you wide open to deplete your own energy resources, plus you will be more
susceptible to attracting lower vibrating energies (also called negative energy).

One other important aspect to remember is, becoming a powerful Reiki healer has nothing
to do with how powerful your teacher deems to be, how close their lineage is linked to Usui
sensei, how many Reiki levels you have completed or how many Reiki symbols you may
have learned. As a Reiki practitioner, increased healing power is built upon how strong
your connection is to the universal energy source and how well you can maintain pure,
focused intention.

Those who have experienced a drastic drop in their energy level after administering Reiki
seem to have the same queries....

1. Is this a normal occurrence?

2. Why does it happen?

3. How do you prevent it from happening?

To answer the first question, "Is this a normal occurrence?", the answer is a big
emphatic..... "No!" If you administer Reiki properly, after each session you should always
feel invigorated with additional energy, but if you feel drained or tired it is a blatant clue
that you are not doing Reiki properly.

So why does this happen? The reason is simple - you are using your own body's life force
energy to administer Reiki rather than channelling universal life force energy through you
to your client. In other words, you should be circulating the universal energy in through
and out of your body, but instead you just use what energy reserves you already have.
Another possibility is that you may have a weak connection to the universal energy source
or perhaps you have not properly established a connection.

Another reason this may occur is that you may try to administer Reiki when you are
feeling tired or are not feeling well. If this is the case, then you should avoid practising
Reiki while in this condition.

In answer to the third question, "How do you prevent it from happening?", there are
several precautionary measures that you can implement into your daily routine. Of course
this will take motivation, commitment, discipline and work on your part.

Whenever a person works with universal energy, I cannot stress the importance for doing
grounding, protection and cleansing techniques, as well as deep breathing exercises and
meditation. Since Reiki practitioners are conduits for universal energy, they should take
the time to practice these techniques, daily, in order to protect, plus strengthen their own
energy flow.

As a Reiki practitioner, it is vitally important for you to take proper measures to keep your
body's energy at a high, pure state. This is attained through right living practices in which
you consciously choose to nourish your body with proper sleep, eat a balanced healthy
diet, do daily exercises, change your regular breathing pattern, think and act positively,
reduce stress and surround yourself with positive, loving, like-minded individuals. This
doesn't mean to infer that you must live like a saint; it only means for you to observe your
lifestyle habits and then act accordingly by doing everything in balanced moderation.

Your energy state can be affected by many things including your conditioned
environment, shallow breathing habits, lack of rest, unhealthy relationships, unhealthy
diet, undue stress, drugs, alcohol or emotional issues such as jealousy, fear, anger,
depression or resentment; therefore, all the more reason to take measures to protect
yourself.

Here are a few popular techniques to practice that will strengthen and maintain your
energy level, but feel free to use any other method you feel more comfortable with. The
important factor is that you use or do something, rather than nothing.

GROUNDING - This should be done before you start a Reiki treatment in order to ground
your energy to the earth's energy field, which will further prevent your energies from
"flying" off, so to speak. If you find that you are "floating", or feel "tired", "headachy" or
"spinney" after a Reiki session, it usually indicates that you were not fully grounded
beforehand.

Tree Root Method:
1. Sit comfortably on a chair or you can also do this standing

2. Close your eyes, take 3-deep belly breaths and relax

3. Your intention and focus is to visualize tree roots spreading from your root chakra (the
base of your spine or buttocks) down through the soles of your feet and continuing to the
centre of the earth

4. See the tree roots spreading out in all directions, attaching themselves to the earth's
centre

5. Feel and know that you are grounded firmly to earth energies

CLEANSING - This is especially important to do after each Reiki treatment in order to
disconnect your energy from your client's (this is done apart from washing your hands
after each treatment). Cleansing can also be done during the day, as needed, especially
if you are out in crowds - monitor your feelings and thoughts for negative changes to your
overall well-being.

Dry Brush Method
1. From a standing position, use the palms of both hands to gently brush or dust yourself
off starting from the top of your head and working down to your feet

2. Your intention and focus is to feel and know that you are cleansed from all debris,
toxins, impurities, energy blockages or lower vibrating energies (also called negative
energy)

3. Feel and know that these will flow to the centre of the earth to be transformed into
higher, finer vibrating energy that will be re-used by the universe at the appropriate time

Waterfall/Shower Method
1. Sit comfortably on a chair or you can also do this standing

2. Close your eyes, take 3-deep belly breaths and relax

3. Visualize standing under a waterfall or shower (this can be clear, a specific colour or a
rainbow)

4. Your intention and focus is to feel and know that the water is washing and cleansing
away all energy blockages, all lower vibrating energy, plus all toxins and impurities from
your body. Know that these will flow to the centre of the earth to be transformed into
higher, finer vibrating energy (also called positive energy) that will be re-used by the
universe at the appropriate time

5. You can cleanse several times per day if you feel that you have absorbed outside
energies (E.g. you may start to feel a headache, or your energy may feel drained or you
may become irritable or uneasy, etc.)

Protection - This helps to separate your energy from your surrounding environment or
from the energies of others. After giving a Reiki treatment, make a habit of putting your
client in a soothing, protective bubble of colour to induce further relaxation, protection and
healing.

Bubble of Colour
1. Close your eyes, take 3-deep belly breaths and relax

2. Visualize surrounding yourself in a bubble of colour - any colour that you are attracted
to use; don't be concerned about the significance of the colour's meaning

3. Visualize surrounding the other person in a different bubble of colour

4. This separates your energy from the other person

5. Know and feel that you are always protected from outside lower vibrating energies (also
called negative energies)

Many deep breathing techniques are influenced by martial art teachings and if you recall,
Mikao Usui sensei was an expert aiki jutsu martial artist; therefore he would have utilized
this knowledge and skill to strengthen and maintain his energy state while practicing Reiki.

Other benefits for practicing deep breathing are that it helps reduce stress levels by
lowering your heart rate, blood flow and the amount of adrenaline produced during your
"fight or flight" mode. You become calmer, less agitated and more focused with increased
clarity as your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies become aligned and
balanced.

Change Your Regular Breathing Pattern - most of us are used to breathing in quick
short breaths from our chest, otherwise known as shallow breathing. But you can actually
control and protect your energy level through conscious awareness in which you take
deeper slower breaths. It takes time to change from old habits, but once mastered, you
can then consciously move or circulate Ki or energy throughout your body at all times.

1. With your inhalation, slowly push your stomach out and then pull the air up into your
diaphragm, hold for a moment

2. On your exhalation, slowly push the air down from your diaphragm and then contract
your stomach inward toward the small of your back

3. Continue breathing like this slowly and rhythmically

4. Your goal is to adapt this method of breathing as your new, regular breathing pattern

Next Month: Part II

About the Author:
This article was written by Margaret Jang, who has been channelling
inspirational guidance/teachings from Spirit, in poetry format since 2002. Margaret is a
healing facilitator for Reiki & gemstone therapy and is also an instructor offering courses
and workshops for Reiki, gemstone healing & psychic/soul development. She resides in
Vancouver, BC and may be contacted at
www.onesourcelearn.com  or phone
604-879-7201.
8.  Reiki Shares:
Seeds for Change will be hosting Reiki Shares at our new location
158 Green Street, Silverdale, PA

Reiki Shares:
Must have 4 participants to hold share
Participation Fee: $5.00
All Level Reiki Practitioners are invited to attend.

FEBRUARY DATES:
Wed 2/4 morning
Fri 2/13 morning
Sun 2/15 afternoon
Thurs 2/26 evening

Please
email me to let me know you plan to attend
9.  Tips & Tidbits:

60 Ways to Heal Your Life… From Lynda Field’s book
Each month one of Lynda’s suggestion is included:

Suggestion 37: Appreciate Your Team
Do you know who is in your team? Here I'm not referring to the local football team but to
any group of people who work and co-operate with you. Teamwork and team building are
buzz words in the world of work because of course employers want people who can co-
operate and communicate effectively with others. However, such important personal skills
will enhance th performance of any group, You might belong to any number of teams:
your sports club, drama group--there are numerous possibilities. Make a list of all your
teams.

Good team work involves commitment, shared goals, support of other members and good
interpersonal skills. Being part of a team increase our sense of belonging and well-being
and there is nothing quite like the shared feeling of a team  achievement. Think about
your own teams, increase your team effort and above all, appreciate your own team
members.

Next Month: Suggestion 38: Stay Forever Young
10.  Miscellaneous:

Upcoming Reiki Classes:

Reiki Level 1 Class:  
Tuesday Evenings:   7:00 PM - 9:30 PM  

February  3- 24, 2009         July  6 - 27, 2009
March 3 - 24, 2009              August 4 - 25, 2009
April 7 - 28, 2009                 September  1 - 22, 2009
May  5 - 26, 2009                October   6 - 27, 2009
June  2 - 23, 2009               November 3 - 24, 2009

Help us spread the word!  
If you have benefited from a Reiki class, encourage others to give it a try!


Referral Rewards:  If you refer someone to our Reiki Level I class, who
enrolls in the regular class program, you will receive a $25 credit toward any
other Reiki classes or other healing class offered by me.  They will receive a
1/2 hour complimentary reiki session once they begin class. This offer does
not apply to discounted classes, such as the evening school programs.


Reiki Level II Class:  Next Class Sessions Offered in February

February  2 - February 23   2009  Mondays
Morning Class:  9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Evening Class:  6:30 PM -  9:30 PM

February 4 - February 25    2009  Wednesdays
Morning Class:  9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon
Evening Class:  6:30 PM - 9:30 PM

I am also available to teach one-on one classes.

Need a different time slot to take a Reiki Level I or Level II class?
Other  times available that work mutually for all.

Reiki Practitioners Looking For a Trade:
For those not available to attend the Reiki Shares that are scheduled but
are interested in doing a trade for Reiki or another healing modality, send
me an
email.  I will send out a private email to those who have taken our
classes listing the individuals interested in doing trades.  You will then
set up appointments on your own.

Keep up with your daily self-treatments and think about
submitting  your thoughts, ideas, experiences or suggestions
to next  month's newsletter.

                    Make it an awesome month!
                                  Namaste,
                            Susan Anderson