New Year Ritual Ideas

1. "Best of"- Make a list of the year's best and most memorable, including events, people you love, and funny things people said and did. 2. "What the H"- Write a reflection of where you were a year ago and what the hell happened in between, complete with the surprises. 3. "A Year From Now"- Make a list of what you want to manifest in your life, or a story or sketch of what you want it to look like. Go beyond limiting thoughts, get excited and make it true to you, then release it. Burning it is a wonderful release. 4. "Dear, Letter"- Write a letter to something or someone that's been on your mind, holding you back, or keeping you stuck. Could be a person, an event from your past, your past or future self, or even a feeling or concept. Be creative; it's the thing that's been trying to get your attention that you've been putting off. After writing it (the intention is not to send it), see if you can release it in a simple ceremony like burning and burying it. 5. Ancestral Offering- Call on your ancestors, as a group or by name. Give thanks to them by offering water to them, and also ashes if you have them. Once you have made the offering (easiest outside in a special place if you have one, scatter the ashes, toss the water), ask for what you need. 6) Clear Your Home- Open all the windows and doors and move from room to room clearing the space. You can use a towel to move energy or a smudge stick like sweetgrass or sage. The intention is to release old and stagnant energy and welcome in fresh air and new beginnings.

Happy Ritual Creating!!

What's the Best That Could Happen? (Or, How to Let Go of Worry)

The anxiety trips that can run our lives are thought to be softened or stopped by asking what's the worst that could happen. But what if we bypass the negative trip altogether and start with, What's the best that could happen? Instead of “what iffing” the negative, we flip it and “what if” the positive? As in, What if it goes really well? What if it's better than I can even imagine? What if good things are happening right now?

Here's why I bring it up. As the year comes to a close and we're upon new beginnings, I see the theme of letting go cropping up in magazines and online media. What has struck me is the focus on letting go of things like possessions, excess weight, and overly committed schedules without a hint of something deeper. But here's the thing, there's no letting go that's not actually about letting go of old stories and limiting beliefs at the core.

You've probably heard this before, and there's a ton of science now to back it up: biology is belief and thoughts are things. Beliefs are thoughts we keep thinking, and we don't have to keep spinning the same negative BS. Regardless of the current condition we're in, what we call “reality,” regardless of what's led up to it, we have a choice moment by moment, day after day, to choose where and how to focus our thoughts. Why bother? Because crappy thoughts, which are often self-critical and based in fear, feel, well....crappy. They keep us stuck and unwell. Plus, it's difficult and slow to try to change our condition without changing our thoughts and beliefs at the foundation.

So rather than fighting with your thoughts and staying focused on what you don't want, try flipping the script. Ask, What's the best that could happen?, and then answer it with the truly best damned things you can think of and work yourself up to excitement. Blow yourself away, name the impossible, what you've never believed could happen but you really, really want deep down (that maybe you've never even truly named or told anyone). It's the fastest, easiest way to feel better and get clear about what you want. At first it may seem odd, like exercising a new muscle, but with repetition, it becomes a more natural flow of thought. If the “terrible things are coming” script arises, your newly attuned awareness will notice, it will even sound foreign. It will start to sound strange when it comes out of someone else's mouth too. Shifting your thoughts and feelings to focus on what you want (rather than what you're afraid of or your current condition) will get easier and easier and worry will no longer run the show.

Just like we exercise our body to feel strong and flexible, so we exercise our minds to break through habitual thought patterns that keep us stuck and feeling crappy, effectively rewiring the brain. Below are two simple shifters:

What if the positive

Instead of letting the monkey mind take control and spin an old record called Terrible Things Are Going To Happen, simply shift focus and allow yourself to think about the infinite positive possibilities. Say to yourself or out loud a list of positive what ifs, one after the other, working your way from a smaller “what if” to the grandest beyond your imagination. See if you can break through the limits of what you have believed is possible and just have fun with it. (alternative: Wouldn't it be great if....)

Morning and Evening Gratitude

It's not uncommon for many of us to wake feeling anxious, feeling dread or even panic, thoughts racing. This is also how many of us go to sleep, essentially somewhere in the litany of terrible shit, we actually, miraculously sleep, some fitfully and others through the night, only to wake with more anxiety. This is a gratitude practice I've been doing a long time and it really changes the quality of my sleep and the tone of my day, and lots of others have said it works too. Basically begin and end with a few minutes of gratitude, what you're excited about or what you love. If you do other practices like prayer or meditation, you might want to end with the gratitude. Adapt this however feels good to you. When conscious thought begins in the morning, say I love my life. Then continue a few minutes, I'm so thankful for...or I love... At night, you can do the same, and add some things specific to that day, like I'm so thankful for my long walk in the sun today. I love spending time with the hawk that lives there. Like any practice, it takes repetition and coming back to it. (alternative: I'm excited about/to...)

Thank you for your support!

I'm honored to be voted "Holistic Practitioner of the Year" for Portland/Vancouver's Natural Awakenings Magazine, 2017. Thank you for your support!

Did you know that Natural Awakenings is available monthly in locations all over the city, including libraries and cafes? It is full of inspiring articles and tips that focus on conscious living...and it's free! Check it out.

http://www.naportland.com/

Holistic Care for Children & Teens

I recently worked with a young teen whose mother had tried other treatments with little effect. She came to me for holistic energy work and her son was on board; the necessary ingredient. He reported immediate relief of symptoms and overall positive change (to the somewhat surprise and joy of his mother). Then a few days later the New York Times published a feature piece on teens and anxiety.

Anxiety affects one-third of all adults and children, now the most common mental health disorder in the U.S., and hospital admissions for suicidal teens have doubled in the past ten years. It was then I realized how few are the healing options for children and teens aside from psychotherapy and medication, which can help but doesn't reach or work for all kids.

But what to do? More parents and school programs are using meditation and mindfulness practices for kids and studies have shown good results. Insight Timer is free, popular, and can be used by the whole family. There's also Mindfulness for Children and several more in this review in Goop of Calming Children's Apps.

Holistic care that is non-invasive, gentle, and calming such as Reiki and Tapping are reported to alleviate anxiety, help with mood regulation, reset the nervous system, and provide simple yet powerful tools for self-care. That's why I'm offering a special package this month focused on Holistic Care for Children and Teens--to offer another option effective on its own and complimentary to other treatments. Easy to try out with a $65 single session (valued at $90) or a package of 3 for $180 (valued at $270) which you can upgrade to after a single session. If you're not sure, let's chat to see if this is a good fit.

And...

Super Easy & Successful Anxiety Reducing Tips for Children & Teens!

These are tips I've used and shared with others. While adults can benefit too, I've designed these for children and teens. It's empowering to have easy DIY things to feel better and get quick relief!

1. Count Your Breath
Gentle breath in to the count of 5, gentle breath out to the count of 5. Repeat. Young children may want more like 3 counts. Why does it work: Puts you in the present moment. Gives a structure to the breath. Brings more oxygen to the brain. Creates a calming effect throughout the body.

2. Ground Like A Tree
Stand or sit. Take a gentle, deep breath. Imagine yourself as a tree. Feel your feet and legs as roots extending downward. Go as deep and far into the earth as you'd like. Feel yourself strong, rooted, and flexible. Any time you're feeling out of sorts, imagine your tree. Why does it work: Puts you in the moment. Gives a grounding anchor that's felt immediately. Provides a centering tool that can be called up at any moment with just a thought of the tree.

3. Go To A Happy Place
Recall a happy moment or someplace you really have fun. Imagine yourself there right now. What do you see, hear, smell, taste, and feel? You can even make it up. Make it as wonderful and happy as you can imagine. This is a happy place that you can return to anytime, in an instant. Why does it work: Shifts negative thoughts and experiences to a positive one. Brings immediate relief, even a smile or laugh, by conjuring the associated happy place. 

(Photo by Alexis Brown)

My Own Cosmic Initiation

Every week another master practitioner and I take turns giving each other healing and support.

Recently, she wanted to practice cord removal and I was happy to oblige. She asked me to scan my body and when I did, into my awareness came an Octopus-like three-pronged cord attached to three Chakras by huge barbed fish hooks. If they were pulled out, it would rip my flesh apart. I was a little surprised. I work with my energy regularly and I'd already removed a few cords in the past that were connected to me from this same individual.

But, from purely an energetic perspective (and quantum physics), energy continually changes and evolves. Everything is energy. In this case the person had reattached, and in the physical realm there was evidence of this. The cord removed easily and I asked my guides for deeper understanding, all of which I shared with my colleague. Two of the messages were about letting go and living my life more deliberately. The last message guided me on how to work with this individual at the level of the higher conscious.

I think because I'd had a witness to this experience and because I'd committed to follow through, I acted on all of the messages within 48 hours. I'll admit, if I'd done this healing solo, I may have delayed the action; it can be more challenging to do the deep work alone. It wasn't until afterward that I realized all of it was uncannily and magically aligned. Each of the messages and specific actions correspond meaningfully to the three Chakras to which the cord was attached: three prongs, three Chakras, three messages and three actions! Even though I didn't physically feel discomfort or energy blockage from the cord (I have with others) I was preoccupied mentally and somewhat energetically with this person. After the removal, I had a kick of more energy, and then following the actions, the way I felt was night and day. It quite literally was the catalyst for faster, clearer action in all areas of my life. It's also interesting that we just happened to have our session the day after the Great Eclipse (and I'd been lucky enough to be at a totality site and experience it!), so I was ready for the shifts, energized by this cosmic initiation.

I do cord removal and clearing of other energetic blockages in all of my Reiki sessions; I consider it one of the greatest services I provide. When interference is eliminated at the deep levels of our body (not only the bio-energy field but also the subconscious) and energy is flowing, we are capable of harnessing our full healing potential, and just as importantly, able to access our brilliant and limitless creativity, imagination, and soul purpose. After telling some friends about my experience, there was so much interest in exploring this healing technique that I've decided to offer a special this month for a two-session cord removal and energy renewal package to do a deeper dive with folks. This will be for the month of October at a special rate of $145 (value:$180), both in person and by phone/video. If you're feeling like things just aren't moving in your life, like you're blocked or holding on to the past, or possibly even experiencing the effects of the Eclipse, consider this powerful technique of cord removal and energy renewal.

(Photo by Hanneke Laaning)

Grounding

In my sessions, clients often ask me how to get more grounded. Many of them have regular practices like meditation, running, and nature walking but still feel ungrounded. They describe it many ways: feeling out of sorts, lost, floaty, disconnected from the body, an experience of being on auto-pilot, out of touch with oneself, anxious, and disconnected from others or nature.

I've come to believe that grounding takes awareness and intention. It requires that we be present and aware in the moment. We can do something healthy like running or hiking and be completely checked out, even disassociated from the body doing the work of activity.

For my client who runs most every day but said she felt out of sorts and ungrounded, I suggested she set an intention before each run, that with each footfall of contact she fully connects with herself and the earth. Even stretching and breathing before the run can be it's own moment of intention and mindful awareness, to ask, What needs to be released? What do I need renewed and reenergized now? And allow that release and renewal to take place with full deliberate attention.

Here is an easy, daily grounding exercise that can be used on its own or as a meditation starter.

Get into sitting posture, easy, balanced and erect with feet on the floor or ground (stand if you prefer). Uncross legs and arms. Fully feel yourself arrive. Note the sensations in your body. Take your time. Feel the sensation of contact with the chair, floor, anything around you. Bring yourself into the present moment and fully into your body with breath.

Imagine your feet sinking into dirt, into earth, extending downward with roots like that of a tree. See how far you can extend downward. Allow yourself to root into the core of the earth. Feel yourself anchored, safe, and resting in the stillness of the deep connection. Take your time. Allow the natural expansion that is yours.

I encourage you to experiment and see what works for you. I've been doing this practice for many years and it continues to surprise me and show me new things!

(Photo by Bruno Nascimento)

Tap Into Expansion

Spring is a wonderful time to tap into gratitude and expansion as seeds burst forth, open with life, and we see and experience what's being created at every moment. I've been meditating on the word expansion for my life, wanting that for my heart and business, and it fits with the growth and increase of the season.

What about you? What are you feeling gratitude for and where are you experiencing expansion and increase?

Along with growth and expansion (and to make room for it), Spring invites us to weed, trim, and clear out. Take a moment and think about any area of your life you'd like to shift. If you're experiencing something in your life you don't like, start where you are and create what you want. If you doubt you can, think right now of a time when you beat the odds, kicked butt, surprised yourself. Remember that golden moment and the power it took, and know that you can do it again. And, if you've been trying and can't seem to breakthrough, and aren't getting the results you want, you might be ready to try Tapping or the deeper process of coaching to shift things.

I've used life coaches myself (more on this in another blog), and I learned Tapping over eleven years ago, using it regularly for the past four. I can tell you it really works and may help you too!

Tapping aka EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) is a technique in which you tap on a sequence of acupuncture points to breakthrough unconscious blocks and patterns and get physical/emotional energy, clarity, and creativity flowing.

The meridian system is the interface between the energy field and the body, and can hold disturbances that impact our daily lives including phobias, anger, depression, grief, guilt, anxiety, and fears, to name a few. There may also be physical symptoms like pain, headaches, asthma, sleep troubles and tension that are related to the emotions. In fact, it is believed that any symptom or imbalance, and any area of life where you are not experiencing total wholeness and joy, there is a corresponding blockage in the flow of energy through the meridian system.

The Tapping technique shifts and relieves imbalances such as unconscious blocks, limiting beliefs, old patterns and past traumas. It's especially effective with things that logic can't touch like smoking, weight, and procrastination, and reported to be 80% or better where other techniques fail. It helps release what may be holding you back by freeing emotional and physical blocks that are getting in the way. This is why I use Tapping in coaching and Reiki sessions as well—we all want to get where we want as fast and easy as possible! In full bloom, healthy, in harmony and expansion is our true nature.

Read more here. If you're ready, I'm offering half-off 60-min Tapping sessions in person and by phone/video ($45). Book your appointment by June 17th for the special rate (and enjoy June-July).

You have many ways to shape the life you want, and you're in charge. The possibilities are limitless! Summer is coming.

Holding Center

Every day our outer world exhibits a swirl of energy filled with all that life is made up of including uncertainty, anxiety, and suffering. The range of information and stimuli we take in is infinite, and we are observing and interacting with it at all times in nature, relationships, work, daily activity, and news. How do we respond to it and how do we hold steady and keep the course?

In wind and storm, a mature tree stays rooted, holding at the center, swaying at the top, bending and flexing, moving like a dance with what surrounds her. The tree can be a helpful metaphor for how to respond to the world around us, and the relationship to that of our inner world. Using the process of body-mind alignment, we can experience the “holding of the center” with a very simple exercise.

Get into a relaxed yet aligned posture and take a few deep breaths. Allow stress and distraction to fall away as you continue to breathe and relax. With each in-breath, imagine fresh, clean, renewing energy entering your body, filling your body, and releasing with your out-breath. Continue a few more times, feeling the fresh renewing energy fill your body and release. Now, on your in-breath, imagine directing that fresh, renewing energy to your abdomen, breathing into and out of your abdomen, or center point, about an inch below your belly button. In Chinese medicine this is called Dantian, or energy center.

Tap into what you feel and sense in the center point. Using this as a place of power and strength can both remind us of our roots and stability and also allow flexible and fluid movement like the tree, bending and flexing with greater ease. We can continue to come back to this breathing and awareness of our center, even a flash of the tree imagery or a simple mind-statement to “hold the center” can reframe old responses into new patterns that become natural.

"Hold on to the center. Man was made to sit quietly and find the truth within."-Tao Te Ching

Self-Care for Inner Calm

Have you ever had the experience in which your mind plays the Should Game (you should have ____) but your feelings are telling you something different? Insert example here: "You should have gone to the holiday party," says the Mind. "But I don't want to go," says the Pit in the Stomach and the Knot in my Right Shoulder.

Your feelings are the road map to your life--it's the way our bodies communicate with us. But most of us have learned our feelings aren't to be trusted, at best to be ignored, and we let the monkey mind and inner critic run the show. Meanwhile, our body is nudging us toward the truth we already know deep down. Always nudging us toward harmony, joy, and freedom.

Below are self-care tips for listening and honoring our innate inner wisdom.

1) Feel Your Feelings: Note the feeling that comes up. Where do you feel it in your body? What might it be showing you? Can you feel the feelings even if you think they're "bad" like anger and sadness?

2) Honor Your Feelings: See if you can allow the feeling to be present without any self-judgment or criticism. Can you accept the way you feel and not "talk yourself" out of the feeling? Can you allow the presence of the feeling without it defining you?

3) Keep It Flowing: Allow the feeling to flow through you, as a healthy stream flows. A simple way to move energy is through breath. Here's an example: on your in-breath, imagine breathing in healing light energy. On your out-breath, imagine breathing out anything that isn't serving you. You can also breathe into the place in your body where you feel stuck energy, intending to soften and release what needs to go.

When we listen to, honor, and follow our inner wisdom, we create balance and harmony in our body and life.

We Can Always Begin Again

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A few months ago I did a meditation retreat in Portland with long-time meditation teacher and New York Times bestselling author Sharon Salzberg. Out of ten pages of lecture notes and three days of sitting and walking meditation practice, there is one quote I held on to, and return to still.

“The important moment is the one in which you come back and begin again. Let go and begin again. It's the most important part of the process, the transformative part.”

So many of us—me included—seem to worry about getting things “right.” In meditation, we worry about the straying mind, about the length of meditation time, whether it's good enough, and so on. We can be so focused on getting right that eyes-closed-sitting-still-looking-like-Buddha moment that we miss the point of why we're sitting in the first place. We show up for ourselves. We show up to pay attention. We show up to forgive ourselves for not showing up. We show up to learn to give compassion to ourselves, the same ground of training for giving compassion to others. Over and over and over.

And, it's the same with daily life. In order to come back, we must be open. In order to begin again, we must let go. In meditation as in life, Salzberg gives us this very simple, loving quote: come back and begin again.

What Would Happen If We Shared?

A good walk from home with a swing by a coffee shop, I'd just arrived at Peninsula Park, Portland's first public rose garden opened in 1909. I saw blooms starting to brown and fall among other still fresh buds. Smelled the sweet, light air. Paths of green grass between rows of red, pink, coral, white, orange and yellow. The water fountain in the center of the park, and historic Victorian gazebo just beyond. And in my ears, headset still on, I heard an ad interrupt my music stream, "Buy two croissants. Share with yourself."

Struck, not by the idea of eating two croissants or pleasing yourself, but rather that sharing was co-opted by consumerism. Isn't sharing with yourself...not really sharing? Why share at all?

I sat pondering, and saw a wedding party emerge from a limo in full regalia, the bride and groom roamed with three photographers. From somewhere behind, I heard the crackle of a mic and a woman's voice singing Hallelujah, a melody of just this word. People sat together on benches, some sat alone. Wedding guests in suits and gowns walked among others in spandex and jean shorts. A woman and two children sat in the sun sharing food from various containers she pulled from her backpack. Kids and dogs jumped into the fountain.

And then I got it. Why worry about that ad (or whether it represents humanity's selfishness)? Real life was happening right in front of me, and there in the park was evidence of humanity's impulse to enjoy, share and experience pleasure together and alone. A mix of race, ethnicity, and age among the wedding party, guests and others; it seemed like the whole world was there. Sharing a sunny day, beauty, solitude and celebrations, what we have, what we desire, and what we hope for.

And just before I left I saw a rat scurry across the brick walkway. Right there in that park, and every day if we pay attention, we see this democracy: free and open and equal for all to share.

So, what would happen if we shared.... even more?

Me and My Vulnerability Sat Down Together

A few weeks ago, I had a shitty three days, little bombs kept going off, four incidents in all. As the dust settled, I looked for connections between these seemingly disconnected events. One had to do with an ex, another with safety, and the other two with money. And, I was surprised to find that they had something in common: they all made me feel vulnerable, and compounded, it felt profound.

I realized that these feelings of vulnerability were tied to fear (and rightly so), but I wanted to unpack the meaning of it, and to be honest, to get past it so I could stop feeling uncomfortable and out of sorts. So I went back to the work of Dr. Brene Brown who studies vulnerability and shame. I'd watched her TED talk several times (so have 25 million others) and read her books.

It's common for people to associate vulnerability with weakness but Dr. Brown defines it as necessary and beautiful, as emotional risk, exposure, and uncertainty (all things I was feeling). And, she says it's the measurement of courage because in order to connect with others we have to really be seen and that requires being vulnerable.

If vulnerability is our way to connect with each other, as Dr. Brown says, I would add, it's the way to connect to self. Because after that crappy three days when I was trying to figure it all out, the raw bits that got exposed under my cloak that I didn't know were there were important to look at and understand. The gift was in the exposure, the other side of vulnerability, where uncomfortable feelings can be the opening. I had a choice to numb my feelings or pretty it up, but instead we sat down together. Me and my vulnerability. And guess what, after I did that, the fear went away. I still felt vulnerable, but it was okay, the weight had lifted.

Are Mistakes Divine?

Have you heard there are no mistakes? That everything that's happening is part of your path?

I've thought about this for years, and sometimes changed my mind depending on what was happening at the moment.

A few months ago I came across a concept called “Divine Economy” that gave me a fresh perspective. It's based on the notion that the Universe does not waste anything. Nothing is created nor destroyed, and therefore the Universe and all of life is the ultimate recycler. Nothing is wasted. Not our time, “bad decisions,” or failures. In fact, those experiences, even the “bad” ones are the compost from which life grows and flourishes.

In Divine Economy, mistakes are only mistakes until the importance and meaning of the experience is understood. I've been through a few rough things that after years passed, I could understand the role it played in my life, and even see the good that came from it. But, that doesn't mean I know why it happened.

So for me, I'm willing to believe in Divine Economy as long as I don't have to tidy up the reasons. A sort of Divine Uncertainty. I'm OK not knowing, while also allowing all the growth from the compost heap. Besides, it's nearly spring and every year there are fresh blossoms.

New Year, Renewed Energy

I love the start of a new year. There's a calm, maybe because people have had time off work and time to enjoy family, friends, and food. But there's also an exciting energy filled with hope and resolve. For me, and for many, it's also a time of clarity. It all comes together in the new year: Hope for what's unfolding, clarity for the path, and energy for the creating of it.

I'm excited for new beginnings and the launch of a new brand for my energy medicine practice, ZenShi! I want to invite you to celebrate with me. I've got some new events coming up, silent meditation and Chakra balancing, and if the demand is there, both will be offered regularly.

And to celebrate the launch, I'm giving a gift with every Reiki session through Feb 14--book a Reiki session (hands-on or distance) and get an additional Bio-Energy Reading at no extra cost.

This is just a start; there's much more to come--more events, classes, and services will be rolling out this year. Be sure to sign up for the email newsletter that goes out about once monthly with specials and event announcements.

I look forward to working with you, and hope to see you soon for an event or session!

I am Breathing

Every day, most of us take over 21,000 breaths, about 15 per minute. It's something we do without thought, usually without difficulty. Even asleep, we breathe, and wake each day. With each breath we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, an unconscious process that can be done with a little attention. That conscious awareness, just noting, “I am breathing,” can be very beneficial to health and happiness.

A very simple but profound teaching on this comes from Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist. He suggests breathing naturally. Don't try to control the breath or worry about doing it right. Simply breathe, and note that you are breathing. In and out. While noticing the breath, it becomes slower and deeper without effort. This creates a feeling of calm and ease. There is no struggle; just ease and the release of worries. Being free of worry and feeling good, we smile. Again, Nhat Hanh says this comes naturally by first noting the in/out breath, and the rest will follow.

Breathe: In/Out,  Deep/Slow,  Calm/Ease,  Smile/Release.

The four breaths can be repeated as a poem or meditation anytime, bringing us easily into the present moment. Breathing is present aliveness; being aware of our breath brings us to the moment.

Tidy Home, Clear Mind

In Marie Kondo's super popular bestseller, The Life-Changing Magic Of Tidying Up, she reveals the key to decluttering and transforming your life—keep only what sparks joy in your heart. How the heck do you know what sparks your joy? Kondo insists the moment you touch it, you'll know.

Her approach is a radical one. Instead of better storage tactics and more bins which she states actually increases hoarding, she urges us to examine our emotions. “When we really delve into the reasons for why we can’t let something go, there are only two: an attachment to the past or a fear for the future.”

The bulk of the labor in decluttering and getting rid of things, cleaning and tidying is one of psychology. The outer world is a reflection and always in relationship with the inner world. So, to change our environment at work and home, to “clear” them of negative energy and physical clutter, we bring our minds into awareness.

Surrounding ourselves with what we love requires that we examine our attachments and in doing so, we can really live our lives, fully right now. And, Kondo says, “As a result, you can see quite clearly what you need in life and what you don't, and what you should and shouldn't do."

Gratitude

Lately I've been trying to be more appreciative, to truly take all the good stuff in and give thanks for it. 

I've found that my whole attitude will shift if I simply focus on the wonderful things in my life, from the big (friends, love, time to create) to the small (wildflowers blooming beside the house, sunshine on my face, my morning coffee).

Focusing on what I lack makes me feel worried and stressed. But shifting to what I have changes my feelings, and suddenly I'm having a different (much better!) experience. 

It's not always easy. I keep this quote at my desk:

"A good traveler has no fixed plans and is not intent on arrival. Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you." -Lao Tzu, from the Tao Te Ching

Shania Twain, Dr. Oz, and Reiki Fame

Haven't heard of Reiki until...recently? You're not alone. Even though Reiki is rooted in very old principles and was founded by Mikao Usui in Japan in the early 1900s, it didn't come to the U.S. until the 80s.

More recently, national TV personality and real-life doctor, Dr. Oz, made Reiki more well-known when he ranked Reiki as the #1 Ultimate Alternative Medicine for 2010. Having used Reiki in his open-heart surgeries, and associated by marriage—his wife is a Reiki Master—he has been championing Reiki for many years. It doesn't hurt that pro golfer Phil Nickelson and the Chicago White Sox along with celebs like Shania Twain, Angelina Jolie, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston's dog (counts for fame, right?) are Reiki clients. Plus, Reiki has made appearances on Grey's Anatomy, The Ellen show, and Oprah among others.

But what about Reiki in clinics and hospitals? Yup, it's there too—in hospitals across the country including Genesis in Zanesville, Cleveland Clinic, Dartmouth, Tuscon Medical Center, California Pacific Medical Center, Stanford Medical Center, Johns Hopkins, Yale-New Haven, and Harvard University, a few of the 800 hospitals in 2007 reported to offer Reiki by USA Today. And in 2008, the US Army unveiled a $4 million dollar program to offer Reiki to returning vets. Since then, more hospitals have added Reiki and there's a growth of private Reiki practitioners as new studies reveal the powerful effects of Reiki and people actively seek out treatment.

With recognition and fame from the likes of Shania Twain and Dr. Oz, plus Reiki's rapid integration into western medicine, Reiki is not so “alternative” anymore; it's part of natural healing for everyone. That's great news!

The Five Reiki Principles

There are five ethical Reiki principles taught by Mr. Usui, the originator of Reiki, that he considered the "secret of inviting happiness." He believed the principles to be a medicine for all people and all diseases because they focus us on positive emotions and release the rest.

Each principle begins with "Just for today" to focus on what we are capable of changing (state of mind) and not the past or future which invites worry and anger. The principles bring our consciousness to the moment and project gratitude and compassion.

I have these principles hanging on my wall as a reminder. They are very simple and I feel a sense of peace to repeat them, especially on tough days. Usui encouraged the use of these principles in Reiki practice but also in everyday life to enhance wellness.

1. Just for today, do not be angry.

2. Just for today, do not worry.

3. Just for today, be grateful.

4. Just for today, work with diligence.

5. Just for today, be kind to people.

The Garden of Awakening →

I spent my day at Portland's Lan Su Chinese Garden, considered the most authentic Suzhou-style garden outside of China. It was completed in 2000 by sixty-five Suzhou artisans who came and lived in Portland for ten months. There's more than 300 traditional Chinese plant species.

But what captivated me for hours was the lotus flower, rows of them growing from the mud and reflected onto the lake. The lotus is a sacred flower representing rebirth, rising from the mud to achieve enlightenment and self-awareness in full bloom. The lotus is a flower to live by. Out of murky water, symbolizing suffering and the material world, grows the beautiful and pure lotus.

One of the carved gingko wood panels has the words of a 15th century Chinese painter and scholar, "...truly in the midst of a city there can be a mountain and forest."