Something's Fishy

I went into the pet store yesterday to buy dog food and Bijou treats and left with a Betta fish! I've been thinking about it for awhile and thought it would be nice to have some company in my Reiki studio.

I love fish! They're so mezmerizing, calming and relaxing. I named him 'Reiki' . . . go figure! He is the prettiest blue with a hint of green. Call me crazy, but when I talk to him he comes right to the front of the bowl and looks at me. I swear he knows exactly what I'm saying . . . who better to tell your deepest, darkest secrets to?

Breakdown . . .

Bowl $20
Decorations $13
Food $6
Water Conditioner $5
Betta Fish $4

Watching 'Reiki' swim around in the bowl . . . priceless!

Happenings

My goodness! How times does fly! I can't believe we're almost at the end of February and spring is on the horizon . . . even with the four to five inches of snow we had overnight! It's a light, fluffy snow and I have to say it's really quite beautiful. I took some pictures this morning . . .

I've been keeping myself pretty busy with classes and Reiki/EMF sessions. I've completed four of the five required training sessions for Agrace HospiceCare and should be out in the field sometime in March . . . I've completed two of four classes towards certification as an Aromatherapist . . . I'm giving a presentation on Reiki for the Young Onset Parkinson's Group next Thursday . . . and a trip has been planned to Sedona in May for Karuna Reiki® training. If you'd like to see the expanded story visit this post on my Reiki blog.

Do you know how it feels when you think you're doing nothing and then you sit down and really think or write about what you have been doing (or you go back over the week or month in your planner)? I've been in kind of a slump thinking that nothing's happening and then I wrote about it all this morning and realized something IS happening! Sometimes when you're so wrapped up in the doing, you don't realize it until you step back and take inventory. I realized that as I was writing my post this morning I'm doing okay. Things are happening and I'm right where I'm meant to be. All is good . . .

Wellness Fair - 2011

This past Friday and Saturday I attended the Wellness Fair at the Harbor Athletic Club. I had an amazing time, met some new friends, and connected with people from all walks of life. It was truly an inspiring and energizing experience!

I've posted pictures of my table display at my 'Loving Heart Reiki' blog, but here's one to tempt you!

My Dog ~ Oliver

My dog Oliver is one of those rare dogs who despite outward appearances (he is a Dachshund after all) loves his mommy and would do anything just to be by her side. Being a Dachshund, his legs are short . . . so short in fact that he can't jump on the furniture. For most people that would be a good thing, but for this mommy it means picking him up and placing him next to her on the sofa, or as is most often the case, he lies on the floor as close to her as is doggy possible. Getting up on the bed is a whole other matter, this mommy bought her doggy dog stairs.

And as is so often the case when there's more than one animal in the house, sometimes there is not enough attention paid to one or the other and it takes a turn of events to tip the scales. And so it was with Oliver yesterday. In his usual style he came and danced in front of me to be let out. As he was heading down the step to the great outdoors, he let out a great yelp of pain, tucked in his backside, turned and looked at me with pain in his eyes. It was more than I could bear. I scooped him up and tried to figure out what had happened. Suspecting a back injury, I called the Emergency Vet Clinic, let them know I was coming, settled Oliver in his kennel and headed out.

Two hours and an x-ray later, it was determined that Oliver had slipped a disc. So begins a four to six week recovery with steroids and pain killers. Confinement is the order of the day and he needs to be carried in and out to do his business. No playing either which not only depresses Oliver, but his partner in the playing game, Chloei, and she's not happy about it.

I've sent out the call to my Reiki Healing Circle for healing energies to be sent to Oliver. Thanks to my crystal teacher (for reminding me that I have crystal power), I've placed crystals in his kennel for pain relief and healing. Prayers and healing thoughts are welcomed and appreciated. I know that with this arsenal for him (along with proper veterinary care) Oliver will heal and be back to his old antics. I'll keep you posted.

Becoming Vegetarian . . .

I've been giving it a great deal of thought over the last few months about becoming a vegetarian. This is not a decision to be made lightly as it involves quite a lifestyle change, but one that I feel at this juncture in my life I'm ready for.

This change comes about as part of my spirituality which involves Wicca and Reiki and also because my body is telling me that it's time to make a change. I've never really been a big fan of meat, especially red meat, although truth be told I have enjoyed a few good steaks in my time. But I always pay the price in the way my body reacts to red meat. It's not pretty.

In doing research about vegetarianism, I've come across some very eye-opening information regarding the meat, dairy and poultry industries. It's maddening on so many levels and just plain sad on others. I won't go into details as it's something that I believe everyone must come to in their own time - this is my time.

Part of my research involved reading a book called 'The Kind Diet' by Alicia Silverstone. Her down-to-earth approach made this book an easy read and I'm looking forward to delving into some of the suggested recipes.

So today is the first day of the rest of my life - so to speak. I'm giving up red meat, chicken, turkey, fish - if it's meat it's gone. Instead I'll be fueling up on grains, beans, and vegetables. Gone too are the processed foods and sugar.

I'll be posting here and there about my journey, the ups, the downs and the inbetweens. It's going to be an interesting ride . . .

UGH!!

Good 'ol photobucket! I mean that sarcastically of course. Don't know what's going on, but the perfectionist in me is having a coniption fit . . . I'll have to send her some Reiki.

Anyway, sorry my blog is such a mess, but I hope you'll bear with me as we wade through this thing called the internet. I want to send a BIG shout-out to Sharon over at 'Plumrose Lane' for keeping us updated . . . now there's a lady who knows what customer service is all about!

Have a blessed day!

Listening to Guidance . . .

Two weeks ago I attended a mediation evening with my Reiki Master, Mary, and a small group of people. It was an intense evening with three meditations - one of them included Mary playing a crystal bowl which was absolutely amazing. I came out of the meditation somewhat transformed.

During one of the breaks I had the chance to talk with one of my fellow students in Reiki classes. He shared a bit about himself and later on that evening on my way home I felt compelled to pray for him. A day later I received guidance that I was to paint a picture for him. "No", I said to Guidance firmly. "He'll think I'm nuts!" I bantered back and forth with Guidance for three days, finally throwing my hands in the air, compelled to paint the painting that Guidance was so firmly directing me to do. The image was very clear in my mind's eye.

I took up the canvas and my pencil - the picture seemed to draw itself. I sat in awe as the pencil drew the outline of the picture. I didn't question and I hardly had to correct what I was drawing. Clearly, Guidance was a good artist. Once the picture was drawn I took up my brushes and paint and put the paint to canvas. Again, I barely had to think about what I was doing . . . the paint flowed and so did the love.

Love was being poured into the painting, through me, from Spirit. I can hardly describe the overwhelming amount of love that flowed. It was like being enveloped in a blanket of white light - safe, protected, admired, adored and loved - and while all of this was for my friend, I also received Spirit's blessings.

On the morning of my Reiki class, when I would see my friend, I still was bantering back and forth with Guidance. We were on a teeter-totter and Guidance was bigger and heavier than me. And so not wanting to be stuck at the top of the teeter-totter indefinitely, I wrapped the picture and took it with me to class, still not knowing if I would give it to my friend.

Well, as it happened, I did give the painting to my friend along with the story behind it. We both cried and hugged and he was grateful that I had decided to follow Guidance and give it to him. And so was I because clearly, Guidance knows more about these things than I do . . .

One World One Heart Winners

I was thoroughly touched and moved by some of the comments I received on my One World One Heart post. I truly wish that you could all have been winners!

Using the random generator at Random.org to select the winning numbers, please give a round of applause to . . .

#139 - Gale Varland

The First Prize winner of the Reiki Distant Healing Session AND Gift Basket! Gayle will be able to chose between 'Rose Petals' and 'Lavender Fields' bath salts to go into her gift basket. These are handmade by me and are infused with Reiki energy for healing, relaxation and protection (one can never be too careful in the tub!).

Lavender Fields

Rose Petals

Also included is a Bath Sachet handmade by me and infused with Reiki energy for healing, relaxation and protection.

The Second Prize winner of the Reiki Distant Healing Session is . . .

#165 - Janil (Spain)

Congratulations, ladies! I'll be contacting you to make arrangements for your Reiki Distant Healing Sessions.

I have enjoyed visiting all the lovely blogs out there on this world wide trip and have met so many interesting and creative people. Blogging really does 'make the world go round'!

Sending you Reiki love and remember to Live in the Light!

My Reiki Room

I completed my Reiki Level II class on Saturday and am now a Certified Reiki Level II Practitioner! Yay! The class was very intensive and I learned so much including three of the Reiki symbols. We also did a lot of distance healing training incorporating the symbols. I am so excited about all that Reiki has to offer and thrilled to be able to put it out into the world to help wherever I can. I also hope to use Reiki on animals and am thinking about volunteering at an animal shelter or sanctuary. One step at a time . . .

I plan on practicing in my new in-home studio and have to say it's turning out very nicely. I infused Reiki energy into everything that went into this room - from painting the walls, to putting up doors and trim and moving in the furniture. It has a wonderful energy to it and I'm looking forward to sharing it with clients.

If you're interested in receiving a Reiki Distant Healing Session, please feel free to email me. Of course, if you're in the Madison area you're welcome to have a session in person! I've set up a PayPal button on my sidebar until I get a website up and running. If you'd like to learn more about Reiki visit my post here.

How a Reiki Distant Healing Session Works

Once I receive your payment, I will contact you via email or telephone (your choice). I will ask you your full name, we will set an intention for the session and I will ask you if there are any areas of concern or areas you would like to focus on. We will then schedule your appointment. At the scheduled time, it is best if you are in a place where you are safe and comfortable. The session will take anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour. When the session is complete, I will again contact you via email or telephone and we will discuss the session.

Sending you Reiki love and remember to Live in the Light!

One World One Heart

The One World One Heart event has sadly come to an end. Please click HERE to see the lucky participants who have won the Reiki Distant Healing Session AND gift basket and the second prize of the Reiki Distant Healing Session. Blessed Be!


Welcome to the 2011 One World One Heart Blogging Event. Our gracious hostess for this event is Lisa Swifka of 'A Whimscial Bohemian'.

One World One Heart is a worldwide event for bloggers. It gives all those who blog a chance to meet and mingle and form connections with those they may not have otherwise met from all over the world. In the past four years this event has grown to over 1,000 participants with lasting friendships (and even one love connection) formed along the way. Think of it as a GIGANTIC open house allowing you to travel without ever leaving your home . . . going from blog to blog (in various countries) seeing the wonder each one has created and meeting all the fabulous people behind those blogs. As a bonus each blogger participant will offer up a "door prize or prizes" . . . just for dropping by, saying hello and seeing their world. It's really that easy!"

I'm so glad you stopped by today . . . my name as you've probably already guessed is Teresa and I'm a wife, domestic diva, care giver to four dogs and three parrots, and a Reiki Practitioner. I love to garden, craft, dance, make music and magick and most of all I adore my connection to Spirit. It was through Spirit that I was guided to learn Reiki and to share it with people and animals. It is also my intention to share Reiki with the world to bring about harmony and peace.

One of the great things about this event is that we're able to share a little bit of ourselves with those who visit us and leave a comment. By doing so we're not only connecting on a mundane level, but we're also connecting spiritually through our love of blogging.

I've recently become a Certified Reiki Level I Practitioner and will be a Certified Reiki Level II Practitioner by the time this event ends. At that time I will be attuned to do Distance Healing, so what better way to send my joy of Reiki out into the world than to share it with you. Thus, I am offering one Reiki Distance Healing Session to one lucky participant.

Picture is for demonstration only, but yours will be equally fabulous!

But that's not all! Since my aim is to pamper and adore my clients, I'm also including a gift basket which will be full of all kinds of goodies to pamper yourself with including chocolate (what would a pampering gift-basket be without chocolate?), a divinely scented soap, a candle, some tea and a special mug to steep it in, bath salts (which will be handmade by me), a bath sachet (also made by me) and some soothing lip balm. I'll likely throw in some other goodies as I think of them and how best to pamper the lucky winner!

A little bit of information regarding Reiki . . .

REI - higher knowledge or spiritual consciousness
KI - life energy

Reiki is a centuries-old Japanese healing method which had been lost to the world. In the early 1900's Mikao Usui was sent, as part of his early Buddhist training, to fast and meditate at the top of Mt. Kurama. He placed 21 stones around him to mark each day's passing. On the 21st day he was struck with the knowledge of Reiki and the Universal Light Force Energy. During the remainder of his life he taught and practiced Reiki.

Using light hand placements to direct universal life force energy to the body and energy field, Reiki is simultaneously powerful and gentle and can assist in healing illnesses and injuries ranging from multiple sclerosis and cancer to broken bones, headache, cold and flu. Because Reiki works on all levels of our being — physical, emotional, mental and spiritual — one can also expect benefits such as improved self-esteem, confidence, clarity, focus and peace of mind. Reiki is used by and for people of every religion.

Reiki works to improve the effectiveness of other therapies. A treatment feels like a warm and glowing radiance and has many benefits for both client and practitioner, including altered states of consciousness and heightened spiritual experiences. Reiki improves the results of medical treatments, reduces negative side effects, shortens healing time, reduces or eliminates pain and stress, and helps create hopefulness. It is extremely relaxing and non-invasive.

Reiki Principles
Just for today, do not anger.
Just for today, do not worry.
Just for today, be grateful for your blessings.
Just for today, do your work with honesty and integrity.
Just for today, be kind to all living beings.

Please be sure to comment on this post and leave me your contact information to enter. I will announce the winner at midnight on February 17th!

I hope you enjoy visiting all the fabulous participants of this year's One World One Heart event and that you have a blessed day!

UPDATE: I am now happy to say that I am a Certified Reiki Level II Practitioner! Yay! I also wanted to add that because I have had such an awesome response to this post and because I feel there is a need, I'm going to offer a SECOND PRIZE of a Reiki Distant Healing Session.

Sending you Reiki Love and remember to Live in the Light!

A Little of This and That

I realized today as I was lighting my Peace candle that I also have the World Peace Crystal Grid Cards I had ordered some time ago. They are used to send peace into the world, but can also be used to bring peace into your personal life as well. I placed the cards on my vision board behind my peace candle I created on Monday. I also printed out another set to be used when I do Reiki.

You can order your own set or print them online at THIS LINK. This is a link about the World Peace Crystal Grids and where they are located.

I found an image on the internet yesterday that I liked and used it for making my own herb labels. I think they turned out rather well . . .

And lastly, I was meditating at my Success/Career altar yesterday when Bijou became entranced by the incense. I believe she enjoyed some meditation time as well . . .

Reiki

I was fortunate enough to attend a Reiki workshop this past Saturday and gain my certification as a Reiki Level I Practitioner. Our Master, Mary, is a dynamic speaker and she made the workshop enjoyable, informative and fun. I have to also say that my fellow attendees were a great group and I enjoyed spending the day with them all.

Saturday began the 21 day cleanse period whereby I'm treating myself every day and clearing my energy and chakras. So far, I've noticed a feeling of peace and am excited about the changes that are to come.

I'm looking forward to my path as a Reiki practitioner, not only to help and heal myself, but also to help and heal others and to also send that energy out into the world.

Flowers from Brian

I feel this will also help my practice as a Wiccan, especially with visualization and meditation. I find both to be difficult as I'm a doer (my husband likes to call me a putzer) and it's all that I can do to sit and be quiet for a time.

I'm so excited as I continue on these newfound paths and I'm especially excited to share in any way I can. Yay!

What's up . . .

I've been busy in my studio the last few days getting some items ready for Valentine's Day and Ostara. I can't believe how time is flying by this new year and with Imbolc right around the corner, I feel like a dog chasing my tail! Add to that my first Reiki workshop this Saturday and well, you could say I'm getting a tad bit overwhelmed. It's all good though and despite the fact that I'm coming down with a sore throat, I'm looking forward to it all!

I just wanted to share a few things I've created. They're all available in my Etsy shop. Enjoy!

For Valentine's Day . . .

For Ostara . . .