When I first began to study Reiki, my life was in a bit of a mess.  My job was less than a match and more like a bird cage of confinement on the second floor of an unattractive building.  My spirits were low.  There were very few foods that wouldn't seriously upset my digestion.  I felt disconnected, lonely, misunderstood, and so far away from nature.  My friend Carolyn, who was in the same first Reiki class as me, commented that I looked like Bill the Cat from Opus.  Not good!  The effects of Reiki began even before my first class.  I knew absolutely nothing about it and had signed up on a whim.  Yet about a week before we began, I started giving myself Reiki treatments - my hands would just settle over my heart and the energy would flow. 
My life looks so much different now!  I changed jobs, made friends, and took the leap I had avoided for some time and had a sweet baby girl (joyfully now my full time job!!!).  Sometimes we hit a rough patch, this precious little person and me.  I can feel my hands fire up as the Reiki begins to flow easing the way for my little one and me.  It soothes my heart to know I can always access this healing energy to help on the sometimes bumpy road of life.

I daily call on the angels for help and guidance throughout the day and night.  Often while connecting with the Archangel Raphael, I notice that I spontaneously sigh - a sign that I've allowed the connection.  Sometimes the angels let me know they are around with a song.  Yesterday, while traveling home, we had an unexpected opportunity to visit a favorite small town and restaurant (River Lodge) in Glen Rose, Texas.  I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere, company and quality food.  At the end of the meal one of the waitstaff with deep brown eyes offered to hold the baby while I gathered my bags - welcome help from another mother.  As we stepped onto the front porch, a satisfied smile on my face,  I noticed the song playing, "Just call me angel."  Thank you angels!

While house sitting, my mother's dog became sick.  We invited her in the house.  She sunk down on the cool wood floor and slept.  I settled in beside her to give an impromptu Reiki treatment.  To my delight and surprise, my husband soon joined me adding two more hands to the flow.  Within minutes our niece left her computer to put her hands on Abi's face.  Abi sighed, obviously appreciating the energy.  I marveled at the blessing of Reiki that brings us together to share relaxing, healing energy.  Feel better Abi!

This is one of my favorite ways to calm and center.  It's a simple and powerful breathing technique by Dr. Andrew Weil.
With your tongue to the roof of your mouth, breath out.  Breathe in for 4 counts.  Hold for 7 counts.  Breathe out for 8 counts.  Repeat this sequence 4 times.
Use it in the morning and the evening and anytime throughout the day when you feel you need it.

“Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.”      ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe 
I see this quote often and feel empowered to be using it on my website!