1) A clean house
2) Time to think about future goals.
3) A chance to find my dream job as an esthetician.
4) Not having to drive in snowstorms, on icy, slippery roads.
5) Not getting hung up in morning traffic because someone drove too fast on icy, slippery roads, causing an accident that backs traffic up for miles.
6) Saving money by not having to buy coffee on the way to work because the coffee at work is so horrible.
7) Saving money on gas because I don't have to make the above-mentioned drive.
8) Grocery shopping during the day when the store is not so crowded!
9) Letting my hair air dry instead of using all of my "heat" tools (blow dryer, curling iron).
10) Getting to run my errands at leisure instead of having to cram them all into my one hour lunch or doing them after a long day of work.
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
So, what is this Reiki stuff anyway?
As a Reiki practitioner, I’m often asked what Reiki is. The answer is always difficult for me. How do you explain the transfer of positive energy from one individual to another in terms that make is sound solid, concrete? How do you explain the sense of peace and well being that come from a session?
My training and attunement came during my classes at The Center for Reiki Wellness in Rochester with Reiki Master Cyndy Paxton. I became interested in Reiki many years ago while watching a TV show that was spotlighting attempts to transform the lives of different participants on the show. I remember one of the participants being given Reiki treatments and my interest was peaked. Fast forward several years later when a friend of mine was going through some severe health problems that could not be diagnosed. She was sent to a neurologist who could find no physical reason for her symptoms. He employed a Reiki healer in his practice and suggested my friend schedule an appointment. She did and she “felt” something. I quickly made an appointment for my own Reiki session and found a sense of peace after the session that stayed with me for some time. Money was tight and I was unable to follow up with additional sessions but the session I did have stayed with me. Fast forward several more years and another close friend of mine was given a gift certificate for a Reiki session. She and I discussed the session beforehand and I told her what little I knew. This session proved life changing for her. She found her destiny in that one session and is now the Reiki master from whom I study.
So back to the question…what is Reiki?
“Reiki” (ray-key) is Japanese for ‘universal life energy’ (“rei” stands for unseen and “ki” means life force or energy). It is also a word used to describe a system of natural healing. This tradition was founded by Dr Mikao Usui in the early 20th century and evolved as a result of his research, experience and dedication. Reiki promotes self healing and is not a substitute for medical care, but works in conjunction with it. The core treatment of Reiki involves your Chakras (the seven energy centers of your body) along with your aura (the field of energy around your body). We live in a world of energy that nourishes and maintains all living things. When this energy flows uninterrupted, there is a balance and harmony within and around us which creates a sense of well being. When this flow is interrupted, it can cause disease – emotionally and / or physically.
What happens during a Reiki session?
Before the session begins, a discussion will take place to determine the areas of concern, if any. Some people arrive for a session with no answer to this question. They feel some sense of discourse, but cannot identify it. A pendulum is used to determine the status of the seven chakras and a general sense of the individual’s aura. You will lie on a massage table, fully clothed. During the session, you may experience touch by the practitioner in areas of the body – usually the head, shoulders, stomach, arms, legs and feet. There is no massage and participants can opt for a no-touch session if uncomfortable with touch. Participants may feel warmth or tingling in the areas being concentrated on, see colors, or experience forms of “release”. A typical session is one hour in length and at the end of a session, the participant should feel a deep sense of relaxation.
What does Reiki Treat?
Reiki treats your mind, body and sprit by working from the inside out on root cause. It works on the emotional issues that may cause or intensify physical ailments. Reiki can be beneficial for those suffering from chronic illness as it works on the root causes of unbalance within the body. Like meditation, it can create a sense of calm within the body that promotes physical and mental healing.
How do I use Reiki?
As a practitioner, I often use Reiki to center myself, especially when I am looking for answers that I seek. Reiki has no basis in religion although I do use it as a meditation conduit to seek answers from my own God. My own alignment leaves me open to actually listen to the answers that I seek. A cluttered mind makes it more difficult to “hear” answers when they are given. Reiki quiets my mind and allows my energy to flow where it is needed. I find I waste less energy worrying about “the little things” and can concentrate more on the task at hand. I also find things less daunting and find peace in the unknown when I stop to let my energy flow.
So this is an overview of Reiki. A very standard, uncomplicated overview. If you have further questions, please ask!
My training and attunement came during my classes at The Center for Reiki Wellness in Rochester with Reiki Master Cyndy Paxton. I became interested in Reiki many years ago while watching a TV show that was spotlighting attempts to transform the lives of different participants on the show. I remember one of the participants being given Reiki treatments and my interest was peaked. Fast forward several years later when a friend of mine was going through some severe health problems that could not be diagnosed. She was sent to a neurologist who could find no physical reason for her symptoms. He employed a Reiki healer in his practice and suggested my friend schedule an appointment. She did and she “felt” something. I quickly made an appointment for my own Reiki session and found a sense of peace after the session that stayed with me for some time. Money was tight and I was unable to follow up with additional sessions but the session I did have stayed with me. Fast forward several more years and another close friend of mine was given a gift certificate for a Reiki session. She and I discussed the session beforehand and I told her what little I knew. This session proved life changing for her. She found her destiny in that one session and is now the Reiki master from whom I study.
So back to the question…what is Reiki?
“Reiki” (ray-key) is Japanese for ‘universal life energy’ (“rei” stands for unseen and “ki” means life force or energy). It is also a word used to describe a system of natural healing. This tradition was founded by Dr Mikao Usui in the early 20th century and evolved as a result of his research, experience and dedication. Reiki promotes self healing and is not a substitute for medical care, but works in conjunction with it. The core treatment of Reiki involves your Chakras (the seven energy centers of your body) along with your aura (the field of energy around your body). We live in a world of energy that nourishes and maintains all living things. When this energy flows uninterrupted, there is a balance and harmony within and around us which creates a sense of well being. When this flow is interrupted, it can cause disease – emotionally and / or physically.
What happens during a Reiki session?
Before the session begins, a discussion will take place to determine the areas of concern, if any. Some people arrive for a session with no answer to this question. They feel some sense of discourse, but cannot identify it. A pendulum is used to determine the status of the seven chakras and a general sense of the individual’s aura. You will lie on a massage table, fully clothed. During the session, you may experience touch by the practitioner in areas of the body – usually the head, shoulders, stomach, arms, legs and feet. There is no massage and participants can opt for a no-touch session if uncomfortable with touch. Participants may feel warmth or tingling in the areas being concentrated on, see colors, or experience forms of “release”. A typical session is one hour in length and at the end of a session, the participant should feel a deep sense of relaxation.
What does Reiki Treat?
Reiki treats your mind, body and sprit by working from the inside out on root cause. It works on the emotional issues that may cause or intensify physical ailments. Reiki can be beneficial for those suffering from chronic illness as it works on the root causes of unbalance within the body. Like meditation, it can create a sense of calm within the body that promotes physical and mental healing.
How do I use Reiki?
As a practitioner, I often use Reiki to center myself, especially when I am looking for answers that I seek. Reiki has no basis in religion although I do use it as a meditation conduit to seek answers from my own God. My own alignment leaves me open to actually listen to the answers that I seek. A cluttered mind makes it more difficult to “hear” answers when they are given. Reiki quiets my mind and allows my energy to flow where it is needed. I find I waste less energy worrying about “the little things” and can concentrate more on the task at hand. I also find things less daunting and find peace in the unknown when I stop to let my energy flow.
So this is an overview of Reiki. A very standard, uncomplicated overview. If you have further questions, please ask!
Friday, March 21, 2014
Try to make this life my own....
Yesterday was officially the first day of spring. I think they forgot to send upstate New York the memo. It was cold and snowing. Another storm. Lighter than many we’ve had this year, but a snowstorm just the same. Everywhere you go in our cold city, the question is the same…is this winter ever going to end?
In my frenzy to finish projects related to the house, I hadn’t completed my goal to “walk one mile”. Just one mile. I planned no more, no less. Since I had it as a goal for the day, I knew I had to follow through. I live in an area with no sidewalks, so I decided to go to the local college and walk the track. It was around 7:00pm. Darkness was falling and the wind was blowing. The track was covered with a mixture of snow and ice that crunched under my sneakers as I walked. My plan was only one mile. Four laps. I turned on my iPod and started my journey.
Halfway into the first lap, my cheeks began to burn. My eyes watered. The wind was ruthless, bitter. I felt the cold seep into my bones. I tried to concentrate on the music and putting one foot in front of the other but my mind kept wandering to the fact that I was cold, uncomfortable. I was approaching the exit for the track and struggled with my thoughts. I wanted to stop. The angel on my right shoulder screamed at me. “Don’t stop! You have a goal. Quitting will just put you that much further from the goal. Stopping will mean defeat. Defeat is your enemy. Stopping means giving in to the discomfort – which is why you’re failed so many times in the past.” The devil on my left shoulder said “Stop. Go home. Get warm.” “Give yourself one more round”, my angel said. “One more round and then decide.” I walked past the exit.
Round two became colder. The light continued to fade. My fingers and ankles were numb. The exit was approaching. Halfway there. Halfway. The devil said “Just stop. No one will know." The angel said “Just finish. Please, just finish the mile. You will know if you quit. YOU will know”. I passed the exit.
Round three – colder still. Less light. But now I knew I would finish. My thoughts became less taunting. I began to think about my goals for the next day. My goals for my life. I began to strategize. I felt my body relax into the walk. The devil on my left shoulder left me and the Angel on my right breathed a sigh of relief.
Round four. I was now in darkness except for the lights that illuminated the parking lot next to the track. One step at a time. I’m so cold. And then it happened. A song came on to the iPod. A song I needed to hear. Thank you Foo Fighters.
I'm looking to the sky to save me
Looking for a sign of life
Looking for something to help me burn out bright
I'm looking for a complication
Looking 'cause I'm tired of trying
Make my way back home when I learn to fly high.
Make my way back home when I learn to...
...fly along with me, I can't quite make it alone
Try to make this life my own
Fly along with me, I can't quite make it alone
Try to make this life my own
I finished lap four, excited, happy, energized. Trying to make this life my own. Ready to take on the world. Ready to fly. Excited because despite the storm, I carried on and finished what I set out to do. I thought about how this winter is a metaphor for my life.
The storms come. And sometimes they arrive one after another. They just keep blowing in, leaving me battered and cold. Stinging my cheeks. Making my eyes water. Making me forget that when they pass there will be calm. I just have to remember to keep going. Keep walking. Keep believing that, at the end, there is a spring.
And remember to thank the Angel on my right shoulder…and the Foo Fighters.
In my frenzy to finish projects related to the house, I hadn’t completed my goal to “walk one mile”. Just one mile. I planned no more, no less. Since I had it as a goal for the day, I knew I had to follow through. I live in an area with no sidewalks, so I decided to go to the local college and walk the track. It was around 7:00pm. Darkness was falling and the wind was blowing. The track was covered with a mixture of snow and ice that crunched under my sneakers as I walked. My plan was only one mile. Four laps. I turned on my iPod and started my journey.
Halfway into the first lap, my cheeks began to burn. My eyes watered. The wind was ruthless, bitter. I felt the cold seep into my bones. I tried to concentrate on the music and putting one foot in front of the other but my mind kept wandering to the fact that I was cold, uncomfortable. I was approaching the exit for the track and struggled with my thoughts. I wanted to stop. The angel on my right shoulder screamed at me. “Don’t stop! You have a goal. Quitting will just put you that much further from the goal. Stopping will mean defeat. Defeat is your enemy. Stopping means giving in to the discomfort – which is why you’re failed so many times in the past.” The devil on my left shoulder said “Stop. Go home. Get warm.” “Give yourself one more round”, my angel said. “One more round and then decide.” I walked past the exit.
Round two became colder. The light continued to fade. My fingers and ankles were numb. The exit was approaching. Halfway there. Halfway. The devil said “Just stop. No one will know." The angel said “Just finish. Please, just finish the mile. You will know if you quit. YOU will know”. I passed the exit.
Round three – colder still. Less light. But now I knew I would finish. My thoughts became less taunting. I began to think about my goals for the next day. My goals for my life. I began to strategize. I felt my body relax into the walk. The devil on my left shoulder left me and the Angel on my right breathed a sigh of relief.
Round four. I was now in darkness except for the lights that illuminated the parking lot next to the track. One step at a time. I’m so cold. And then it happened. A song came on to the iPod. A song I needed to hear. Thank you Foo Fighters.
I'm looking to the sky to save me
Looking for a sign of life
Looking for something to help me burn out bright
I'm looking for a complication
Looking 'cause I'm tired of trying
Make my way back home when I learn to fly high.
Make my way back home when I learn to...
...fly along with me, I can't quite make it alone
Try to make this life my own
Fly along with me, I can't quite make it alone
Try to make this life my own
I finished lap four, excited, happy, energized. Trying to make this life my own. Ready to take on the world. Ready to fly. Excited because despite the storm, I carried on and finished what I set out to do. I thought about how this winter is a metaphor for my life.
The storms come. And sometimes they arrive one after another. They just keep blowing in, leaving me battered and cold. Stinging my cheeks. Making my eyes water. Making me forget that when they pass there will be calm. I just have to remember to keep going. Keep walking. Keep believing that, at the end, there is a spring.
And remember to thank the Angel on my right shoulder…and the Foo Fighters.
Thursday, March 20, 2014
Simplicity...
One of my goals in this journey, is to rid myself of the clutter in my home and life. The things hidden behind closed doors - figuratively and metaphorically. I'd like to simplify but I struggle with where to begin. When is it enough? When do I start? Do I start with the physical de-cluttering or the mental de-cluttering. Or do I work on them simultaneously?
I spent the day cleaning my home. The bathrooms are scrubbed. The floors are mopped. The dust is gone and the mirrors are shiny. But please...please don't open that cupboard door. Or look in that closet. Or ask me to tell you what goes on in my head. The clutter there is overwhelming. It will spill out the moment you crack the door. And the mess will be there for everyone to see.
Yesterday I began. I cleaned my bedroom closet. I threw things away. I organized. Nothing I parted with made me think for more than a second. So why was it there to begin with? Why would I hang on to something that I didn't need? That had a hole? That didn't fit? That wasn't useful? That didn't contribute to my life in a positive way?
So I've set my sights on the physical de-cluttering. And when that's done, I'll move on to the mental de-cluttering. And I'll try to focus on the one task at a time and give no mind to the overwhelming tasks that remain. And in the end, I hope to feel lighter, clearer, not so burdened. Calm.
I spent the day cleaning my home. The bathrooms are scrubbed. The floors are mopped. The dust is gone and the mirrors are shiny. But please...please don't open that cupboard door. Or look in that closet. Or ask me to tell you what goes on in my head. The clutter there is overwhelming. It will spill out the moment you crack the door. And the mess will be there for everyone to see.
Yesterday I began. I cleaned my bedroom closet. I threw things away. I organized. Nothing I parted with made me think for more than a second. So why was it there to begin with? Why would I hang on to something that I didn't need? That had a hole? That didn't fit? That wasn't useful? That didn't contribute to my life in a positive way?
So I've set my sights on the physical de-cluttering. And when that's done, I'll move on to the mental de-cluttering. And I'll try to focus on the one task at a time and give no mind to the overwhelming tasks that remain. And in the end, I hope to feel lighter, clearer, not so burdened. Calm.
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
My head is spinning...
Who said dieting is easy? Or should I refer to it as a "life change"?
Google diet options....here's a sneak peek at what you'll find...
Slimfast. Weight Watchers. Medifast. Jenny Craig. Raw Food. Biggest Loser. Low Fat. Mediterranean. Carb Lovers (is there a carb hater in the world?). Dr. Oz. Soup Diet. Body for Life. The Zone. South Beach.
And this is only a small glimpse of what's out there!
And exercise! Another overwhelming list of choices...
Weight lifting. Running. Walking. Yoga. Pilates. Barre. Zumba. Spinning. Step Aerobics. Body Pump. Jazzercise. Boot Camp.
Once again - overwhelming.
So how do you go from a couch potato to an exercise enthusiast? How do I choose which "life change" fits best with MY life? Will I give up foods or will I enjoy them all but in small quantities? There's arguments for both sides. Sometimes one cookie leads to a dozen. Maybe many times one cookie leads to a dozen. Maybe there is a good argument for restriction. Maybe some people have to stay away from the cookies - like an alcoholic to booze or a drug addict to their next hit. Or by denying myself, will I suddenly crave with vengeance that which I can't have and then give up in a crazy inhalation of every cookie within reach? Where does my weakness reside? Where is my balance point? Can I eat just one cookie? Can I live without the cookies forever?
I have some research to do! I've tried many of these diets in the past with just as many failures. This next one has to stick. I'm accountable now - I've shared too much. Those of you that read this will hold me accountable. I have a goal. Again. I reach goals all the time - this one just continues to elude me. I know what my exercise of choice will be right now. I will start by walking. Just putting one foot in front of the other. One step at a time. As for the "life change" - I will take it one food choice at a time while I sort out which method will work best for me. Slowly. Surely. Keeping my balance. Calm.
Google diet options....here's a sneak peek at what you'll find...
Slimfast. Weight Watchers. Medifast. Jenny Craig. Raw Food. Biggest Loser. Low Fat. Mediterranean. Carb Lovers (is there a carb hater in the world?). Dr. Oz. Soup Diet. Body for Life. The Zone. South Beach.
And this is only a small glimpse of what's out there!
And exercise! Another overwhelming list of choices...
Weight lifting. Running. Walking. Yoga. Pilates. Barre. Zumba. Spinning. Step Aerobics. Body Pump. Jazzercise. Boot Camp.
Once again - overwhelming.
So how do you go from a couch potato to an exercise enthusiast? How do I choose which "life change" fits best with MY life? Will I give up foods or will I enjoy them all but in small quantities? There's arguments for both sides. Sometimes one cookie leads to a dozen. Maybe many times one cookie leads to a dozen. Maybe there is a good argument for restriction. Maybe some people have to stay away from the cookies - like an alcoholic to booze or a drug addict to their next hit. Or by denying myself, will I suddenly crave with vengeance that which I can't have and then give up in a crazy inhalation of every cookie within reach? Where does my weakness reside? Where is my balance point? Can I eat just one cookie? Can I live without the cookies forever?
I have some research to do! I've tried many of these diets in the past with just as many failures. This next one has to stick. I'm accountable now - I've shared too much. Those of you that read this will hold me accountable. I have a goal. Again. I reach goals all the time - this one just continues to elude me. I know what my exercise of choice will be right now. I will start by walking. Just putting one foot in front of the other. One step at a time. As for the "life change" - I will take it one food choice at a time while I sort out which method will work best for me. Slowly. Surely. Keeping my balance. Calm.
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
In the beginning....
53. Recently unemployed. Overweight. Realizing a dream of graduating from school and becoming a licensed esthetician. 34 years of work in a corporate setting. Happily married for 31 wonderful years. Two beautiful children. Happy. Calme.
Who thinks that at this age, in this stage of life, that they would be attempting to recreate themselves. I've always dreamed of a new start in my career. And now I have that opportunity. But along with that, I yearn for a simple life. No clutter. I long to wake up in the morning refreshed and excited for each new day...not dreading the day ahead. Administrative work was NEVER my dream. But I landed there, and I stuck it out for 34 years. Now, the decision to move ahead has been made for me by the simple phrase "We have eliminated your position." Said by someone with with no remorse. Even as they apologized for having to let me go, knowing their words were insincere. Feeling the fear of the unknown and yet the elation at finally being set free.
So now I will begin my new journey with my supportive husband and children cheering me on. My goals are to de-clutter my life. Finally find the strength within to lose this weight. To seek the career I've always dreamed of. To intensify the happiness I've always felt and to make the choices that will move me forward. To start this new journey. Happy. Calme.
Who thinks that at this age, in this stage of life, that they would be attempting to recreate themselves. I've always dreamed of a new start in my career. And now I have that opportunity. But along with that, I yearn for a simple life. No clutter. I long to wake up in the morning refreshed and excited for each new day...not dreading the day ahead. Administrative work was NEVER my dream. But I landed there, and I stuck it out for 34 years. Now, the decision to move ahead has been made for me by the simple phrase "We have eliminated your position." Said by someone with with no remorse. Even as they apologized for having to let me go, knowing their words were insincere. Feeling the fear of the unknown and yet the elation at finally being set free.
So now I will begin my new journey with my supportive husband and children cheering me on. My goals are to de-clutter my life. Finally find the strength within to lose this weight. To seek the career I've always dreamed of. To intensify the happiness I've always felt and to make the choices that will move me forward. To start this new journey. Happy. Calme.
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