January 24, 2007
I've been thinking a lot lately about Forgiveness. Having practiced Reiki daily for years, I've gone through different levels of awareness,
leading me to focus on different aspects of my Reiki practice at different times. In the last year, I have repeatedly explored in further and
further depth my understanding with the energy of the Reiki II symbol HSZSN. This beautiful symbol is typically thought of as the
Distance symbol. When I first learned Reiki, I used it like a time-transport, to help erase time and space so "I" could deliver the healing
effects of Reiki to the person, situation, or time-period of choice. I would not actually use HSZSN directly for healing since I viewed it's
energy in such a limited and utilitarian fashion. Thank goodness I love to read and attend classes, since one of my favorite teachers helped
me to understand what this powerful healing symbol is really all about.
HSZSN is an energy, symbol, and mantra of Oneness. In the truest sense, this energy does not help you to "connect" with a person or
situation of a different time or place, but helps you to become One with your chosen recipient. To become One means to forego any sense
of separation. Only from a state of complete love can anyone fathom becoming one with just about anyone else.
In a typical day, count the number of irritations, big and small, that you could do without. The frustration of being passed by a speeder on
your right, reading typos in the paper, a late delivery of your lunch to your table when you have to return to work. And these are only the
impersonal irritations. What about the annoyances of fellow co-workers, bosses, clients, administrators? These are people who know you
on both a professional and personal level, and, even though you may like them, chances are you've internally rolled your eyes at their
actions and behaviors from time to time. Have you had a disagreement with your spouse, boy/girlfriend, or ex? Are you feeling obligated to
spend time with your in-laws, when you'd rather be spending your time doing something else? Are you waiting for your children to get out of a
bad "stage" before you have to give them away?
Let's face it. Life hands us a ton of challenges EVERY SINGLE DAY. Without question, learning to handle what life delivers makes
much more sense than waiting endlessly for these unwanted problems to disappear. And, of course, there's always that little annoying matter
of putting things into perspective. Feeling guilt or shame for being annoyed by Bob at work who keeps stealing your soda from the lounge
refrigerator, when in fact bigger, unbearable atrocities are endured by millions throughout the world by people who may have nothing left.
(Pick a situation here- the Holocaust, the Khmer Rouge killing fields of Cambodia, the People's Liberation Army's cruelty to Tibetans,
survivors of rape, abuse, torture, attempted murder, starvation, disease, warfare.)
The truth is ANY of these feelings of irritation, anger, annoyance, resentment, and even self-inflicted feelings of guilt create separation...
separation from Spirit or The Source. Creating separation actually causes these ill-felt emotions throughout each and every day.
Creating oneness, a sense not only of connecting to another person or people but of being one and the same as others, allows a healing
affect. Being angry, regardless of how you express it (even if you choose not to express it), drives a rift between you and another soul.
Recognizing you are One with All, the need to be angry at another person is lessened by the knowledge that this would result in being angry
with yourself. Feeling unified with others compels a need to forgive rather than blame.
Forgiveness, so often just a word, helps a person to achieve an amazing level of consciousness. Discussing forgiveness can understandably
lead a reader to immediately think of some of the worst things that have happened to them, with a strong sense that this piece of their history
certainly deserves no forgiveness. This attitude of needing to hold onto hatred is the first item on the list to send forgiveness to. If some of
life's hurts create too much pain to forgive immediately, practice with smaller items. Pull out your forgiveness tools at work, at the dry
cleaner's, at the bagel store. Be thankful that you will never have a short supply of opportunities to learn to forgive! The more you see all
these so-called problems as chances at honing your skills in forgiveness, the less separation you will experience, leading to a truer ability to
become One with another person, no matter how much their actions offend.
With this practice of forgiveness, I have found more power in my usage of HSZSN. Reiki or any spiritual practice is not about the "tricks"
that go with them. Showing off an ability to do some amazing metaphysical tricks that most people have never experienced puts the focus in
the wrong place, hurting the process. It is not unusual that truly becoming One with others can create an impressive psychic or intuitive
increase. Don't let the bling-bling of spiritual practice distract you from your goal. Learning to connect with others means the lessons of
love and forgiveness on many levels have taken place. Use humility, such an honorable attribute, to keep you focused on the importance of
your practice (or life in general).
Regardless, my use of forgiveness, my projection of love to others and myself as though we are One, have created a welcome shift in my
constantly changing Reiki and Spiritual path.
(Thanks to Gary Renard, author of "Disappearance of the Universe," for helping me to understand the meaning and necessity of
forgiveness.)
Just for today, Do not anger, Do not worry, Be humble, Be honest at your work, Be compassionate with yourself and others.
Namaste- Barb
I've been thinking a lot lately about Forgiveness. Having practiced Reiki daily for years, I've gone through different levels of awareness,
leading me to focus on different aspects of my Reiki practice at different times. In the last year, I have repeatedly explored in further and
further depth my understanding with the energy of the Reiki II symbol HSZSN. This beautiful symbol is typically thought of as the
Distance symbol. When I first learned Reiki, I used it like a time-transport, to help erase time and space so "I" could deliver the healing
effects of Reiki to the person, situation, or time-period of choice. I would not actually use HSZSN directly for healing since I viewed it's
energy in such a limited and utilitarian fashion. Thank goodness I love to read and attend classes, since one of my favorite teachers helped
me to understand what this powerful healing symbol is really all about.
HSZSN is an energy, symbol, and mantra of Oneness. In the truest sense, this energy does not help you to "connect" with a person or
situation of a different time or place, but helps you to become One with your chosen recipient. To become One means to forego any sense
of separation. Only from a state of complete love can anyone fathom becoming one with just about anyone else.
In a typical day, count the number of irritations, big and small, that you could do without. The frustration of being passed by a speeder on
your right, reading typos in the paper, a late delivery of your lunch to your table when you have to return to work. And these are only the
impersonal irritations. What about the annoyances of fellow co-workers, bosses, clients, administrators? These are people who know you
on both a professional and personal level, and, even though you may like them, chances are you've internally rolled your eyes at their
actions and behaviors from time to time. Have you had a disagreement with your spouse, boy/girlfriend, or ex? Are you feeling obligated to
spend time with your in-laws, when you'd rather be spending your time doing something else? Are you waiting for your children to get out of a
bad "stage" before you have to give them away?
Let's face it. Life hands us a ton of challenges EVERY SINGLE DAY. Without question, learning to handle what life delivers makes
much more sense than waiting endlessly for these unwanted problems to disappear. And, of course, there's always that little annoying matter
of putting things into perspective. Feeling guilt or shame for being annoyed by Bob at work who keeps stealing your soda from the lounge
refrigerator, when in fact bigger, unbearable atrocities are endured by millions throughout the world by people who may have nothing left.
(Pick a situation here- the Holocaust, the Khmer Rouge killing fields of Cambodia, the People's Liberation Army's cruelty to Tibetans,
survivors of rape, abuse, torture, attempted murder, starvation, disease, warfare.)
The truth is ANY of these feelings of irritation, anger, annoyance, resentment, and even self-inflicted feelings of guilt create separation...
separation from Spirit or The Source. Creating separation actually causes these ill-felt emotions throughout each and every day.
Creating oneness, a sense not only of connecting to another person or people but of being one and the same as others, allows a healing
affect. Being angry, regardless of how you express it (even if you choose not to express it), drives a rift between you and another soul.
Recognizing you are One with All, the need to be angry at another person is lessened by the knowledge that this would result in being angry
with yourself. Feeling unified with others compels a need to forgive rather than blame.
Forgiveness, so often just a word, helps a person to achieve an amazing level of consciousness. Discussing forgiveness can understandably
lead a reader to immediately think of some of the worst things that have happened to them, with a strong sense that this piece of their history
certainly deserves no forgiveness. This attitude of needing to hold onto hatred is the first item on the list to send forgiveness to. If some of
life's hurts create too much pain to forgive immediately, practice with smaller items. Pull out your forgiveness tools at work, at the dry
cleaner's, at the bagel store. Be thankful that you will never have a short supply of opportunities to learn to forgive! The more you see all
these so-called problems as chances at honing your skills in forgiveness, the less separation you will experience, leading to a truer ability to
become One with another person, no matter how much their actions offend.
With this practice of forgiveness, I have found more power in my usage of HSZSN. Reiki or any spiritual practice is not about the "tricks"
that go with them. Showing off an ability to do some amazing metaphysical tricks that most people have never experienced puts the focus in
the wrong place, hurting the process. It is not unusual that truly becoming One with others can create an impressive psychic or intuitive
increase. Don't let the bling-bling of spiritual practice distract you from your goal. Learning to connect with others means the lessons of
love and forgiveness on many levels have taken place. Use humility, such an honorable attribute, to keep you focused on the importance of
your practice (or life in general).
Regardless, my use of forgiveness, my projection of love to others and myself as though we are One, have created a welcome shift in my
constantly changing Reiki and Spiritual path.
(Thanks to Gary Renard, author of "Disappearance of the Universe," for helping me to understand the meaning and necessity of
forgiveness.)
Just for today, Do not anger, Do not worry, Be humble, Be honest at your work, Be compassionate with yourself and others.
Namaste- Barb
| Barb's Reiki Blog |
Icicles in January, 2007, between Bloomfield and Crofton, NE
| My blog and associated commentary are also found on Blogger.com. |
January 27, 2007
Different topic altogether: Publishing my book.
Although I am often quite introspective, as is shown in my previous entries, my life is filled with humor and mishaps. I wrote a fictional
comedy which is less fiction than I care to admit. My book is a fictionalized account of how my husband and I met and fell in love, though
many elements are heavily fictionalized. But the most embarrassing stories were based in truth, as my sister was mortified to discover. The
book details and elaborates on all the insecurities I've dealt with during my dating days. Although I love to convince myself that I am
completely past all those trivial insecurities, I must recognize the reality...... I am not cured of all my human downfalls. That's where the
humor comes in. Why the should I, you, anyone determine to take life so damn seriously? Like I've said, I know I have that introspective side
that sounds so knowledgeable and enlightened and intelligent. The fact is I STILL have my moments, days, or weeks that could have been
better. That's okay! Our imperfections keep our life fun as long as we are here. I embrace mine more and more, realizing that without my
flaws, life would suck.
Thank goodness the people closest to me actually find my flaws and faux pas endearing, God love them.
Different topic altogether: Publishing my book.
Although I am often quite introspective, as is shown in my previous entries, my life is filled with humor and mishaps. I wrote a fictional
comedy which is less fiction than I care to admit. My book is a fictionalized account of how my husband and I met and fell in love, though
many elements are heavily fictionalized. But the most embarrassing stories were based in truth, as my sister was mortified to discover. The
book details and elaborates on all the insecurities I've dealt with during my dating days. Although I love to convince myself that I am
completely past all those trivial insecurities, I must recognize the reality...... I am not cured of all my human downfalls. That's where the
humor comes in. Why the should I, you, anyone determine to take life so damn seriously? Like I've said, I know I have that introspective side
that sounds so knowledgeable and enlightened and intelligent. The fact is I STILL have my moments, days, or weeks that could have been
better. That's okay! Our imperfections keep our life fun as long as we are here. I embrace mine more and more, realizing that without my
flaws, life would suck.
Thank goodness the people closest to me actually find my flaws and faux pas endearing, God love them.
February 1, 2007
I have had an almost identical discussion with two new friends recently about discontent in one's life. The feeling of discontent, in which
there could be more, should be more, to what life is giving us, is a commonly experienced "problem." I've been there, at least in some sense,
when it came to religion. I had grown up going to the small Catholic church of my small Nebraskan home town every weekend (daily in the
lower grades- we must have been awfully bad), assuming this was an unquestioned part of life and living- Church. Then, moving to Phoenix and
going to a larger city church where I was an anonymous parishioner, I experienced a true emptiness when attending mass every Sunday, as
thought there was no point to it all. Going to the church in my neighborhood, I listened to a cynical priest who seemed intolerant and
unwelcoming, followed by near death in the parking lot where everyone raced to beat their fellow man to the exit. There had to be more to
religion than this. Lack of compassion, lack of community, lack of love.
Then, in 1996, my sister gave me the book "The Celestine Prophecy" shortly followed by "Conversations With God," "Ishmael," and others.
These would be my introduction to thinking of "my world" in a whole new light. Over these last 10 plus years, I have reached an
understanding or developed a realization that I am completely responsible for the outcome of my experience, meaning I am not a victim of my
circumstance, but the co-creator of it, with Spirit. In some ways, it sucks to have no one to blame. But the liberation of knowing that I hold
all the cards and get to choose my life is worth the lack of scapegoats.
I've known many people who externalize blame onto another individual, family, childhood, or a group of people, defined by their
political/racial/ethnic orientation. I'd love to same I am guiltless of this, but I clearly remember blaming all ills in my life on a former
boyfriend, on an unethical boss I worked with for one year, and, to some extent, on my wonderful sister's popularity. The ability to blame is
always there. The choice to not blame but to look inside is a huge step in spiritual growth. I am not saying there is wisdom and spirituality in
staying in an abusive marriage or honor in accepting any unhealthy relationship, but I believe in attempting, daily, to admit my role in each
exchange I experience, accepting my part whether a choice was made with pure love or lack of.
So, my answer to battling the war of life's dissatisfaction: First, recognize your choices and contributions in the matter and don't cop out
with the victim excuse. Then, make the decision to change what can be changed (job, relationship, health, school), or, if situational changes
can not be made, change your attitude. When I first began reading "The Teaching of Buddha," and writings and interviews with His Holiness
the Dalai Lama, I remember learning the importance of Right Thinking. Deciding each and every day to make each and every action
complete with good intention. For instance- if I hate my job of waitressing because I find it unfulfilling, and therefore I hate my customers,
the first step, in my interpretation anyway, is to look at each patron with love. Purposely sending love to those sitting at my tables would
make me see them less as enemies and more as fellow souls I want to take care of and to bring light and love to, even if for the time it takes
to serve and consume one meal. If one were to go through the motions of being compassionate, seemingly hiding their real feelings of
resentment toward coworkers, customers, neighbors, etc., they would be disappointed in the ability of others to still "feel" the true intention
and become negative in response. Right Thinking implies that even if your actions are moral, you still have spiritual work to do if your
thoughts are not pure, directed from Spirit's love, as opposed to Ego's fear.
After years of drinking and smoking, my body would develop high blood pressure, heart disease, and probably more. If after having a scary
episode of a mild heart attack, instead of sinking into a depression about how unfair life is in allowing a hard-working soul like me to have
something so horrible happen just because I had a couple little vices, I should look with appreciation at the mild infarct as what it is...... a
wake-up call. A reminder, albeit a strong reminder, that I am not doing things in my best interest. In forgiving myself the mistakes I've made
that led up to my health problems and then thanking my nurses and doctors for their kind attention, the fear, which is not a useful emotion, will
dissipate as a much more proactive attitude of love and forgiveness will surface. Allowing a lesson to be learned with an open attitude
lacking judgement will do much to facilitate satisfaction in the simplicity of life's greatest gift, the gift of pure Love... a gift that has been
there the whole time during the storm of our discontent.
In love and light- Barb
I have had an almost identical discussion with two new friends recently about discontent in one's life. The feeling of discontent, in which
there could be more, should be more, to what life is giving us, is a commonly experienced "problem." I've been there, at least in some sense,
when it came to religion. I had grown up going to the small Catholic church of my small Nebraskan home town every weekend (daily in the
lower grades- we must have been awfully bad), assuming this was an unquestioned part of life and living- Church. Then, moving to Phoenix and
going to a larger city church where I was an anonymous parishioner, I experienced a true emptiness when attending mass every Sunday, as
thought there was no point to it all. Going to the church in my neighborhood, I listened to a cynical priest who seemed intolerant and
unwelcoming, followed by near death in the parking lot where everyone raced to beat their fellow man to the exit. There had to be more to
religion than this. Lack of compassion, lack of community, lack of love.
Then, in 1996, my sister gave me the book "The Celestine Prophecy" shortly followed by "Conversations With God," "Ishmael," and others.
These would be my introduction to thinking of "my world" in a whole new light. Over these last 10 plus years, I have reached an
understanding or developed a realization that I am completely responsible for the outcome of my experience, meaning I am not a victim of my
circumstance, but the co-creator of it, with Spirit. In some ways, it sucks to have no one to blame. But the liberation of knowing that I hold
all the cards and get to choose my life is worth the lack of scapegoats.
I've known many people who externalize blame onto another individual, family, childhood, or a group of people, defined by their
political/racial/ethnic orientation. I'd love to same I am guiltless of this, but I clearly remember blaming all ills in my life on a former
boyfriend, on an unethical boss I worked with for one year, and, to some extent, on my wonderful sister's popularity. The ability to blame is
always there. The choice to not blame but to look inside is a huge step in spiritual growth. I am not saying there is wisdom and spirituality in
staying in an abusive marriage or honor in accepting any unhealthy relationship, but I believe in attempting, daily, to admit my role in each
exchange I experience, accepting my part whether a choice was made with pure love or lack of.
So, my answer to battling the war of life's dissatisfaction: First, recognize your choices and contributions in the matter and don't cop out
with the victim excuse. Then, make the decision to change what can be changed (job, relationship, health, school), or, if situational changes
can not be made, change your attitude. When I first began reading "The Teaching of Buddha," and writings and interviews with His Holiness
the Dalai Lama, I remember learning the importance of Right Thinking. Deciding each and every day to make each and every action
complete with good intention. For instance- if I hate my job of waitressing because I find it unfulfilling, and therefore I hate my customers,
the first step, in my interpretation anyway, is to look at each patron with love. Purposely sending love to those sitting at my tables would
make me see them less as enemies and more as fellow souls I want to take care of and to bring light and love to, even if for the time it takes
to serve and consume one meal. If one were to go through the motions of being compassionate, seemingly hiding their real feelings of
resentment toward coworkers, customers, neighbors, etc., they would be disappointed in the ability of others to still "feel" the true intention
and become negative in response. Right Thinking implies that even if your actions are moral, you still have spiritual work to do if your
thoughts are not pure, directed from Spirit's love, as opposed to Ego's fear.
After years of drinking and smoking, my body would develop high blood pressure, heart disease, and probably more. If after having a scary
episode of a mild heart attack, instead of sinking into a depression about how unfair life is in allowing a hard-working soul like me to have
something so horrible happen just because I had a couple little vices, I should look with appreciation at the mild infarct as what it is...... a
wake-up call. A reminder, albeit a strong reminder, that I am not doing things in my best interest. In forgiving myself the mistakes I've made
that led up to my health problems and then thanking my nurses and doctors for their kind attention, the fear, which is not a useful emotion, will
dissipate as a much more proactive attitude of love and forgiveness will surface. Allowing a lesson to be learned with an open attitude
lacking judgement will do much to facilitate satisfaction in the simplicity of life's greatest gift, the gift of pure Love... a gift that has been
there the whole time during the storm of our discontent.
In love and light- Barb
March 13, 2007
Did you hear the one about the Buddhist vacuum cleaner?
It comes with no attachments!
(sorry)
I have had amazing (and not so pleasant) experiences recently to remind me of "impermanence," a fact in our ever-changing world.
To "attach" yourself to or to depend on some specific outcome feeds into a desire than can only be temporarily alleviated, at
best. To be attached to anything, or anyone, commits you to suffering. Find solace in connecting with Spirit or the Source.
Sounds good, right? Well, the truth is, this psycho-biological being that, as an example, I consider to be "me" requires
judgement and attachments and desires because ALL psycho-biological beings naturally have and need judgements and
attachments and desires that perpetuate life. If you don't allow this to some extant, you will proceed through a red light, drink
lighter fluid, have very little discrimination regarding substances or activities that keep us safe or put us at risk. But... these
are the demands of the psycho-biological being that, you guessed it, is not REALLY me. The real me is the Spirit me. The
true "I" is the point of consciousness that is watching this life that this impostor is living on my behalf, experiencing the
emotions set off by the impostor, but with the capability of letting go. I know that this impostor, this actor, truly survives and
thrives on these attachments and desires and judgements. The goal of my practice is to detach from my impostor, the
Pseudo-Barbara. To let these experiences flow without judging the judging, to watch my mind think, and understand the lack of
importance in controlling and applying effort to the process.
My spiritual practice is more and more about letting or allowing... not doing. It is UN-doing. I don't know how many more
lifetimes I have to master this, but I feel this lifetime has been a doozie in escalating my awareness in so many ways... thank you
Spirit, Angels and Archangels, Spirit Guides and Reiki Guides, Usui Sensai, Jesus Christ, Buddha and Paramahansa
Yogananda, and the many thousands of teachers that I have had the humbling honor of learning from throughout this and all
other lives.
You can not not learn. This is our path. All of life is our path. Let it be as it is meant to be, and allow your Spirit to embrace
all this life offers. Peace- B
Did you hear the one about the Buddhist vacuum cleaner?
It comes with no attachments!
(sorry)
I have had amazing (and not so pleasant) experiences recently to remind me of "impermanence," a fact in our ever-changing world.
To "attach" yourself to or to depend on some specific outcome feeds into a desire than can only be temporarily alleviated, at
best. To be attached to anything, or anyone, commits you to suffering. Find solace in connecting with Spirit or the Source.
Sounds good, right? Well, the truth is, this psycho-biological being that, as an example, I consider to be "me" requires
judgement and attachments and desires because ALL psycho-biological beings naturally have and need judgements and
attachments and desires that perpetuate life. If you don't allow this to some extant, you will proceed through a red light, drink
lighter fluid, have very little discrimination regarding substances or activities that keep us safe or put us at risk. But... these
are the demands of the psycho-biological being that, you guessed it, is not REALLY me. The real me is the Spirit me. The
true "I" is the point of consciousness that is watching this life that this impostor is living on my behalf, experiencing the
emotions set off by the impostor, but with the capability of letting go. I know that this impostor, this actor, truly survives and
thrives on these attachments and desires and judgements. The goal of my practice is to detach from my impostor, the
Pseudo-Barbara. To let these experiences flow without judging the judging, to watch my mind think, and understand the lack of
importance in controlling and applying effort to the process.
My spiritual practice is more and more about letting or allowing... not doing. It is UN-doing. I don't know how many more
lifetimes I have to master this, but I feel this lifetime has been a doozie in escalating my awareness in so many ways... thank you
Spirit, Angels and Archangels, Spirit Guides and Reiki Guides, Usui Sensai, Jesus Christ, Buddha and Paramahansa
Yogananda, and the many thousands of teachers that I have had the humbling honor of learning from throughout this and all
other lives.
You can not not learn. This is our path. All of life is our path. Let it be as it is meant to be, and allow your Spirit to embrace
all this life offers. Peace- B
April 1, 2007
If you've never gone to a kirtan, yogic chant/music event, DO IT!! I just experienced kirtan led by Jai Uttal and felt heaven in
my heart. Bringing friends who have never been to a kirtan, we all became absorbed by the beauty of his music, the repetition of
the Sanskrit lyrics, and the building rhythms that made sitting still impossible. Jai is obviously very passionate about what he
does, and, although I've never heard him before, I have been to kirtan and have CDs of Krishna Das, Ragani, and others. To
say music can be a spiritual experience is one thing. Enjoying kirtan and becoming part of its sea of rhythms caused me to
explode with energy. For a person who does Reiki, I felt energy flowing through my palm chakras, through my 7 main chakras,
and connecting me with every other person in the room. Jai's website is www.JaiUttal.com. Everyone should experience kirtan
at least once!
My friends and I also saw Gary Renard, author of "Disappearance of the Universe," for a workshop in Mesa and were floored
by the wonderful message, filled with humor. What a gift to have a weekend filled with so many meaningful messages with
beautiful people.
Namaste- B
If you've never gone to a kirtan, yogic chant/music event, DO IT!! I just experienced kirtan led by Jai Uttal and felt heaven in
my heart. Bringing friends who have never been to a kirtan, we all became absorbed by the beauty of his music, the repetition of
the Sanskrit lyrics, and the building rhythms that made sitting still impossible. Jai is obviously very passionate about what he
does, and, although I've never heard him before, I have been to kirtan and have CDs of Krishna Das, Ragani, and others. To
say music can be a spiritual experience is one thing. Enjoying kirtan and becoming part of its sea of rhythms caused me to
explode with energy. For a person who does Reiki, I felt energy flowing through my palm chakras, through my 7 main chakras,
and connecting me with every other person in the room. Jai's website is www.JaiUttal.com. Everyone should experience kirtan
at least once!
My friends and I also saw Gary Renard, author of "Disappearance of the Universe," for a workshop in Mesa and were floored
by the wonderful message, filled with humor. What a gift to have a weekend filled with so many meaningful messages with
beautiful people.
Namaste- B
May 12, 2007: When doing Reiki, I can not emphasize enough the importance of letting go of your ego and your
expectations. As practitioners, we, being the humans we are, may get caught in the trap of wanting, hoping for, or asking
confirmation of incredible results with your facilitation of Reiki energy. In very direct words, get over it. It is our responsibility
to become clear, open channels for this Divine energy. Accepting this honor with the humility of our heart energy, rather than
with the needs of our ego energy creates an experience that leads to the highest possible good for all involved. Sadly, we
tend to need as much from the recipient of Reiki as what they think they need from us. Please consider this a gentle reminder:
your ego has no place in your Reiki practice. When facilitating healing, adopt a state of mind in which you do not personalize
the session. Frankly, it has nothing to do with you, the Reiki practitioner. It has everything to do with the receiver. I am not
saying to not connect personally with the recipient beforehand... of course you want to make them comfortable, develop a
rapport, discuss their needs, problems, etc. But, once the Reiki has begun, try to not get caught up in the "I wonder what she is
experiencing. I hope she loves this Reiki session!" mindset. It is a trap of the ego to lead us to wanting a certain outcome. As
you feel the Reiki begin to flow, set your mind in a state of thankfulness and humility, and end without any concern of the
outcome of the session. It is their experience, not yours.
Namaste--- B
expectations. As practitioners, we, being the humans we are, may get caught in the trap of wanting, hoping for, or asking
confirmation of incredible results with your facilitation of Reiki energy. In very direct words, get over it. It is our responsibility
to become clear, open channels for this Divine energy. Accepting this honor with the humility of our heart energy, rather than
with the needs of our ego energy creates an experience that leads to the highest possible good for all involved. Sadly, we
tend to need as much from the recipient of Reiki as what they think they need from us. Please consider this a gentle reminder:
your ego has no place in your Reiki practice. When facilitating healing, adopt a state of mind in which you do not personalize
the session. Frankly, it has nothing to do with you, the Reiki practitioner. It has everything to do with the receiver. I am not
saying to not connect personally with the recipient beforehand... of course you want to make them comfortable, develop a
rapport, discuss their needs, problems, etc. But, once the Reiki has begun, try to not get caught up in the "I wonder what she is
experiencing. I hope she loves this Reiki session!" mindset. It is a trap of the ego to lead us to wanting a certain outcome. As
you feel the Reiki begin to flow, set your mind in a state of thankfulness and humility, and end without any concern of the
outcome of the session. It is their experience, not yours.
Namaste--- B
July 17, 2007-
I've been making plans for the "Day Retreat for Spiritual Seekers" event next month, and I've been amazed at the number of
beautiful Spiritual Journey stories that have been falling in my lap recently. A wonderful person in my life who happened to
have received Reiki from me in the last year has been on a fantastic journey since we began Reiki, and I'm so happy to see her
true inner self blossom more and more each day. The simple act of receiving the healing gift of Reiki seemed to have been a
humble catalyst for dramatic changes in her spiritual world.
Recently she became reacquainted with a woman she's met with yearly on her job. The woman told her, "I don't mean to be
rude, but you've seemed sad every year that I've seen you... until now." My friend has jumped from a good life, but a life that has
kept her locked in some of the same, self-punishing habits we all suffer from at some point, to a life filled with love, light,
forgiveness, and angels. This transformation glows so apparently that this woman simply had to acknowledge it.
What I find so extraordinary in all this is how my friend's ability to communicate with her angels has gone from nonexistent to
the most natural and easy thing in the world. She spends some point nearly every hour of every day talking to her angels and
listening. She receives messages in numbers constantly. Her ability and awareness of the need to forgive has been one of the
largest factors, with the assistance of Gary Renard's "Disappearance of the Universe" and "A Course In Miracles."
I am constantly amazed at the stories I have been honored to have been even a little part, even if only as a spiritual counselor.
If you would like to share your story with me, please go to my contact page. I would like to begin a page called Our Stories:
Spiritual Journeys. I'd love to share your truth, your story, your journey with the world.
Namaste- B
I've been making plans for the "Day Retreat for Spiritual Seekers" event next month, and I've been amazed at the number of
beautiful Spiritual Journey stories that have been falling in my lap recently. A wonderful person in my life who happened to
have received Reiki from me in the last year has been on a fantastic journey since we began Reiki, and I'm so happy to see her
true inner self blossom more and more each day. The simple act of receiving the healing gift of Reiki seemed to have been a
humble catalyst for dramatic changes in her spiritual world.
Recently she became reacquainted with a woman she's met with yearly on her job. The woman told her, "I don't mean to be
rude, but you've seemed sad every year that I've seen you... until now." My friend has jumped from a good life, but a life that has
kept her locked in some of the same, self-punishing habits we all suffer from at some point, to a life filled with love, light,
forgiveness, and angels. This transformation glows so apparently that this woman simply had to acknowledge it.
What I find so extraordinary in all this is how my friend's ability to communicate with her angels has gone from nonexistent to
the most natural and easy thing in the world. She spends some point nearly every hour of every day talking to her angels and
listening. She receives messages in numbers constantly. Her ability and awareness of the need to forgive has been one of the
largest factors, with the assistance of Gary Renard's "Disappearance of the Universe" and "A Course In Miracles."
I am constantly amazed at the stories I have been honored to have been even a little part, even if only as a spiritual counselor.
If you would like to share your story with me, please go to my contact page. I would like to begin a page called Our Stories:
Spiritual Journeys. I'd love to share your truth, your story, your journey with the world.
Namaste- B
July 20, 2007-
Tonight, spiritually-minded friends and I are attending a drumming circle with Shamanic Connection. I invite anyone who cares
to join us now or in the future at some of these events to contact me. I, of course, hold my own classes and events but I
LOVE to attend wonderful events with others in the community, always looking for something that resonates with my journey.
We attended a Deeksha ceremony 2 weeks ago, receiving blessed energy by those attuned to giving Deeksha. How right it
felt to me! If you're ever curious about what I may know of upcoming events, drop me a note and I'll let you know what we're up
to and what my spiritual friends in our community are doing. I believe in building a caring, communicating community that enjoys
each other's activities... no competition, just sharing.
Namaste
Tonight, spiritually-minded friends and I are attending a drumming circle with Shamanic Connection. I invite anyone who cares
to join us now or in the future at some of these events to contact me. I, of course, hold my own classes and events but I
LOVE to attend wonderful events with others in the community, always looking for something that resonates with my journey.
We attended a Deeksha ceremony 2 weeks ago, receiving blessed energy by those attuned to giving Deeksha. How right it
felt to me! If you're ever curious about what I may know of upcoming events, drop me a note and I'll let you know what we're up
to and what my spiritual friends in our community are doing. I believe in building a caring, communicating community that enjoys
each other's activities... no competition, just sharing.
Namaste
January 29, 2008
I am dealing with my best friend's illness right now. My mother, whom I am extremely close to, has inoperable lung cancer and
expected to live only 12 -18 months. My life has been changed forever. Amazingly, although I have cried many times, I have
laughed and enjoyed the pleasures of life much more since the diagnosis. I dread the day I am orphaned in the physical world,
yet I am hoping with all my heart that her transition from physical life to the non-physical continuation of life is, if possible, free
of fear and full of love. I have witnessed the stages of grief in her, but not exactly in order... kind of shuffled up. Seeing a
loved one experience the knowledge of their mortality in a personal and very real way is unsettling. We all know that our death
is "out there" in the future somewhere, yet we avoid thinking about it in-depth or exploring more deeply the purpose of each
moment of our daily lives. Distractions are the constant decoys we fill our lives with... from senseless arguments, gossiping, or
habitual complaints that feed our desire for negative pleasure, to mindless activities ranging from needless shopping to hours
surfing the web. We spend so little time simply with our own souls that we don't even know our Selves very well at all. We
become upset and don't really know why. We don't recognize the correlation of our bodily diseases and dysfunctions and our
mental and emotional patterns. Sharing Mom's journey with her has drawn me into her experience in an amazing way, and helped
me to understand the importance of living in the moment. My non-religious, Midwestern mother has become my teacher of
important Buddhist lessons. Dear God, how I will miss her... regardless of my appreciation of the permanence of
impermanence.
I am dealing with my best friend's illness right now. My mother, whom I am extremely close to, has inoperable lung cancer and
expected to live only 12 -18 months. My life has been changed forever. Amazingly, although I have cried many times, I have
laughed and enjoyed the pleasures of life much more since the diagnosis. I dread the day I am orphaned in the physical world,
yet I am hoping with all my heart that her transition from physical life to the non-physical continuation of life is, if possible, free
of fear and full of love. I have witnessed the stages of grief in her, but not exactly in order... kind of shuffled up. Seeing a
loved one experience the knowledge of their mortality in a personal and very real way is unsettling. We all know that our death
is "out there" in the future somewhere, yet we avoid thinking about it in-depth or exploring more deeply the purpose of each
moment of our daily lives. Distractions are the constant decoys we fill our lives with... from senseless arguments, gossiping, or
habitual complaints that feed our desire for negative pleasure, to mindless activities ranging from needless shopping to hours
surfing the web. We spend so little time simply with our own souls that we don't even know our Selves very well at all. We
become upset and don't really know why. We don't recognize the correlation of our bodily diseases and dysfunctions and our
mental and emotional patterns. Sharing Mom's journey with her has drawn me into her experience in an amazing way, and helped
me to understand the importance of living in the moment. My non-religious, Midwestern mother has become my teacher of
important Buddhist lessons. Dear God, how I will miss her... regardless of my appreciation of the permanence of
impermanence.
June 28, 2008-
Wow, it's been a long time since I've written. My life has been changed forever since my mom passed away this spring. It's opened my eyes to many,
many things, and I've been contemplating the reality of illusion.
Why do we fall victim to illusion? Even that sentence is inherently wrong as we are really not victims. We choose all day long, even though we are not
aware of it. That's the real issue here, our lack of awareness and our tendency to look outward for our answers rather than going within. Every time
we look to others for their opinions rather than making a primary evaluation or choice ourselves, we receive opinions based on someone else's
agenda, bias, history. All of us have a perspective of life, but very few of us truly see things as they are. We love labels which is the beginning of our
problem. We see "good/bad", "beautiful/ugly", "right/wrong" and feel very comfortable with qualifying people, actions, and objects so that we may
feel safe in this world. Living in a world in which we apply the rule of duality demands that opposites exist, demand disconnection and separation
between us. If I know that I'm right and you're wrong, I am justified to judge you, blame you, hate you, dominate you. If I recognize that my truth is
actually only my opinion, and that each of us has our own version of a truth, then a greater level of understanding develops. Realizing that my truth has
only been my opinion all along increases my level of responsibility to become aware of when I am being objective and when I am creating a drama. I can
also understand more clearly why there is so much anger, blame, and conflict on so many levels in this life. Whether competing truths result in a
broken parent-child relationship, conflict on the Gaza Strip, or human rights abuses, opposing parties each feel they are right or at least justified for
their position. We remain so caught up in the drama, we rarely stop for a moment to recognize that we are functioning on opinion alone.
Indulge and consider our duality-making process a disease. Seeing everything as being Good or Evil guarantees discontent. I am not saying that
anyone should be passive in this life and do nothing when in danger or unhappy or in need of help. Not at all. We should participate in life with vigor,
but accept The Truth that all parts of our lives, both the pleasant and unpleasant, are there for a purpose. We may not be able to understand that
now, but calming your mind and releasing your strong tendency to judge and condemn on any level will help you to find peace and more acceptance of
others who are simply living their own lives with their own truths, regardless how much we enjoy their version of the truth or not.
Wow, it's been a long time since I've written. My life has been changed forever since my mom passed away this spring. It's opened my eyes to many,
many things, and I've been contemplating the reality of illusion.
Why do we fall victim to illusion? Even that sentence is inherently wrong as we are really not victims. We choose all day long, even though we are not
aware of it. That's the real issue here, our lack of awareness and our tendency to look outward for our answers rather than going within. Every time
we look to others for their opinions rather than making a primary evaluation or choice ourselves, we receive opinions based on someone else's
agenda, bias, history. All of us have a perspective of life, but very few of us truly see things as they are. We love labels which is the beginning of our
problem. We see "good/bad", "beautiful/ugly", "right/wrong" and feel very comfortable with qualifying people, actions, and objects so that we may
feel safe in this world. Living in a world in which we apply the rule of duality demands that opposites exist, demand disconnection and separation
between us. If I know that I'm right and you're wrong, I am justified to judge you, blame you, hate you, dominate you. If I recognize that my truth is
actually only my opinion, and that each of us has our own version of a truth, then a greater level of understanding develops. Realizing that my truth has
only been my opinion all along increases my level of responsibility to become aware of when I am being objective and when I am creating a drama. I can
also understand more clearly why there is so much anger, blame, and conflict on so many levels in this life. Whether competing truths result in a
broken parent-child relationship, conflict on the Gaza Strip, or human rights abuses, opposing parties each feel they are right or at least justified for
their position. We remain so caught up in the drama, we rarely stop for a moment to recognize that we are functioning on opinion alone.
Indulge and consider our duality-making process a disease. Seeing everything as being Good or Evil guarantees discontent. I am not saying that
anyone should be passive in this life and do nothing when in danger or unhappy or in need of help. Not at all. We should participate in life with vigor,
but accept The Truth that all parts of our lives, both the pleasant and unpleasant, are there for a purpose. We may not be able to understand that
now, but calming your mind and releasing your strong tendency to judge and condemn on any level will help you to find peace and more acceptance of
others who are simply living their own lives with their own truths, regardless how much we enjoy their version of the truth or not.
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