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CANADIAN REIKI ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

Spring 2012 Issue

Canadian reiki association newsletter

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT The cold, dark winter days have now come to pass, and with open arms we receive the gifts from Mother Earth starting with the Spring Solstice to celebrate a new season. With all our new Reiki Practitioners who have joined the C.R.A. this year and to our members of long standing, we wish you many blessings for new beginnings and growth. We are preparing for the Annual General Meeting to be held on May 12th at the Holiday Inn on Wyecroft Road in Oakville, Ontario. This is an event the Board looks forward to every year. It is an opportunity to meet our members and friends who come together for a day of business, shopping and wonderful entertainment. This year we have Aynsley Saxe performing for us. Aynsley is a singer/songwriter and a C.R.A. Reiki Master from Toronto. Her hauntingly beautiful voice has been compared to Sarah McLachlan and Jewel, and is sure to take our members on a journey of the heart. This event is not to be missed. To register and purchase your ticket for the A.G.M. please visit our web store. We look forward to seeing you. Love & Light, Bonnie Smith C.R.A. President


IN THIS ISSUE Message From The President………..……………………………………………………………….2

CRA info…………………………………………………………………………………………………………4

Dear Members……………………………………………………………………………………………….5

Reiki & Multiple Sclerosis Pilot Project Update………………………………………………6 A Reiki Poem………………………………………………………………………………………………….7

The Zen of Horses: The Gentle Art of Animal Reiki…………………………………………8

Cloverdale Health & Wellness Fair……………………………………………………………….10

Rei Ki—The Channeling of the Universal Life Energy….………………………………..11

Rei Ki Master Celebration…………………………………………………………………………….12

Emotions & How They Drive Our Lives………………………………………………………….14

Reiki Minuette by Ann Mayo………………………………………………………………………..17

Gratitude……………………………………………………………………………………………………..19

Positive Health News……………………………………………………………………………………20

Tennessee’s Legacy—Bruce Lee…………………………………………………………………..22

Reiki Myths & Misconceptions Part 1…………………………………………………………..25

Are you ready to take a new look at healthcare?............................................28

Daily Necessities…………………………………………………………………………………………..30

Mailing Address: Box 54570, 7155 Kingsway ‐ Burnaby, BC V5E 4J6

P: 1.800.835.7525 or Local: 604.669.9049 F: 1.866.734.4540 E: [email protected] or [email protected] W: www.reiki.ca

We welcome your comments and feedback.

The editors reserve the right to select and edit submissions suitable for the newsletter.

Canadian Reiki Association

We provide our members with a national voice and encourage high educational standards. Through our Code of Ethics, we are promoting ethical practice and

teaching. We assist the public with referrals to CRA Registered Practitioners and Teachers and we are committed to enlightening and educating our communities

about Reiki.

Board of Directors: Bonnie Smith

Barbara Weston Louise Vigneault Carell Mehl Virginia Smith

Editorial Committee: Editor: Gregory Cupples

Website: Susan Chepelsky, Sue Studios


ADVERTISING INFORMATION AAAdvertise your business, sell merchandise or place job ads in the newsletter. On review of the content, non‐members can also advertise in our newsletter.

Ad Size Members Non

Members

Full 4.5” x 7.5” $70 $140

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NEWSLETTER DEADLINES We are always looking for fresh articles that would be of interest to our members. If you wish to publish your article or advertise in our newsletter, below are the deadlines for each issue:

ISSUE Date of

issue Deadline for ads & articles

Spring March 21 February 15

Summer June 21 May 15

Fall September 21 August 15

Winter December 21 November 15

FOLLOW THE CRA UPDATES AND NEWS

CRA Website: www.reiki.ca FACEBOOK: Canadian Reiki Association (or search for us under the email address of [email protected]) TWITTER: reikicanada

THE CRA ONLINE COMMUNITY CRA YAHOO GROUP: This is a members only discussion group. http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/cra_news/ Visit the above URL and click “Join this group” or subscribe at: cra_news‐[email protected]. REIKI EXCHANGES AND SHARES LISTINGS: The ongoing shares and exchanges are posted and updated regularly on our website www.reiki.ca If you wish to know of an upcoming event near you and you do not have access to the internet you may call our toll free number and we will provide you with the information: 1‐800‐835‐7525


Dear Members You will notice something new in this issue. In addition to our existing Reiki articles, we are diversifying our newsletter to include stories of other integrative modalities that some of our practitioners use either along with or in addition to their Reiki practice. Enjoy! If you would like to support the A.G.M. and your business in our door prizes event you may be interested in this suggestion if you are not able to supply a product. Our members who will be attending the A.G.M. come from any one of our beautiful provinces across Canada. We suggest donating a gift card from a nationally recognized business such as Tim Horton’s, or Starbuck’s etc. Include your business card or pamphlet with the gift card. A list of contributors and their business will be mentioned in our quarterly newsletter. Blessings! Your Board of Directors


Reiki and Multiple Sclerosis Pilot Project Update: We are well under way with the Reiki and Multiple Sclerosis Pilot Project. Not surprisingly we are having some good results. Every patient has commented on how relaxed they are after each session. We currently have a small group of 10 regular patient volunteers and are still looking for more patient and practitioner volunteers. We are currently operating this project with no financial sponsorship (self supported) so are keeping the project to the Vancouver Lower Mainland area, unless C.R.A. registered Practitioners in other areas of the province are able to travel to us for training and screening purposes. If you are interested in being part of this project please contact us for a prescreening interview.

Reiki Blessings, Interested C.R.A. Practitioners – contact: Virginia Smith [email protected] www.virginiasmith.ca Interested MS Patients – contact: Gregory Cupples [email protected] www.reikibygregory.com

REJUVENATING FACE MASSAGE COURSE Through the Canadian Centre of

Indian Head Massage.

Classes available across Canada. CEUs approved with many Canadian

organizations.

Contact Debbie Boehlen at 905.714.0298 or visit website at

www.indianheadmassagecanada.com for workshop dates and locations


A Reiki Poem Shared by Taline Bedakelian I recently found this poem that I feel really represents a Reiki practitioner. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. :D

I am not a Healer, I am but a shell,

My Spirit Friends work through me and help make people well.

They use me as a channel their Healing Gifts to pour

into the bodies of needy folk, I'm a Channel ‐ nothing more.

Please don't call me a Healer, I'm no different from you,

I just give my time to serve my God and see what I can do.

To help the Spirit Brethren pass on their Healing Balm

And pray that souls I meet each day, experience no harm.

Don't think of me as a Healer, my hands are nothing new,

I'm used just like an instrument to help folk such as you.

And when the time approaches for this earthly frame to die

My Soul will cry out "Thank You God for using such as I."

Unknown Author


The Zen of Horses: The Gentle Art of Animal Reiki By Anne Cobham

Nestled against a wooded hillside in the Cape Breton Highlands, is a very special place called Willow Retreat. My husband and I made our way from our original U.K., via Ontario, to settle in this beautiful corner of Nova Scotia. Our off‐grid log home is set in twenty‐five acres, surrounded by wilderness preserve. A short walk away is our private one hundred acre woodlot, which features old growth trees, spring‐fed streams and peaceful forest trails. We are on the outskirts of a village with 450 residents; quite a contrast from the densely populated Greater Toronto Area! Moving from the bustle and noise of the southern Ontario suburbs has been quite a process, but now that we’re here, I really appreciate the peace and quiet of country life. I have been a Reiki practitioner since 2004, and a Master Teacher since 2007. I also practice and teach meditation, and have recently become interested in the study of sacred sound. As I write this, the snow is falling gently, and I am able to breathe in the hushed stillness of the winter landscape. We are secluded, but not isolated, and I am finding new ways to practice in this rural area, one of which is giving Reiki to animals. I was recently asked to give Reiki to a horse. It was a wonderful experience. The animal in question had been a racehorse, but is now a brood mare, and had been experiencing lung problems. She had been attended by a vet, but I was approached by the grand‐daughter of the horse’s owner, who is herself a Reiki II practitioner, and she thought I might be able to help. So, on a snowy January morning, I drove up to the barn and met with Heather and her grandfather’s horse, Cupgirl. It is important when meeting any new animal, let alone one as large and potentially dangerous as a horse, to be mindful of the creature’s sensibilities. You can’t just walk into the stall and start giving Reiki. Let the owner or handler walk in first, calm the animal, and then, with permission from the handler, you may approach. Always ask permission from the handler before you make any sudden moves or begin to give Reiki. After I had chatted to Heather for a short while, I asked her if it would be okay for me to enter the stall. I walked slowly into the stall and introduced myself to the animal, and spoke softly to her, using her pet name.


I then let her get to know me a little, sniff me, and I spent some time petting her before I began Reiki. It is important to give an animal time to “suss you out” first for a short while before you start to give Reiki. When I felt that Cupgirl was comfortable with my presence, I set my intention, brought in Reiki, and began to scan the animal for hot spots. Although the complaint was her breathing, I felt that there was an intestinal issue as well. As I passed my hands over the horse’s belly, her tummy rumbled and she broke a lot of wind! Good job I wasn’t at the tail end! The rumbling and gurgling continued as I finished my scan and began to give her Reiki. Animals respond very well to the Reiki energy, and they seem to sense the healing and will often direct you to the appropriate place. Cupgirl responded in a very loving way, giving me gentle nudges with her nose as I worked on her. When I knelt down and placed my hands on her (quite swollen) belly, again there were more rolling and gurgling noises from her insides. I asked Heather if the horse might be pregnant, and she said it was definitely possible. I didn’t sense that, but just in case, I set an intention for Reiki to go to the gestating foal, if there was one. It is important when giving Reiki to animals that you remain focused in the moment. Animals exist in the “now”, and in order to effectively connect with their energy, it is helpful to try and stay in the present moment as much as you can. Humans are not good at this, as our minds constantly dart all over the place, but we can learn to get better at it through various meditation disciplines. The Buddhist concept of mindfulness is something that, with practice, can help tremendously to keep our wayward human thoughts anchored in the “now”, even if only for a short while. Cupgirl stood patiently while I gave her a full Reiki treatment, and I must add that Heather was also very patient, standing at the horse’s head the whole time. I was grateful that Heather had her Reiki II, as I knew she understood what I was doing and that it took time. When I finished, I was surprised to find that an hour had passed. Cupgirl herself let me know when she had had enough, by gently moving away. I finished the treatment by sweeping Cupgirl’s entire body in order to remove any negative energy from her body. She thanked me by nuzzling me and nudging my face.


It is essential to thank the animal and the handler when you have finished the treatment. Remember the last of the Five Principles: be grateful to all beings. It is a privilege to be able to give Reiki to an animal, and they respond in the most beautiful and often surprising ways. It is also important to note that often you cannot simply give the standard one hour treatment to an animal. You must stay in tune with the animal and realize when they have let you know they’ve had enough; a dog or cat for example, may move away after only a few moments. Now that I am settled in Cape Breton, I hope to be able to include more animals in my Reiki practice. Of course, I will still be giving treatments to humans as well, so if you are ever in Cape Breton, please come for a visit. We have acres of organic gardens to wander through, miles of woodland trails, and while you’re here, relax with a Reiki treatment, aromatherapy massage, or a meditation workshop. And if your pet is stressed too, bring them along for a treatment!

Anne Cobham RT‐CRA Willow Retreat Well hidden on the Cabot Trail In beautiful Cape Breton, Nova Scotia http://www.willowretreat.com http://www.willowreiki.com

Cloverdale Health & Wellness Fair—Surrey, BC January 14th, 2012

Four of our members represented the C.R.A. well at the first annual Cloverdale Health & Wellness Fair in Surrey, BC. Special thank you to the following members: Virginia Smith, James Rowley, Jessica Wang and Gregory Cupples.


Rei Ki ‐ The Channeling of the Universal Life Energy By Yvonne Ste Claire Provost Rei Ki is like an intense meditation that opens me up to other aspects of my Self. It is like a portal into unexplored regions of my Self. It is the incentive that allows me to share my sense of healing touch and it gives others permission or the encouragement to share theirs with others. It facilitates a symbiotic healing in my Self and those with whom I share my healing energy. It teaches of the potential in opening up to the Divinity of who we are, the Divinity of our indwelling I AM presence. Ultimately, I become the Universal Life Energy. I find the truth of my Self. I AM IT! And all that I touch becomes blessed by the power of my Healing Light.


Rei Ki Master Celebration By Yvonne Ste Claire Provost Today is the culmination of our eighteen month walk! I thank my Teacher for sharing her joyful Wisdom and Patience with us. Her Kindness, Caring and Love are, to me, her main attributes that made the journey seem easier than it could have been. I also thank each of my peers for coming to share this experience with me. This journey was about me on the one hand and about us on the other. Somewhere, written, in the invisible dimensions before time and space, we did ordain this to be so. Thanks also to the special One for graciously taking her time to be our Rei Ki ‘Godmother’. I embarked on this journey with eager anticipation and a sense of quiet relief. I had hoped for several years that this person, who would eventually become my Rei Ki teacher, would acquiesce and have a Master’s class much earlier. However, my lesson from the extenuating period was Patience. Also, now that I am older and wiser, it is to see the perfection in everything unfolding, as it must. So the extended wait served to slow me down and to help me see the broader strokes with which to paint on my spiritual canvas. It forced me to dig deeper into my Soul to see the true purpose of the walk. It allowed me to dispense with the frivolity of the idea of being just a Rei Ki Master. Additionally, to integrate the thought and feeling in my mental and emotional bodies, of this being yet another chapter in my journey of the Ascension into my own Divinity. It was not a singular event birthed from ego; it was another lantern to help me through the dark of my own spiritual journey. Mine seemed and felt more extensive as it was coupled with the fires of Spirit engulfing my entire being and culminating in the release of my ‘victim mentality.’ This was how the manifestation of the illness, Shingles, felt to me. As the fires of Spirit raged within me, I was racked with pain and I tried desperately to understand why I had chosen this violent assault to my body, but as I emerged and I could find my heart again, I realized that I am freer than before … a new me … still feeling a transformation occurring within my being, knows now that there is no one outside of me to blame for any of my issues because I am in charge… So here I am today, knowing and BE‐ing more of ME, understanding and knowing the reality of my own Divinity and still integrating the idea of my own responsibility for my life and my creations. I am here reveling in the idea of my I AM‐ness. Like a butterfly emerging from the cocoon, I am here drying off my little wings getting ready to soar.


Throughout the period where we had to read several books and to practice our various newly learnt techniques and concepts, I have to say that the moment that was most important for me, the time when I had my ‘Aha’ moment, the time when I peaked in my emotions, in my knowledge and the entire experience toward Rei Ki Mastery, was when I meditated from the book, ‘The God Code’. The book helped me to move from the ego of my left‐brain, with its resentment and pride, and plunged me into the depth of the cells and chromosomes of my body with the reality of their God‐ness. As such, it helped me to expose the blockage and fear of my own intellect, to see it for what it was, to embrace it as mine, to assuage it into acceptance. Then in doing so, I saw myself literally open up to the divinity within my own physicality. The visual of each cell being a point of Light still stays with me. That experience was like someone taking hold of my rear‐end and pushing me straight up a mountain, and I am still in gratitude for its gift. From this point, I move forward into new potentials and I take with me an in depth knowledge of Rei Ki and the possibilities of BE‐ing much more with the practice of Rei Ki as my foundation…. The time spent in Be‐coming a Master has enabled me to release many more emotional blockages and therefore given me access to more of the Master within… Like a flower that keeps opening or a sun rising at dawn, I need only to BE me and in so doing I shall share my beauty and perfection. By my own actions, and through guidance … if I am so led … I shall ignite the Light of others who will come and in so doing, I shall give them permission to let their own Light shine. My hope is that together we can all create a beautiful New Earth…. Finally, I am here in celebration of me, of all of us, students and Master / Teacher. I am here in celebration of Rei Ki and the Masters before me who used it to heal. I am here in celebration of Life, of Love and the One‐ness of not only us as a group but of all of Creation. I celebrate the perfection of the universe! It is unfolding as it should. In my mind it is all Rei‐Ki!

Yvonne Ste Claire Provost http://www.youareillimitable.com/


Emotions & How They Drive Our Lives By Jackie Kania Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist

Ever wonder why & how you learned to react the way you do? Ever wonder how you can release stress and find relief?

There are six basic negative emotions that drive our lives: ANGER: Ever question why something made you angry? FEAR: Ever been afraid and don’t know why? SADNESS: It is reasonable to feel sad when we lose someone we love.

Have you ever felt a deep sadness when there is no real reason for it?

GUILT: We all feel guilty, but is it always for a good reason; or sometimes

does our guilt make no sense at all? ANXIETY: There are many things to feel anxious about, but sometimes it

is disabling, ever happen to you? SHAME: We have all done things we are ashamed of, what about feeling

ashamed and knowing you did nothing to be ashamed of? These emotions are “thoughts driven by emotion” and thoughts whether positive or negative immediately translate themselves into their physical equivalent, whether you are conscious of them or not. So your thoughts and emotions are translated through your physical body as sensations created by the electrical impulses of our brains. You have little or no control over these autonomic impulses at the conscious level. Your heart rate might go up, you might suddenly flush, your skin might prickle, and you might feel dizzy or disoriented, depending on the intensity of the emotion attached to the thought or underlying belief. We are all driven in some area of our life by our subconscious……….Thoughts,

Beliefs, Emotions and Fears. Many of those were instilled in our subconscious

before we were 7 or 8 years old. This is the time before discernment is

developed. Discernment, our ability to choose based on experience what you

choose to believe and that which do not choose to believe.


Any and all experiences attached to an emotion whether positive or negative;

before discernment is developed are most probably driving your reactions, if

these reactions are negative reactions they may be interfering with your

abilities to succeed in some area or areas of your life.

Now; we often realize we are reacting or behaving in a way we don’t want to;

in a way that is holding us back from having the success we desire in our

businesses, our finances and our personal relationships.

In my experience you can tell me when you noticed a particular reaction or

emotional response as a problem; and you have probably related this

response to a particular event in your life. Can you think of an event that you

believe altered your life in a negative way? Ya, everyone can and in my

experience that event may not be the root cause or the initial sensitizing

event that created the response. It was the event that triggered the response

to be noticed by your conscious mind or what I call, the symptom producing

event.

Let’s take an abandonment issue that I dealt with: My client found herself

leaving all of her intimate relationships as soon as she realized she was

emotionally invested in them, you know when she realized she could get hurt

if this person left her. So she dumped them before they could dump her!

Now she really wanted to get married and have a family. How do you think

that was going for her?? Not real well!!

She thought it all started in grade eight when she had her first boyfriend; he

was a guy that her older sister had gone out with. She thought he really liked

her and one day she heard him tell a friend that he was only going out with

her because he wanted to be near the older sister and soon he dumped her

for another older girl.

Once in hypnosis and regressed back in time she found herself as a two year

old in a shopping cart with her Mom in the supermarket. Her Mom realized

she had forgotten to get a can of soup from the other

side of the aisle. Now it was just around the corner

and so Mom left the cart, the two year old and all and

walked around the end of the aisle, picked up the can

of soup and came back. Not a problem you say???


However a two year old has no sense of time, no idea where Mom has gone,

she is terrified and in her mind Mom is GONE….. How the subconscious mind

works now is to SERVE AND PROTECT HER, protect her from EVER feeling this

terror again, so her subconscious makes sure that every time she develops a

relationship that is close enough for her to experience a probability of loss

she feels the old terror and she reacts by ending the relationship before she

gets left behind.

Once seen in hypnosis this was easy to reframe and remove the emotional

charge behind it, once reframed that reaction is replaced by the positive

reaction chosen by the client. A new positive reaction and she goes forward

without all the stress of that HOT BUTTON!!!

The root cause of the emotional response is hidden in our subconscious mind

and when you discover it in hypnosis you will be surprised and you will

probably say something like “I would never have thought of that or I did not

even remember that event”.

This is why hypnosis is so much more effective than say: affirmations or

working on your issue using positive reinforcement techniques. Hypnosis

works quickly and easily, there is nothing to work on. You reframe and release

the emotional charge and choose your new positive response.

To learn more about hypnosis and hypnotherapy you can contact Jackie Kania @ 604‐534‐2990 or check out my website

www.trilogichypnosis.com

Trilogic Consulting – Trilogic Hypnosis Committed to Transformation & Fulfillment


Reiki Minuette By Ann Mayo I’m certain all of us remain aware that there still tends to be misconception about what Reiki is and isn’t, and because of this, we are careful how we define what Reiki is, how we use it and what the outcomes may be. I’m sure that many of us, during a treatment, have ‘sensed’ something ‐ a presence, a word or a brief scenario. We, each in our own way, blessed the occasion and, if we shared it, we did it with someone who we knew well and would have understood the significance of what we saw, heard or felt. I’m certain there are many of us who haven’t, at least once, been asked, “What did you see, What signs were there, What are my lucky numbers or Am I going to get the job?” following a treatment. I’m equally certain that each of us has carefully, gently and clearly explained that Reiki isn’t a means of fortune telling. Sometimes, though, practitioners become so enthused about what they saw or heard, they share the event with a client who may not understand this and become very concerned. Some clients may be able to relate to the incident, and it might stir up unpleasant memories in others. I am aware of such an incident when a practitioner described for a client what she saw during the treatment. The client had to relive the tragic death of his sister. The client, a gentleman in his later 70s, is known to me, and he remains somewhat traumatized by the event. I’ve been encouraging him to return for Reiki treatments; he says he isn’t ready for it, yet. I can’t remember ever being with a group of practitioners and talking about this issue, but having seen what could happen with a lapse in discretion, I would like to bring it to our attention. On a lighter note, I did have a client who, as I was working around her head, kept opening her eyes, smiling broadly and asking what signs I was getting. I closed my eyes and nodded NO. At the end of the treatment she asked for about the tenth time what signs I got. In exasperation, I said, “Safeway has toilet paper on sale for $4.79.” Ann Mayo RP ‐ CRA


Featured Performer Canadian Reiki Association’s Annual General Meeting

Saturday May 12th, 2012 Show time: 1:30pm

Aynsley Saxe is a singer/songwriter and Reiki teacher based in Toronto. As a

performing artist her sound is reminiscent of Sarah McLachlan and Jewel. Her

music has been described as “intimate”, “captivating” and “hauntingly

beautiful” and listeners often feel they’ve been taken on a journey of the

heart during her performances.

Aynsley will be performing tracks from her highly anticipated album, Take Me

As I Am. Her songwriting blends inspirational and heartfelt melodies with

light, gut‐wrenchingly funny songs. With a voice that has been noted as

“truly unique” (Whale is one of her totems), you'll find yourself laughing one

moment and reaching for Kleenex or chocolate the next.

When she’s not performing or teaching Reiki, Aynsley also creates guided

meditations and relaxing instrumental music. Her music has been showcased

in a number of independent films shown around the world and she has

received critical acclaim from many well‐known artists, including Andy Kim

(Be My Baby, Sugar Sugar), Haydain Neale (of Jacksoul) and Sue Ennis (who co

‐wrote 50+ songs with Heart).

For more information: www.AynsleySaxe.com & www.OpenEssence.ca


Gratitude By Virginia Smith Today, as I sit in Ghasso saying Mikao Usui’s 5 Precepts, I focus an especially long time on “Just for today be grateful.” While I think we should be grateful and I want to be grateful, all the time, I find that there are times when it is certainly challenging. Last night, someone stole the cushions from my chairs on the front porch. What’s to be grateful about that? My initial thoughts: What the? How dare they! I can’t believe it! That’s not fair! Why would they do that? Who would do that? And a few other words I won’t repeat. But because I am who I am, I wonder what I’m supposed to learn from this? How can I be grateful? And so I continue thinking… and feeling… One of my thoughts wants to believe that someone took them because they wanted them for their own chairs because they didn’t have the money to buy their own. Compassion. Another thought says they took them to sell to someone else – ok, I can still get my head around that – the person who will buy them will get them really cheap and that’s ok because they also, cannot afford to buy new ones. A little compassion, mixed with frustration at the person who’s selling them for money. Money that they either need to feed themselves, compassion again, or for drugs. Hmm… sadness and compassion because they are in fear; and frustration because there’s nothing I can do to help. Yet another thought knows that only one cushion was new, the others were really old and worn. So chances are they have just been thrown in a ditch somewhere. Anger. What a waste of good cushions and such a detriment to the environment! More anger. I could go on but I stop. What am I doing? Why am I spending so much energy thinking about who and why? I’ve been making up stories. What really happened to the cushions? Possibly something that I haven’t even made up. Who knows? But in only a few moments I’ve made up three stories that may or may not be true. And does it really matter what the ‘real’ story is? Will knowing actually make it better? It’s only my mind that’s creating the ‘good’ and the ‘bad’ feelings depending on the story I am telling. So. What’s to be grateful about today?


Well, as I focus back on what could I be grateful for when someone has taken something that doesn’t belong to them, I realize that I’ve calmed down and settled into two things. I am grateful to not think about it; and divert my focus to many wonderful things –the home I live in, the food I eat, my body, the relationships in my life, the weather – rain or shine, or just being alive. And I am grateful to think about it, make up stories, feel the feelings, and then let them go. I am grateful that I’m learning that when something beyond my control happens I do have control over what I think and do in reaction to it. While it may not always be easy, if I am patient with myself, I will allow myself to process the experience and release what is no longer needed. I take a breath in… hold for a few seconds… and then blow out: “Just for now, I am grateful” “Nothing has ever happened or can happen to you that is not a gift and a blessing, but it’s difficult to be thankful until you find the hidden benefit in what may seem at first to be a negative event. Gratitude makes you present with whatever you are doing. You are not here to run away from sadness to happiness. The only thing that truly satisfies the soul is love and appreciation.” – Demartini Virginia Smith BGS, RT ‐ CRA

Master/Teacher Practitioner

Canadian Reiki Association Vice President

email: [email protected]

website: www.virginiasmith.ca

Positive Health News – Reiki on an Autistic Teenage Boy with Tourettes Syndrome By Cress Spicer

One client of mine was a teenage boy of 11 years who had autism and severe tourettes syndrome. He had recently been diagnosed at the B.C Children’s Hospital and had a particularly bad case of tourettes syndrome, where he had a facial tick and aggressive behaviour.


His mother attended all the sessions with him. The mother had mentioned that he was getting quite violent at school and home; and would even start to attack other children and his mother a few times. This was part of his behaviour with autism and tourettes syndrome. When I asked the boy he said that he was trying to control his facial tick, as he would get teased and felt uncomfortable at school. But unfortunately by bottling up and holding himself back, by the end of the day he was ready to explode; as he couldn’t control his tick any longer. I really felt for the boy and how much he felt affected by his condition, he was

quite aware of himself. The mother had mentioned that he had been put on

medication for a few days, but he took himself off them. They wanted to try

something alternative.

The first session the boy greeted me with a big smile and said “I have been

waiting for this”. After asking him a few questions about his behaviour, he

said he did not like what he was doing. He wanted to try and help himself. The

boy was very open to the reiki session. I started out by getting him to lie down

on the massage table, and then used the reiki to calm him down. His body

was quite tense and twitchy. Interestingly, as I scanned his body, I went to his

head and could feel a buzzing energy around it. I placed my hands on there

for a while. When I mentioned it to the boy he said he could feel it and then

said “I felt an energy shift”. To my amazement at that moment, the boy blew

a puff of air out of his mouth. I asked him if he is o.k. and he said “it was a

pocket of air from my head”.

I could feel the energy shift and he commented “my head is calm now”. The

boy placed my hand on the same spot on his head and said “hold my head”.

He actually had a smile on his face and was very relaxed. He mentioned that

his tick was not happening and he was very happy about that. He also told me

it was the first time in ages that his facial tick had completely stopped. I was

so happy for him, as this was a big ordeal for him. He said he felt good and

calm. I continued with the reiki session for about 20 minutes longer after the

initial hands on his head. By the time I was finished he was fast asleep and

asked me if he could come again. It was a privilege to work with him; he was

very responsive to the sessions.

Contact Cress: [email protected] or http://infinitebodytalk.com/


Tennessee’s Legacy—Bruce Lee By Charlene Keltz In the Tennessee, A Reiki Cat story that was published in the Fall, 2011 newsletter, I promised I would submit a story about his legacy to me. Enjoy this story and never doubt the power of love whether human or animal…. “I want to foster him!” Just two weeks before, I had taken a deep breath and said to the vet who was going to put Tennessee to sleep “Show me how to hold him for you”. And as all of you know who have held previous pets at this moment, it’s over in a heartbeat. “Via con Dios, my Tennessee”……. But here I am back in the VEC on my lunch hour with an overwhelming feeling that I should inquire now about available cats in their Blood Donor Program. And I’m crying as I say this to the receptionist in the waiting area. What am I doing here so soon? One of the vets that took care of Tennessee came to the lobby and brought me back to “Cat Sanctuary” …… Several beautiful cats were in this large area, but none were “speaking” to me. It was almost time to leave so I walked to the back of the room to see if there were any more cats….. and that’s when I saw a gorgeous all‐black cat jump up to the top of a cabinet and on to a ledge over the window! He looked right at me. I asked the technician who was in the room with me, what this cat’s name was. She said “Oh, he entered the program in January, 2010 and is about 1 year old. His name is Bruce Lee and he is available for fostering.” I could not believe what I just heard! Isn’t this the cat whose blood was used for Tennessee’s blood transfusion? She double‐checked and sure enough he was! “I want to foster him!” At that moment I knew why I was compelled to check with the VEC so soon! Thanks, Tennessee, for such a beautiful legacy….. He is such a joy to live with… in fact; his antics make me laugh out loud.


He looks like a panther – long and sleek, fur is shiny – but his personality is more like a clumsy kitten! I had him for 18 months when the VEC called and said his last donation was scheduled for November 18, 2011. One morning in the beginning of November, I woke up with parts of a poem running through my mind. I knew I better write some of the thoughts and words down before I forgot them…. In less than 2 hours, the following poem was penned. And since I have never written a poem before, I knew I had some help from the other side. I presented this poem to the VEC when I permanently adopted him on November 19, 2011: Bruce Lee, Retired “Hero”

It was morning that day at the shelterIt was morning that day at the shelter

And I was dozin’ in the warmth of the sun.And I was dozin’ in the warmth of the sun.

I woke with a yearning,I woke with a yearning,

Inside I was churning,Inside I was churning,

And went running all helter and skelter!And went running all helter and skelter!

An angel looked down on my faceAn angel looked down on my face

When I was just movin’ and groovin’.When I was just movin’ and groovin’.

A Blood Donor you say?A Blood Donor you say?

I’m leaving …. hooray,I’m leaving …. hooray,

And I jumped in her arms with great haste!And I jumped in her arms with great haste!

My blood type is A, not the rare BMy blood type is A, not the rare B

And I have many new pals at the Clinic.And I have many new pals at the Clinic.

I’m gorgeous I know,I’m gorgeous I know,

Funny also,Funny also,

And cool …. you named me Bruce Lee !And cool …. you named me Bruce Lee ! It is my turn to donateIt is my turn to donate

For a cat that is critically ill.For a cat that is critically ill.

My senses are heightened,My senses are heightened,

His mom is quite frightened,His mom is quite frightened,

For the outcome we just have to wait ……For the outcome we just have to wait ……

Alas Tennessee, it was not meant to beAlas Tennessee, it was not meant to be

That you stay on this side with your Mom.That you stay on this side with your Mom.


You had to cross over,You had to cross over,

Yet you do hover,Yet you do hover,

To guide her towards fostering me!To guide her towards fostering me!

I was in the Sanctuary that fateful dayI was in the Sanctuary that fateful day

When she entered and looked all around.When she entered and looked all around.

She’s here for me....She’s here for me....

Thanks Tennessee,Thanks Tennessee,

Hey Lady …. you going my way ?!Hey Lady …. you going my way ?!

My last donation was in NovemberMy last donation was in November

And my time as a Hero ended.And my time as a Hero ended.

I was sorry to leave,I was sorry to leave,

I’m adopted …. don’t grieve,I’m adopted …. don’t grieve,

For I’m staying forever with her!!For I’m staying forever with her!!

Authored by: Charlene KeltzAuthored by: Charlene Keltz

Nov 11, 2011Nov 11, 2011

Approximately 22 cats are in the Blood Donor Program, fostered for 2 years to people who want to volunteer their home, time and love – and those families do not incur expenses for food, litter, or annual exams while the cat is an active donor. And when their time in the program is finished, the family can adopt the cat. According to the VEC, almost every cat fostered is adopted. Win‐Win situation all around! I often think of how many cherished pets have been saved by blood donations from these “Hero Kitties”. I am so glad I volunteered to foster him and be a part of this Program. There is a show called ER Vets that airs on CMT. It’s all about the VEC! Bruce Lee and I were one of the stories featured in Episode 11 which aired in January, 2011. Go to www.cmt.ca and look for Episode 11!


Reiki Myths and Misconceptions—Part 1 By Kathie Lipinski, RN, MSN, CH (first published in Reiki News Magazine Summer of 2010) REIKI IS AN EFFECTIVE METHOD for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. While most experienced teachers know that Reiki can be used to help any condition or situation, some insist that Reiki should not be used in certain situations. These “should not’s” are invariably based on inaccurate information. What seems to happen is that Reiki practitioners and teachers hear a Reiki “should not” and simply pass it on without checking to see if it is true. At times, these misconceptions have prevented people from receiving Reiki who really need it. To fully explore the myths and misconceptions about Reiki and its uses, it is important to first understand the body’s natural ability to heal. The nature of healing We know that repeated exposure to stress or stress sustained over a long period of time can have damaging results on one’s health and lead to dis‐ease (a body not at ease). When a person is stressed, whether mentally, emotionally or physically, the natural protective stress response releases various chemicals into the blood to activate the fight or flight response. These chemicals are designed for a short‐term response to help a person “survive” a perceived threat. If stress continues over a long period of time, these same chemicals can create an unhealthy environment for the cells to live in and can influence their growth or repair in a negative manner, moving them towards disease. Reiki induces the relaxation response and puts the body in the best condition so it can do what it is designed to do—heal itself. Relaxation through Reiki promotes the release of health‐affirming chemicals, which bathe the cells in a sea of life force energy, promoting normal growth and development. It is interesting to note that the traditional Reiki hand positions are located over the major glands and organs of the body. These major glands secrete the hormones that regulate all of our bodily functions. By placing our hands in these positions, we automatically nourish and help to balance the glands and hormonal system. The practitioner’s role I often hear Reiki practitioners say that they healed this person or improved that person’s medical condition. In reality, it is always the body that heals itself. We practitioners are simply the channel through which life force energy flows. We simply facilitate the process. Reiki strengthens and enhances the body’s natural ability to heal, and it heals on priority.


By guiding us in the placement of our hands, the energy goes where it is needed most. It moves out blocked energies, cleanses the body of toxins, and works to create a state of balance on all levels: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Health is the free and balanced flow of ki (chi). Disease or illness results when this flow is interrupted. Where it hurts When a person tells the practitioner that he or she has a problem in a specific body part or that this or that hurts, it is important to realize this may not be the area in need of balancing. The location of a pain, symptom, or difficulty is often the end result of an imbalance elsewhere. Focusing on that physical part of the body does not necessarily address the origin of the problem. Many healing modalities are based on the belief that dis‐ease actually begins in the body’s energy field (spirit, mind and emotions). If not balanced or healed, the imbalance manifests over time in our physical body as illness or discomfort of some kind. The body often compensates for an area of injury by having the opposite or a nearby part (e.g., muscle, organ) take over for the impaired part, thus doing the work of both parts. The injured area is then protected while the other part attempts to compensate by working harder. The compensating part may be the area that is stressed and hurts the most, rather than the location of the initial injury. That is why it is important that the practitioner follow the energy and place the hands where Reiki is needed at that time. This can be done by the use of Reiji‐ho (intuition) or Byosen scanning. Diagnosis and treatment Reiki practitioners do not diagnose or treat symptoms or conditions of illness. It is important to know that a practitioner who claims to diagnose or treat disease or physical and mental conditions may be in violation of state law, as many states require licensing in a profession authorized to diagnose and provide treatment. That is why as Reiki practitioners, we focus on restoration, rebalancing, and harmonizing the energy flow. We follow the energy to find the area of imbalance and bring it back into balance. Thus, healing can occur and balance can be restored. Too much reiki Some Reiki practitioners have reported that people on occasion have felt “bad” after a Reiki session. This often leads to the misconception that the person received too much Reiki. In reality, the body is like a sponge; once saturated, it cannot take more. Reiki flows according to the need of the person receiving it and will give them the amount that they need.


The wisdom of the body knows how much it needs, and when it has had enough, it simply stops receiving and Reiki stops flowing. Reiki induces the relaxation response and all its benefits. Because it balances one’s energy, some people may experience a temporary increase in their symptoms and feel worse before they feel better. When this happens, the person usually feels better within 24 hours. In fact, the person often reports that they feel more than 100 percent better than before the session. This “feeling bad” can be considered a release of toxins or rebalancing, not too much Reiki. This reaction is sometimes referred to as a “healing reaction,” a “healing catharsis,” or a “healing crisis.” It is simply the body working itself back to balance physically, mentally, or emotionally. Emotional release After receiving Reiki, emotions that have been buried or hidden may surface. A person may feel uncomfortable when emotions such as sadness, anger or fear arise. This may frighten them away from Reiki. It is important to understand that feelings are energy and need to be felt; they are trying to tell us something. Feelings/emotions come from our beliefs and thoughts about someone or something. If we can change the way we think about a person or situation, then we can change the feeling. I always encourage my clients to feel their feelings. I explain that feelings have a cycle of their own and will often pass in time. If a client is having difficulty with their emotions, it is wise to recommend that they speak with a counselor or someone trained to help them work through their issues. Broken bones A common misconception is that one should not give Reiki to a broken bone before it is set. It is believed that Reiki will speed up the healing process and the bone will not set correctly. To dispel this myth it is important to understand that there are many different types of fractures or breaks. They range from a simple “greenstick” fracture where there is a crack in only one side of the bone, to an open fracture where the bone breaks through the skin. All bones have a natural healing mechanism built in. Depending on the nature of the break and the circumstances surrounding the event, a broken bone can be a physiological (vital processes of the body) as well as a psychological shock to the body. In reality, there is so much going on when a bone is broken that the body perceives it as a “threat,” and the stress response is initiated. The body has to adjust to all the signals it is getting from the injury and can at times even over respond. Reiki heals on priority. Reiki calms the person and facilitates the body’s own natural ability to respond appropriately. Reiki can reduce pain and trauma, help decrease bleeding, spasm, and /or swelling, and put the person in the best condition for healing. By enhancing the body’s


natural ability to heal itself, one can see how the healing process may be “speeded up,” but in an appropriate manner. Kathie can be contacted by email at [email protected] Look for “Reiki Myths & Misconceptions” to continue with Part 2 in our Summer edition of the Canadian Reiki Association Newsletter.

Are you ready to take a new look at healthcare? By Tracey Worrall BodyTalk is a comprehensive and dynamically designed system of energy

medicine that is constantly evolving by unifying a large number of highly

recognized healing methods and principles of knowledge into one all‐

encompassing system. BodyTalk can be used as a stand‐alone system to

address all physical, mental and emotional health issues. BodyTalk can also

be seamlessly integrated to support any other health care modality to

increase its effectiveness and promote even faster healing. It is rapidly

emerging as one of the standards for integrative healthcare of the future.

The body is a dynamic, interactive, interdependent network of energy

matrixes, consciousness and physical function. Alternative healthcare

systems like Acupuncture, Applied Kinesiology, Homeopathy, Reiki, Yoga, and

Psychology have clearly demonstrated how dramatic changes can be induced

in these body/mind complexes. Science has also demonstrated that the body

is composed of different forms of energy operating at different frequencies.

The BodyTalk System is designed to harmonize these energy networks to

optimize the overall balance in the body at all levels.

BodyTalk is simple, safe and effective. The implementation process involves

some very simple but powerful tools. The practitioner makes use of a system

of neuromuscular biofeedback to determine the body's priorities as well as

the appropriate sequence for balancing and re‐establishing communication.

The actual BodyTalk balancing techniques involve the use of strategic hand

positions on or off the body and a light tapping to activate and integrate

change. Exaggerated breathing is also utilized as an important tool to


encourage balance of the nervous system as it relates to all other systems of the body as a dynamic unit of function. BodyTalk is an inclusive system that may make use of the skills and training of the practitioner by integrating other modalities when indicated as a priority. This makes BodyTalk an incredible tool for all healthcare practitioners by helping to create a customized session for the client while guiding the practitioner on how to make the best use of the various "tools" that they may have in their "treatment tool kit". In the BodyTalk System, we tend not to talk about addressing specific diseases. Instead, the BodyTalk philosophy is that every person has a unique balance that should be addressed. Once balanced, the client’s own innate healing system will successfully address specific symptoms and establish lasting patterns of good health. Naturally most clients arrive for a session with a health concern, and this

agenda is addressed. However, the BodyTalk Practitioner does not make a

diagnosis for the purpose of establishing a specific session protocol. BodyTalk

recognizes that although two people may appear to show the exact same

symptoms, the communication links needed to balance their conditions may

be entirely different.

Some commonly addressed issues include allergies; chronic and acute viruses;

infections; parasites; fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue; digestive disorders;

headaches; injuries; reproductive disorders; organ and endocrine dysfunction;

fears, phobias, and emotional disturbances; stress related illness; learning

disorders; ADHD; back and body pain; and arthritis. In addition, specific areas

of rehabilitation, such as sports and accidental injuries, are also addressed.

One of the major areas addressed by the BodyTalk System is the realm of personal and spiritual growth. Balancing the body biochemically, physiologically, and emotionally, while addressing beliefs and attitudes, the BodyTalk System establishes itself as a very powerful tool in the field of personal development. The BodyTalk System is safe, effective and entirely non‐invasive. Visit a

Certified BodyTalk Practitioner to help put your health back into your

hands!

Tracey Worrall Advanced Certified BodyTalk Practitioner www.lifebalancehealingarts.ca


Join us for the 14th Annual General Meeting

Dear Members and friends,

We , the Officers and Board of Directors of the Canadian Reiki Association, invite you to join us for the 14th Annual General Meeting. Our event will be

held on May 12th at the Holiday Inn, 2525 Wyecroft Rd, Oakville, Ontario. We have noticed from our last year’s meeting, members who have not taken the opportunity to attend our AGM meetings. We would like to extend a special invitation to join us and spend the day with us and your fellow Reiki members. The board members are looking forward to meeting friends and fellow members who have supported this day in the past and helped make it great event. In efforts to broaden the exposure and growth of the Association I would like to invite Non‐Members to join us. We ask our members to bring a friend, your students or anyone who may be considering joining the C.R.A. as a member. We have a reserved space for 100 participants, so please: don’t delay in sending in your reservation today to attend. This will be dealt with on a first come first served basis.

Upon completion of the AGM business meeting a buffet luncheon will follow for all to enjoy. For the afternoon session we are pleased to present Aynsley Saxe of Toronto. Aynsley is a Reiki Teacher practicing in Toronto, as well she is a singer/songwriter showcased in a number of independent films. Aynsley will share with us tracks from her new album “Take Me As I Am”. This is a special event and not to be missed. Not to be missed will be our Mini Market with vendors bringing in that special purchase you have to have. We welcome and encourage your participation in a day of fellowship. I look forward to meeting you at the 2012, 14th Annual General Meeting. Blessings, Bonnie Smith CRA President


Aura Wellness Centre

Offering Chakra & Ch’i harmonizing,

crystal healing, drumming/journeying, EFT, Life Coaching, Reiki, and sound

sessions.

Through Academy of Energy Healing enjoy in-person, email, or

correspondence courses. We are accredited and offer the

Certified Holistic Energy Practitioner TM program

Info: 604-524-8565 or [email protected]

www.LynAyre.com

Sacred space for Personal Empowerment

Usui Reiki Sessions & Training L1-2-3-MT

CranioSacral Therapy Sound Healing

Healing Matrix – Multidimensional Healing

Animal Communication & Healing Spiritual & Mediumistic Sessions

Metaphysical Education Classes Workshops Retreats

www.wingsofdove.ca Claudette Godin

604.274.2238 [email protected]

This book is available as hard or soft cover, or E‐book through the www.

iUniverse bookstore or from myself at

[email protected]

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