Why I love Reiki

I understand Reiki sounds different/wacky/ridiculous. Before I had a few Reiki treatments, the logical person in my head just couldn’t understand how Reiki works.

To give you a brief background, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer aged just 32 (we have no family history of related cancers either). My world, and my family’s worlds, were completed affected. My sister searched the internet looking for treatments and advice which would help me with my treatment. She booked me in for a Reiki treatment the day before my mastectomy and the operation was successful and went smoothly.
I then needed 6 sessions of chemotherapy and my lovely Reiki practitioner came to my house the same day and gave me Reiki. Caroline was able to give me a Reiki treatment for 5 out of the 6 chemo sessions and for the one session I didn’t receive Reiki, I reacted terribly. I suffered far more nausea, couldn’t sleep and felt dreadful. I began to think there may be something in this ‘Reiki’.

Once I was back on the road to recovery, I investigated Reiki further. I then took a basic Reiki course and spent several years, just ‘playing’ with Reiki by treating family, friends and animals. The response I receive from 90% of animals was the defining Reiki moment for me. Timid rabbits creep into my hands to get closer, previously traumatised horses place their head in my hands and cats sneak into stables whilst I’m with a horse, just to absorb some of Reiki.

Next week, I hope to explain more about Reiki.

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Winter review

OK so I know we are all busy in the run up to Christmas but my next blow post isn’t due until Friday 30th December (I try and publish a blog post every Friday) and I wanted to give you all something to think about between Christmas and New Year.

Now is an ideal time to look back and review.

According to some calendars, yesterday (21st December) was the Winter Solstice. However technically, the shortest day this year falls on the 22nd December. See here for some further details:- http://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-solstice-on-december-21 I found this fascinating and enlightening. For me, I can now start to celebrate the start of longer, lighter days. It is also a reminder for me to spend some time in the sun, even 10 minutes during my lunch break and I feel much happier.

I have a routine where I look at my tasks, to-do’s which have been written in my Filofax. This happens weekly, monthly and yearly and I carry forward what hasn’t been completed, what needs to be updated and what no longer applies.

Also remember to look back and review the last year on how you have grown emotionally and spiritually. Reviews also include what didn’t work, how can this be improved?

How about keeping a notepad around during the excitement of Christmas of present wrapping on Christmas morning and writing down who received what present so you can write thank you notes. Did you receive any thank you notes last year and if so, how did they make you feel. I love receiving thank you notes (especially hand written ones) so I hope the recipients of my notes get that same feeling.

Thank you for reading my blog. Wishing you all a wonderful and peaceful Christmas.

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Crystals in and around the home

Crystals can be used all around the house and also on our bodies. Crystals can help with the energies in the home and of those of the people within. For example, I have a large, rough, rose quartz by my front door which provides love and warmth to all who enter. I have chunks of amethyst in the bedroom to aid with any sleepless nights we may suffer from as it helps to calm an overactive mind. I have a clear quartz on my computer desk at work to help displace some of the electro-magnetic energy given off by the screens and laptop.

I also wear various crystals (sometimes to match my mood, sometimes to match my outfit) in the form of crystal adorned rings, necklaces and bracelets.

My children have a range of crystals in their bedrooms (ie blue gold stone although not technically a crystal) as it is beautiful and looks like the night sky.
My eldest soon carries various crystals in his book bags, fluorite being one of them as it is said to aid with concentration.

The energy of crystal can be measured (and seen) by Kirlian photography. Kirlian Photography is a valuable tool that provides photographs, video, or computer images of energy flow. There are some amazing examples on the internet.

Some of my favourite crystals look amazing with holes drilled in to hold t-lights. These glisten and glow and add a beautiful ambience to any room.

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Why are we drawn to crystals?

Ever since I was little I remember being fascinated by crystals. I’m still unsure whether it was their pretty colours that I was drawn to or their healing properties. Either way I was hooked.

I recently attended a school Christmas Bazaar selling a variety of products including crystal tumblestones. Some of the adults where interested in the crystals but children of all ages, gender and sizes just appeared to be drawn to them. Some preferred the clear quartz, some blue lace agate but they were all drawn to different crystals. Why? Is it because they inherently feel and understand the subtle healing crystals can perform? As we grow older do we gradually loose the ability to ‘tune into’ natures beautiful, amazing products?

Many of the ladies were drawn to the crystal based jewellery. Was this because they like the colour and it would match with outfits or because they were drawn to that crystal?

As an aside, my husband believed they were just coloured rocks until I left my (rather large) collection of crystals in front of him. Whilst he handled the clear quartz, his arms itched as though he was having an allergic reaction. (I personally believe this was due to him sensing energy for the first time). Whenever he held other crystals he didn’t react but the following morning showing the boys, his reaction to clear quartz (the Master crystal and an amplifier) was the same.

Next week I hope to detail where to place and use your crystals. In the meantime, if you have any questions on the use of crystals, please contact me.

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Christmas Preparation, Part Two

So the planning part is complete, now we need to actually get things done.

First of all, even though you are going to be busy, don’t forget to put yourself first. Ensure, even if it’s only for 5 minutes per day, you spend sometime relaxing (see http://heatherholistics.blogspot.com/2011/09/starting-out-in-holistic-health.html for further advice). This doesn’t mean you can’t multi-task. Why not spend those 5 minutes relaxing in the shower whilst applying a body scrub? This will ensure you skin is party dress ready at the same time.

When purchasing gifts, try and support your local, smaller companies rather than the large, impersonal corporations. Visit your local salon, village shops or parent based websites. As a company, Heather Holistics purchases products locally wherever possible. Our range of organic, aromatherapy products are made here in the Midlands.

Heather Holistics has some very December special offers to tempt you http://www.heather-holistics.co.uk/Special_Offers.asp These make ideal Christmas presents for everyone in your family. There are some gorgeous crystal jewellery, fantastic skin, hair and body care products suitable for all (including sensitive skin) and crystal tea-light holders for those people you just don’t know what to buy. All at amazing value prices.

I’ve just gleaned another wonderful tip (one which I am going to put into action immediately but adding another column to my spreadsheet) . . . where I have hidden presents. Every year I think I’ll remember and then find them in January!

Don’t forget to also mark off your lists when you’ve bought the present.

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