Empowerment

"Empower. Joanna, I feel that you have helped EMPOWER us and overcome some of the limiting things that we've had within ourselves. I know that this is a major part of reiki and our mission as self-healers and the healing of others. " - Jen C.

Transformational

"Reiki Master training with Joanna has been wonderful! It has given me a chance to take my Reiki practice to a much deeper level. I now have the tools and know-how to start healing myself so that I can heal others. The training has been very transformational and I look forward to learning something new in each and every class.

Joanna is great at creating a safe and comfortable atmosphere for her students that is conducive to sharing, learning, and growing. I am looking forward to future training with her. " - Olga T.

How do you handle surprises?

After finishing a delightful semester at Palmer Institute of Massage, I was surprised to find out the school was closing at the end of the semester. At first, I was quite disappointed. However, I decided that this could be an opportunity for something even better so I'm keeping myself open to wonderful opportunities. How do you handle unexpected changes?

Here's a wonderful suggestion from Kasha Ritter about how to take the unexpected in stride:

It would be a great gift if we could teach our children the gift that chaos brings. That when you get a flat tire and you have to be somewhere, that life just gave you a nice pause in your day. Not that life hates you and is out to get you. This is your gentle reminder that you are not in control, that someone is looking out for you, wanting to get your attention - and, most importantly, that when life does not go as planned, it is, always is a good thing. It has changed your perspective; it has given you an open door to meet someone new, let someone help you and reconnect you to life. So, next time your day "falls apart", pause, say thanks and enjoy the ride. - Kasha Ritter

Trying to stay in control of things that really aren't in your power to influence just creates stress. Letting go of stress, anxiety and tension during times of change will shift your perspective and start attracting positive opportunities and relationships into your life.

Compassion as a route to abundance

There is a very simple Buddhist technique for developing compassion, which also happens to have the side effect of training the body to relax deeply while experiencing uncomfortable emotions. Use this technique first for developing compassion for yourself - for any difficulty, ill-health, frustration, pain, worry or concern that is weighing on you. You can also use this technique for forgiving yourself or others, to release the emotional hold of a trauma or betrayal on your life.

Find a place where you can sit comfortably without being interrupted for about 20 minutes. Take a few deep breaths in and out slowly to relax and center yourself. On an inhale, bring to mind what is painful or uncomfortable for you, any fears or losses haunting you. Imagine bringing it into yourself fully, keeping an open mind and open heart about whatever you feel. Just allow yourself to feel without judgment. When you exhale, send out the intention of relief from pain or discomfort, send out the intention for peace and happiness, send out the intention for abundance. Repeat for as long as you can, or until you feel peaceful.

You can take this practice one step further in developing compassion for others and helping to shift global vibrations towards positivity and abundance. On your inhale, breathe in that which is painful and unwanted in the world with a sincere wish that others can be free from suffering. Keep an open mind and heart, and allow yourself to experience your emotions without judgment. When you exhale, send out the intention of relief from pain and suffering, send out the intention that you and others experience peace, happiness and abundance. Repeat often.

Spring Cleaning

Greetings!

I don't know about you, but this time of year gets me very excited for sunny Spring days and warm breezes. I know there is still snow on the ground, and my dreams of blooming flowers are still a number of weeks away. After a long winter, and boy has it been a snowy one here in New England this year, you may find yourself feeling sluggish and fatigued. It's easy to fall into a late winter gloom as you pine away for warm, sunny days, but don't give in! Use these last few weeks of indoor weather to do some internal Spring cleaning!

The wise woman tradition says that our bodies know how to take care of themselves, but it is up to us to provide them with the most nourishing ingredients possible. Nourishing yourself - with good foods, good company, laughter, exercise, meditation, Reiki, yoga, relaxation, and sleep - will bring your body, mind and spirit back into balance and re-energize and rejuvenate you.

In this spirit, I have a designed a very exciting energy cleanse workshop for all of you interested in doing some internal spring cleaning. It's going to be held on March 8, 2009 from 3-5 pm in Salem, MA. Space is limited in the Spring Cleaning for Your Chakras workshop, so hurry up and save your spot by registering now.