Two moose wait in the brush and aspens across from my campsite in the Bighorn Mountains during a road trip in 2023. This was right before one moose gave me a snort and a three step warning charge. Message received. I was able to hide out in my car until they carried on a half hour later. It is time for us to channel the strength and conviction of moose. We exist in the broader context of our society, local communities, and the time we live in. We can never fully separate ourselves from this atmosphere in which we reside. Even if we were to run off to live alone in the woods amidst lichen and fox, we'd have to consider what conditions led to that choice. What would we return to if we left those woods? The air from afar would still blow and drift into our wooded realm. Some may be able to distance themselves from the things they wish to run from, others do not have the privilege to be able to do so. This climate has a direct influence on our physical, mental, emotional, and relational health, and I see the effects it has on clients all the time.
The backdrop in which we are living is changing. We can all feel it. I've been listening to lots of folks lately; there are a lot of feelings and impulses. Some common themes: fear, anger, despair, exhaustion, confusion, disbelief, sadness, regret, hoping it will get better, a lack of desire or inability to pay attention to what's happening. While we are always moving forward into the unknown, that is the nature of life, this unknown feels particularly precarious for many right now. Like you, I do not know exactly how things will play out. Obviously, there are potentials that are out there, and we will see how things unfold. What I do know, is that each of us does have power and agency, and we can stand in that to help guide the direction we go (on a smaller and larger scale). Suggestions for Navigating Through These Times Ground, Center, and Calm Your Nervous System It is essential that we give ourselves space to feel our feelings when they come up, to air them out, offer yourself validation, kindness and compassion. It makes sense why you feel the way you feel given your experiences and what/who you care about. Even if there is a lot going on in your world, please try to find little pockets of time that you can take deep breaths and acknowledge what's there. Practices that allow ourselves to settle help us get out of fight/flight (where a lot of us, myself included, have been lately), and into a more grounded, productive space. It makes sense why many have gone into survival, AND our actions, and words are going to be more effective if we can come from a more grounded, centered space. The way each of us will need to navigate through the times to come will be different, because of our unique circumstances. Specific advice for some won't apply to others. Yet, if you are able to find that calm, regulated place within you, you will have greater access to your own inner knowing and guidance. If you check in regularly, you may find a pull to do certain things or reach out to certain people to help you find your way through. If you don't already have go-to practices that help you check in with yourself, you might try: breathing deeply, meditating, doing yoga, journaling, receiving Reiki, walking in nature or looking at the clouds, doing an activity that gets you "in the zone" (music, movement, art, cooking, etc.). Lean Into Your Community We rely on others, and no matter how things play out we will need to give and receive support. Think of your values (i.e. love, truth, empathy, equity, freedom, respect, integrity, curiosity, etc). Who are the people in your life that share your values? Who can you turn to for a safe place to land, fill up your cup when you need a little more support and encouragement, and who do you want to provide care to in return? These might be people close to you like friends and family, but they might also be neighbors, community organizations, and maybe even strangers. Some of us may already have a good support network, others might feel theirs is a bit sparse. Regardless of where you find yourself, how might you strengthen that web? Who can you reach out to? Deepen friendships or connections, initiate contact with someone you might have lost touch with, introduce yourself to your neighbor, or others at a local community group or store. At this time that we are all feeling so divided, it is important that we remember each others' humanity. How can you call others in? How can you stay open-hearted? How can we create bridges? Stay Engaged Focusing on our locus of control helps us in remaining connected to our personal power. This suggestion flows from the last of leaning into community. Think of concrete ways that you can use your agency to feed the world you want to exist. Find one or two organizations with visions you align with to which you can volunteer, and/or donate. Aim to do so on a regular basis. Already involved? Are you able to up the ante in your time or monetary investment? Maybe you are able to invite others in? Do you have special skills, knowledge or privilege that might be of particular value and effectiveness right now? Here are some ideas if you're looking for places to get involved: GSafe (shares an office building with us!), Sierra Club, SURJ, Planned Parenthood, your local food pantry, community center, child's school, or county park. Your local library is also a good place to see what is going on in your community and connect with resources. If you are motivated, maybe you create something of your own. Also where are the sources where you can stay informed? Many folks have already been doing work that we believe in. We don't have to create from scratch by ourselves. Turn to the leaders and folks who are already doing the work, the ones who are well-acquainted with the terrain. Listen, learn, act accordingly. That leads me to my final suggestion... Do Not Obey in Advance Timothy Snyder is a historian who has studied Europe, the Soviet Union, the Holocaust, and the rise and fall of authoritarian governments throughout history. With the threat of authoritarianism looming in the US, we have a lot we can glean from Snyder's teachings. As Snyder says, authoritarian regimes are weakest at the beginning and end. This is where we are now. This is where we need to stay engaged so that this does not progress. The first (of 20) lessons he shares is "do not obey in advance." Much of the power of authoritarianism is freely given. People will anticipate what these leaders will want, and offer that preemptively. This allows the leader to get away with more than they may have originally thought possible. So now, I ask you to use your voice, stay engaged, stay in your power, hold the line of your values. To learn more about these essential lessons, you can read this short article, watch a playlist where Timothy describes the essence of each lesson, or read Snyder's book On Tyranny. ...... To make it easier to contact my representatives (and so I don't have an excuse not to call) I've added them as contacts on my phone. You can find the info for your representatives here:
Making a call is easy, and only takes a couple minutes. ...... Well, there you have it. This was a long one, but it all felt important during these times. If you stuck with me thank you. If you feel some healing work, meditations, or classes might help you, reach out! I'm here for you. Let us know in the comments, what's helping you right now? Are there any causes that you are getting more involved in? Let's make that space a spot where we can share ideas and inspire each other. Take good care of yourself, and each other, Sarah
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Our furred, finned, and feathered friends can benefit from Reiki too Do you have animal companions in your life? If so, and you are anything like me, you probably treat them as family, and would do everything you can for them. When our friends need a little extra support, it's helpful to know about Reiki for animals.
As an animal lover, I've given Reiki to all of my pets, to many friend's and clients' pets, and even injured wildlife. They, too, have an energy body, and can benefit from coming into greater balance when they need it. Reiki can support them when they've had an injury or surgery, or an ongoing health condition. It can help them deal with aches and pains as they get older. Energy healing can support them with behavioral challenges (often a result from stress or previous trauma). It can also help in their end of life transition. In short, if humans can get Reiki for something, so can our animal loves. Every animal is a little different, and has their own comfort level. Of the pets I've had, namely cats and dogs, they've all had their own unique way of relating with Reiki. When I was first starting my Reiki practice, I was still living with my parents and giving sessions to friends and family in my room. Every time the Reiki was flowing, their kitties Jazzy and Sophie insisted on being in the room with us, pawing at the door until I let them in. Then they would hang out peacefully in the room just soaking in the good vibes. I had one kitty Wuya who would often come over and lay on my hands when I was giving Reiki to myself. I took that to mean she was looking for some Reiki, and would give her a treatment too. She would lean her body into my hands, and move periodically so the spots that needed attention were resting in my palms. When she was done, she'd get up, shake herself off and scamper away. Sometimes, when my other kitties Orangie and JoJo are in my lap and I'm petting them, my Reiki will turn on of its own accord. I take this as a sign that they need a little extra attention, and I work on them until they feel done or the energy shifts. They also like to photo bomb when I'm giving Zoom sessions, so some of you may have already met these two. I find they like to hold space with me and provide extra moral support for the clients I'm working on at times. Animals can be amazing energetic guardians, and emotional support, as many of us know! I had one dog Bleu who couldn't handle hands on Reiki. Anytime I would turn my Reiki on for her and get close to her, she'd run out of the room. However, I could give her distant Reiki and support her when she was going through bladder cancer and other issues. Another dog I had Fluffy was very receptive to Reiki. She was a rescue that had a past of abuse and neglect. Due to these experiences, she had anxiety, PTSD, and neuromuscular issues. She was my sweet special needs dog. Fluffy was very receptive to Reiki. She loved it, and it often soothed her anxiety. Slowly but surely (along with other measures) the Reiki was helping with her neuromuscular challenges. I also did some remote shamanic work on her to dissolve some of the trauma she experienced before we adopted her, and observed notable shifts. When the time came that she was no longer doing well, and needed to be compassionately euthanized, I was able to send her distant Reiki to bring her ease, hold her in love and help her peacefully cross over. I've also offered Reiki to clients' pets after surgery, when dealing with a health issue, or to help with the dying process. When I've gotten energetic permission, I've also sent Reiki to injured wildlife that I've come across to support them too. This has included cats, dogs, horses, birds, geese, raccoons, opossums, and more! How this looks in action when a client asks for Reiki for their animal friend: Schedule a remote session with me. In most cases, to help animals feel at ease, it is best to let them receive Reiki while relaxing in the comfort of their home. This also minimizes any logistical challenges of transporting our animal friend, and them being comfortable somewhere else. Also, every animal is different about their openness to receive touch (especially from a stranger). Remote work allows us to dive into the energy more efficiently and focus on the issue present rather than trying to help get the animal comfortable in order to do the work. We would decide if we connect over Zoom, phone, or email. This would be the way that I would have the conversation with you about your animal friend. All methods are equally effective and do not impact the flow of the Reiki. If you are able, it is helpful for me to have a picture of your pet, their name, and where they are. This helps me hone in on their energy. During the session time, we would start with a conversation about what your animal is needing support with so I can focus my intentions. You can be present with them at the time or not. It will depend on the circumstances you are currently dealing with. Reiki is flexible and we can make most things work. Once we've done the check in, I would send the Reiki to your animal focusing in on the concerns you have. After I send the Reiki, I share my observations, and you can let me know anything you may have observed about your animal friend. Animals are often very receptive to Reiki. If you ever find one of your animal friends needs support, I'm happy to help! Email to set up a session, or book online and leave a note about your concerns. Have your animals ever received Reiki? Maybe you're a Reiki practitioner that's given Reiki to animals. If so, comment below to share with others what your experience was like. Blessings, Sarah Soothe that nervous system If you have spent any time learning about healing in the last few years, you've likely heard about dysregulation. This is the state we find our nervous system in when we get caught up in survival mode. It might be because of a trigger that actives old wounds, or maybe it is a current stressor that has us anxious, overwhelmed, and feeling like there is an imminent threat.
When we find ourselves dysregulated, it is naturally helpful to focus on regulating ourselves. There are many ways to soothe our nervous system, and get us into a more calm state that allows us to access our problem solving mind, and heal our body. You might not be surprised to hear that my favorite way to get into this settled state is Reiki. One of the most common experiences people have when receiving Reiki is feeling deeply relaxed, and many fall asleep. Getting into this rest and digest mode allows our body to repair and heal itself, then we are able to face our challenges from a more centered place. Sometimes we even receive insights that provide useful information for moving forward, or seeing our situation differently. Could you use a little support getting regulated? Reach out and we'll get you some Reiki soon. Warmly, Sarah Catch some z's... Before I began my professional Reiki practice, I was an early childhood teacher. Everyday after lunch, the kiddos would pull out their mats, grab their blankets and stuffed animals. We'd cue up the Enya and pull the shades as the kids got cozy. The other teachers and I would tuck them in, and rub the backs of the children who wanted help falling asleep.
Sometimes I joke with my in person Reiki clients that I went from being a nap assistant for kids to adults, as I help "tuck them in" while they climb under the blanket on the massage table. Once the Reiki gets flowing, now and then, I'll get a snorer on the table. They weren't the first, nor will they be the last. (I've certainly been one of those people too!) It honestly brings me a lot of joy that people experience enough comfort and safety to let go during a session. I notice this during remote work too. The soothing energy of Reiki often helps put people so at ease that they settle into a meditative or sleep state. This is where the magic happens, and the body repairs and heals itself. In this world of hustle and bustle, and stress, sometimes we have a hard time drifting to sleep and getting rest. Sometimes we need help to calm and get ourselves regulated. If you need assistance with this, I've been in training for a long time. ;) I'd be happy to support you with a session, or perhaps you'd want to try one of my new meditations to settle. Until then... Goodnight room Goodnight moon Goodnight cow jumping over the moon... Sleep well, Sarah |
Sarah Barlow
Reiki Master Teacher and Owner of Embrace Your Essence Sign up for our E-Letters Here
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