Fifteen years ago today, I started Embrace Your Essence LLC!

The road twisted and turned in all sorts of directions, as I tried to figure out how to grow a practice in my early twenties. I gave sessions to friends and family out of my childhood bedroom, then rented a space I couldn't afford for a few months before I saw reason. Eventually, I got my footing at a wellness center, while I worked on my private practice on the side. During this time, I started working at our building on E. Olin Ave. Then moved into my current suite facing Wingra Creek eleven years ago. In 2018, I was able to shift to my practice supporting me full time.

This suite has become a sanctuary for many, and clients tell me about how good it feels walking in here. I think of all the Reiki and healing energy that these walls have absorbed over the years. The land in this little nook of central Madison is so special to me with the significant presence of the sister cottonwoods standing tall across the creek. Beavers have chewed on the now stumps out the window, muskrats swum by, and squirrels napped in the red pines just outside. Awkward green herons have hopped through said pines, and blue herons, geese, ducks, eagles and more have soared nearby. Almost six years ago, I saved a little baby duckling that had gotten trapped in the weeds of the creek while I was on a lunchtime walk. You can read the story here. I feel grateful to have such a sweet little space to connect with all of you.

Over the pandemic, many of you pivoted with me to Zoom and phone sessions and classes as we figured out what the heck was going on, and let the scientists do the good work. Many of you continue this connection from all over the globe, as we work with the beautiful and mysterious aspect of distant Reiki. Lots of you have met my sweet little floofer-muffins Orangie and JoJo as they photobomb our Zoom sessions. I swear they know each of you, and when their presence is needed for some extra support and witnessing. Combine the Reiki with their purrs and gatekeeper vibes for some purr magic and strength. (That last pun was a typo, and I'm keeping it!)

Then I think of all the healing, and vulnerability that has unfolded in our work together. The tears, the snores, the tough events of your life, your dreams, your sensitivities. All the beautiful, rich, and sometimes challenging aspects of being human during these times. All of you who have learned Reiki or other skills and are letting that goodness ripple out in your own communities. I FEEL SO GRATEFUL that I've been able to walk alongside each of you as you navigate your life. Your trust has meant so much to me. I wouldn't be here without each of you, and your willingness to share in this journey together.

The Reiki energy, the presence of something larger than ourselves, and our guides have been so loving and steady amidst all the situations that have come forward during this time. In doing this work, I get to relate with The Mystery. I don't fully understand everything that happens, and I don't suspect I ever will know it all in a way that satisfies the logical mind. It is humbling. It is also one of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring things, and I am privileged to get to be a steward. I can't really take credit for the healing that has unfolded during this time, that goes to these benevolent energies and yourself! But I will say, I will take ownership for showing up, and being willing to figure out how to keep doing so!

When I really slow down to feel into what this anniversary means to me, I am moved to tears that I get to do work that means something to me. It's a modest living, and I get to provide for myself and my kitties doing something that fills my heart, and ripples goodness out into the world. The phrase, "I'm still here," keeps repeating in my mind. I've been through my own iterations of loss and challenge over the last several years, and with the help of these loving energies and people, I've been able to keep showing up for myself and for you amidst it all. These challenges have humbled me, cracked me open, and I've been learning how to fill in the fissures to be stronger, much like the art of kintsugi. Making medicine of the wound. It's helped me know how to better support some of you going through your own crisis. While there were times that I was not 100% while in the thick of it, the Reiki and these benevolent energies kept holding us as we did the work. Hopefully, you didn't feel those bumps too much! It makes this time of personal calm, settling, and celebration something I'm really savoring.

"I'm still here," means I am still here practicing Reiki and healing work. It means, I'm still here at Olin Ave, and on the other side of that phone or Zoom call. It means, I am still alive, resilient and able to share in this beautiful and messy life with all of you. 

It also means that you are still here. Still willing to engage, to learn, to open up, to heal. Thanks for sharing in the journey.

Thank you, also, to all of you who were able to make it out to the open house celebration on April 12th, participated in our raffle, or sent kind notes! I really appreciate all of you, and wish the best for you! Here's to many more years! I don't plan to go anywhere! :)

Check out some stats from over the years below!

Embrace Your Essence LLC Opened: April 28, 2010

5376 Sessions Given
800 Clients Served
67 Reiki Students
111 Reiki Shares Hosted
11 Years Teaching Reiki
Six Years Practicing Shamanic Healing
127 Shamanic Sessions          
 
One Pandemic Survived
Phew! We made it!
People Made Cry (in a good way): Most at some point
     Bonus: Many within the first 10 minutes
Corny Jokes: More than kernels on a cob
I’m sorry… or you’re welcome?
Snorers on the Table: More than you might think
I hear you, Gladis. That’s the best compliment you could give me.  
Goofy Stick Figure Drawings: At least five
If you’re one of my Reiki students, you know!
Nerdy Movie & TV References...Lots
Yooooooouuuu shall not pass!
Unexpected, Mysterious Happenings... Many
Maybe I’ll write a book someday.

With such a full heart,
Sarah

Hey There,

How ya doin?

There's a lot going on in the world right now. Hurricanes, world conflicts, the upcoming election... and whatever is going on in your personal world right now.

How are you holding up?

It can feel overwhelming for the average person; amplify that if you are a sensitive person.

Sometimes, when there is a lot going on, and we are on the verge of shutting down, or spinning out, we need to return to basics:

Sleep: Are you going to bed at a reasonable time so you have 7-8 hours to at least rest in bed?
Water: Have you had a glass of water today?
Food: Have you had some fruits or vegetables today?
Movement: Have you moved your body today?

You don't have to be perfect. You don't have to run for miles, or have an elaborate meal. Sometimes it's having an apple, going for a 5-10 min walk, or having a glass of water next to you as you work. These basics can go a long way in tending to our bodies and systems.

If you want to do a little more for yourself, you might consider doing a meditation. Have you tried my free "Being with What Is" meditation?

Maybe you could use a little more support through a session, or you'd like to join us for our upcoming live guided meditation on Thurs Oct 24th from 5:30-6:30pm CST. Remember these meditations are customized to the group, and you will get a recording you can download to listen to again later, or enjoy if you can't make it live.

Every little bit that you can do for yourself (and sometimes that's taking a little bit off your plate or offering yourself a little more grace) makes a difference.

Remember you have innate goodness within you, and you aren't the only one who wishes to operate from this place within you. We'll find our way. We just have to remember we are not alone, and there are others who are doing their best to come from a place of goodness and compassion too.

Here for you if you need it, and walking with all of you during these wild and surreal times.

Sarah


P.S. Would you do me a favor? Would you make sure you are registered to vote, and coordinate your plans to vote on election day Tues Nov 5th, or absentee/early? If you are in Wisconsin, you can get the details here, or if you are somewhere else in the US you can do so here. Using your voice, and right to vote is a simple but powerful way to show yourself that you matter.

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

Summer is just around the corner! Perhaps you have some fun travel plans on the docket. If so, you might be interested in today's theme: Reiki for travel.

Many clients have received Reiki for vacation and other travel plans. This Reiki enhances travel flowing safely and smoothly. Some clients have added focus on minimizing the chance of contracting sickness (especially in the Covid era). We can also send Reiki to your home and any animals that will remain behind while you're away.

How this looks in action:

Schedule a remote session near the scheduled travel time. This is the time I block off in my calendar to send the Reiki to you. Typically, this is done within a week or so of your travels.

Because distant Reiki transcends time and space, an hour or so of Reiki can cover the whole bubble of time that you will be on your trip, and also sent ahead of time.

You share with me the details of your travels when you book, such as: departure and arrival days/times, destinations, type of transportation, and any specific events you'd like an extra boost for.

When I send the Reiki at the agreed upon time, I begin by sending you some for the prep/packing, getting to and from your destination(s), as well as the time you spend experiencing the area, or visiting with others. As mentioned, I can also spend time sending Reiki to your home to help watch over it while you are away.

Once the Reiki is complete, I send you an email with what I worked on, and any energetic observations I had.

You would then be able to email me back at your own convenience with updates about anything you picked up on and how your travels went.

These sessions have helped many feel peace of mind while traveling, and smooth out any bumps along the way for a more enjoyable trip. If you ever find yourself wanting to have this benevolent energy supporting you during your travels, let me know.

Have you had Reiki during travels? If so, comment below to share with others what your experience was like.

Blessings,
Sarah

I'm starting a series "Reiki for _____" to help highlight some specific ways that Reiki can support you through the twists and turns of life. These may be ways that you may not have realized were possible. My hope is that if you ever find yourself in a situation that I highlight, and you'd like someone in your corner, it will occur to you that Reiki is an option for you. If you are wondering how Reiki might help you with a specific situation, feel free to write in, and I might include it in this series.

Today, we are highlighting Reiki for surgery.

I've given Reiki to hundreds of clients during a variety of surgeries over the years. This has encouraged more beneficial outcomes, and the body's receptivity to the treatment. Oftentimes, this has shown up as reduced pain and side effects, accelerated recovery times, and greater ease with the whole process. 

How this looks in action:

Schedule a remote session near the scheduled surgery time. This is the time I block off in my calendar to send the Reiki to you. Typically, this is done within a few days of the surgery. Often the day before, or the day of.

Because distant Reiki transcends time and space, an hour or so of Reiki can cover a large chunk of time. It also doesn't have to be sent at the exact time that the event is taking place for it to be effective.

You share with me the details of the surgery as you have them, such as: surgery time, hospital, surgeon's name, estimated duration of surgery, what the surgeon is expected to do, and any details on recovery place and time. We often put as much detail down at the time of booking, and clients fill me in on the time the day before once they've heard from the hospital.

When I send the Reiki at the agreed upon time, I begin by sending you some for the night before the surgery to facilitate you getting some good rest, minimizing anxiety, and getting you prepared for the next day.

I then hold the operating room in a bubble of Reiki energy, so the whole space creates a container of balance. While I can't ethically send Reiki to your doctors and their team, since I don't have their consent, filling the room itself with Reiki creates an aura of light that lifts the energy and can subtly influence the medical team if they are open to it.

Naturally, then I spend the bulk of our time focusing on the areas of your body being impacted by the surgery, and your immune system.

Finally, I send some Reiki to you for a day or so following the surgery to aid in recovery and pain management as you ease out of the operation.

Once the Reiki is complete, I send you an email with what I worked on, and any energetic observations I had.

You would then be able to email me back at your own convenience with updates about how you are feeling and how the surgery went.

Receiving Reiki during surgery has helped many feel relief, supported, and heal more smoothly. If you ever find yourself or a loved one in need, don't hesitate to reach out.

Have you had Reiki during surgery before? If so, comment below to share with others what your experience was like.

Blessings,
Sarah

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

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

Hey Friends,

The days are growing darker, the veil is growing thinner. We have entered a time of inward turning here in the Northern Hemisphere. The advancing quiet welcomes our reflection, and often provides the right conditions for subtitles to bubble up from our subconscious.

Our modern Western celebration of Halloween plays with ghouls, goblins and spectres, while offering us a sugar high to face them all. While this can bring fun and fancy, we can choose to explore the theme of these celebrations in relation to our own healing to take them deeper.

(Note: If you've been finding yourself in an activated fight/flight response you may want to skip this reflective practice. Continue reading at the bold text.)

So, dear one, what fears lay present within you? 

Oh boy, did you notice yourself contracting or resisting at all to that question? Perhaps that is your body's response trying to protect you from seeing these fears. I invite you to breathe with me, remind yourself that you are safe, and invite the presence of light and compassion to be with you.

What fear wants to be witnessed by you in this moment? Maybe you write it down. Continue to breathe, and observe it with curiosity. Just like with the quintessential boogie man in the closet that we realize is a coat once we've opened the door and turned on the light, so too, may we feel relief when we hold our fears with brave, loving, compassionate interest. We realize things aren't always as they seem. Some of our fears will boil down to these distortions of reality that need gentle correction.

Others may be of another variety, revealing the fragility of the human experience. Things that we may likely or inevitability face at some point: a fear of loss, pain, death, rejection, etc. These things we can run from, pretend that they are not there, or do whatever we can to try to prevent them from happening. Of course, we would do that. These fears and potential realities can be difficult, and scary. We are trying to protect ourselves. But, what if, for this moment, with me and all the other readers here with you, we breathe and acknowledge this fear and how it feels in your body. In truth, we may not ever be able to stop or change some of these fears from happening. But, we can be with our vulnerabilities with compassion. We can know that this is part of the human experience, and each of us is not alone. There are so many people out in the globe who hold this same fear. Though that doesn't take it away, somehow, for me, I find this shared humanness can be a balm for the experience.

When facing these types of "inevitable" fears, I try to remind myself of my own resilience, and tools. That no matter what I might face in the future that I have the ability to move through that experience, and ask for help if I need it. I remind myself of the times that I have faced my fears, whether by choice or life dragging me through them. I see that those experiences I've survived, and perhaps I've gained greater wisdom or tools as a result.

Sometimes though, working with our fear is something we need to do in a safe, supportive environment. We might need to untangle stored trauma in our bodies to release us from the fight/flight response. Soothing our nervous system, and coming to a place of regulation is key. If this resonates, you might find Reiki, or working with a skilled trauma-informed practitioner supportive.

No matter how you might find yourself today, remember you are not alone, you matter, and there are loving forces in the universe out there to support you, you just have to ask.

Feeling brave? Want to share with us one of your fears, or how you are feeling after sitting compassionately with them? Let us know in the comments.

Sending lots of love,
Sarah

P.S. Reach out if you need support! :)

One of the things that I appreciate about Reiki is its ability to meet us where we are at in any given moment. When we are stressed or anxious it can bring calm and comfort. When in physical pain, it can provide ease and relief. When running on a lack of sleep, it can offer deep relaxation. When unable to leave the house for feeling sick and tired, it can help us move through the illness and heal more quickly. When struggling to find a way forward in work, relationships, or projects, it can offer clarity. When feeling alone and unsupported, it can reunite us with connection and hope.

Because Reiki is a spiritual and energetic modality, it can mold itself to whatever the situation requires and help bring a greater sense of balance. Reiki is flexible and transcendent of time and space. It can support us whether we are receiving in person, at home on our couch connecting over the phone, or about to go into surgery or to court. Even if we are not able to tune in due to circumstances, the Reiki still flows and brings balance. We can receive it from others, as well as from ourselves if we are attuned.

This adaptability of Reiki, and its gentle way of responding to all situations makes it one of the most grounded, practical, and compassionate tools I have ever had the privilege of adding to my tool box.

Perhaps, you have had the opportunity to see how Reiki supports you in the various scenarios of your life, or perhaps you have yet to discover this unique quality of the modality. I would love to hear the ways that you may have experienced Reiki in our comments. Were there any things that you were surprised about?

Many blessings to each of you.

Warmly,
Sarah

As I write to you, friends, it's pouring outside. How timely that I have finally sat down to write to you on this topic and mother nature matches her mood to this title.

As of this summer, I have been practicing Reiki for twelve years! Over this decade plus, I've moved through plenty of ups and downs in life, and one of the things that I am continually grateful for is the presence of this divine energy in my life. Shortly after I finished my training in 2009, my mother had a massive stroke (she fortunately made a significant recovery). During that period, I gave Reiki to myself and my mother everyday. I also regularly received Reiki from others. Despite the dire circumstances, I felt a sense of knowing that all would be okay. Somehow, the Reiki helped me navigate that time with an awareness and calm I didn't realize I could access during such a crisis. It also helped me be more present and supportive of my mom. 

Fast forward to today, as we continue to move through our own personal and collective challenges, I am reminded of what a safety and strength Reiki is to me. Leaning into daily self-Reiki and receiving from others helps me to ride the waves while the maelstrom rages. I can't control the outcome, and make the winds quiet nor the waves cease to roll, but the Reiki helps me stay balanced enough to steer my boat through these waters, and keep from capsizing until calmer waters return.

Do you have your own story about how Reiki has helped you move through a difficult time? Share your story in the comments.

Or perhaps, you need some support navigating the waters of your life right now? If so, I'm here to help. I'm seeing clients remotely over the phone or Zoom, and returning clients in person on select days. Book online to schedule a remote session, or email me to schedule an in person appointment.

No matter what is unfolding in your life right now, dear soul, please be loving and kind to yourself, and know there are compassionate energies all around available to support you.

With much love,
Sarah