Category: Sick

The World Keeps Turning

3/19/2020

Gain perspective, even as chaos swirls around, by connecting with the Earth

Moss, violets, and small blue flowers abundantly cover the upended roots of a fallen tree

Check out all of that new life emerging from the upended roots of a fallen tree! Even when things fall apart, they transform and become anew. Harbingers of life. Hold on to hope and patience, dear ones. One day, this whole situation will evolve into something as beautiful and blossom laden as this old tree.

Hello there,

How are you hanging in there today?

I know a lot has been happening each day, and there is much to process. Many of us are working from home now, some of you might not be able to work at all, and some of you may be feeling extra stress if you are in key positions, or in the health field. The kiddos are now at home (at least here in Wisconsin), and rebellious teens may be giving you a run for your money as they struggle with social distancing and staying in. Gosh, this is a lot!

Can you offer yourself some compassion for what you are going through? We are all doing the best we can with this, adjusting as much as possible, so we can navigate through this time. Please be kind and forgiving of yourself, and those you may be sharing space with.

No matter how this pandemic is affecting you, dear one, my heart goes out to you. We'll get through this one day at a time. One breath at a time.

Did you know that today is technically the first day of Spring?

Even as the chaos of the virus disrupts so much of our modern lives, the world is still spinning on it's axis, the sunrises and sets, the birds are chirping, and building their nests, the bulbs are peaking out from the ground. Life is still moving, and abundant here on this planet. Have you taken a moment to pause, turn off the news, and your devices to listen? Have you opened your window to breath in the fresh air, to look at the sky, or listen to the rain?

If you are not under strict lock-down in your community, have you taken a moment to step outside, or go for a short walk? We are fortunate, here in Wisconsin, that we can still enjoy the great outdoors, at least for now. The bonus is that it is even easier to honor the recommendation for social distancing of 6 feet when you are outside. If you are feeling cooped up, and needing to move your body, I encourage you to get out in nature for a spell.

I recorded another short video for you all with a guided meditation to release stress, ground. This will be especially helpful if you find yourself taking on the fear and anxiety of others, and if you can't get outside yourself. I recorded it at the beach near our home, so you can take in the sounds of the waves, birds, and a little thunder at the end. I finished recording just in time! Eek! The video is just under 17 minutes, with the meditation beginning at 3:10.

As always, I'd love to hear your thoughts on the meditation. What do you notice when you tune into the Earth at this critical time? Share with us in the comments or send me an email.

If you are enjoying these meditations, and want to support my efforts, would you consider making a small donation? You can do so here. Thanks so much!

Much love to each of you,
Sarah

P.S. I am still seeing clients remotely at this time. I am conducting these appointments over the phone, Zoom/Skype, or email. If you are wanting support, email, call 608-335-1934, or book online to schedule.

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Did You Know?

2/6/2020

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A little known bonus of Reiki

Many of you are already aware of the many benefits of Reiki. Because it helps our being move towards balance, it can help us find relief from physical pain, recover from illness, or injury. It can support us in acknowledging and honoring our emotions. Receiving Reiki can bring us into greater contact with our essential essence within, a sense of peace, and clarity. These are just some of the blessings we may experience as a result of receiving Reiki.

But did you know that you don't have to be physically present with a practitioner to receive Reiki? This is one of my favorite qualities about Reiki. It makes this healing art even more versatile. Though science hasn't specifically studied the mechanism of what is happening during a distant Reiki session, principles of nonlocality and entanglement may be what is at play. I often say, distant Reiki is comparable to prayer. With your intention to receive, and my intent to hold space for you, we tap into a reality that transcends time and space. You are able to receive the Reiki directly, and instantaneously, though we may be miles apart. When receiving distant Reiki, your experience is essentially the same as it might be in person. The only difference is not feeling the physicality of my hands, nor being in my treatment room. :)

There are certain contexts when having a distant session has its advantages over an in person session.

You aren't able to get to the treatment space. Perhaps, you live or are traveling in another state or country. Or, there may be inclement weather, and the roads may not be safe to travel to the clinic. Presently, I have several clients who live outside of the Madison area who receive regular distant sessions, or schedule sessions while on extended trips away, so they can keep up with their care.
You are sick, or injured. Many times when we aren't feeling well we need to rest at home to recover, and also make sure we aren't spreading anything that may be contagious. Receiving Reiki can actually help our body heal more quickly, and even relieve pain and discomfort. I feel it is a shame when clients feel they have to cancel for said reasons (likely because we are so used to having to cancel commitments when we are unwell) especially because Reiki is something that could really help them feel better. As there are many "bugs going around" this time of year, I've actually done a few distant sessions for sick clients in the last couple weeks.
You want support during surgery, or an important event. Reiki helps us move toward balance, and encourages the energy flow better. It helps our body be more receptive to our experience so we can process it in a way that will be supportive to us. It can help us be more present, and face what is at hand. The Reiki can aid us on physical or emotional levels depending on what the event is. When I've given Reiki for clients during surgery, I focus on the part of the body that is being worked on, their body as a whole, and also send it to them for before and after the surgery to prepare and assimilate the effects. I often also send Reiki to the treatment room, and offer energy to staff (who are open to it) that may be caring for the client. A few other examples of when distant Reiki may be appropriate include important meetings, or tests, job interviews, childbirth, or moving. (A quick note, when we offer Reiki, we are not trying to control the outcome, merely offer support, and balance for the highest good).

Those are just some examples of when distant Reiki is appropriate.

Now, let's say you want to try a distant session, or keep it as a back up option for when you can't make it in person, what does that look like? You will choose your preferred way to communicate with me, either over the phone, Skype, or email. In the case of phone or Skype, you call me at the agreed upon time, we discuss your intentions, and how I can support you. Then we spend the remaining time doing Reiki. Generally, clients stay on the line, and I let them know when I have finished. We spend the last few minutes sharing what was experienced, and processing. If you choose the email option, you let me know your intentions ahead of our appointment time. Then I send the Reiki for however many minutes we agree upon, and I email you after with what I noticed. You can reply back at your convenience with your observations. Ideally, clients find it most relaxing if they are able to find a calm place to lay down while receiving so they can tune in. But this is not necessary to receive the benefits, such as cases where you have a meeting, test, etc.

Given the flexibility and accessibility that distant Reiki offers us, I find it to be a beautiful blessing. It means that in times when we may need support the most, but the limitations of our physical world would otherwise keep us from getting to the clinic and laying on the treatment table, we can still receive the healing love of Reiki.

Do you have questions about distant Reiki or how it would look in a specific situation? Post your questions in the comments or send me an email. If you think distant Reiki might be supportive for you, we can set up an appointment. Otherwise, I invite you to keep it in mind as a back up in case you need to call in sick or cancel because of snowy roads.

Warmly,
Sarah

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Musings from the Journey

The World Keeps Turning

Did You Know?

Sarah Barlow

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