Energy Clearing and Chakras

I know some of you have never heard of energy clearing at all, and some of you thought smudging was a makeup technique.  So I'll take the time to give you a bit of information about a service I provide.



ENERGY CLEARING
Due to having constant exposure to others, we encounter we automatically are also exposed to their individual energies whether they may be positive or negative energies.  We may be exposed to their flowing mother love everything is beautiful energy as well as the toxic emotions that cause irritability and even some illnesses.  No matter the type of energy you encounter you may also bring that energy into your home or whatever physical space you spend time.  I don't know about you but as an empath, I can barely cope with my own energy yet alone someone else's.  These energies can cause your space to feel stagnant.  Have you ever noticed that you seem to have arguments in the same areas of your home?  This is a clue that the energy needs clearing.

There can also be other reasons for needing to clear the energy in your space such as:  

Energy Vampires
They almost seem like normal, honest, good people but secretly that want nothing more than to have you join their misery.  Know the old saying misery loves company.  They are pros at attracting empaths who are loving, caring, and have optimistic attitudes for energy vampires to suck out of them.  So much so that they live you feeling drained, and stuck because they have sucked up all of your energy.

In-home Visitors
To keep your home sacred, it’s good to clear the energy in your home after having visitors or even after a party.  Doing this resets the energy flow of your home and erases all the energy that your guest may have left behind.  

THE PROCESS OF CLEARING 
Every space is different; therefore, techniques can be adjusted. However, my process of clearing spaces can consist of providing Reiki to each individual room in the home while also smudging with a variety of different sticks such as white or yerba santa sage, cedar, or juniper sticks, that may contain lavender.  (I plan on posting about the many differences sometime soon.) After clearing the space with sage.  I infuse the space with positive energy by utilizing palo santo, candles, incense, singing bowls, music, or crystals.  I do this all while praying or setting the intention you have for your home.  I do all of this after cleansing myself as well as all occupants of the home.  Once that process is done, I offer my gratitude and ask for the protection of the home.  

CHAKRAS


Within our physical body, we have a spiritual body that contains Chakras, which is the Sanskrit word for wheel or disc.  Each chakra represents a different energy center that holds life force energy that is responsible for each person's physical, mental, and spiritual functions.  These energy centers absorb and transmit energy to and from the universe nature, celestial entities, people, and tangible things like crystals. It is said that human beings have thousands of chakras located in hands and feet but the most significant ones are seven main chakras located along the central line of the body, from the base of the spine to the top of the head.

How do Chakras Affect Us?
The chakras are constantly rotating and vibrating.  The activities in them influence our body shape, glandular processes, physical ailments, thoughts, and behavior. When one (or more) of the chakra is blocked and the energy does not flow harmoniously through them, or it is wide open, it will result in imbalance that is manifested in all areas of life.

How do you Balance and Heal Chakras?

I do this by smudging my physical body with sage and palo santo, aromatherapy with essential oils, Reiki, color therapy, breathwork, exercise, meditation, crystal work, natural plants in the physical environment, clean eating, and clean living through functioning through my higher self as much as possible.  Also, drink plenty of water!  We are love and light consisting of a spectrum of colors, which is represented by our energy centers.  When you add water to light you see its beauty more, you recognize and handle shifts of energy easier, raising your vibration bringing you closer to balance and your higher divine self.


What Blocks Chakras?

Chakras naturally shift throughout our day as we encounter people and life and have lived experiences.  However, some things that cause chakra blockages are childhood traumas, limiting beliefs, adverse habits, physical and emotional traumas such as abuse, and lack of self-love to name a few. 

It is important to recognize the blocks we carry, find and understand their source and meaning, and develop tools to heal them or utilize the services I provide to aid you in empowering your journey to healing.

If you feel your space needs clearing due to stagnant energy schedule your energy clearing session today by clicking here. 

Distance Reiki

Distance Reiki is a wonderful option for people who cannot come in and lay down for a hands-on Reiki session. For example, people that are ill or living in a different location. Reiki is universal energy.  Therefore, it can be sent to a person, animal, situation time, or place. As a Reiki practitioner, I have the ability to channel universal healing towards you. Sending Reiki is possible because energy is not confined and can transcend time and space so it is easily transmitted anywhere.  It is easily done and works very well and can be done in different ways.  The practitioner can use a proxy, visualization, or a projection of Reiki energy (beaming) or a combination of these methods.  I personally either use a stuffed animal that I hold near and dear to my heart or I use my own body as a proxy along with visualization or the client's photo.  

After completing Reiki sessions, I like to follow up with clients and have had reports of feeling extremely relaxed, but also that they felt the energy as in tingling, heat, or pulsations within their limbs.  However, some people feel nothing but feel the subtle effects in the days after such as calmness, balance, and empowering energy.  Reiki energy can also bring stagnant energy to the surface in order to be released and healed that was formed from physical or emotional pain.  

If you're skeptical of Reiki hands-on or distance.  I understand it.  I was too. It sounds unbelievable.  I still can't believe it sometimes, but despite all of the googling you will do to find out what it is, how useful it is, does it work, nothing will beat actually taking the leap and actually experiencing it.  The universe kept bringing Reiki to me.  I was having so many moments (which I know were synchronicities) trying to tell me to be open to this wonderful thing, and I'm so happy I listened because the moment I did... my life changed... for the better.

My journey hasn't been easy.  I have had to face some traumatic experiences past and present, but I now know my worth, my greatness, my strengths, and growth moments, and I know that I'm not alone and I'm being guided.  I want to help you learn that too. Click here to schedule your distance Reiki session today.  

Reiki Box

I absolutely love my Reiki box.  Let me tell you the story of how I found it.  In the process of completing my Level II Reiki certification, we learned about manifesting goals and doing that by 

creating a Reiki box from a box that feels special for you.  On the day I found my Reiki box I was able to have a lunch date with my husband; which my h was something special within itself because we never get to do that.  We went on a relaxing walk and decided to stop at an antique store and I had the thought that today is the day I will find something special because I had been looking for it for months!  The antique store was pretty big with a lot of turns, but something told me to leave my husband and branch off by myself.  I turned two corners and the energy in the store literally changed, and looked up and saw a wood box.  I thought, "could this be it?"  I saw the butterflies and my inner self did a happy dance, and I ran to my husband and said, "look I found it!  I found my Reiki box!"  It was literally a moment because anyone who knows me knows how much I love butterflies and for this special box to have butterflies on it.  Representing transformation that also reminds me of one of my favorite people, my great grandmother Bell.  It was the perfect box for manifestation.  Now I'll tell you what Reiki box does for you.  

Reiki Box Healing is a spiritual healing service where you can sign up to receive Reiki healing for a period of time. The Reiki practitioner places your name and your healing goals into a box that is charged every day by continuous Reiki healing and Crystal Reiki healing.  This is great as you will receive daily healing so that you can progressively improve and manifest your goals of health, wealth, love, and happiness for your highest good! 

The power of Reiki, Prayer, intention, and gratitude, can be really powerful. However, it has to be addressed that it takes time for some things to be granted. Although, some things may be manifested quickly. There is however no guarantee that what is asked for will be manifested. However, with bringing energy towards your goal you are connecting to life force energy to increase chances of your goal manifesting. It also must be said that what you ask for may not happen the way you had in mind, but it must be trusted that your highest good knows what is best for you. Also, Keep in mind that when wishes involve other people; remember they too have choices to make in their lives. Your wish may, or may not, be part of what their higher self wants. Click here to schedule your Reiki box request today.  Also,  to have a chance to receive a free Reiki box request follow us on Facebook, youtube, twitter, and Instagram to qualify.  

Crystal Healing with Reiki

I have loved crystals for as long as I can remember.  I would collect rocks, shells, and sea glass and imagine they were fossils and gemstones.  Little did I know it was the start of an expensive and fulfilling journey.  Its only fitting that I learn to incorporate them into my career and my way of life.  Today we're talking about Crystal Healing with Reiki!

Crystal Healing

Crystal therapy is a module that treats clients through placing crystals on or around the body as well as in rooms in a grid-like pattern.  Crystal healing has been used dating back to the time of Atlantis.  Crystals have an electromagnetic field that lets off a charge or vibration that communicates and connects with energies that flow around physical spaces including human beings. These vibrations interact with the energy centers or chakras to remove blockages or restore a healthy flow of energy throughout the body, mind, and spirit.  Whether you believe in the healing properties of crystals or not it still offers you the opportunity to relax, refresh, restore, de-stress, and improve your wellbeing in a non-invasive way.  


The color of the crystals used usually corresponds with the energy center on the body.  (I'll describe in more detail how this works further in the post.) The human body contains crystalline particles and a rich array of minerals that are formed from the earth.  The human body is 70% water and water is also a crystalline structure.  Therefore, the minerals and crystalline structures with your body create a harmonious balance when combined with the minerals and crystalline structures of the earth.  A balance of holistic wellbeing and support in the human body representing an appreciation of earth's gifts.  

Crystal Healing with Reiki

Crystals used during Reiki Healing will help the healing and energy balancing. They will speed up the healing process.

When utilizing crystals to enhance a Reiki session and assist in balancing the whole chakra system a crystal is placed on each area in the appropriate color. In combination with the setting of the practitioner and the client's intentions, this will give each chakra a boost of its own vibration without altering its energies or the overall harmony of the system. It is believed that the interaction between the crystals and chakras will return the chakra into healthy vibration, therefore healing the part of the body affected.  By placing a different beneficial stone on each of the seven chakras it can be a general tonic to strengthen and tone up the entire system. Crystal Reiki has the potential to connect the client with the rising consciousness around them and help them align with it and use it to heal. After the use of each crystal, they are cleansed to protect the clients as well as myself.  

Corresponding Chakra and Crystal Layout 
White/ Brown/Black Crystals = Cleansing or grounding

Red/Orange/Yellow Crystals = Energize and uplift

    Pink Crystals = Loving and soothing

    Green and Blue Crystals = Balance, peaceful, healing, communication

    Purple Crystals = Spirituality, and Intuition

Red energy brings the physicality of life and how we live to the forefront. It is our sense of connection to society and security in life. Red crystals are used when there is:

• No enthusiasm for life • Low energy levels • Insecurity, fear or anxiety • You need to stir up passion on any level 

Orange energy gives us a sense of direction and purpose, uplifting our spirit. It encourages to enjoy the experience of life. Orange crystals are used when there is:

• Boredom or you feel stuck in a rut. • Resentment to change • Fear of enjoying yourself too much • Life is becoming too serious • You need to let go of past issues or blockages 

Yellow energy provides brightness and warmth to life and assists with our decision-making abilities. It also represents the nourishment of the Self. Yellow crystals are used when there is:

• Nervous tension/anxiety • Confusion, indecision, lack of concentration • ‘Butterflies in your stomach’ feeling due to fear • Digestive disorders 

Green energy provides balance, the power of nature, growth, and expansion. Green is the color of relationships because of its growth/expansive nature. Green crystals are used when there is:

• Restricted or fear of the unknown • A need for balance • A need for new ideas or inspiration • Problems in relationships 

Blue energy brings communication, aiding the flow of information and a sense of proportion. It is useful for calming our minds or emotional states when life gets on top of us. Blue crystals are used when there is:

• To calm yourself down • To communicate clearly and honestly • Peace and clarity of mind, giving you room to ‘think’ clearly 

Purple energy signifies spirituality, the third eye, a need to turn inward, and be honest with ourselves about who we are and what we truly feel. Purple crystals are used when there is:

• Focus on personal beliefs and ideas • Deepen intuition and instincts • Speed up natural healing on any level • To provide different perspectives in life 

White energy is wholeness and completion – purity, simplicity, and peace. Everything is visible, nothing is hidden – eternal potential. White crystals are used when there is:

• Clear your life of clutter • Fresh starts or new beginnings • Connection to the higher self • Be open and receptive to life as a whole 

Black energy is that of gestation, preparations, and grounding ourselves. Black crystals are used when there is:

• Ground yourself and alleviate fear • Prepare and make you more aware • Calm yourself, aiding focus on internals rather than distracting externals • Deflect negative energy and provide protection 

Turquoise energy allows the expression of our wishes, growth, and communication. It supports the desire to be unique and free. It is protective for travelers. Turquoise crystals are used when there is:

• Wish to explore information through feelings/emotions • Need an energy boost • Have lack of courage in social settings, feeling like you don’t fit in • Need protection when traveling by whatever method 

Pink energy promotes motivation and potential. Brings caring/tenderness to situations and supports the integrity of the individual. Pink crystals are used when there is:

• There is emotional anxiety • You didn’t receive enough love as a child • You have inner child issues • Need to accept yourself and know that you are worth it 

Brown energy is practical, neutral, and non-threatening. Brown offers a state of reality from which to grow, it is an earthy, natural color. Brown crystals are used when there is:

• To focus/concentrate on a particular task • Attention to detail • To become more dependable • To blend and be at one with nature 

Use reiki energy to help you heal the parts of you that are making you feel stuck and schedule a hands-on in-person or distance Reiki session today by clicking here. 

All about Reiki!

Here is Reiki 101!  In this blog post, I will provide answers to a variety of Reiki related questions including what it is, what it does for you, what is distance Reiki, what is crystal reiki, what is a Reiki box, sound healing, and aromatherapy.

Reiki brings creative flow.  If you find yourself repeating the same words, feelings, and phrases, or notice you are on autopilot.  That's your stuckness speaking.  Reiki provides the awareness that allows you to stop for a moment, regroup, connect with your creative energy, and reset yourself. By assessing your creativity you can always find a way to become unstuck.

Just like Reiki is a universal energy that already exists so is your creative self.  Your creative self is already here.  You don't need to do anything new to be your creative self.  Just tap into what already exists within you.  

What is Reiki?

Reiki (pronounced ray-key) is a form of energy work. This modality of healing was first developed in Tibet, but it did not become popular until a Japanese Buddhist, Mikao Usui, rediscovered the healing technique in the 20th century. The treatments are based on the belief that the human body has energy. Reiki combines the Japanese and Chinese word-characters of "rei" (spiritual) and "ki" (vital energy). The Reiki concept is that dis-ease is caused by imbalances of vital energy in the body and that correcting these imbalances promotes healing. Reiki promotes relaxation, restful sleep. energy balance, and assists with quick ailment recoveries; which in turn lowers a patient's stress response and encourages healing. When the body’s energy becomes blocked, pain and illness are the results. Reiki helps unblock the body’s energy to facilitate physical and emotional healing.

Is Reiki considered a religion?
Reiki has a spiritual element to it in the fact that it believes the universe is full of energy, and the human body is part of that ultimate life force. However, Reiki is not a religion. It can be practiced by believers of all faiths or of no faith, and it is beneficial to both believers and non-believers.

How does Reiki Work?
 The Reiki practitioner is a conduit for universal life force energy and Reiki is administered by a gentle hands-on healing technique that restores and balances energy promoting natural self-healing.  One of the basic teachings of healing with Reiki is that we are more than our physical bodies. We also have an energy body made up of our aura (energy fields), the chakras (energy centers), and the meridians (energy pathways.) Like our physical body that takes in food to nourish it and give it energy, our energy body does the same. The energy fields take energy in, the chakras break it down, and the meridians distribute it throughout the body.

Our body is comprised of energy vibrating at different speeds. Our physical body, our thoughts, emotions, and our spiritual center, all vibrate at a particular frequency or speed. These varying vibrations or pulsations create a field around them which are often referred to as our aura or energy field. The aura is an information center and a highly perceptual system that transmits and receives messages from the external and internal environment.  Each energy layer appears different and has its own individual function. Yet, they continuously interpenetrate each other as well as the physical body. These fields can be felt through touch. It is what Reiki practitioners perceive or sense when we scan with our hands.  The Etheric Field is the first layer of our energy body and is ¼ to 2 inches from

the body. It is the energy duplicate of the physical body. The Emotional Field is where we experience feelings. It extends about 1 to 3 inches beyond the physical body. The Mental Field is associated with thoughts and mental processes. It can be sensed 3 to 8 inches from the body. The Spiritual Field is made up of four or more layers, which help us relate to our higher self and spiritual dimensions. It is activated when we meditate, pray or channel. It extends 6" to 2' beyond our physical body. These energy fields are also referred to as our four levels of being; or our physical, mental, emotional spiritual selves. 

What are the benefits of Reiki?
The benefits of Reiki are it eases the symptoms of many minor and major ailments, and acute and chronic conditions, such as depression, anxiety, stomach aches, intestinal ailments, ADHD, Autism, Crohn's disease, fatigue, chronic pain, sciatica, lower back pain, headaches, migraines, allergies, allergic reactions, viruses, and heart disease. It has the potential to heal sports injuries and repetitive motion injuries. It has even been known to reduce the side-effects of medications after surgery and chemotherapy treatments.

How does Reiki facilitate healing?
Reiki facilitates healing by unblocking and balancing the body’s energy centers or Chakra.s There are seven basic chakra points on the body, including the crown of the head, third eye, throat, heart, solar plexus, sacral, and root. The Reiki practitioner will place her hands on or above each chakra point to guide energy and promote healing.


Who can have Reiki?
Reiki is a non-invasive complementary technique and is valuable to everyone, including pregnant women, babies, children,  You can be skeptical of the practice.  However, whether you believe or not you can still experience the benefits.  It is best to not have any expectations and go with the flow and see what happens.  If you do not experience strong sensations right away people generally recognize an overall change in their wellbeing. 


What should I expect during a Reiki session?
Reiki sessions are typically performed on a massage table with the participant fully clothed. They may also be performed while the participant is sitting in a chair.  During the session, the Reiki practitioner will place her hands over or on the Chakra points of the body. This is done to facilitate the guidance of universal energy towards the participant.  Treatments usually last about 45-60 minutes; including follow up discussion.  

Will I feel anything during a Reiki session?
Each person receiving a Reiki treatment will experience slightly different sensations. In general, most people will experience a deep feeling of relaxation, a sensation of radiance or clarity that appears to be all around the individual, and a release of tension, stress, and anxiety.  Some may experience flashes of colors or imagery, and some may not experience anything.  However, after the session, most individuals feel deeply refreshed and energized.

How long will it take before my pain is reduced or I feel better?
The exact number of sessions is dependent on the individual.  Some may experience changes right away; some may experience changes after a few days. However, most individuals notice significant improvements after their first Reiki session.  Unlike other treatment options, Reiki can be utilized as it is needed. For example, if an individual feels back pain once a week, they can schedule a session to help reduce the pain. Two weeks later, if that same individual is experiencing muscle cramps or headaches, they can return to have those ailments treated.

Does Reiki have any side-effects? 
Do I have to stop my traditional medical treatments or medications?
Reiki does not have any side-effects, and it can be used in conjunction with other traditional and holistic forms of healing. Reiki is complementary to traditional western medicine and provides profound emotional, physical, and spiritual healing results.  Individuals should not stop their traditional treatments or medications without first consulting with their Primary Care Physician (PCP).  

What is Distance Reiki? 
Distance Reiki is a wonderful option for people who cannot come in and lay down for a hands-on Reiki session. For example, people that are ill or living in a different location. Reiki is universal energy.  Therefore, it can be sent to a person, animal, situation time, or place. As a Reiki practitioner, I have the ability to channel universal healing towards you. Sending Reiki is possible because energy is not confined and can transcend time and space so it is easily transmitted anywhere.

What is crystal Reiki?
Crystal Reiki is a form of healing that combines two alternative healing modalities of reiki and crystal healing. During a crystal reiki session, the healing energy is being channeled through the practitioner’s hands and from the crystals to the receiver. A client undergoing a crystal reiki session may have crystals placed directly on the body, or the crystals may be placed beside the client's body. At the same time, the reiki practitioner will conduct a reiki healing treatment on the receiver. The crystals add another layer of energy to amplify the session.  

What is a Reiki Box? 
Reiki Box Healing is a spiritual healing service where you can sign up to receive Reiki healing for a period of time. The Reiki practitioner places your name and your healing goals into a box that is charged every day by continuous Reiki healing and Crystal Reiki healing.  This is great as you will receive a day healing so that you can progressively improve and manifest your goals of health, wealth, love, and happiness! 

What is sound healing? 
Sound healing is an energy healing modality that is highly effective and powerful.  The Reiki practitioner uses quartz healing bowls to produce a sound that aids in aligning the chakras.  Many people find the rich blend of harmonic overtones which the bowls produce have a direct effect upon their mind, body, soul, and chakras in a positive way singing bowls will restore, balance, or enhance your already healthy body. With a sound healing session, you will find your mind, body, and soul will have more clarity. In addition to their traditional usage for meditation, singing bowls are used for deep relaxation, stress reduction, holistic healing, Reiki, chakra balancing, and World music. The harmonics of the singing bowls have also been shown to be a vital part of the healing process for many patients undergoing various dis-ease within an unhealthy body including great relief for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.  The singing bowls aid in easing side effects if you have ailments. 

What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is the complementary therapeutic use and application of genuine and authentic plant-derived essential oils for healing body, mind, and spirit. It does not provide a cure for diseases, rashes, or illnesses, but it can support conventional treatment of various conditions.  Some Reiki practitioners utilize essential oils to treat both physical and emotional health conditions by diffusing them during the session or blending personalized roller bottles for topical use. 

Additional Information...- This experience is completely safe and non-invasive.  The Reiki practitioner does not guarantee your symptoms will go away but instead, acts as a conduit for the flow of the Divine universal energy. Although this treatment is non-denominational, it can be a very spiritual experience. Reiki complements traditional medicine and is not meant as a substitute for necessary traditional medical care. Many health care professionals are incorporating Reiki into their practice.  Energy Healing can use multiple modalities of energy healing to fine-tune a healing session that will cater to your specific needs; such as hands-on Reiki, distance Reiki, chakra balancing, sound healing, crystal Reiki, etc. 

Do you know that you are in charge of what happens in your life?  Use reiki energy to help you heal the parts of you that are making you feel stuck and schedule a hands-on in-person or distance Reiki session today by clicking here. 

Click here to read an article that explains a vivid experience of reiki.

Wake up...

I haven't blogged in more than a year and boy has my life evolved in this time!!!  I still have consistently held on to the 15lbs I have gained since losing 50lbs a couple years ago but I'm getting back on track. I haven't sewn much, but I'll be getting back to that as well because I have now graduated and earned a Masters of Arts Marriage and Family Therapy degree!!!!!!!  So, along with getting back to creating I will also continue growing as a competent therapist.  Additionally, not only do I still feel more at peace with my relationships but more importantly, I feel more at peace with myself!!!!!  I feel like I have evolved to a level of acceptance where I have a sense of inner peace and joy that I have learned to better guard when hearing about or experiencing difficult situations; even in times like this when the world seems so fear-driven.  I understand now that we are all definitely in this together.  If there has ever been a time where oneness and balance are needed,  it is now.   We all must do our part.  Intentionally. 

I've come to this evolution due to a continued effort on my part to have important conversations that were needed with my loved ones.  Boundaries were placed and crossed and they will continue to be, and I have grown a readiness that puts a smile on my face.  I'm aware that I still have fears but I have also grown an awareness that I can't let fear stop me.  The other day I was reminded of the Harold Melvin and The Bluenotes song by Teddy Pendergrass called Wakeup Everybody. (I've posted a clip of it.  Listen to the message.)  The words are so fitting for what's going on right now.  There should be no sleeping in bed (other than our usual beauty rest :-), of course). The world has changed.  The teachers have had to teach a new way. The world won't get better if we just let things be.  Being reminded of this song definitely woke something in me because I admit being in this house day after day, reprimanding my kids on the same things over and over, and being annoyed by my Husband who's been on vacation this week, helped me realize something.  I again have fallen into the pattern of putting everybody else and everyone before me.  I have to get back to my purpose.  My purpose involves me helping others, but in order for me to fulfill that I have to help myself first.  I can't pour from an empty cup.  I have to do things that replenish me, feeds my soul, and after receiving this reminder I realized that within the act of feeding my soul I can also empower others; which I believe is my purpose. I feel updating my website is the platform that will allow me to do that.  I can't wait to share with you all the plans I have for Enchante. I am definitely stepping outside of my comfort zone and I hope I can count on your support along this journey.  We are all in this together... Be well, wash your hands, and live in love and light...

Living my Best life

Perhaps its the fact that I cleansed my house and my family with Sage and Palo Santo for the 1st time or maybe its the fact that I have been taking CBD oil for the last 3 weeks, but I am loving the creative, zen, and peace that I now feel.   I have sewn so much for myself in the last 2 weeks; more than I have in the last 2 years.  I also give zero fucks about what anyone thinks or feels about what I am saying now and about to say next.  Yes, I sewed for myself and I can do that!  It's my body, my equipment, my fabric, and my time.  Just because I do it for myself does not mean that I have to make  that time to do it for someone else .  I digress, but seriously it is totally different sewing for myself than it is making something for somebody else.  I know my body.  I can make a dress for myself in an hour.  I can't do that for somebody else.  Sewing for me is an act of self-care and I vow to take care of myself each and everyday.

Moving on, I feel more at peace with my relationships because of a more elevated awareness of time and peace of mind.  I have had several hard much needed conversations with people that I love and I feel those relationships are definitely headed down the right path or I have accepted them as they are.  I have written more blogs this year (and its only March) then I have in the last couple of years.  After loosing almost 50lbs I have officially gained 15lbs of it back just in the last 9 months all because I unconsciously decided to put everything and everybody before me. So now I'm back at my workouts, and I'm about to do something wild and crazy next week for my birthday.  I have an idea of what I would like to do but if I actually get the opportunity, we will see (Hint: It involves heights).  I'm on my way to my 3rd interview in the last few weeks and I'm happy to say that I don't feel that anxious about it.  I got God all around me, Jesus walking beside me, CBD and a few crystals in my pocket, peace of mind, and love in my heart.  I hope you're living your best life.

Mindfulness

Since starting graduate school I haven't really taken a break. In-between classes we have the option of taking a break and that break can be one week to three weeks or we can choose to not take a break at all. Due to me wanting to complete my degree and start working as soon as possible I have opted not to take any breaks. However, due to my overwhelming responsibilities and the process of starting my clinical work I have decided to take a 3-week break. I'm currently on my second week and I feel that although I have been taking steps to better myself more intensely the last couple of years;  it is in this experience that I just had an epiphany moment. I have a better understanding of why those steps were so extremely vital to my journey right now. I have been feeling extremely anxious and unsure about many of the decisions I have made in the last few months; years in fact!  Even though I have grown secure with my decisions.  However, at this very moment I have just realized that those decisions, those steps were necessary not only for my health, sanity, love and respect for myself, my peace, but also for my well-being of being present in my body and this time and space.

I have learned that therapist also need their own therapist. We all have our own set of problems and experiences that we have to deal with that impact the people we are; and that impact can be a negative or a positive one. So on my journey I have had the honor of experiencing several therapist and a few have suggested mindfulness practices to me. I admit, I did not truly understand what mindfulness was until today. Thanks to a podcast app that I just downloaded I have chosen to subscribe to many therapist topics to utilize as resources for myself that may also be beneficial to share with my clients and through my research I have learned that mindfulness means different things to many people.  Therefore, I have gained a bit of compassion for myself for putting so much pressure on self to understand something the way another therapist understands mindfulness to be. I now understand that my confusion on what mindfulness is was because it was something different to me. It's not just shutting my brain down to not think any thoughts.  It's about welcoming those thoughts and being aware that they are there but placing a bit of a boundary on those thoughts and telling them I see you, but this is my focus right now. Its not just sitting still posing like a Buddha.  I have now realized that I have been practicing mindfulness a lot in my relationships, when I cook, when I go for a walk, when I'm shutting off the TV and playing games with my kids, when I'm listening to the birds, when we're trying to have family dinner, when I'm gardening, when I'm drinking a cup of tea. Mindfulness is a awareness and it's a focus on one thing, but also a developed compassion that we're human beings and our minds roam.  That's what they are supposed to do.  I'm now seeing ways that I would like to practice mindfulness with more of an intention; for example it's a habit for me to tell my kids I love you everyday.  However, it has become more of a habit; there's no real intention on it. When I'm saying it, I am making their lunch or I am pushing them in the doorways of their school building or I am turning a direction to head to work or something. Now I see that I have to be mindful in my intent to actually help my children really see that this is a moment of expressed love and not just words.  Furthermore, not with just my kids but also with my husband, my mother, my father, myself. I am so looking forward to the focus that I am sure being intentionally mindful will bring to my life.  Maybe you will be on the same thing I'm on...

Living Intentionally

My anxiety level is at a somewhat high level today and I tried with all my might to breathe; to be with myself in a way that allows me to be present and accept the things that I cannot change about today. I took my kids to school. I had lunch. I tried to take a nap.  Unfortunately, they say those who are the quietest have the loudest minds and my mind was just literally screaming to the point where trying to force a nap was just not beneficial to me anymore.  So, I woke up; turned the TV on one of my favorite channels; HDTV, and amazingly one of my favorite shows was on; Fixer Upper.   I don’t know about you but seeing this show and other interior design shows like it, just relaxes me because I feel that in my future, I will absolutely be experiencing the joy that these people feel when they see the renovations on their homes.   I then began scrolling through my phone and came across an artist, @alexisrakun that posted this picture below.

This picture did something to my spirit.  It gave me the energy that I needed to push me to write this post.  I poured a glass of wine. I joined a Facebook group to help me research something that I’ve been thinking about for months now, and I finally feel like I have some type of control and peace.  Yes, I do have control issues, but I have accepted this about myself and I have realized that this control is me.  This is what makes me unique.  It allows me to not only have moments in my life where the control has to be let go of, but it also provides me the do all to get things done when things need to get done; and I welcome that control.  It is nothing that I will allow anyone to make me feel negatively about any longer!  Especially, from the looks of it; it seems like people around me expect that control as well because I am the one who everyone looks at to get things done.  However, I'm learning to let go of that enabler spirit; that takeover spirit and learn to just chill and let go of the people and the things around me that don't allow me to just chill.  Although, it is incredibly hard when your kids and your husband are some of those people, but we're working on those boundaries.  As long as I have pictures like this that keeps me motivated on this journey, I’m optimistic that we’ll get there. 

One of the words my professors have told me throughout my graduate school journey is that I have great intentionality and a clear uncomplicated point of view of how I express things. I have to admit I didn’t know what my professors meant about intentionality because of course I intentionally said what I said or wrote what I wrote or else I wouldn't have done it.  So of course, I was thinking my professors meant something else.  However, after reflecting on this I realized they meant that I have a purpose, that I am the truth, that I have a clear goal of where I'm trying to go, that I have a clear understanding of whatever principle I am describing or reaching towards.  Mind you I by far do not feel this way at all when I’m presenting in class or submitting my assignments because my anxiety is really out of this world but the fact that these people who have absolutely no idea of my story feel this highly of me says something.  It says that I’m dope; have always been dope and will forever be dope. It's time that I embrace that, and I am in this moment, and I’m motivated to continue doing so.  Here’s to continuing to gain knowledge with intention and love for our bodies, our souls, and our legacies.    

Giving Thanks and Being Authentically You

Sharing with u what I have learned on my journey of living my best life, and a bit of love doesn't hurt.