Being a Jewish Reiki Master

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Today, I decided to vlog, as a response to being asked to speak on Judaism and Reiki for Doves4Peace.com. So I recorded myself talking about it, and it will be posted on their channel. Meanwhile, you can get a sense of how it all fits together by viewing my video right here.

What do you think?

How does your spiritual practice mesh with your religion? (Or does it?)
How do you reconcile your beliefs with your experiences?

With love and intentions for peace,
Alice

Change Your Life and Fix Your Relationships in 30 Seconds

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Well, it's 2015. And already, a lot has happened in my life. (And, warning, this is a super link-happy post. So, click on whatever you want to know more about.)

• I wrote and published 2 books and a new deck of cards (coming soon). 
• I started a new brand and website, A Moment for Me, and got the books on Amazon too.
• My 9 month intensive training program, Lightworkers Intensive, sold out and began its new year.
• All of the above got started in addition to the usual business of running my school, growing my practice, volunteering for Hospice, and taking care of my kids.

So, how did I do that? Sometimes I wonder. 

What did I learn so far? A lot!

The biggest lesson is that even the busiest person can find 30 seconds to do something that changes their day, their relationship, outlook, physical health, presence, and grow as a person. Really, 30 seconds.

We, as a society, are busy. I mean REALLY FREAKING BUSY. I know I'm not the exception, but lots of people are as busy as I am trying to keep it all together. 

So, I started by brainstorming 30 second ways to pay attention to mind, body, spirit, and emotion with mini-tasks. I made 36 cards, and then challenged myself to make 365 more for a daily calendar. (And I made a free app! Want it? Click here.) And a free daily email. Dang, that's a lot.

Then, I moved on to motherhood. Moms are such carriers of responsibility! They're busy. Real busy. What am I talking about by saying "they"?? We're busy.  Anyway, yeah. Coming up with 101 Moments for Mom was a good lesson for myself too.

Then, I moved on to relationships. There really are 30 second ways to make a relationship closer, more loving, and more fulfilling. I came up with 101 ways and made them into a book. Two students asked me to make the book into a deck of cards, which, of course I did, it is currently in the graphic design process, and will be available in a few more days. I'm going to actually try all of the ideas with my husband. (I'm sure I'll need to remind him and maybe nag a little at first, but I think it will become a good habit for us.) I could feel the potential lasting power in each task as I wrote them.

With Valentine's Day around the corner, and this 30 second idea on my mind, I decided to really try to explain how this concept could work. To reach the most people in an hour, I'm hosting a free class called 30 Second Self-Care. It's online this Thursday night, and everyone who attends will be given a 50% off discount code for a signed copy of my new book, A Moment for Us: Care for Busy Couples - 101 free ways couples can enjoy more love, caring and togetherness in 30 seconds. 

In the class, I'm going to talk about what stops people from taking care of themselves. There are so many things that get in the way, from feeling like there's no time, to denying that we need it, to trying to feel empowered by pretending we have it all together. I know, because I do every one. I'm trying to change this by putting it out there, and then talking about why and how to change it - in only 30 seconds a day. Come take it. The class is only an hour. And it's free.

The busiest person can find 30 seconds. The benefit of these tasks last so far beyond 30 seconds, that it can change your entire self-worth, presence, health, abundance, and relationships. 

Want to see how it's going for two people who are committed to trying this daily? I hired two busy people to try out the calendar, and publicly blog about it every single day of 2015. You can see Doug and Michelle's journey with 30 seconds a day by reading the comments at the end of each blog post here.

I'm captivated by the idea of 30 seconds, and think I'm onto something. You can expect more in the A Moment for Me series this year - my goal is to write at least 6 books in 2015. I'm also planning to give a Ted Talk on it. It's gonna happen, my friends, and you read it here first. The details will fall into place, just you wait. Now you and the Universe know. So everything else is already in motion to make it so. 

Got 30 seconds? Sure ya do.

Your comments are so welcome, always.

A New Age Bracket

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Today is my birthday. I started this blog eight years ago, so it's also my blogversary! 

I take some time every year to consider how far I've come in the last year, and also since I started my blog, which I consider the time of the most significant change in my career, the beginning of my spiritual connection, and the start of living my true life's calling. 

I went back and read last year's post to remind myself where I was last year. It's always amazing to me to realize just how much happens in a year. Last year on this day, we had just recently moved here to Maryland, and were in the process of trying to sell our house in Ohio. I had just launched my Reiki Awakening Academy website, and was working on learning to update it and use the ecommerce system. My kids had started new schools, and I was looking for a place to practice Reiki locally.

Since then, I'm more at home here, our Ohio house is sold, the RAA website is doing well for us, my oldest daughter started High School, and all of the kids have adjusted beautifully. My husband has made great strides in his new job and loves it. I found a perfectly suited office to rent space in as needed, and have some regular clients. I've been teaching at The Institute for Spiritual Development, and have more classes scheduled there for 2015. Seven  weeks ago, I published a new product and started a new website for it. (This is a great time to get A Moment for Me Calendar, by the way!) Over 100 have sold already, and they are carried in four stores so far. I'm working on a new line of books for A Moment for Me now. I was interviewed in US News & World Report for an article called "What is Reiki?" 

Year 44 was a great blessing indeed. 

Today I'm 45. It's funny, but I keep thinking about how on surveys and registration forms that ask you to check which age group you're in, now I'm in a new age bracket, the one called 45-55. I've been joking that I hope there are perks in this new group, like graduating to a new level of life. What awaits? Better food? Special VIP access? Secret meetings? I picture an envelope arriving with a code for a secret knock, and an address. I imagine going to that address, and knocking on the door the special way, and being granted access, but no one under 45 is allowed in. They check my ID, and let me in, closing the door firmly behind me. What wonders await inside?

So far, my body has granted me some interesting temperature modulations. I'm told that's part of it. Interesting. Especially at night when I need to throw off the covers, only to pull them on again in about 2 minutes as I start to shiver. But, I'm sure there are more enjoyable perks awaiting. 

As last year was the year of the angels, (44 is the angel number in numerology), I've decided that this year of my life is the year of perks. I'm going to put the expectation out there that all kinds of abundance is flowing into this 45th year, even better than before. I'm in! The perks of being 45 are amazing, and wonderful, and I can't wait to experience them!

And that, my friends, is how you manifest a great year.
Happy birthday, me!

Taking a Moment

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It's been a busy Fall so far. I spent about eight weeks creating a 365 day tear-off calendar. Each page has something different on it. The theme is self care for busy people. It's called A Moment for Me 365 Day Calendar - self care for busy people - 365 FREE things you can do in 30 seconds to balance body, mind, emotions, and spirit. 

Here's the Behind-the-Scenes look at the process of creating this project I assigned myself.

Let me tell you, it was quite a project. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to do it. I mean, I've written lots of content before - I have been a game content writer for several years and had to write thousands of categories for board games. But, this was different. These are some narrow parameters! 

First of all, they had to be tasks that a person could do in 30 seconds. So that eliminates lots of things, like taking a bath, or doing a yoga class. I had to find short ways to accomplish the same kind of effect as those, like washing your hands and the back of your neck, instead of a bath. Or doing a modified Sun Salutation, instead of a yoga class. 

There couldn't been any equipment needed, or special places to need to go to do the things. I did allow a pen and paper, because most people have those, or can at least think through the things if they don't. I did also allow an internet connection for just a few of the tasks, because I figured that most people have access to the internet most of the time. 

They also had to be free, and not involve spending money. So, no real retail therapy, or making some kind of donation. 

At first, it was easy. That's how content writing usually is. The ideas pour out fast, and need to be captured on paper quickly. The first 150 or so were like this. I also categorized by body, mind, emotions, and spirit, and made lists according to those. I listed special days that would be good for putting on the calendar, like holidays, zodiac sign changes, and seasons. Then I also added some themes, such as totem animals, planets, yin/yang, numerology, and colors. I made lists for those. 

Then, around the 250 mark, things slowed down a bit. I didn't want to be repetitive, and every task needed a reason behind it, and some benefit for doing it. I started researching what others had to say on the subject of changing your life, and self care. I was able to bounce some ideas off of some things I read, and that helped. 

The last 20 were the hardest, but I got to them somehow. Though the stress had increased at that point, as I had a timeline to manage (this IS a calendar after all, and needs to be ready for calendar buying time). The accomplishment was short lived because there was more to do beyond the content writing. I pulled some VERY late nights!

Now, I'm proud to say that it's done! I finished the list, organized everything in a spreadsheet, formatted it onto a document, designed the cover, and found a printer. I also started a website, a free daily email, a Facebook page, and a Twitter account for it. 

Three stores have ordered some so far. 

Why did I make this?
            Because I need it. 
I'm a busy person. With four kids, a business to run, a Reiki practice that's growing, and volunteering once a week for JSSA Hospice, I needed the reminder that self care isn't something to do once a week or whenever. A daily commitment of even 30 seconds can make a difference. And I know that this message isn't just for me, it's for other people like me. 

I loved doing this activity, actually. It taught me a lot. I learned that there are many, many ways to become present, mindful, and to value yourself. They don't cost money, and they don't take long. But they matter, and they make a profound difference. And now I can share this message with everyone.

So, I'm inviting you, my dear readers, to give it a try. Read the daily posts, or subscribe to the free daily updates. Maybe even purchase a calendar for yourself, or for a gift for the other busy people you know. (Use NOVPROMO as a code to save $5 per order). 

And especially, please offer me feedback. When I create something new, it really matters to me how people receive it. I want to know that it's helpful, and that it's really good, because I worked really hard to try to make it good. 

Thanks and love.

Shoes for Energy Healers and Earthing Fans

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There's a company that makes shoes for energy healers, and those who are interested in "Earthing," or connecting energy with the earth for all of the health benefits that come with it. Earthing is real, it's also called grounding, and I incorporate it into my practice daily. 

A word on earthing/grounding:
There are many ways to get reacquainted with that people-Earth connection. One way is through a little visualization, thinking of yourself as a tree with roots growing down from your soles into the earth, then visualizing absorbing that healing earth-frequency into those roots and up into your body. (Soul to sole...hmm!) Try it. It doesn't take long, it helps clear out negative energy from our systems, releases free radicals, and also clears the mind. Make sure to breathe while doing this exercise.

Another way to stay connected with our home planet (which, by the way, is like a powerful magnet for balancing our systems), is to stroll around barefoot. I love doing that in the summer, but now things are getting rather cool and wet for an outdoor barefoot walk through the yard. 

Back in 2012, I had the honor of reviewing some really beautiful sandals made for grounding by Juil, the company I mentioned who is directly addressing the health benefits of grounding with their shoe designs. They graciously sent me a pair of really high quality sandals (I still have them! My daughter has taken them and wore them every day throughout the spring and summer, and early Fall. That's what I get for letting her borrow them once - ha.) The shoes help with grounding via a series of copper "dots" embedded in the sole of the shoe which act as conductors for the earth-foot connection. Makes sense - that's exactly how we ground our houses - via copper.

Well, Juil recently contacted me again and said they've made some shoes for Fall, and asked if I'd like to test a pair. That was an easy question! Of course! Excitedly, I opened the box with a new pair of shoes inside.

Check them out!

The first thing I noticed is the feel of the leather. It's the softest leather I've ever touched, let alone wore. I can hardly tell I'm wearing shoes because they're so comfy. The quality is exceptional. As someone who has often bought shoes at major discount shoe stores, this was a new experience for me. What can I say?  There's a difference. There are actually wooden heels attached beneath the slip-proof rubber sole.

Then, there are those copper dots. Here's a picture of the shoes after I've worn them a few times. See the dots? They go through the sole to the inside. 

I was wondering if one could still receive the benefits of grounding through socks. So I checked the website. Apparently, I'm not the only one to ask that question, because it's covered in their FAQ section. The answer is that our feet naturally perspire, and the moisture helps the copper continue to conduct the earth energy for our feet. Right! Water is also a conductor. Somewhere in the back of my mind's science education, I remember that one. 

So yes, I wore these lovely shoes. Besides looking extremely snazzy, being luxuriously comfy, and keeping my feet warm, I really did enjoy the feel of them. Any chance to keep myself grounded is a really good idea. I'm a person who is always thinking unless I intentionally slow my mind down. So, being connected with the earth, being grounded, is really good for me. It also makes my own grounding practice faster, like grounding in bare feet outside - or almost. (By the way, my daughter is under strict orders that these aren't for sharing. I know from experience that I'd never have the chance to wear them if I lent them out even once!)

I applaud Juil for caring about our earth connection. I also appreciate they use natural vegetable based dyes instead of nasty chemicals. The free shipping is a good deal too. They're nicely packaged in a thick, drawer-like shoe box, too, which makes a great "upcycle" item for little toys, CDs, whatever needs some storage. Check out their shoes. They have lots of new designs, and they're totally worth trying.

As I mentioned, I did receive a free pair to test, and my opinions are entirely my own. No other compensation was received for my opinion. However, I was impressed enough to become an affiliate. Maybe you will be too, when you try their shoes! Order yourself a pair here!

• Do you do grounding as part of your day?

• Have you read the book "Earthing" or any similar manuals?

Peace and love.

This Blessed Life

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Recently, I watched this most incredible video:


I absolutely love this. And, I guess it stuck with me. Because I found myself applying this perspective to my so-called problems. If you have four minutes now or after reading this post, watch it. You'll be so glad you did.

I'll summarize and interpret some of the points that sunk into my soul here:

• We are all part of the same energetic source, with our own individual strand of energy inside us which lets us experience everything, and also allows us to be part of the collective whole and an individual personality at the same time. (I love this so freaking much).
• We've lived before, and will again, because that's what it is - what we are - individual experiences of the full ONEness of everything. As time is a relative concept, and not really linear at all, we might come back next time in what we think of as the past, or the present, or the future.
• Since we are each a light strand of the Great Light, everyone else is us too in that same way. 

These three ideas were with me. Then, last night, they took me to a further point. No doubt I've lived before in a less ideal life circumstance. Maybe I lived in a country with less food, resources, or violence. Maybe I was sick, or in pain, or injured. Maybe I died young or lost a loved one early. Doubtless some incarnation of me had experiences like this. They are too common throughout history for me to not to have lived them. 

I thought about this. And I thought about my life now. 

I'm living in a really nice house, in a very nice neighborhood near a park, good schools, and good people. There is plentiful food, running water, electricity, and a car for my use. My husband has a good job, I love my work, and our four kids are healthy and intelligent. 

In light of all of the possible lifetimes I could have been living in right now, this one is on the fantastic side.

At this point, a big sigh of relief and gratitude came over me. 

Last night, my husband and I had been discussing money allocations - you know, paying bills - the dreaded and often stressful juggle that happens to many families like us. I saw my husband's frown, the one he's been wearing all too often lately. The one that says that besides this, he's thinking about stresses at work, deadlines, issues, and the things that the person in charge (him) has to solve. I felt the weight of his worry. 

And then I remembered this video. 

And, suddenly, I couldn't worry about anything. All I can do is to be so freaking grateful for my problems right now. Because, this lifetime is a relief. It's a wonderful blessing. It's fantastic. 

I'm feeling different now. Like everything is vibrating with a reason to be grateful. I can't even go into the bathroom without being grateful for flush toilets and toilet paper. I can't look at my kids without being amazed that they are so perfect in every way (even when they're messing up, yelling at each other, or being generally loud). I can't look at the fruit on the counter, the cushions on the couch, the shoes carelessly tossed on the kitchen floor, without just being grateful that I have them. 

And every time I see a stranger, I see something different now- I see a light inside their eyes. Beyond our differences in appearance, I feel a strange recognition. Because we're all living this experience. 

And now, my experience is illuminated. It's shining and shimmering with gratitude, with love, and with knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that I've got to enjoy every second of this blessed life. 

Forging a Path

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It's my kids' first week back at school, and I'm absolutely loving the blissful quiet in the house. I've taken on new projects, and it's so much easier to concentrate without a lot of interruptions. Wow. The contrast is amazing. I'm also proud of the way they've just jumped right in with sports and activities, and getting back into the pattern of after school snacks and homework as if they never left. 

I've been working on my website marketing for my school, Reiki Awakening Academy. And I'm happy to have the help of a great consultant, Linda Stephens. One of the parts of creating an effective way to share the message of the great things we're doing at RAA is to look at what other schools are doing. 

It's kind of sad, really. There aren't many online schools out there that are doing what RAA is doing. Some websites look really fancy. They offer special certifications that sound very impressive. But dig deeper and there's no way to see how they conduct their classes, in what ways they provide support, or what the students will be required to do to "earn" their certificate. Either they aren't doing these things, or they aren't making it clear that they do. 

In looking at their sites, and then at mine, I know I need to be sure to emphasize what we're doing right. 

• We teach in an actual virtual classroom. This provides face to face interaction, live, with the ability to see and hear each other, answer questions, present materials, show and demonstrate, give materials for download right in the class, and allow the students to view a recording of the class afterward for review. Basically, we want to provide as close to an in-person learning experience as an online classroom can be.

• We offer unlimited, unending support afterward. All of our teachers are available to the students any time there are questions or comments. We request evaluations after every class to reflect on how we're doing, and we take everything into consideration to help us improve.
  
• Our programs are deep and comprehensive. They offer a wide variety of classes, with new ways of thinking that are at the forefront of the holistic and metaphysical fields. All of our teachers take the work seriously and continually learn and reflect on their growth as practitioners and teachers.
  
• Our Advanced Healing Pioneers Membership Program allows those who want to be leaders in this incredible field get together to explore the newest developments in understanding the work, as well as deeply discuss how to offer credible answers to our clients, colleagues, and ourselves.

This stuff isn't easy. I mean, sometimes I ask myself why the heck I chose this field when I already had a career, a Master's degree, and lots of job opportunities I could have accepted. I mean, just look at what I and people doing this work face:

• Reiki and energy healing work is invisible. We can't "show" very much that demonstrates what we do. The evidence is in the experience, which is totally individual and subjective.
  
• Intuitive development is the result of work, but again, the work is individual. Techniques are there, but the practitioner has to find which works best for him, and get out of his own way as he learns to receive information that subtly trickles in via the right brain from the Universe. Yeah. I know.
  
• Teaching energy work by distance requires the learner to accept the fact that energy transmissions can be given and received over any distance. That in itself is a pretty big thing to swallow. (It does work, by the way). Explaining it is even more of a challenge, because many people have some massive mind blocks due to this being outside the scope of their reality for most of their lives.
  
• Having an online school that offers more than what others do, and showing how we stand out, on a website among millions of websites out there in that vast world wide web of a thing, is hard enough. Then try streamlining all of the great classes, products, programs, and events so that someone who comes by for the first time can see clearly what's so great and different about us. 

See what I mean? Challenging, to say the least. 

Linda, you've got your work cut out for you. 

Every day, I'm walking the balance beam between these innate challenges one one side and, on the other side, radical amazement at the power of the work to help people's lives improve in huge ways. That's the part that keeps me going - that keeps me passionate and most of all - that tells me over and over again that I wouldn't go back for a second. 

I tell my students that it's like I was handed a super power. How can I go back to being a mere mortal, especially when I can give the super power to others and watch them light up with the same radical amazement I feel? That. It's the reason I accept the challenges and keep doing the work. 

Leading the way and setting a standard is challenging, and a little lonely sometimes. People need this kind of education. They need it done well because how it's presented sets a tone for the perception of the work itself. It all needs to be professional, credible, and clear. If you agree, if you are, or want to be able to offer healing, metaphysical, or holistic services in a way that represents a professional in any field, I invite you to join Advanced Healing Pioneers. We need you.

And, onward we go.