Meredith Kendall

winter is back

2012-02-26T19:11:00.000-05:00

With snow and bitter winds. It was warm last week, and I thought of spring in Illinois, where I lived for 4 years, after living in Minnesota. Spring came in February there, in Illinois.

Tornado alley. That's what they call it. When you live in Minnesota and Illinois you listen to the weather. You keep emergency supplies and you know in which corner of your basement you will cower when the big wind approaches.

My son in Erie, PA, said there is no snow there. "Wait, let me look. None. No snow." My son in Portland, ME, said, "We got a little hail the other day, that's all."

We got 6 inches of heavy wet snow. My scapulae ache from the effort of pushing it around. Like wet laundry. I scooped my driveway at 10 pm, while it was snowing large flakes. In the night, the town snowplow pushed a wall of boulders into my wide driveway. It's wide enough for 3 cars. I scooped and pushed it around, knowing if I left any my neighbors would feel compelled to tidy up after me. I scooped well and was satisfied with my effort. It was clean and good. When I went to the grocery store my neighbor came and tidied up.

Today was sunny with a cold wind. The daffodil shoots are buried again, discouraged, wishing they lived in Illinois.

Wuthering Heights, finis

2012-02-26T19:00:00.000-05:00

Finished it. Whew. Read it on my nook.

Slow start. I thought, "Do I really want to read this? It's so dark. Cold, violent, claustrophobic, and depressing. Haunted. The rustic dialect. But it's a classic, I argued with myself. A free download. It's supposed to be good. Just try it again." So I slogged on. What a chore, I told myself. But really, every time I opened the book I got hooked in the first sentence and read til my eyes burned and my spine sunk into the mattress.

The mystery is, why this book? Why a book so old, the author so unlikely in so many ways (google her), why is this book still powerful? The themes are contemporary: abuse, revenge, obsession, and love. The story within a story. The different perspectives. The rich and powerful screwing the weak and innocent. All still compelling and meaningful today. So, maybe read it again. What? You never, well, def! Give it a try.

Reiki practitioner/teacher

2012-02-23T22:59:00.000-05:00

I've just read a new title: Reiki practitioner/Reiki teacher. I like that so much better than master. I never felt like a master. I feel more like a student. There's so much to learn!

I'm always learning and evolving. So I give up "master"; I like practitioner/teacher. Thank you, Komyo Reiki Kai New York and INAMOTO Hyakuten Sensei.

Reiki share out in the woods

2012-02-23T22:29:00.001-05:00

Went to a Reiki Share this evening. It was held at a private home, a beautiful home, way out in the woods. I say beautiful, and it was like a palace or a magazine house. It was new, clean, and full of art, books, and technology. A palace.

I arrived at sunset, so got to see the display of glass illuminated by the setting sun. Glass, prints, photos, fiber art, stone carvings, baskets, a starburst in the parquet floor, and even a glass chimney. Ever seen a glass chimney? There was a wall of windows, skylights, and twinkling candles everywhere.

We ate vegetable stew with pasta, sourdough bread, and a spicy salad. We talked about Reiki and hospice. Then we climbed up the spiral staircase to the Reiki room. I guess I haven't shared Reiki in a while. I do self-Reiki every day, of course. This was different. I felt my guide, angel, and grandma. I hadn't said hello to them in too long. They were with me tonight. Other spirits too, lots of them. We shared Reiki. I did cave breathing, and felt time slip away. I opened my eyes to check the client and my hand placement. I could see fish in the aquarium down on the first floor, floating up and down like confused balloons.

There was a piece of art, representing the life of a person. In the beginning was an exuberant swirl of energy, next a star or compass- finding one's direction, and then the end: a quiet circle of reflection. It was detailed and precise; it incorporated many natural elements like stones, shells, and shark's teeth from a Saudi desert.

Then it was time to leave. I knew Fluff was lonely; I had to get home. I stepped outside and looked up. So many stars. I've missed the stars, there in the city. I found Orion, and searched for Pleiades. Couldn't leave til I found Pleiades. I looked, my head tipped all the way back, swaying a little, not feeling cold at all, looking through the bare branches: found it! A sense of peace, my home constellation. Pleiades.

Jumped in the car, turned on Myrtle, my GPS, and headed out in the dark. Frost heaves bubbled up in the road, jouncing my ride. I turned on the brights; dimmed again for oncoming traffic. So dark, no landmarks, but Myrtle got me home. Fluff was some glad to see me. I patted her and found another lipoma.

Tomorrow: predictions for 3-5 inches of snow. February in Maine. Reiki share way out in the woods in a Renaissance palace with optimistic people who earn their living honestly, in a way that benefits others.

chocolate pie

2012-02-23T16:27:00.000-05:00

I'm going to a Reiki share soon, bringing a chocolate pie. Potluck first, then Reiki. A gathering of optimistic people, grateful for small things like knowing each other.

long winter nights

2012-02-22T20:03:00.000-05:00

Dark comes early and stays late. The air is cold and dry.
Turn down the heat, 58 or 60. Crank up the electric blanket.
Sleep 10 hours.

wh, again

2012-02-21T18:58:00.000-05:00

Wuthering Heights is really good. I'm reading it on a nook tablet.

I don't want to ruin it for you, but a main character just died.

Feb vacation

2012-02-20T18:45:00.001-05:00

It's spring break, Feb vacation, and President's Day. The students are off for the week, several teachers took the week off too, and DHHS across the street was closed. So it was a quiet day at work.

I graded papers all day, and it took me all day. Tomorrow I will work on lectures: streamline, cut out excess, and build in more small group activities. Tomorrow we're having a potluck at work, a turkey dinner. There will be roast turkey, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and rolls. I made 2 chocolate pies. Chocolate fudge, not pudding. Rich dense chocolate fudge pies.

Lots of teachers are soaking up sun. One went to Florida, one to Cancun, and a Caribbean cruise for another. It was sunny here today. But the wind was strong, and bitterly cold. The backyard is one quarter frozen grass, and three quarters pockmarked ice. There's more grass every day. Subzero temps are predicted for tonight. Everywhere you look it's grey and brown. I'm thinking of turquoise water, blazing sun, and white sand.

what makes a great Reiki practitioner?

2012-02-20T17:19:00.000-05:00

of the qualities of an excellent Reiki practitioner: great communication skills, highest ethics, knowledge of Reiki history, compassion, ability to distinguish between Reiki and other modalities, and ability to maintain professional boundaries; in your opinion, which is most important?

small songbird

2012-02-19T16:36:00.000-05:00

Sat on the deck, in the sun, 35 degrees F, while Fluff patrolled the estate. A flock of small songbirds landed in a tree and reminded me of summer songs. What kind of bird? I don't know. Do you?

They were small songbirds. Like miniature robins, pretty sparrows, maybe a brand new type of bird. They had brown backs, creamy breasts, and pinky-orange necks. They sang complicated songs about worms, heat, and flowers. They flew off in a rush, things to do, seeds to seek.

asperger's syndrome

2012-02-18T14:37:00.001-05:00

Just took an online test. Eighty percent of those who score over 32, I think it was, have Asperger's syndrome. I scored much less than 32. Not Asperger's. Took an IQ test; I am not a genius. Took the Meyers-Briggs and am the rare INFJ, a sensitve intuitive introvert. Famous INFJs are Nelson Mandala and Mother Teresa. Really? Thought I was a little more Lady Gaga. hmm.

happy birthday

2012-02-17T21:35:00.001-05:00

Fluffernutter. 13 years old. Not sure today is really the day, but it's the day we celebrate. I remember that 2 day-old puppy I held in my hand. I remember the farm where you were born, up there in the woods near the mountain. There were dogs, cats, cattle, and horses. A baby too. Rough people, rugged; life was hard.

Now your life is quiet and slow. You sleep a lot.

But tomorrow's a new day and we'll go exploring.

wuthering heights

2012-02-17T18:41:00.000-05:00

is slow going. I make myself read it. It's good for me, right? But I dread it. The cold, darkness, and violence.

Why do we do things we don't really want to do? Are they really that good for us?

We go to the gym, spend time with people who drain us, go to office parties, and eat vegetables. Why do we do these things? Oh. Turns out those things really are good for us. k. See ya at the office party, I'm bringing the vegie tray.

smart stop lights

2012-02-16T23:33:00.001-05:00

We need them, am I right? I drive to work at 6 am; it's icy and dark. There are 8 lights on my way to work and hardly any traffic. So why, why does the light turn red as I approach? There's no one else around. Why does it randomly turn red? Red for me, green for no one.

Smart lights. They read traffic patterns. Stay green for traffic flow, adjust to volume. That's what we need: smart lights.

Dr Bronner's soap

2012-02-16T23:29:00.000-05:00

You know, from the health food stores. Tall plastic bottle, lots of writing that you always mean to but never have time to read.

Grabbed a bottle. Amber orange label: citrusy. Ginger-orange. Orange-sandalwood, ummm, wouldn't that be nice? Yeah. It's tea tree-hemp. I got in the shower, squirted out a hefty handful and, oh. Turpentine. I smell like turpentine. Well isn't that refreshing?

Reiki Share

2012-02-16T22:24:00.002-05:00

Went to a Reiki share tonight and it was wonderful. There were 12 of us: all levels, all walks of life, all committed to Reiki and health. Old members embraced and we welcomed several new members. We talked about Reiki, and how we practice. Most of us practice daily self-Reiki, Reiki on pets and loved ones.

We broke into 3 groups of 4. We have only one Reiki table, so 2 groups did chair Reiki. I was in one of the chair groups.

First we did a Sufi breathing exercise. I felt so grounded. It felt like my busy spinning frantic life settled down into the calming energy of Gaia. I was transmuted. My breathing changed, my thoughts spiraled down into a peaceful puddle.

We joined hands and recited the Reiki principles.

I took up the floor position. I like to sit on the floor. So I worked on knees, shins, ankles, and feet. The Reiki energy pulsed through my body. I felt the heat. I cracked open my eyelids to check the client. He was grinning. He looked blissfully relaxed. Afterwards he said that the pain in his knee disappeared 10 seconds after I placed my hand there.

I could hear the group in the next room. They were whispering. Someone came in our room to grab some tissues. Someone was crying. The lights were dim and it reminded me of a slumber party or a Reiki retreat.

We moved on to another recipient. Again, we held hands and recited the Reiki principles. We reviewed the symbols. I placed a hand on each knee. I asked to be guided by love and wisdom. My whole body throbbed with the energy. I checked the client's face. She looked placid, benign, relaxed. I continued down towards her ankles. I could feel the heat. I asked for her best health.

Afterwards we all gathered. There was a big brown teddy bear, probably 2 1/2 feet tall, super soft: irresistibly huggable. We passed it around. We shared our impressions, visions, and hopes. There were new connections, promises of future gatherings, and gratitude for what was.

Reiki for people whose lives have been touched by cancer...

2012-02-16T21:27:00.000-05:00

I'm raising money. It's for a great cause. Click here!

Please consider a donation.

Your donation helps to provide free support services for people whose lives have been touched by cancer. Cancer. Such a random event; a cell mutates and grows. Lives change. People need help. Families need help. So please help. Your donation helps to provide Reiki, massage, financial counseling, spa services, hugs, hats, and strong shoulders.

When you click on this link you can simply make a donation. Or you can click here to purchase a book. All my profits from these sales are donated to support services for people with cancer. Please give. Your support will change lives.Your click makes a difference.

Thank you.

the cupcake

2012-02-15T21:55:00.000-05:00

2 am

2012-02-15T21:38:00.000-05:00

Fluff has this annoying new habit. She likes to get up at 2 am.

Some of us need our beauty rest. Well, not her. She always looks fab.

She jumps off the bed and stands there. Gak. Prob has to pee, am I right? I get up, let her out, and go back to bed. I fall asleep for 5 minutes. Maybe 10. Get up, let her back in. Inexplicably have to lift her back onto the bed, like for some reason she can't jump back up and I am further reawakened.

Is diphenhydramine appropriate for dogs? Tylenol Lassie PM?

Wuthering Heights.

2012-02-15T20:32:00.000-05:00

Reading it on the new nook. Classics are free!

So. WH. Your opinion, please, dear reader.
1) Just too depressing.
2) Ghosts and violence, cool!
3) Drama of dysfunctional family. Melodrama, actually.
4) Salient literature.
5) Nightmare.

evidently dot com

2012-02-15T20:16:00.002-05:00

Saw this video today. Please watch and share.

coolest people

2012-02-15T12:53:00.000-05:00

Feel so lucky- I get to work with the coolest people. Nurses- who could be better? Our goal is to make your life better.

emerging nurses

2012-02-14T14:43:00.000-05:00

It's almost spring. From earnest eager adults: biologists, lifeguards, moms, cooks, and soldiers; through bedpans, wounds, gowns, textbooks, injections, and computers... nurses emerge.

Cupcake

2012-02-13T19:21:00.002-05:00

I walked around Portland yesterday. The sun was shining but it lent little warmth. An arctic air mass hovered overhead, and a bitter wind blasted. I kept tucking my scarf around my chin; I kept my gloved hands in my coat pockets. I pretended the sunshine was warm, but didn't linger on the streets. I walked quickly, glancing in shop windows and up at the big blue sky.

There was a cupcake shop. A pink cake was painted on the window, and there were glass stands of lavishly decorated cakes. The glass reflected rainbows of light. I pushed the old door and walked inside. A couple looked up and stared at me. The place was techno bare. A chic girl stood at the counter. She had short dark hair, pallid skin, skinny arms, and a low scooped top.

There was a thermos of coffee. "Is that regular?" I asked. I smiled.

"Yeah," she replied, resentfully.

"Oh. Do you have decaf?"

"No."

I looked at the choices. Red velvet, lemon, spice, and chocolate with caramel salt. I ordered the chocolate and went to the bar in front of the window. I yanked at the tall chair. It was unexpectedly light: brushed aluminum. The bar was an old barn board, black, polished smooth. I sat and ate as Valentine's couples giggled by out on the sunny sidewalk, matching outfits, arm in arm.

Reiki for Acton

2012-02-13T19:07:00.000-05:00

Currer asked me to send Reiki to our friend Acton. "I know you're busy," Currer wrote. "But Acton is not in a good place. Please send him some Reiki. Please help if you can."

Of course. I'm busy, but never too busy for Reiki.

Feb evening, on the deck

2012-02-11T18:53:00.000-05:00

swirling mist changed to snowflakes while the dog snuffled and slid on the icy path

2200 blackbirds

2012-02-10T17:22:00.001-05:00

Took the dog out. Sat on the deck in the cool evening air. Birds flew overhead.

Lots of birds. After a few minutes I decided to count them. I quickly counted a batch in the sky: 20. With that visual, I started estimating batches of 20. They flew against the cold grey clouds, spreading out and coming together in waves and patterns. They reminded me of stars, or snowflakes.

It seemed like a batch of twenty went over my head about every second. They made a cawing noise. I tried, but couldn't hear the flapping of their wings. The numbers piled up by the hundreds. A thousand. I had damp hair from my shower and started to feel cold. I kept counting. The dog snuffed the snow and wandered around the yard. Another thousand. I headed to the door: head up, still counting. Twenty-two hundred. Two thousand two hundred black birds flew in the sky.

Norway in March

2012-02-09T19:07:00.002-05:00

March 20, 7 pm

at the library... cool write up in the newsletter.

Please join us. I'd love to meet you.

like mummies

2012-02-09T17:25:00.000-05:00

we creak, groan, mumble, and stagger from winter to spring; shedding trails of wrappings: hats, jackets, and gloves.

One day it's all arctic blasts, icicles, and whirling flakes. The next, bright sun and puddles of melt.

One day your nostrils freeze closed, the next you see bare grass at the edges.

So we toss off scarves and look for robins. Sun, smiles, and signs of spring.

cancer

2012-02-05T19:20:00.000-05:00

Lecturing on cancer tomorrow.

The theory is... cancer starts when a cell mutates. Why does it mutate? We don't know. Could be an environmental toxin, a genetic defect, trauma, viral... we don't know. Anyway, it mutates. Then maybe it will die. That's good. Or maybe it lives and multiplies; that's bad. Maybe it grows, develops a blood supply, and grows more. It presses on the tissues around it causing pain and problems. Maybe it gets into the bloodstream or lymph system and spreads to another location. That's metastasis. In the new location it starts to grow, develops a blood supply, and grows more. More problems. That's cancer.

What are the medical treatments? Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.

What does a person with cancer look like? They look like themselves. As nurses we work with the patient to help figure out his or her path to optimal health. Then we help them along their path; we do whatever we can to help the patient achieve his or her best health.

Sometimes Reiki is a nursing intervention for the person with cancer. Reiki can help reduce stress and pain, and increase a sense of empowerment. The person with cancer may be able to relax and sleep better after a Reiki session.

waiting for the snow

2012-02-04T19:14:00.000-05:00

I planned a day trip to Farmington.

Woke up and the sky was heavy and grey. Looked like snow. Snow was not predicted, partial sun was predicted. I got ready to leave. I looked out the window; it was snowing.

Big lazy flakes disgorged from the low sky. It piled up. I despaired.

I checked weather sites online: cold, partial sun. I waited for the snow. It stopped.

I quick-scooped the driveway and jumped into the car with the dog. Off we went. I stopped for gift loaves of bread and coffee for myself. OK, truth. I got a chocolate raspberry danish too. Hey, it's the Crack Shack, what do you expect? You may be addicted to kale and ginger, you stop here you will find new addictions.

North, no sign of new snow. All sun. I stopped to wash the car. Put on my sunglasses. Cranked up the radio. I love those weekend road trips.

PS: your purchase

2012-02-02T19:40:00.003-05:00

PS: way too easy to buy books on nook.

state of wonder

2012-02-02T19:38:00.001-05:00

Oh yes, found Anne Patchett's State of Wonder for my nook.

Also Mark LaFlamme's Box of Lies. BOL is my favorite. Loved them all. Asterisk, Pink Room, Dirt... when will he write a book about a mad scientist and a local mill? waiting...

Found my books too. Cool!

Yeah, I'm hooked on electronic devices. My little netbook is my fav. Love public radio. Am glued to desktop - office days at work. Rarely use phone, no TV. Wonder how much I'll use this nook.

Will keep you informed.

nook. State of Wonder.

2012-02-02T19:04:00.000-05:00

Bought a nook tablet last weekend.

Wasn't sure I wanted it. Was assured that had 15 days to return it. It stayed in the bag. I'm way too busy, not enough hours, etc.

Last night I took the bag to bed with me. Took the nook out of the bag. Took a deep breath, opened the box.

Nice packaging.

Today I charged it up. I went to the library and saw a book I want to read, by Anne Patchett. This evening I signed on.

I like it, perhaps I'll keep it.

Wait, just searched for that Anne Patchett book and they don't have it. hmmm.

nook tablet

2012-02-01T16:03:00.000-05:00

urggh.
Bought it. Still in the bag, in the box. I need more hours in the day.

I bought it so I can read books without adding pounds of paper, stacks of books to my stacks of books. An ethereal library sounds good. I live in a tiny house. I do have piles of books, and I've read them all, but when I search it's usually online, not in a book. I'm so digital.

So. Much as I love paper and print, as reluctantly as I drag myself to the future, I think I will make the switch. Face it. My favorite place to read is the bathtub, and there is no tub in this house. Face it: nook. Now: open that bag and say hello to the future.

Norway Library

2012-01-31T15:45:00.001-05:00

Memorial Library in Norway, Maine will be an energetic vortex on March 20, 2012. That's a Tuesday, 6 pm.

Energy workers, light beings, and angels will gather. Regular humans too, and humans are pretty amazing. What's up, you ask?

A reading/signing. Please join us.

Looks like a beautiful building. According to their website:
"The Norway Library was established in 1885. For many years it was located above Longley's store, until the present building was completed in 1938. This building was a gift to the Town of Norway from Mrs. Maude Kaemmerling, a summer resident of Norway Lake, whose relatives were some of the early settlers of Norway."

live your life by signs

2012-01-31T14:43:00.000-05:00

Do you? Do you notice symbols and patterns?

Driving home from work today I saw 2 ravens high up in the bare branches of a maple tree: black silhouettes against a snowy sky. I like ravens.

I notice spirals. I see them in metal grillwork, paintings, and plants. There are spirals in shells, cowlicks, and the cosmos.

Pennies. What do you think of when you see pennies on the ground? They remind me of childhood, surprise gifts, and spirits.

Numbers. Some people notice number patterns. What numbers speak to you, and what do they say?

Sometimes I think these signs are saying to me that I'm in the right place at the right time. I'm on the right path. Sometimes I think they bring me to the present, the now. So I take a deep breath and appreciate the now.

That's all for now.

the paradox of self-perception

2012-01-28T19:36:00.002-05:00

Healing Hands workshop with kids today. The kids ranged in age from 4 to 18.

I taught with Tookie. Tookie is smart, well-educated, brilliant, beautiful, and compassionate.

We sat on the floor, in a circle. I sat cross-legged, blending right in with the shy and solemn children. We introduced ourselves. Tookie started.

"I'm Tookie and I'm 29."

There were gasps. Tookie gasped at the gasps. "Oh, you think I'm old?" she asked. The children nodded. Tookie turned to 18 year-old Wren. "Do you think I'm old?" she asked.

"Oh no," Wren said. "29 isn't old. Old is like, 55."

Now it was my turn to gasp. I did it silently, internally. Pretty sure it was silent.

We went around the circle as the children introduced themselves, prancing and writhing as children do. They were feeling more comfortable. They did cartwheels and flopped flat on the floor. There were a lot of young energetic children. Then it was my turn.

"I'm Meredith and I'm old."

The little girl on my left leaned over and whispered, "We already figured that out."

Then it was time for an activity. Everyone got up. Wren came over to me and solemnly offered her hand. "Let me help you get up."

How is it that others see one as elderly and decrepit; while one sees oneself as vibrant, lithe, strong, curious, and flexible? How is it that the body ages while the mind retains a youthful perspective? I feel wiser, but not older.

Kale fritatta

2012-01-28T19:10:00.001-05:00

Wash one large bunch of kale.

Cut into thin strips, I use scissors.

Saute in olive oil, cover.

Add chopped celery, onion, and pepper.

Add diced garlic and ginger, maybe some cooked tempeh.

Cover and cook low for 10 min.

Pour a glass of red wine.

Take the dog out and look up at the starry sky.

Breathe in the cold dark air.

Add 2 beaten eggs.

Cook another 5 min, covered, on low.

Contemplate the pleasure of silence and solitude.

Take the dog out again.

Ice chunks crunch beneath boots.

Kale Fritatta.

writing and speaking

2012-01-26T19:24:00.000-05:00

are important facets of being an excellent nurse.

The nurse must know how to assess the patient, how to recognize changes, and what to do when changes occur. So the nurse must be able to write and speak: communicate and collaborate. One must be able to work with others to facilitate the patient's progress to his or her best health.

corn rows

2012-01-26T18:59:00.000-05:00

Used to go on long car trips when I was a kid. Sat in the back seat and watched the rows of corn flip past the window. Corn, corn, and more corn.

We lived in Illinois. The land was flat, the air was hot, and there was lots of corn.

the smallest things...

2012-01-25T17:35:00.004-05:00

... add up to being a great nurse. Like being gentle, caring for a grandma with dementia or the young person who is developmentally delayed, and focusing your entire day on helping that person be clean and comfortable, well-fed, and connected with the world.

This is why I love teaching. I get to see these marvelous adults: intelligent, educated, and compassionate adults; nursing students, turn their attention to helping one person, in one day, achieve his or her best health.

numerology

2012-01-25T17:24:00.002-05:00

Patterns of numbers tell me I'm in the right place at the right time.

morning glories

2012-01-25T16:00:00.001-05:00

Was sitting in the sun, in my summerhouse. Sunny and 42 degrees, snow melting all around. I closed my eyes and turned my face to the sun, thinking of solar flares and northern lights. I opened my eyes and noticed small black pellets on the floor: seeds.

Morning glory seeds. The lattice walls of the summerhouse were twined with flower vines and dry seeds were bursting out of papery globes. I got a glass jar and started picking the spheres. I burst the paper and blew the shreds out of my palm, dumped seeds into the jar. Ready for spring planting and summer blossoms.

rain on the plain in Maine

2012-01-23T19:06:00.000-05:00

in January. Let's talk about global warming, climate change, and 2012.

hello UK!

2012-01-23T17:03:00.000-05:00

... and thank you for buying my books.

According to sales figures, am selling more in UK than USA.

Thank you Merseyside, Liverpool, London, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.

call 911

2012-01-23T17:00:00.000-05:00

The inflammatory response. It's like calling 911.

Say your house is on fire and you call 911 and no one comes. Your house will burn down. If that's your body and the inflammatory response, then you get septic and die.

Say you call 911 and the firefighters come and put out the fire, save your pets, and all is good. That's the inflammatory response doing what it's supposed to do.

Now, let's say you have a candle burning in the window and you call 911. The firefighters come, 5 trucks! They chop down the doors with axes, break in the windows, and douse your house with water: attic to cellar. For a candle. That's the inflammatory response in hypersensitivity mode. Overreaction. Autoimmune disease. Body attacking self. Not so good.

In rheumatoid arthritis the body attacks the synovial lining of joints. In ankylosing spondilytis the body attacks the spine. In lupus the body attacks the nuclei of cells. Can you imagine...attacking your own cell nuclei, think about it.

That's what I taught today.

Reiki symbols

2012-01-22T18:55:00.000-05:00

Reiki practitioners use symbols to focus, to relax, to meditate, to bring us to the Reiki energy.

I practice drawing the symbols every day. I visualize them when I share Reiki. Some teachers say the symbols are secret, others share them freely.

snowy beach and Shelties

2012-01-22T17:29:00.002-05:00

sandals in the snow

2012-01-22T17:24:00.002-05:00

Fluff and I went for a walk around the pond on campus. I don't know what the kids did last night, but they did something. It was cold last night, below zero, and we have a fresh half foot of powdery snow. But warm 20F and sunny for our walk.

There was an odd collection at the center of the pond. A circle had been cleared of snow. Inside the circle: a 6 foot table, tipped on it's side; a pile of cardboard; and a circle of folding chairs. The shore of the frozen pond was littered with crushed red Solo cups. I saw several sandals: some in pairs, some sadly mismatched. I saw a sweatshirt, some underwear, a grass skirt, and more cups.

It was noon, but I didn't see any students. There were several other adults walking dogs. No students, just random sandals in the snow.

coffee in Lewiston

2012-01-21T21:35:00.000-05:00

Where are the funky coffee shops in Lewiston?

The ones we can walk to, stroll by, drop in, and wander out of. Hang out and read newspapers, books, and nooks. Eat pastries or slurp soup. The ones nestled among small shops with handmade items, local produce, and organic food. Where are those?

We can drive to Starbucks, drive through Dunkin Donuts, drive out to a strip mall, or drive through Tim Horton's. We have an incredible pastry shop, out on the highway by the car lots. It's right after all the car dealerships and just before the lake. The shop owner is a world-class pastry chef; the breads and pastries are unbelievably incredibly delicious. Yeah, right out there in car dealer land.

Our only discernible downtown is a street of Halal shops located in former banks and department stores. The district court is there too, so there are several lawyers offices. There are a couple of lunch places and some expensive dinner restaurants. But no funky breakfast place, no coffee shop. Coffee: that's what we need here.

Naples, Maine

2012-01-21T21:21:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow: explore Naples.

It's on the shore of Sebago Lake, near Songo Locks. Should I bring skates, snowshoes, or an ice shack?

I'm going to meet a friend and Reiki practitioner from Denmark, Maine. I'm eager to hear about her recent Reiki experiences and her thoughts on ethics, intuition, and practice.

We sure have a lot of Europe and Scandinavia here in Maine: Norway, Naples, Denmark, Vienna, Paris, and Sweden. Also Moscow, China, and Mexico. So many immigrants.

Roland Flint

2012-01-21T19:21:00.002-05:00

I've been thinking of the poetry of Roland Flint.

He said, "Poetry is a quick way to the sources of the spirit."

and wrote, "stop and be quiet and listen"

being a nurse

2012-01-19T20:48:00.002-05:00

I love working with students. I love helping them use their skills, compassion, life experiences, and wisdom to transform themselves into nurses. The students inspire me to be a better teacher, nurse, and human being.

When I lecture, it's to an audience of 70 students in five sites. I speak to 40 or 50 people locally, and beam out to distant rural hospitals. I take a small group to hospitals and nursing homes.

My clinical group usually consists of eight students. We put on nursing scrubs and go to medical institutions. I teach them about the culture, practices, and procedures. I enjoy getting to know these students, and showing them my philosophy of nursing. I strive to model compassion, critical thinking, and teamwork.

When we are in the medical institutions, I wish I could be everywhere at once, but I am able to spend just small bits of time with each student. So I ask them to email me weekly, to tell me what they learned. Last year a student emailed me. Her patient was in a hospital, and being transferred to a hospice. She described how she cared for him. She bathed him, and positioned him for his comfort. She talked to him, not knowing if he could hear her. She said she did just "small stuff." She asked me if she had done the right things.

I responded: "Thank you so much for providing excellent care to your patient. I'm so proud. Yes, sometimes the "small stuff" is everything. And sometimes the most important, meaningful, and wonderful things you do are done silently and almost anonymously. No one saw you do those wonderful things for your patient. But you did them. Thank you. Sometimes nursing is the most humble profession."

walk in the light

2012-01-18T17:36:00.000-05:00

This is a time of great spiritual awakening, remembering.

That could be frightening or alarming. If this is happening to you, there's a simple solution. If you feel alarmed, remind yourself that you walk in the light. Say, "I am of the light. I walk in the light." That should do it.

If not, if you feel negative energy swirling around you, then imagine a bubble of light around yourself. Breathe in the light. Surround yourself in glowing spirals of light. Ask the light to illuminate your path.

Be light. Be well. Enjoy your transformation to a lighter being.

learn this...

2012-01-16T18:02:00.000-05:00

I spent the day looking at web sites for interactive learning. Good starting points were merlot, TED.com, and KahnAcademy . From there I explored, clicked, and listened. I heard experts speak well on their topics, I took online quizzes, watched videos, and sifted through current and expired sites.

I was looking for great sites for my nursing students. Sites that would stimulate thought, engage minds, and foster a love of learning. There's tons of free stuff online, great educational sites... go, explore, learn.

Reiki+

2012-01-14T21:36:00.000-05:00

Reiki appeals to people who are also interested in other modalities. Reiki opens intuition. Reiki is simple, noninvasive, and quiet; not flashy or sensational. These factors seem to lead to practitioners blending modalities during a Reiki session.

It's interesting to see how people work. It's good to work with others. Maintain connections.

Me? I'm passionate about Reiki, just Reiki. For me, just Reiki is enough. Wishing you a very Reiki day.

Teresia Reiki Share

2012-01-14T15:06:00.000-05:00

Went to a Reiki Share today, at Teresia in Norway, Maine. It was right on Main St, across from the hospital. Charlotte's Reiki place is in a big arts and crafts house full of integrative practitioners: acupuncturist, social workers, and Reiki. There's a stream out back: Pennesseewassee Stream.

We shared Reiki in Charlotte's beautiful room. It was clean and fresh, with a wooden bench, crystals, and a Reiki table. An efficient heater let us forget the bitter cold outside. My hands pulsed and throbbed with the energy, and I felt energy swirling around the room. I got images of a cold grey choppy ocean. I felt hot and had to take off my wool scarf.

After Reiki we had lunch in the kitchen. It looked like an old farmhouse kitchen, with tall wooden cabinets and windows that looked out on the stream. Charlotte made lentil and Swiss chard soup and fresh whole wheat bread. The soup was hot and the bread still warm from the oven. I brought cabbage salad, with dried cranberries, walnuts, and sesame ginger dressing. Joan brought cupcakes. We drank tea. A good way to spend a few hours on a cold January Saturday.

Bulgaria

2012-01-13T19:52:00.000-05:00

My uncle was a poet.

He traveled to Bulgaria, read poems, met some people, and learned local songs. I went to his funeral and met a Bulgarian poet. This poet sang a song for me, "Oh white wine, oh white wine, I wish you were red."

kale

2012-01-13T19:12:00.001-05:00

I'm on this weird kale kick.

What's your favorite recipe? Micah likes it juiced with ginger. I like a kale fritatta: sauteed in olive oil with garlic and happy (free range) eggs. I read a recipe online: spray with olive oil and bake into crisps. I had kale salad from Whole Foods last week, chopped and doused with sesame dressing.

I love the dense curly greenness of it, in this cold white winter that is Maine. I like the price, bought a bouquet of kale at Whole Foods for $2. Bought a showcase armload today at local grocer for $1.47.

You can think vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, OK. Boring. Or just go with the crunchy deliciousness. The intense green in a season of grey and white. Kale.

search terms

2012-01-13T18:43:00.000-05:00

People find this blog via various means. The server shows me some ways people find me. Following are search terms some used to find this blog. So interesting.

archives on mt apatite

barefoot girl skateboarding

chakras

horses on grass and clovers

kendall pucci

numerology 11

reiki

teresia reiki

turkey claw

Friday 13

2012-01-13T18:40:00.000-05:00

Lucky or unlucky?

Are you superstitious or psychic?

Former are wary, latter are grateful.

Many healers respect and celebrate the date. Let's honor the healers past, present, and future.

1-13-12

2012-01-13T18:37:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday to my Grandma and guide, Orva Amelia.

past lives

2012-01-13T18:14:00.000-05:00

Someone asked me about my past lives.

My most recent were as a businessman in Boston and a child killed at Auschwitz. And I don't believe that time is linear. I think time explodes, waves, and cycles around.

How do I know about my past lives, you ask. Not through an online quiz. I got this information through meditation, dreams, and semiconscious questioning. You can do this too. Relax, ask, and believe.

Scotland

2012-01-12T18:12:00.000-05:00

There's something about Scotland. The accent, the weather, the people.

Let's go.

Snow!

2012-01-12T15:54:00.000-05:00

The snow event of 1-11-12 and 1-12-12. First the anticipation. Will we have school? Will it really snow? Will I have to drive in it? Will I lose power?

Woke up in the night a couple of times to check. Not yet. Alarm went off. Still no snow and no school cancellation. Off to work, no prob, all ready for my 5 hour lecture.

It started to snow so the students went home early. I stayed to work. Watched the flakes out my window, watched the snowplows go by. Time to go, oh dear. I don't like to drive in it. I mean, if it's cold and dry then fine. But if it's slushy or icy, if it's slippery, then I'm white-knuckled all the way. It was slippery.

First, I let my car warm up. I brushed the snow off the windshield. While I was at it, I brushed off several windshields. Surprise, coworkers. Though it was so windy and still snowing, they might not notice. I took off. A truck ahead of me slid sideways through a busy intersection. That didn't look good. Maybe doing it on purpose, to show off? Having some fun? I proceeded slowly and cautiously. The truck continued to slide sideways, but I took a right. I kept an even speed, trying not to brake or accelerate abruptly. Made it home.

Someone had snowblowed my driveway. Thank you, neighbor!

All my pent up energy: anticipation, excitement, nervousness, and fear- I channeled into shoveling and scooping. I cleaned off my steps and deck, and by that time there was another layer of snow on the driveway. Vigorously scooped that off too.

Now safe and warm at home I can relax and watch the flakes. There goes the snowplow. Everything is white.

nook?

2012-01-11T19:55:00.000-05:00

Here's something I hadn't considered: the Nook runs on batteries and electricity. Running costs.

Turning pages is free.

Still haven't bought that Nook. Still looking at them.

I like the thought of consolidating my library. Books pile up so. I have piles and piles of books. Just read a few, super good: Delirium Tremens by Mark LaFlamme, The Descendants by Kaui Hart Hemmings, and Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, by Helen Simonson. All paper. All good.

tune in to joy

2012-01-09T16:47:00.001-05:00

Call off the grammar police. The ones in my head.

For years I've been writing, "Tune into joy." Today I spontaneously realized that is grammatically incorrect. It should be "Tune in to joy."

Now that we have the grammar settled, please focus on joy. Make a choice. Tune in.

One more thing. This is what my Dad said after he died. He told my sister, "Tune in to joy." I'm sure he sent this in a grammatically correct format. He told me, "Heaven is better than Arizona."

Mike Daisey

2012-01-08T18:19:00.002-05:00

and working conditions in China

check out his blog

hockey

2012-01-08T14:47:00.000-05:00

Bates students tested the pond, wrapped tape around their sticks, and put on black skates.

Snow had been cleared, exposing rectangles of ice. The sun was out but the wind blew cold.

more Portland

2012-01-08T10:35:00.000-05:00

lean

2012-01-08T10:24:00.001-05:00

Hard times? Pema Chodron says to lean into the hard times.

Don't run and hide: drowning your feelings in substances or mindless distractions.
Don't jump in and wallow forever.

Just lean.

seize the moment

2012-01-08T10:23:00.000-05:00

Cause a day is too much.

Just for now, right now, stop and feel.

Spring Festival

2012-01-07T20:01:00.002-05:00

Just talked to my sister in Beijing. China is getting ready for Spring Festival.

went to Portland today

2012-01-07T20:00:00.002-05:00

fracking

2012-01-06T19:01:00.002-05:00

= earthquakes

Mother Earth, Gaia, is not happy with fracking.

2012-01-06T18:35:00.000-05:00

Oh, what have I done?

I clicked something on LinkedIn and now am getting an email a minute. I think I invited everyone I know to join me on LinkedIn, and tell you the truth- -- sorry LinkedIn, but I never go there. I'm getting emails, threats, and almost viruses too. LinkedIn- - - leave me alone. Sorry.

Apologies to all my friends and relatives.

teaching & learning

2012-01-06T17:50:00.001-05:00

Student said to me recently: "Teachers are supposed to teach me."

"Oh, that's where we have a philosophical difference of opinion, a cognitive conflict, a conceptual collision," I replied. "You're an adult. You learn. I'm not the sage on the stage, I'm the guide on the side. You're responsible for your own learning. I assess, facilitate, and support your learning."

He sputtered and glared at me. "No. You're supposed to teach me what I need to know. That's your job."

"This is college. I don't open your brain and pour in information. I guide you to what you need to learn. I expect you to read your textbooks. I provide opportunities and expect you to take advantage. I expect you to jump in and learn, not sit back and wait. Don't just sit there, take initiative. It's up to you," I said.

He didn't care for this at all. I don't think he was really listening. He sputtered, strutted, and spouted. He opined and eventually ostracized. I lost interest. I tuned him out and turned back to my work. I really should be more patient.

As a health care consumer- you are responsible for your own health. As a student, you are responsible for your learning. As a human being, you're responsible for your life, growth, and happiness.

create your own reality

2012-01-06T17:13:00.000-05:00

Call them rosy sunglasses, call me a PollyAnna, call me crunchy: I believe that we create our own realities.

Focus on what you want. Speak your truth- but focus on the positive. Reach for the top, best, coolest life you could have. Then don't slack, make it happen.

Chakras

2012-01-05T20:26:00.001-05:00

The cool thing about chakras is that each chakra corresponds to a gland.

Of course, the most interesting is the third eye chakra and the pineal gland.

The pineal gland is a gland located in the center of the skull. It has light sensors.

Here's a website on chakras and glands.

Glands and hormones are fascinating- and the pineal gland is the coolest of them all. Light receptors, memories, consciousness, psychic vision, and spiritual awakenings... try meditating with magnetite taped to your forehead, and see what happens.

Try Reiki or some other energy work, and see if your forehead tingles with energy. Third eye, 6th chakra: very cool.

Reiki and chakras

2012-01-05T19:48:00.001-05:00

I go into a meditative state when I do Reiki. Meditation & Reiki wave together. "Chakras" are a concept from yoga- chakras are energy centers.
Reiki doesn't identify energy centers- and Reiki practitioners believe that the healthy energy will go where it needs to go. We don't direct the energy. We mentally step aside,and let the Reiki work for itself.
So Reiki, do nothing. Just Reiki.
When you meditate, you might try visualizing and cleansing your chakras. I like to picture chakras as clean spinning irridescent CDs.

slugs

2012-01-05T18:01:00.000-05:00

Where do they go? In January in Maine, where are the slugs? Maybe they burrow deep underground, where it's warm. They have slug parties and slug slumber parties. They become couch potatoes.

How to

2012-01-05T17:59:00.000-05:00

How do I do Reiki?

I ground myself in Earth's energy. I practice cave breathing. I set my intention to achieve the greatest good, I focus on the symbols, ask for the client's consent once more, and then place my hands. I get my ego out of the way, I mean- I don't invest in the outcome. It's not about me, my hopes, or my skills. It's about the client. I'm present, I witness. I let the client relax and let the Reiki energy work. It's that simple.

Reiki is amazing

2012-01-05T17:54:00.000-05:00

Why? Because when it works, it opens your energy centers. It increases awareness, reduces discomfort, and increases joy. At least that's how it works in my experience.

When I share Reiki, I feel like my heart chakra opens. I feel rainbows, glitter, and unicorns jumping out of my heart into the heart of the recipient. Ok, I exaggerate a bit. I just like to talk about rainbows, glitter, and unicorns. People seem to expect it of me. Not sure why.

When I share Reiki I have visions and experience inner knowing. Frequently I share visions with other practitioners and with recipients. I believe that the practice of Reiki expands my awareness of other realities. This is part of the amazingness of Reiki.

The other amazing part is the reaction of the clients. Many times I feel like, "Hey, I'm not doing much. Does this really work?" Well, according to my clients. it does. Their amazement amazes me. They tell me how much Reiki helps. They tell me my hands are hot. Amazing.

2012-01-05T17:46:00.000-05:00

I'm passionate about Reiki.

It's simple, beneficial, and not harmful. It connects a person to spirit. It's amazing.

It's simple, but not easy. It takes skill to facilitate health. It takes skill to interact with people effectively.

Your Reiki practitioner should demonstrate the highest ethics, good listening skills, and professional boundaries. Your practitioner should distinguish Reiki from other healing modalities, if combining.

injections

2012-01-04T17:26:00.000-05:00

Taught injections this week: subcutaneous and intramuscular.

It's scary to give your first shot, even if you're administering it to a plastic pillow. The students were serious, focused, and nervous. There were many shaky hands.

They had obviously studied and practiced. Your future nurses are working hard now, to become skilled and compassionate caregivers.

lose weight in 2012

2012-01-02T18:54:00.000-05:00

Christmas and New Year are over and I ate too much! There is an unwelcome number on the scale. My pants are a little snug. So, back to healthier habits. Just say no to cookies. Yes to water and vegies. Increase activity: climb that mountain, walk another 15 minutes. Yeah, that's the plan.

Reiki orientation

2012-01-02T18:48:00.000-05:00

Met a Reiki practitioner today. She seems sweet, mature, and kind. She heard about our Reiki program from a friend who lives 3000 miles away. She wants to join our team.

Now she begins the long orientation process. It usually takes 2 months: time, tests, and persistence.

rosy fingers of dawn: 2012

2012-01-01T10:03:00.000-05:00

Got up to let the dog out early this morning. Temp in the low 20s (7C).

Freezing rain yesterday coated all exposed surfaces: the metal curlicues of my canopy gazebo, every dried stem in the garden, every twig.

Over the fence I could see my neighbor's tree, gleaming pink in the sunrise. The rosy fingers of dawn illuminated the icy branches and trunk. Welcome, 2012.

Lego my ego

2011-12-31T20:13:00.001-05:00

An insightful reader stimulated discussion and prompted me to clarify and expand upon my previous post. The enlightened reader suggested that when he meditates, he is disinterested in his usual thoughts. He indicated that thoughts are the ego, intruding and distracting. Yes, I believe this is so.

If one does as he suggests, and engages in uninterest then the Reiki should flow appropriately. That's why I go into a meditative state when I share Reiki energy; and I advocate that for others. I might see images or visions, and I let them flow. I might try to remember them so I can examine and write about them. I like to look for patterns. But this is my own amusement.

If the Reiki practitioner focuses on his/her own visions, thoughts, or advice, for the purpose of instructing the client, then the ego is taking over. Instead, the practitioner should support the client finding and following his/her own path. Listen to and support the client.

During a session: just do Reiki. Uninvite your ego. Relax, focus on the symbols, and place your hands. Check to be sure your client is comfortable. Share Reiki. Assess your client's comfort again; check your hand placement. Observe subtle changes in your own patterns. Listen, breathe, assess, repeat. Reiki!

Reiki and ego

2011-12-31T14:16:00.001-05:00

Are you the High Priestess of Reiki? Do you do things no one else can do, tell clients secrets no one else knows? Maybe you have special powers.

Or maybe you have professional boundary issues.

Huh?

Do you hang out with your clients? Develop social relationships with them? Maybe you're popular. Or maybe you have boundary issues.

Are you there to listen, support, and facilitate health? Or are you there because you need to be needed: your clients make you feel powerful and special. Who does most of the talking during the Reiki session: you or your client? Do you interrupt your client to share your visions and messages, or do you listen to the client describe images and impressions?

A professional boundary: that's the line between a helping relationship and a co-dependent one.

Is your practice about your ego or your client's health? Please be careful. Examine your practice. Make 2012 a time to improve your therapeutic skills. Go back to school. Study therapeutic communication techniques and professional ethics.

Use silence. Listen, and reflect back what you hear from your clients. Support their interpretations of their own visions: their individual journeys.

Reiki practice stimulates spiritual growth in the energy of love and light. Ethical and competent Reiki practice between a practitioner and a client should be a therapeutic relationship, where the practitioner helps the client achieve optimal health. It's about helping a person realize his or her own powerful potential.

Let's lighten up in 2012.

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T12:30:00.000-05:00

2012. What's up?

Will the Earth ascend to the 5th dimension? Or will it fry, drown, and blow away with climate changes? Or both... Will people open up, become enlightened, remember and reintegrate their whole selves; will they become more connected? Or will people hoard, fight, and commit violent acts?

I have hope and faith. I believe there will be big wonderful changes. Wishing you love and light in 2012.

cave breathing

2011-12-30T18:36:00.000-05:00

... helps me relax. When I start doing Reiki, I often take a couple of cave breaths. Do you?

I open the back of my throat and breathe like Darth Vader. Helps to empty my mind.

it's what's for dinner

2011-12-29T21:38:00.003-05:00

Really, isn't food the most boring topic? Don't you hate to hear people list off what they will and won't eat? I do.

Pics on the other hand. I like pics of food. I like see what you're having for dinner.

That said, be prepared to be bored, or simply click away right now. Because I feel compelled to explain. Why? Partly the looks I get, the reaction to my meals and my cooking, and partly because it does seem to be a topic that interests people. Here goes.

I like nuts, seeds, berries, roots, fruits, tofu, tempeh, and all kinds of beans. Breakfast is oatmeal, eggs, blueberries, or yoghurt with walnuts and maple syrup. Lunch and dinner is beans and brassicas. I like dark chocolate, black coffee, green tea, and red wine. I try to eat local, organic, and raw. Perfectly normal, right?

So why do my coworkers stare at my lunch, grimace, and say, "What's that?" And why isn't there a word for that thing they do: they make a face like they're about to hurl.

What's that? "Cabbage," I respond.

"Raw cabbage?" in disbelief.

"Yes," I respond slowly and clearly. "Like coleslaw."

"But where's the mayonnaise?" in continued disbelief and nausea.

"No mayonnaise. Cabbage with raspberry vinegar, chia and sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, walnuts, and avocado."

"Chia seeds?"

You see how it goes? So many explanations. It's easier to eat at my desk and answer emails than to face the questions and disgust in the lunch room. And frankly, their lunches disgust me too. Bony pieces of meat, processed microwaved mush, leftovers microwaved in plastic, or stinky greasy fast food.

There, either you read all the way through or clicked off ages ago in boredom, disgust, or nausea. Yeah, should have simply posted a pic of what's for dinner. Care for a falafel ball?

cold in Maine

2011-12-29T18:49:00.000-05:00

December 29 and it's cold.

Forecast: windchill of twenty below tonight. Just checked handy online temp conversion: -20F degrees is -28C. Either way: cold.

We had three big snowstorms here, and all three melted away in abnormal warmth. We had rain two nights ago. This is odd weather for Maine in December. Usually we get a snowstorm in late Nov or early Dec, and that snow stays til April.

My sons (and one girlfriend) are in Portland, Maine tonight. I hope they stay inside, stay put, stay warm, and stay safe.

winter break 2011

2011-12-29T17:41:00.000-05:00

... is going by way too fast. I had big plans to write a scholarly article, join a local gym, and paint my bathroom.

Instead I spent time with family: ostensibly resting and relaxing; but actually shopping, wrapping, driving, cooking, serving, cleaning, and facilitating the happiness of others. I answered work emails daily, went in to work three days, and traveled other days. I haven't spent a full day at home the whole time.

I learned some new board games: Apples to Apples and Catan. I read The Descendants (SO good), and started Major Pettigrew's Last Stand (excellent). Changed oil in car, washed car, saw a few friends, and checked on my assisted living facility.

So I've kept busy and connected. But no article, no gym, and my bathroom remains baby boy blue.

Reiki stance, Reiki dance

2011-12-29T11:35:00.000-05:00

Yesterday during our Reiki afternoon at the outpatient center, I watched the four other practitioners. I watched how they sat or stood, where they placed their hands, and how they moved.

One stood at the client's head. Her eyes were closed and sometimes her lips moved slightly, as though she was reciting something.

Another practitioner stood across from me. Her eyes were closed too. Sometimes her hips swayed side to side, in a Reiki dance, to music only she could hear.

I took a wide stance, to lower myself a bit. I tensed and relaxed my muscles and stretched my neck to my shoulders. When I thought of the symbols my face spontaneously lifted to the sky: Sun and stars.

The other two practitioners demonstrated slow, gentle, and deliberate movements.

When it was time to change hand positions, we made eye contact, smiled, and readjusted. I noticed that at beginning and end, several made Gassho motions.

That's it for the Reiki stance, Reiki dance. Someday I'll write about Reiki breath.

Reiki hands

2011-12-29T11:25:00.000-05:00

I worked with four Reiki practitioners yesterday. We spent the afternoon sharing Reiki energy with clients at an outpatient center.

One practitioner was a relatively new Level 1. As we walked out into the cold evening wind, she stared at her hands in wonder and told me that she could feel the symbols in her hands. She said she started to feel them after her attunement.

I thought about how my hands pulse with energy when I share Reiki. I thought about the rush of heat that blossoms along my spine. I thought about how people tell me that my hands burn, palpable through jeans and sweaters.

Reiki hands.

lights

2011-12-28T19:45:00.001-05:00

Some people walk a long ways with you. Some people run for a short time. Some people light up your path momentarily.

Reiki

2011-12-28T18:12:00.001-05:00

What could be more rewarding? It's my favorite part of my life. I feel immense gratitude when I get to share Reiki energy.

It's a time to relax, give, and meditate on health and possibility. It heals you and me. We meet, share a moment of connection and agape, and say goodbye.

Reiki. I'm here for you. I will witness your struggles, your pain, and your persistence. You are fighting cancer. You got yourself here and you open yourself to the possibility of insight. Thank you and best wishes.