health

Balance With Reiki

In the busy world, we live in finding balance and relieving stress is what many are striving for. There are many ways to do this and finding what works for your lifestyle is key. One practice I would like to share with you is the old Japanese healing method of Reiki. Reiki is an ancient technique for reducing stress, promoting relaxation and encouraging the body into a balanced and healed state of well-being. Reiki was discovered by Dr. Mikao Usui in the early 1900's and it is administered by techniques that have been practiced for hundreds of years. It is a gentle, subtle, yet powerful energy healing art that involves our spiritual level, mind and body. Through a Reiki session our bodies can replenish, repair and remove blockages that can be damaged or distressed. Reiki can never do harm. It always knows what a person needs and will adjust itself to create an effect that is appropriate.

Some of the benefits of Reiki are it soothes the progress of healing; assists with relaxation and stress relief; physical pain and discomfort is reduced; self-awareness is enhanced; it promotes increased energy levels and creativity; the immune system is stimulated and Reiki can also assist children going through emotional issues such as loss of a loved one or parents separating. So, you may be wondering exactly what happens during a Reiki treatment? The Reiki treatment room is quiet and comfortable similar to a massage room. You are fully clothed and the session can either take place with you lying on a massage table or sitting in a chair. There is no actual touching of the body. The healing happens as the Reiki practitioner works around and over your body and the entire session is approximately 1 hour. The session impacts people differently, you may feel warmth around you, some experience a pulsing sensation and others see vivid images. Many are so relaxed they fall asleep. Some sessions can be longer and more intense healing can be done through crystals and Reiki techniques that have been attuned to Reiki Masters.

I am a qualified and internationally registered Lightarian ReikiTM Master with the Lightarian Institute, a Karuna Reiki® Master registered with The International Center for Reiki Training, an Independent Usui Reiki Master, Reiki practitioner and Reiki teacher. I have been practicing and teaching Reiki for over 7 years and am available for in person Reiki sessions in Toronto as well as Distance Reiki treatments for wherever you are located. More information can be found at www.reikibyrubiena.com Rubiena Duarte

Living an Intentional Balanced Life is Rebellious

Americans pride  themselves on their hard work ethic often to the detriment of their health, relationships and family lives. How often do we hear, "I'm always working", or "I'm available 24/7?" I work in the commercial real estate industry and am constantly told by many of my colleagues and friends that all they do is work when they're not eating or sleeping. Is it  supposed to be a badge of honor to be a workaholic? I don't think so, in fact I see burnout to be a very serious health and wellness crisis in this country. I am troubled when I hear how an associate doesn't have time to workout, go to their kid's games or performances, or just take some good quality personal time to recharge for fear of missing that big deal.  Technology is supposed to make our lives easier, not be a tyrannical master that demands we answer every call, text, e-mail or tweet.

Recently I have read many articles by "human potential experts" that  discourage  multi tasking and constantly checking our phones and e-mail. It actually makes us much less productive.

I am reminded of an old story about two fire wood cutters who were working side by side. One chopped non stop without taking a break all day. The other, took a 15 minute break every hour. At the end of the day the guy who took the breaks had chopped three times as much  wood as his partner did, who couldn't understand how that was possible. Extremely annoyed, he asked "what do you do on all those breaks you take?" His answer......" I sharpen my axe."

This  rebel made a decision many years ago that I would do my best to live a balanced life while working in a business that often discourages that. I  meditate & pray, exercise & play regularly, eat a pretty healthy diet and spend quality fun time with my loved ones and friends.  I call this my rebellion against burnout and ill-health.  Sometimes I fall short but I  have learned where the off buttons are on my phone and computer and turn them off frequently in order to tune in to all the beauty around and within me.