Deborah Lloyd's Blog, page 2

The Power of Reiki in Psychotherapy

Reiki was first introduced to me by a colleague, another psychotherapist in a mental health clinic, over 13 years ago. When she was hired, she asked if she’d be able to incorporate Reiki into therapy sessions. Much to our surprise, the answer was “yes.” The insurance companies, and our agency’s administration, saw it simply as another relaxation technique, like deep breathing exercises or guided imagery. She could use it for the first 10-15 minutes, followed by talk therapy.

All of us loved hearing about the progress of her clients, and some amazing events, during her sessions. Soon, most of us learned Reiki and incorporated it into our work. Here is a brief synopsis of some of our experiences:

Clients relaxed immediately. With anxiety and stress decreased, they were able to approach serious issues quicker.
Clients were more open to therapists’ suggestions.
Explaining Reiki became a way to explore clients’ spiritual belief systems.
Clients accepted responsibility for choices – both good and not-so-good.
Past memories resurfaced.
Abused children were able to draw, or write, about their abuse without fear.
In family therapy, tensions between family members decreased significantly.
Clients became more hopeful that things could really change.
And, the list went on…..and on…..and on….

For clients who did not wish to receive Reiki at the beginning the session, the therapist could still utilize its energies. It had been an old practice of mine to say a prayer before every session – for my client’s potential to develop understanding and grow; and for the therapist (me) to have guidance for everything I said.

But when I added Reiki to that practice, whoa!! Another level of peace and guidance came into my work. In the mornings, I’d send Reiki to my entire workday. When I had a few minutes of “alone” time, I’d send Reiki to each individual session. In my 10 minutes between sessions (along with getting water, tea, and using the bathroom), I’d say a quick prayer and ask Reiki to join us. As Reiki helped me to find calmness, I became a more effective therapist.

What I learned in this work situation is certainly not limited to the world of psychotherapy. If each Reiki practitioner sent Reiki to his/her workday, we’d have a different world! Can you imagine it?

(This blog first appeared as an article on www.reikirays.com.)

 

 

The post The Power of Reiki in Psychotherapy appeared first on Deb Lloyd Healing.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT – FIFTH STAGE

In the past two blogs, we explored the first four stages of spiritual development, as outlined by the Arthur Ford Academy. These stages are: spiritual curiosity and interest; spiritual recognition; spiritual experiences; spiritual knowing; spiritual responsibility. Finally, we have reached the culmination point of the journey, and we are ready to take on the most important aspect of spiritual development – spiritual responsibility.

Spiritual responsibility sounds burdensome, with a list of duties and obligations. Nothing can be further from the truth. Spiritual responsibility is truly a joyful place to live! It is as simple as this: Be the light in the world. Live in love, not fear.

When a person reaches the fifth stage, there is a belief, a heartfelt knowing, that everyone and everything is connected to each other and to the One. A desire to show others they too are loved unconditionally, by Spirit, grows within your heart. You desire to serve others, in whatever ways possible.

Being light does not necessary mean your career will be in a teaching or healing ministry, but it might be. This is where the discernment process is essential. Each spiritually responsible person must nurture his individual relationship with Spirit to determine his soul/life purpose. Perhaps, your purpose is to work in the health care field, or to bring ethical values to the corporate world. Or, you may be called to become involved in environmental issues as a volunteer, or a protester. The possibilities are endless.

Being light has many implications. It is inherent in every thought we have. Every thought has an energy – if you have a negative thought about a coworker during a meeting, what effect does that have on the person? On the group of participants? For the outcome of the meeting? For the company? A spiritually responsible person recognizes the power of each thought and commits to bringing light into every situation in his life.

In the same way, every action, no matter how big or small, has an impact on someone else. One never knows the ripple effect of a smile directed towards a young mother with a crying baby; you may have given her the message to relax, all babies cry. Or, the effect of giving your bus seat to an elderly gentleman, making his journey less tiring, may bring comfort to his day. Or, a silent prayer for a speeding driver may help him to slow down.

While this kind of effort and attentiveness to all thoughts and actions may appear exhausting, it actually is not, when the connection to Spirit is maintained. One of my friends is my best model – she talks to Spirit all day long, as if Spirit is standing next to her (and Spirit is!). It can be anything from, “Ok, Spirit, let’s see if we can get all this food ready before the guests arrive,” to “Please keep us safe on this trip to the store,” to “Spirit, be with all the families affected by this tornado.” It is a constant conversation. So simple.

Attaining the stage of spiritual responsibility brings harmony and serenity into one’s life. A sense of calmness fills the human soul, reflecting a new perspective on the daily minutiae of life. Others will notice a quiet knowingness, a tranquil wisdom they wish they had in their own lives. And, when they ask what your secret is, an opportunity to bring light into the world exists!

FIVE STAGES OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT – PART II

The five stages of spiritual development, as proposed by the Arthur Ford Academy, are: spiritual curiosity and interest; spiritual recognition; spiritual experiences; spiritual knowing; spiritual responsibility. The first two stages are the beginning phases of spiritual exploration, but spirituality remains mostly external to the seeker. The following two stages, however, blossom into deeper understanding and internalization of beliefs.

The phase of spiritual experiences is an exciting time! Perhaps, the journeyer feels the presence of a spirit guide or an angel around them – and the being appeared when the person needed guidance or protection. Or, the seeker sees a medium and connects with a deceased relative or friend. The messages are clear and specific, and there is no doubt the loved one is speaking through the medium. The journeyer reads about synchronicities and signs, and suddenly he is blessed with several amazing occurrences. As a person’s awareness grows and gratitude is expressed, more signs come into his life. He is led to seminars where it seems the presenters are talking to him individually. He finds books with just the right messages for him.

More spiritual exploration follows, with more questions and more revealing answers. The person’s consciousness is rising, with a growing awareness of other realms. Thoughts become less materialistic and more focused on spiritual realities. The person is living in a world of unlimited possibilities and marvels at the many blessings showered upon him. The veil between the spirit world and his earthly existence thins.

Spiritual knowing is the next stage, when experiences and thoughts integrate fully, and belief evolves into an inner knowing. The place of tranquil wisdom has been rediscovered. This place always existed within ourselves, but all of us were born with the assignment of finding the divinity within, yet again. When a truth is heard, there is a feeling of resonance that one cannot fabricate. It is simply and strongly felt – in the heart and soul. When this level of spiritual development is reached, a feeling of joyful serenity fills the person’s being.

This spiritual knowing is the goal for each and every one of us. There have been many people who have lived in the stage of spiritual knowing. Their words and lives are full of grace, becoming inspirations for us. Think of the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, or a person in your life who has quietly demonstrated this wise knowing. Close your eyes and think of this person. What emotions arise for you? Do you feel peace and love? Do you feel the divinity within this person – and within yourself? You too can know this peaceful wisdom.

Each of us is challenged to grow spiritually and to reach this beautiful, enriching spiritual-knowing stage. Once experienced, a person never wants to live any other way! It is the truth of who we really are.

In the next article, we will examine the fifth stage, spiritual responsibility. When we find our Truth, we must do more than bask in the wonderful sensation of it, we must act in accordance with it.

(This article first appeared in the April issues of New Age News ezine.)

 

FIVE STAGES OF SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT – PART I

Studying models of human developmental stages can be interesting, especially for those of us who like to understand the process of change. Spiritual development is one unique area where there are literally dozens of models describing this arena of growth. Some models are based in specific religions or belief systems, while others correlate spiritual growth to specific ages. Some psychologists contend a child has certain spiritual understandings; adolescents, another stage; young adults, the next level; and so on. These models can be difficult to comprehend, as children’s and adolescents’ spiritual understanding varies greatly, often influenced by family belief systems. And, all of us know spiritual growth can happen at any time in a person’s life.

In reviewing these various models, one model, from the Arthur Ford Academy, is distinctive. The stages are intriguing and may prompt you to think about your own spiritual journey differently. The five stages are: spiritual curiosity and interest; spiritual recognition; spiritual experiences; spiritual knowing; spiritual responsibility. We will explore these five stages over three articles, written as a series. The first two will be detailed below, while the next two will be examined next month, and the final one will be addressed in the third article.

Spiritual curiosity and interest is the first stage – and doesn’t the journey always begin with one question? Why am I here? What is the purpose of my life? Is there a Supreme Being? The questions will vary, depending on the beliefs a person already has. For those who were either raised in a particular religion, or continue to practice a religion, the questions might include: Are there deeper meanings in these teachings? Am I more involved in following rules than developing my spiritual life? Do I accept all the tenets of my chosen religion?

Genuine curiosity and interest leads a person to do her own searching, whether it is through books, classes, church services, or discussion groups. An answer leads to a new question, and the interesting and exciting process of searching continues. In this stage, the spiritual information is gathered from the external world and is not yet integrated into a person’s internal understanding.

The second stage is spiritual recognition, meaning there is an awareness of a world beyond the material aspects of earthly life. There is a transition from gathering facts to the beginning stages of internalizing the information. During this stage, the person may have a few experiences that have no logical explanation. For instance, a synchronicity may occur that defines all logical reasoning. Or, goosebumps will appear on the forearms when a spiritual truth is spoken. While the awareness is growing, the spiritual journeyer is still questioning the possibilities of such occurrences and may look for scientific explanations. These experiences captivate the imagination; eventually, wonderment replaces intellectual skepticism. The brain is engaged, but the heart knowing is in seedling form.

When these two stages are viewed together, one sees a growing fascination with the spiritual world. However, it is still “out there,” not yet integrated into the journeyer’s spirituality. The door is opening…and more exciting growth is on its way. Stay tuned for further exploration of the stages of spiritual development!

(This is an article that first appeared in the March issue of New Age News ezine.)

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA

The solar plexus chakra is the third energy center of the chakra system. Its physical functions are related to digestion, the immune and nervous systems. Emotionally, the solar plexus chakra centers on a person’s authentic power. It is no wonder that when many people feel anxious or indecisive, they experience a stomachache or other gastrointestinal issues.

The strong emotion of fear resides within this chakra, although fear can affect any of the other chakras too. Fear is often based on feelings of doubt, not believing in one’s abilities to face a problem or situation. We may believe we have little personal power and see ourselves as failures in life.

Like all the other chakras, the imbalance can play out in the opposite direction. There are many people who think they deserve all the power, overriding others’ best interests. These beliefs result in greed, arrogance and other self-serving behaviors. It may seem the solar plexus chakra is strong, but in reality it is an exploitative, abusive use of power.

If you feel powerlessness in certain areas of your life, there are many ways to achieve a better balance by working with the energies of this third chakra. Here are some ideas:

Connect with the energy of the sun – the most potent physical energy source on earth.
Eat many yellow vegetables, or fruit. Honey can be a wonderful addition to your diet.
Surround yourself with the color yellow; add this color to your wardrobe.
Practice yoga poses that focus on building your core strength.
Ask Michael the Archangel to empower you, to protect you from your fears.

Many energy healing modalities are also useful in this area. Reiki energies flow to the underlying causes of physical and emotional problems. For example, if the root cause of fear is associated with emotional abuse as a child, the healing energies flow to your past, healing the pain and powerlessness you felt when those hurtful words were directed at you. Psychotherapy can also be helpful in changing the long-term effects of cognitive beliefs.

“Know thyself” is truly the most important function of the Solar Plexus chakra. It is the transition from defining yourself based on the words and actions from others – to knowing the Divine loves you unconditionally, just as you are. When you reach this level of wisdom, this chakra is in perfect balance!

REIKI FOR PEACE

For many years, I have been excited about William Lee Rand’s and the International Center for Reiki’s initiative to create world peace, through using Reiki. For this blog, I am including excerpts from one of William Lee Rand’s articles on the www.reiki.org website. To read the entire article, please go to:  http://www.reiki.org/GlobalHealing/northp.html. And, you can see many photos of the grid in this article, and other places, on the website.

“World Peace Crystal Grid

Placed at the North Pole

By William Lee Rand

The World Peace Crystal Grid is made of solid copper in the shape of the heart chakra, 12 inches in diameter and plated with 24 carat gold. A 12 sided quartz pyramid is at the center under which are inscribed the Usui power symbol and the Karuna peace symbol. Double terminated quartz crystals are on each petal. Inscribed around the center are symbols for all the world’s religions and the words: “May the followers of all religions and spiritual paths work together to create peace among all people on earth.”

The World Peace Crystal Grid is in a tremendously powerful location. All the magnetic energy of the earth flows through this area      and continues to circulate all around the earth. This is perhaps the strongest power spot in the world! When you send healing energy to the Grid through the picture, your healing energies are sent out to circulate around the planet in a greatly amplified way. Because the purpose of the Grid is to create peace among all people on earth, and you are one of those people, it will also send healing directly back to you.

 

If we are to create peace on Earth, it will be important for us to take the time to really understand and appreciate all groups  of people. This includes other nationalities, other religious and spiritual groups and groups of every kind. If you are a Reiki practitioner, remember  it is important that there be harmony between all Reiki people regardless of organization or lineage. The Grid can be used for this purpose as well. The better all Reiki practitioners and masters work together in harmony to heal each other and the planet, the more successful we will be. We are at such a critical time in the history of the earth that if the human population is to survive and also to prosper, we need to truly value and respect each other. Every person and every group of people on earth has something of value to contribute and until we realize this and really respect all groups of people, we will not be able to be at peace within ourselves or to create peace in the world. As harmony grows between some groups, it will be easier for others until the process is complete. Once there is peace among all people on earth, a tremendous time of prosperity and well being will ensue not only for people, but          for all living things.”

You can now see why I am so excited about this project! It is truly something concrete that any of us can do to bring peace to this world. And, if you are not a Reiki practitioner, your prayerful intentions can be just as powerful. Imagine what can be manifested, if all of us send loving energy to World Peace…..

 

REIKI TRAINING – AGAIN?

Whenever I do a booksigning, or participate in a mind/body/spirit festival, a frequent occurrence is that Reiki practitioners like to discuss their experience of using Reiki with me. It is enriching for both of us to discuss our experiences of this healing modality. Often, someone will tell me they learned Reiki years ago and stopped using it. They ask if they can simply start using it again, or if they should attend another class. One answer does not fit all!

Once a person is attuned to Reiki, the ability to use Reiki is always available to the person. However, when the practice has been dormant for a few years, a refresher course can be a good idea. Reviewing the history, hand positions and other information is important. There would be a reattunement, a reconnection with the Universal Life Force Energy, which is beneficial. Spending the day with a group of new, enthusiastic learners can also be a great motivating factor.

Some Reiki Masters will also offer a private session to Reiki practitioners – this session may be a few hours in length. This is an individualized class – covering only the areas that require review. And, a reattunement may be included in the session.

The most important aspect of renewing Reiki practice is to practice! If you have been away from using Reiki for some time, you can simply start using it again. Perhaps, you may start with self-treatment and then expand your work to family, friends, and/or pets. You can find your class materials and re-read them. You can find loads of great information on the internet or buy a few good books on Reiki.

Reiki is a wonderful healing modality, and it never leaves you, once you are attuned. Like all gifts, we sometimes set them aside – and desire to have them in our lives again. It is never too late. If you want to renew your Reiki practice, just do it! And, reconnect with your Reiki Master – or another Reiki Master, if yours is no longer available to you – to discuss what are the best steps for you.

THE HEART CHAKRA

In the midst of the holiday season, focusing on the heart chakra can be beneficial. The heart chakra is the center of our circulation system. Our physical bodies live as long as the heart pumps life-sustaining blood throughout our entire system. Our hearts move constantly in a rhythmic, steady pattern.

Our hearts are at the center of all relationships. Beautiful emotions like love, compassion and empathy reside, and emanate, from this special place. Likewise, feelings of loss and grief, as well as anger, jealousy and hatred, can flow from this part of our beings. Developing positive, and ultimately, healthy emotional responses can be a challenging task.

The close relationship between emotional and physical health is now an accepted fact. And, the health of the heart is one of the easiest ways to see the connection. Much research has proven that stress, as well as other depleting emotions, plays havoc with good heart health.

As a Reiki practitioner, I have worked with many clients with heavy-heart energy. Their hearts  are full of sadness, loneliness and pain. The language we use describes it perfectly – a broken heart, heartache, heartbreak – these emotional terms also describe physical realities. People can die from a broken heart; heartaches can cause physical pain; heartbreaks can manifest into heart dysfunction.

When emotional heart issues arise, it is imperative we take action. For some, it means talking about the event, with close friends, or perhaps with a professional counselor. For others, journaling, or writing blogs, is therapeutic. Meditation, exercise, nutritional eating and many other actions can assist us in regaining balance in our lives.

Although the holiday season can be stressful, or depressing, there are also many ways to lift your spirit and find joy. Sing along with Christmas carols, watch your favorite movie, or make a cup of hot chocolate and journal about cherished memories. Laugh out loud. Think about happy heart words – sweetheart, lionhearted, heartthrob – how many more can you name? Be intentional, and create the holidays you will always cherish.

THE MAGIC OF SYNCHRONICITIES

When I experience a synchronicity, my arms are covered with goosebumps, and the hairs on the back of my neck stand at attention! A synchronicity is one of those magical moments when there are simply too many coincidences in a situation to be merely a coincidence. I love the saying, “coincidences are God’s way of staying anonymous.” God, the Divine, is the architect of these events – and He designs them for a purpose.

Let me share one of mine. My husband and I were scheduled to visit Italy the week after hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast. Troubled by the ongoing needs of our fellow citizens, we wrestled with our vacation plans. One evening, we decided to look into volunteer opportunities to determine if we should change our plans. During our internet research, we hit one roadblock after another. We saw it as a sign to stick with our original plans. After a few days in Rome, we arrived in Florence and checked into our hotel. Quickly unpacking our bags, we prepared to do some sightseeing before dark. I pulled out a hooded sweatshirt I’d purchased a few months earlier – and had already worn many times. I laid it on the bed, straightening it, to tie around my shoulders. For the first time, I noticed the subtly-colored graphics on it. The drawings were flowered Italian doorways with the word “Firenze” written across the top. This word means Florence! I was blown away! My first thought was: God is telling us we are exactly where we are supposed to be. Over the next days, I continued to meditate on this amazing occurrence. This vacation had several other spiritual messages for us, especially regarding our role in helping other people.

Synchronicities are meaningful, even when the reasons for them may not be immediately apparent. As we are often encumbered by the difficult realities of life on earth, God demonstrates another reality. This reality is based in the unlimited possibilities of Divine unconditional love. Carl Jung, the famous Swiss psychologist, was the first person to identify and name these events “synchronicities.” He defined a synchronicity as a situation in which apparently unrelated events converge to form a momentous experience for those person(s) experiencing it.

One of the most exciting aspects of synchronicities is that the more you recognize them and strive to understand their purpose, the more synchronicities will come into your life. There is some quantum physics involved here (and I certainly am not an expert), but I do know wherever we place our attention and energy, we attract similar situations into our lives.

Responding to synchronicities with grace entails the following: Recognize the synchronicity. Show your appreciation by expressing gratitude to God for orchestrating all the details to create this event. Explore your thoughts and feelings, to find the true meaning behind the event. Most importantly, live out the purpose of the message. And, more synchronicities will come your way….

 

SPIRITUALITY AND YEAST ROLLS

If Forrest Gump can say “life is like a box of chocolates,” then, I’ll contend “spirituality is like yeast rolls.” During my stay-at-home mom days, I loved baking yeast rolls from scratch. It was a day-long event, and the house smelled heavenly by dinner time.

When the day was young, I mixed the ingredients and kneaded a ball of dough. Two dozen yeast rolls would eventually be formed from that small ball. This stage reminds me of my early years of religious education. All the questions and answers of my religion were seemingly contained in one rather small book – the catechism. Is that really true?

After a few hours of rising in a warm spot, the ball of dough comes out, for punching and kneading. The punching was fun – but I had never thought about how it felt for the dough, before now! It must be akin to “getting punched in the gut” by your religion. It might be scandals, or lack of understanding by one clergy person. As I kneaded the dough, more flour is added and absorbed – could the flour be compared to new insights and teachings from meditation, reading and learning about other traditions?

The dough rose again for a few more hours. Then, I rolled it out on a large wooden board. Every time I lifted the rolling pin, the dough inched back a little bit. Back and forth, I went – spreading the circle, watching it contract, and spreading it again. Eventually, it became a large flat piece of dough. Therein lies the true spiritual journey! Sometimes, we expand and sometimes we contract. Our consciousness grows and then reverts back to a more familiar place. With much back-and-forth, determination and persistence, we get to that larger place, a state of expanded consciousness.

Then, what? In my yeast roll-making days, I had a really important decision to make – do I form crescent rolls? Round rolls? Ridged rectangles resembling loaves of bread? Ovals, squares – the list was endless. And, don’t we have a smorgasbord of religions, spiritual communities, denominational and non-denominational groups, from which to choose? Just like the shape of my rolls did not affect the taste, perhaps the outward group is not the most important factor of the spiritual journey. Perhaps, the inner relationship with the Divine is the real determinant….

I always timed the baking of the rolls, to come out of the oven a few minutes before we ate. Yummy, nothing tastes better than melting butter on a newly baked roll! Ah, that is a sweet, sweet place. When we arrive to a new understanding on our spiritual journey, it too is a sweet, sweet place. All the hard work of getting there was worth it.

Yeast rolls – one day; spiritual journey – one lifetime.