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What Reiki did for me, a breast cancer patient

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What Reiki did for me, a breast cancer patient

May 31, 2018
Filed under: Reiki — Tags: , , , , , , , , — admin9:35 pm

In April 2017, I was undergoing my final round of chemo treatments for Triple Negative Breast Cancer.  I had two infusions down in my second round of treatments and was facing two more.  To say I was struggling, is an understatement.  To this point, my cancer journey was filled with unexpected medical issues such as bilateral pneumonia, bilateral pulmonary embolisms, sepsis, and even an internal bleed that filled my chest cavity.  I now had to give myself two shots a day, of Lovenox, a blood thinner.  I spent a total of 37 days in the hospital.  After my second treatment I decided that I was done.  I had had enough.  I made up my mind that I was done with pain and sickness.  The nausea was intense and the bone pain was debilitating.  I made the decision to stop my chemotherapy treatments.  I was going to refuse the last two treatments that could potentially save my life.

Later that night, I talked with my family.  I told them that I could no longer endure the pain.  The look of fear and worriedness on my boyfriend’s face is a look that I’ll never forget.  My daughter cried.  I felt like a “failure” that just left my biggest support system down.  I prayed for the answer as to what I should do.  I scoured the internet for things to try.  I remembered a reiki appointment that I had had a few years ago and how it made me feel afterwards.  Reiki?  I asked myself.  Could Reiki help?  I decided that it was worth a try.  I was desperate.  I reached out to my dear friend Rickie Freedman, owner of ReikiSpace and asked if she could schedule an appointment for me after my next chemo appointment.  I was nervous and very apprehensive because I knew what was coming after that appointment.  The nausea, the pain.  But I committed to giving it a try.  Not just for my family but for myself.

I had my reiki appointment within a day or two after my third appointment.  Days 3-6 were always the worst days after chemo.  I was skeptical and anxiously waited for the bone pain to set in.  Around day 3, I could feel an achiness start to creep into my bones and I could feel the nausea start to settle in my belly.  I cried, as I knew what was coming.  I just laid there and waited for it.  Day 4 came and still no intense bone pain, no severe nausea.  My symptoms were all still so very manageable with the meds that were prescribed.  Day 5 then day 6 and I was through the days that I knew should be my worst.  We did it!  We made it through treatment number 3, of this last round, with little to almost no bone pain and nausea.  Was it a coincidence?  Could it be the reiki?  I wasn’t sure but it gave me the courage to try to make it through my fourth and final chemo treatment.  I reached out to Rickie once again to set up another appointment after my last treatment.  We scheduled the appointment for a day or two after the final infusion.  Again, I waited and tried to mentally prepare myself for the worst and again, it didn’t come.  I made it through that final treatment the same way I made it through my third appointment, with minimal bone pain and manageable nausea.  No way was this a coincidence.  It was the Reiki.  This may sound extreme but, Reiki contributed to possibly saving my life.  I was ready to stop my last two treatments, but out of desperation, I tried Reiki.  It worked.  Reiki helped me manage my unbearable symptoms.  Reiki helped me finish my treatments.  It not only helped me physically, but mentally as well.  It moved me spiritually.  It gave me hope for the future.  Reiki helped make me a Survivor!

Kim Sheaffer

Triple Negative Breast Cancer Survivor

 

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REFLECTIONS ON THE REIKI HEALING PRINCIPLES by Guest Blogger Melissa Nuschke

March 19, 2018
Filed under: Reiki — Tags: , — admin2:53 pm

The Reiki Healing Principles are the “how to” manual of LIVING Reiki.  They are an invitation to love life………… and to live a life of love.

The Principles are ingredients to the” Reiki recipe”, naked and simple, yet food for a lifetime.  As the layers of my life are revealed, the personal relevance of the principles shift. The buffet is always open, I honor my appetite and it’s needs.

Each principle offers a unique tool for this purpose.  My current working principle is “Just for today, I release all worry”.    Since childhood I shouldered all of the darkness, isolation, anger and pain that came with worry and the desire to control others, letting it define and crush me.   About two years ago, I learned through the gift of crisis that worry is nothing more than a leak in my energy field, a waste of precious time, and left unchecked, ultimately lethal………………But only if I choose to engage it.

Worry is predicated on a false voice, that tells me that I can control what happens in the future, that I know what is best for others, and furthermore can convince them of the right action.  I know now that this is wholly false.  When I forget and slip into that place, I need only remind myself and I am transported back to a place of light.  I am a very practical person, so there is no more worry because it cannot coexist with my belief in its impotence.  Yes, there is sadness, grief, love, happiness and all that life brings……but there is little or short- lived worry.

Now that I know what NOT to do, I am currently meditating on the positive/action/sister statement to this principle, “Just for today, I choose faith”. So………………. it turns out that just leaving others to their own devices is not quite enough! That step gave me peace and respite, but then what? I wanted proof that this would bring good results!

This is when trusting the universe became part of my journey.  I have been shown time and time again through synchronicities that the path is unfolding as it is meant to – I know now that life is a series of challenges, victories, disappointments, change, love, death, ……….and you never “get there”, to some permanent state of painless bliss.

I can’t know in the moment why a challenge or tragedy is part of my story.      But I have a deep faith that although I may not understand how a set of circumstances will fit into the tapestry of my life, there will come a time when I will look back and reflect on its intricate wholeness.

This process of faith in the Universal plan has also taught me that healing is contagious   It truly emanates out and touches other souls, often without words.   And the healing energy radiating from another’s light is available to me.  A soul connection built on this concept is like no other,  the embodiment of peace.

Recognizing and understanding faith and synchronicity has brought such peace, happiness, night time messages from my guides, love laughter, beautiful friends……..……..  And the more I listen, the more I receive.  I am learning a new appreciation for detail, and to hear what my soul is saying.  I am seeing healing around me,  the awakening of  sleeping souls in the absence of advice, recommendations, control.

Just for today………..I  CHOOSE FAITH.

 

Melissa Nuschke is a Reiki Master, and holds certifications in Reiki Sound and Reiki Voice.  She is also a Registered Nurse.  Melissa has been on a spiritual journey all of her life….and discovering the Reiki way of living feels like “coming home” at last!    Finding her authenticity through Reiki has deepened and expanded Melissa’s  voice and her lifelong writing passions, which she now feels called to share with others.

In addition to Reiki, Melissa loves nature, animals, music and piano.

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“Spring Refresh With The 5 Reiki Precepts” by Guest Blogger Nancy Hogan Depew

Filed under: Reiki — Tags: , — admin1:35 pm

Spring is almost upon us – a great time to refresh and renew!  With this in mind, let’s revisit the 5 Reiki Precepts, or Healing Principles.  Fundamental and foundational, as a Practitioner I ruminate on each of them daily.  I believe that anyone can use these, Reiki or not, as positive guiding principles.  With any sort of sort of growth, there is a learning curve ~ with practice they really do become second nature!  Here are the precepts, along with my ways of incorporating them, simply, into my daily life:

 

Just for today, I release all worry

Just for today, I release all anger

Just for today, I earn my living with integrity

Just for today, I honor every living thing

Just for today, I show gratitude for all my many blessings

 

 

“What If” – UP

We all “what if” ourselves when thinking about something new, or as a means to deny ourselves an opportunity that we are too scared to leap towards.  However – what if you what if UP?  When you find yourself asking things like “what if I fail,” “what if they don’t like me,” “what if I end up lonely and afraid?” – force yourself to what if UP instead.  “What if I succeed,” “what if I am accepted just as I am,” “what if I realize that I am enough, and I am fierce?” 

 

“Just for today, I release all worry”

 

 

3 Deep Breaths

I start every Reiki session with this statement and actually use this myself quite liberally throughout the day.  If I am stressed over a situation or deadline, I think and do – “3 deep breaths” and consciously release the anxious feelings and am able to re-center.  With that last exhale – whew! – I am usually ready to tackle the next challenge, but if I am not, I do it again.  This activity takes mere moments, but the positive effects last much longer. 

 

“Just for today, I release all anger”

 

 

Working in Integrity

How many folks can say they love all of their co-workers and everyone gets along great in a happy and productive environment?  Some lucky people, for sure, but regardless of workplace we have complete control over our own integrity.  This concept has proven to be a guiding principle, and a real centering point in my traditional work day.  If I feel slighted and desire to fire off an email to the perceived offender, taking them to task for (real or imagined) injustice, I ask myself, “how will this serve me and does it validate my working in integrity?”  It is akin to hitting a self-pause button.  It is incredibly important to take a moment, reflect, and continue on in your path of awesomeness, integrity intact.  You are worth it!!

 

“Just for today, I earn my living with integrity”

 

 

Practice Kindness Everyday

A simple “thinking of you” text to a friend you have not talked with in a while; a short email to a co-worker, thanking them for changing out the water in the cooler; a genuine, heart-felt smile delivered to a complete stranger – these are incredibly meaningful gestures that take so little time and give so much pleasure to others.  “The best things in life are free,” so what does it cost to share these small acts of kindness?  A moment of your time equals an impact that is immeasurable.  Think about how these acts, if treated upon you, would make you feel – and treat others to that feeling!   

 

“Just for today, I honor every living thing”

 

 

Finding Silver Linings

There is a famous saying along the lines of “there is always, always something for which to be grateful.”  Additionally, an attitude of gratitude has really become popular, and isn’t that a wonderful thing ~ when something healthy and helpful is also in style?   I am working on material to conduct a Gratitude Journaling workshop, and I know several folks that offer these already.  But isn’t it so difficult to be grateful all the time??  Sometimes, the challenges we face can feel overwhelming.  Looking for the silver linings and turning it around, even in small amounts, is key.  After the pain comes the lesson and eventually, the growth.   The journey we are on can have severe curves – by practicing finding silver linings (not just looking for them), your ability to locate the positives becomes easier, even second nature, and then it becomes so easy to appreciate your blessings.

 

“Just for today, I show gratitude for all my many blessings”

 

 

These are all active practices that require some effort, and a little time.  I can say without reservation that these guiding principles make life so much less complicated!  After practice becomes second-nature, it is a matter of remembering to use the tools that we pick up along the way to live our best life!  I wish for you an open heart and open mind, for your greatest good and highest joy!! 

Nancy Hogan Depew is a Reiki Master-Teacher, proudly practicing at ReikiSpace!  Catch her there for heart-centered services including Reiki sessions, classes & attunements and workshops!  More information and future blog entries can be found on her website, www.ReikiWithNan.com.

 

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The Day that Reiki Saved my Life

February 18, 2018
Filed under: Reiki — Tags: , , , , — admin8:18 pm

I am the mother of two adopted boys. I was Blessed for them to come into my life only 11 weeks apart from one another. I went from experiencing years of infertility, to having a 4 day old and an 11 week old at the same time! I was never happier.

My oldest boy, Ryan, was later diagnosed as bipolar schizophrenic, and after trying desperately to  find his identity, and seeking inner peace and Love, he made the choice to leave this world at 20 years old. I was literally heartbroken.

I had learned Reiki and created a Reiki practice several years prior. I had no choice but to return to work quickly, as I had my other son, Ron, to care for. My clients knew me very well, and knew what had happened, and I cried through many sessions as the Reiki flowed through and helped to heal me each time.

I very distinctly remember walking into my Reiki room the first time still very sad, and struggling just to keep putting one foot in front of the other. As I entered the room, the Reiki Healing Principles literally came right in front of my face and spoke to me. They said ” Are these just words, or are you really going to Choose to live by this”. I KNEW in that moment I had choice to really LIVE or just  exist as a victim. Those Reiki Healing Principles saved my life!

I also received the guidance that I would be sharing a workshop called “From Grief to Gratitude”. It took me 5 years to be ready to share Ryan’s story. It has helped heal many others, and helps heal me more and more every time I do.

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Do you know how much I Love YOU?

December 24, 2015
Filed under: Reiki — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , — admin10:41 am

LOVE- it is sometimes an overused word, and taken much too lightly. Yet, the word itself carries a Vibration that is Healing whenever thought or spoken with Feeling. When I say every day that I LOVE my work , what I really mean is I LOVE YOU! How can you Love me, you may think…

Reiki is a very Connecting, Heart-felt, Unconditionally Loving Energy. When I place my hands on or above you, I literally fall in Love with you. There is no other way to explain it. I FEEL you and become one with you. It is Empathy, Compassion and yes LOVE. We are meant to do this- to reflect the Beauty and Truth of each other. I want you to Love yourself as deeply and unconditionally as I Love you. I want you to Remember how Powerful you are when you become consciously aware of your Light, and the Magnetism of your thoughts, words, attitudes and beliefs. When you do, you will be a Healing Presence for all others to remember their Light and their Truth. This, my friends, is how we Heal our World.

I LOVE YOU!! Isn’t that AWE-some!

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Managing Holiday Stress

December 9, 2015
Filed under: Reiki — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin8:04 am

Managing Holiday Stress

1) SMILE – Increases  Serotonin (feel-good hormone) for you and the recipient! Improves you Immune System and Wellness

2)Meditate – actually changes your brain for increased Happiness. Twice a day for 10 minutes each keeps Cortisol reduced. Deep breathing calms your body and you think clearer. Focus on a word or mantra – “I AM too Blessed to be stressed”. Can do walking Meditation (Meditation Evening first Thurs. of every month in ReikiSpace).

3) Gratitude- cultivates Happiness. Physiologically impossible to be stressed and grateful at the same time. Gratitude Journal- 3-5 things every morning and evening. Floods us with endorphins which energize us and enhance our health

4)Random acts of Kindness – Doing nice things for others increases our own Happiness. What you extend to others you get back 10 fold.

5) Socializing/Social Support

6) Creative outlets – journaling, Art

7)Music- health and stress benefits

8)Laughter- reduces stress hormones, increases endorphins, strengthens immune system, increases energy and reduces fatigue. Fun/ Play/ Share your Joy! Keep things in perspective!

9)Setting Boundaries and Priorities – Address problems rather than being negative or complaining. Honor your core values. Learn to say NO. Offer a  solution- Visualize and help create it. Wayne Dyer says “You’ll see it when you Believe it”

If angry ask: a) Is it worth it? b) Is my anger appropriate c) Is there something I can do about it? d) Is it worth it?. If YES – express in a healthy way

10) Eat Breakfast. Skipping breakfast increases Cortisol for the entire day.

11) Exercise

12) Get help- talk about it

13) Relaxation Exercises

14) Be Positive

15) BREATHE

16) Self care is not Selfish! Filling yourself up allows you to  share from a Healthy place so you won’t feel drained, burned out or resentful.

17) DO LESS- You DO have a Choice!

18) REIKI ~ Peaceful , Relaxing, Centering, Balancing, Grounding

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EXPERIENCE Reiki – YOUR Place of Peace

December 1, 2015
Filed under: Reiki — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , — admin11:03 pm

Peace ~ It doesn’t mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things, and still be Calm in your Heart. Unknown

The Holiday Season is a Wonderful time of Love, Light and Connection. It can also generate a lot of stress, especially for successful busy Business women trying to wear our many hats. This can be challenging enough on a day-to-day basis, but now there are gifts to choose and wrap, family events to attend (not to mention complex family dynamics), and the stirred-up emotions dealing with the frenetic energy which abounds everywhere this time of year.

Reiki can be a way to keep yourself “Filled-Up”, so that when you choose to share your precious time and energy with your friends, family and co-workers, you do so from a Healthy and Loving place, rather than becoming drained, burned-out or resentful.

Reiki is a Natural, Holistic Hands-On Healing technique which is very Gentle and Deeply Relaxing. It is primarily for reducing  stress, promoting Balance, and restoring Inner Peace. It is shared fully-clothed on a massage-type table. Within the course of an hour, people typically feel their stress, and the underlying sources, simply melt away. It is also very energizing, and after their sessions, my clients report increased creativity and productivity. Their energy is calm and focused as they move forwards with their busy days and lives.

Reiki can work physically, assisting with both pain issues and muscle tension. It also works deeply at the  mental/emotional level releasing what no longer serves you, as you are ready. It helps you feel connected, and is unconditionally accepting and non-judgmental. Additionally, you can learn self-Reiki which is a practical tool in your own hands whenever you are feeling anxious or having trouble sleeping. You can share Reiki with your family and pets. Moving forwards on the Reiki Path means “Living Reiki”. You become conscious of how the energy of all your words, thoughts, attitudes and emotions affect your own well-being as well as everyone around you. Although life will always continue to have its challenges, you can learn to bring yourself back to your place of Inner Peace easier and quicker.

In alignment with the Reiki Healing Principles, here are my wishes for you throughout the Holidays and into the upcoming New Year:

May you REMEMBER what you Love, what Sparks you, and brings you endless, timeless Joy. May you Consciously Create more time for these things in your life.

May you Forgive yourself and others for the sake of Peace.

May you remember that we are ALL doing the Best that we can with the Knowledge, Wisdom and Experiences we bring to this moment. This will allow you to see with the eyes of Compassion.

May you know how precious your Energy is, and Choose Loving and Peaceful words, thoughts and attitudes every day. May you attract the same.

May you remember that life’s challenging people and situations are a GIFT helping you learn and grow in ways that you wouldn’t/couldn’t have chosen on your own.

May you find the Perfect Balance of Quiet Introspection, Service, Connection, Laughter and PLAY.

May you Receive your Heart’s Desire, and most importantly, may you KNOW that you are Worthy and Deserving of Receiving.

May you continue to be of Loving Purposeful Service Always.

May you keep things in Perspective and Remember to BREATHE.

May you Feel the Peace, Contentment and Joy Within You.

May you remember that we NEED each other. Allow yourself to be Vulnerable and Receive, for this allows others the Joy of Sharing too.

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Reiki on Good Day PA again!

October 10, 2015
Filed under: Reiki — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — admin9:43 am

Here is the link for this week’s appearance on Good Day PA. Enjoy!

Reiki on Good Day PA

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Congratulations to ReikiSpace!

August 2, 2015
Filed under: Reiki — Tags: , , , , — admin4:39 pm

I am so Excited to announce that Reiki by Rickie ~ ReikiSpace & Learning Place has been chosen for the 2015 2015 RC jpgReaders Choice Award by Harrisburg Magazine Readers in the Category of Alternative Medical Specialist!

Thank YOU so much! This is a Wonderful boost for Reiki!

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Transcribed for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community

Filed under: Reiki — Tags: , , , , , , , , — admin2:57 pm

Thanks to my good friend Joyce Edmiston, my recent interview by Amy Kehm on the ABC Channel 27 News program Good Day PA was transcribed Teresa Russ, professional captionist. There will be captions available for the video soon, as well.

ABC Channel 27 News
An Interview with Rickie Freedman
Reiki By Rickie ~ ReikiSpace & Learning Place

GOOD DAY PA: When it comes to healing techniques like Reiki, I think some people are skeptical of whether or not the practice actually works, but for some, it has a profound effect on their health and well being. Rickie Freedman is the owner of Reiki by Rickie, and she is here to get us on board with it.
Honestly, before I met you and experienced it, I wasn’t really sure what Reiki was; so I’m sure there’s lots of folks that feel that way; so what is it, Rickie?

RICKIE FREEDMAN: True. A lot of people are skeptical the first time that they try it, and it’s very much an experience – once you feel it, then you understand it. Reiki is a very gentle and very deeply relaxing hands on healing. It was originally from Japan, primarily for stress management, and we know that stress underlies probably 90 some percent of doctor’s visits.
Helping people relax is a very deeply healing experience itself; so Reiki helps to balance your energy, and then you feel more peaceful and able to handle all the stresses around you and in a much more calm way.

GOOD DAY PA: I mean, what is a session like? What happens during a session?

RICKIE FREEDMAN: Reiki is a very comfortable session. You get to be fully clothed. You’re on a massage table, and there’s absolutely nothing that you need to do, think about or try. You get to just relax and allow and be. It consists of a gentle light touch and also some balancing in your energy. Reiki is an energy balancing. A lot of people can feel that even though I’m not physically touching them. GOOD DAY PA: Yes, you had described that to me.

RICKIE FREEDMAN: So people describe feelings of warmth, tingling, sometimes vibration. Many people fall asleep or go to a very deep meditative state where your mind is finally quieted and that is a very healing place to be.

GOOD DAY PA: Well, Rickie was so nice. She actually let me come experience it before your appearance here on the show. I found it very relaxing, and I told you that, when you were doing this with me, I did feel like my face felt warm at some point, you know, and now I was under a nice cozy blanket, which was lovely, but I did feel that warmth.
It just felt so relaxing like I could have just zoned out from everyday life for a little bit. Do other folks share the similar experience?

RICKIE FREEDMAN: Absolutely, yes, and that deep sense of peace and calm and relaxation is a very common after effective Reiki, and when you go back out into the world with that more peaceful centered place, you’re able to handle all the stresses around you much easier, and so Reiki can be experienced by everyone.
Everyone can tolerate Reiki because of how gentle it is; so from the tiniest little newborn infants, to women who are pregnant, even people on a hospice program because of how gentle it is. It can help bring a more peaceful acceptance, also can help with pain or side effects of medication.

GOOD DAY PA: Well, I want to get to the special event that is coming up. This is really neat. I mean, who doesn’t love a fun time at sea so tell me about this.

RICKIE FREEDMAN: This is a really unusual opportunity. Next January, January 16th of 2016, I’m co-producing the Healing Water Holistic Cruise with Scott Travel in Mechaicsburg; so in addition to all the regular cruise and fun and activities, you’ll get to experience the work of six healers and practitioners as they share sessions and workshops onboard —

GOOD DAY PA: Now, another thing our audience — excuse me — might be interested in is a special offer you have just for the Day PA viewers today.

RICKIE FREEDMAN: That’s right. Anyone who contacts me by the end of this month we can get you scheduled for your first session in ReikiSpace & Learning Place, and you’ll receive a ten-dollar discount.

GOOD DAY PA: Woohoo! Ten-dollar discount. Love when folks bring offers for our viewers.
It was lovely having you on the show today. You’re going to come back with us to share more about this in the coming weeks.

RICKIE FREEDMAN: Looking forward to it.

GOOD DAY PA: Okay. Rickie, good to see you. We’ll see you again soon.
[End of Transcript]

Transcribed by:

Teresa Russ, CSR, CRI
Lic.#13770
Certified Court Reporter
CART/Provider Captioner
(For the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing)
http://abc27.com/2015/07/16/reiki-by-rickie/

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