 As I do my morning scroll of social media over coffee most days, prior to posting on my business page, I come to realize time and again how damaging this whole social media scene is. I say this with still being active on there by the way, (and am posting this blog to it) so if you take this as contradictory in your opinion, that’s ok, I do get it.
As a society this has become a way of life. Is it good for me? Well, yes. It is fantastic for my practice, and being connected to those whom I adore, or even to the group of old high school mates that I truly do enjoy seeing where they are in life and what they have to celebrate it with; relationships, children, trips, etc.! It is also a brilliant way to network and get the word out about things. When I see someone that is in need and watch how the media takes it to rally for them and raise awareness, it’s incredible how a community can be pulled together in a jiffy. Hell, we just had our cat go missing for almost a month in this stereotypical Canadian winter, with snow/ice storms and negative temperatures we hadn’t had in a long time, and through these outlets, along with some good old-fashioned flyer postings, it felt like we had a brigade of neighbourhood watchers on high alert 24 hours a day. Phone calls and messages of any fresh footprints or sightings that had shown up on their turf, were so welcomed, and yes, he is now safe and sound at home, thanks to all of this. What I have noticed muchly about these social media pages is the desperation that comes through within many postings. Sure, you can make them look innocent, but the underlying pain is there. There is a need for the ones posting a selfie with a caption of self that may be downward to them or even if it states something that seems they are physically happy with. Both show to me a sign of needing. Needing approval, needing compliments, needing that “thumbs up” or even better yet a heart emoji or the lengthy message in the comment section from someone they may not really even “know” but if they tell you that you are beautiful, then they are definitely “friend” worthy…right? Another regular occurrence in this wonderful online world, is the bragging rights. I am all about being proud of what I have or someone else with what he/she has, I actually love seeing this. Those genuine moments warm my heart immensely! My favourite thing is to hear about how lovely someone’s experiences are, but the egotistical ones, not so much. Come on, we are all not living the perfectly spectacular lives we post about. There are downtrodden times, it happens. We are not always (and for some not much at all) 100% secure in ourselves…and that’s ok. But are the new pair of Gucci’s that you just added to your “collection” going to help that, or the size of your new boat? Not likely. Again, I am all about someone that has worked hard to get what they have strived for, (more feel good stories) and it makes me smile for them, but it is so easily seen when it is just the “Hey look at what I’ve got, and how great it makes me!”. The trophy buck on the wall, so to speak. I do feel for these people that are in need. I feel for anyone that is in need, be it for attention, compliments, reassurance, really, we all need those things. I also feel that there is a better way to get what you need…the real way, and please if this is speaking to you personally, I am gladly open for a message, that’s what the inbox is there for. It’s quite courageous to say to another…” I need some attention.” or “I don’t feel good about myself in some way and could use a little reassurance.” The other luxury of the media world is that it is another place to voice our opinions, and boy how we do! I see postings that my intuition tells me is a way to push some buttons and to wake up the non-believers of such, but why? To start debate? For arguments sake? How does that serve you? The stir the pot method is very much a way to brew up some negativity soup, or a riot in a saucepan, in my opinion. The “Imma leave this right there” approach. It is human nature to have differences of opinion be them political, sexual, religious, anything, but it is also human nature to be connected. Next time you want to chime in on that post that fuels your fire and that you strongly disagree with, ask yourself how you could do so, but still stay connected to your fellow human. You’d be surprised at how the blood won’t reach boiling point this way, and all walk away agreeing to disagree. My awareness of this lately has brought me to skim my timeline as of late with an open mind (as usual) but also to have a timeline that makes me smile, laugh, and nod my head with the postings from the heart, rather than the ones that make me wince, shudder inside and shake my head. Those are not going to be there anymore. I don’t need to make the official posting of “I am cleaning out my friends list.” And have people replying to be sure to keep them, I just quietly do what I do to bring in the flow that is best for me. There are no judgement, nor do I dislike anyone, it’s rather quite simple, and for any who take it any other way, that is up to them. My inbox is always open.
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 The more I move toward a life that best serves me, the more I find that the universe has me crossing paths with people that make these incredibly deep lasting impressions on me, even if our time together was only brief. This happens continually throughout my practice. My meditation groups for example have brought out some of the most profound beings that I have ever met, and may not have if it weren’t for my little gathering spot. What most first-timers may feel as though is going to be a simple hour of quieting minds, turns into a room full of smiles and sharing afterward, vulnerability and relatable life experiences, with absolutely zero judgement. I can feel the almost immediate closeness among us as a group and am drawn directly to certain individuals at times. I may not know why at that moment, but I the answer always ends up coming to me in some form later. Some come consistently and others only once, regardless, the footprint they leave behind is taken in with gratitude.
The ventures toward spiritual awareness that I have consciously been on the past few years has been full of these vibrant beings of light. I hold many of them so dear in my heart, whether they are aware of this or not, but something tells me that they are. My husband and I were chatting the other evening while we prepared dinner about many of these individuals, and we stood there smiling for them and reminiscing how familial they feel to us; as if they had been in our lives forever, and how free we were and are able to be when we speak and spend time around them. The strong sense of comfort and relaxation that one may have when they let out a sigh of relief. As I spoke more about this feeling, I started to feel that within my body…relief. I recall this sensation when I first had made contact with the gentleman who is now my husband. A feeling of home. Like I had someone that I could open up to completely and that also made me aware of things, and was not hesitant to share himself, even the difficult parts, with me too. I understand fully when people refer to others that are not blood relation as “family”. I have that. I have also come to find out that some of my greatest relations have come later in my life, and that’s ok. The length of term of a friendship or relationship does not always determine the magnitude of genuinity. I have made lifelong kinship with hosts from Airbnb, felt divine presence from a fishing tour guide in Annapolis Basin, Nova Scotia; had been invited to join a private Yuletide Celebration at a Buddhist Temple, by a couple who attend my meditation group; was married by a spiritual psychotherapist and her partner who is a shaman among the serene mountains in Oregon; have found comfort within the company of a fellow local reiki practitioner and his business; was made aware of my intuitive abilities long before I even gave a thought to using them by a Southern Carolina medium who from first reading told me that he thought that he and I were going to be good friends; and to many others that have graced me with their presence, kindness and impact. They are all family. It surely has been a while since being on track with my blog posts and I must say, it sure feels good to be sitting here hammering on these keys again within it. To all, I hope the beginning of 2019 has served you well so far, and that you have taken some time to set some intentions for yourselves, I sure have.
Ahhhh, the feeling of a clean slate and new beginnings... a hearty time of resolutions for many, which may seem quite healthy, however with these resolutions come goals that one strives to achieve. It all sounds fantastic and may give yourself a strong sense of being focused, but also with such lofty targets can come feelings of self-disappointment if one does not achieve exactly what they had in mind and by the timeline they have restricted themselves to. Now let's take those "resolutions" and turn them into "intentions". What is an intention, you ask? An intention is generated for your soul’s growth. A good intention nurtures your consciousness and has the power to significantly raise your awareness. When you set an intention, you don’t have to worry about your actions. A righteous intention creates a righteous action. Thus, creating a mental space of calm and being present, rather than possibly stressful and future fixated. I not only use intentions with the beginning of a new phase or year in my life, but also at the start of my day. I set intentions before all of my meditation groups, and prior to seeing my clients for a reiki session...really any time. If you set an intention preceding going about your day to be, " I intend to be open to success and abundance.", "I intend to bring happiness into other people’s day." or simply "I intend to follow the flow of today." How can you go wrong? There is no room with such conations to fail yourself. It is really like drawing a map of where you just wish to go. As a matter of fact, create that map! You may not be a cartographer, nor do you need to be to draw out what you wish. Grab a notebook in the morning and jot down one or two intentions for your day. I don't know about you, but my life has been full of expectations of myself and ones from numerous others, we have been conditioned to it. With parents come expectations, school, jobs, and relationships. Imagine alleviating this just for self alone and how much mental weight could be lifted, as well as self-pride. Shifting the usual dynamic that you are accustomed to will change your everyday reactions and sensitivities in a way that won't even feel like any work at all. So this past Sunday we held our first Wine & Paint night at the studio! In honour of the Full Pink Moon in April we chose our first creation to be one of a full moon and reflection upon a body of water, a sight that is always stunning. Our artist Dylan Rupnow led instruction for our artists, who had an array of painting experience from none to seasoned. The creativity and conversation between what started as a room of with "strangers" was an absolute delight, the entire evening. This always brings me such warmth. I have seen and felt this during my weekly group meditations, but throw a little more time in and a leisurely environment, topped off with relaxing biurnal beats playing in the background giving their constant benefits of reducing stress, increasing concentration, building confidence and enhancing moods for all to take home with them along with their canvas'. We pride ourselves on having a little different ambience than other paint night events elsewhere. Stay tuned for our next one coming up the end of May (will be posted on our events page) as we delve into something a little more spiritual and relating to what we practice in our cherished space. I have been fortunate enough recently to be asked to come in to our local college here in Belleville, Loyalist College, and provide a weekly meditation. During my first session at the college I spoke just before our guided journey of thoughtless awareness about the difference between goals and intentions. I shall use the same examples here as I did that afternoon, pertaining to such.
If we make mindfulness a "goal", we have then moved out of the movement, and we judge our current experience, which can put us off. A great example of this would be a first timer settling into the meditation thinking..."I have already been practising for 5 minutes, and it's not bringing me the peace of mind I was promised." Where as with "intention" there is no required result. We are simply connecting to our chosen course. In this case the thinking here may sound like this..."I am just going to practise and see what happens." Already you have accomplished what you had set out to do, leaving a satisfied feeling rather than the crummy sensation from a failed expectation. It's ok to have goals in your life, just be conscious of how you are going to set them up and think of how they may end up making you feel if you are unable to reach them within your pre-set allotted time. Love & Light Sam I say the above title with grand exclamation, as I am simply thrilled to announce that not only is this website up and active today, but the Samureiki studio is also now complete and I am ready to share!
This has been a perpetual vision of mine for approximately the past year. I get to now take something that makes me feel so fulfilled and give it back to others in need of an uplift, be it in physical, mental or spiritual form, in my very own space. A space that allows you to check everything at the door and walk in to nothing but good vibes and abundance for you. This is all about you. I am not a healer. As a matter of fact, for those who are unaware of the specifics of reiki, it simply goes where it is needed at the time. I am just the mediator that assists. You are making the change by just being open to a session and feeding your body what it needs during that time and hopefully continuously as you walk back out into the every day. Carry that fervour and let it resonate. You will find that others you interact with will notice that you have a different air about you. I welcome all to come in and have such experience, or if you are even just curious and have questions, never hesitate to drop me a line and you can do a quick pop in just to check out my space. My main intention is to give you a space that brings you comfort and allows you to breathe peacefully. I encourage you to look through and read the site to gather more information on what it is I do, as well come back to see what's new at Samureiki. I plan on hosting some different events, group meditations, etc. All fantastic times to come out and fill your soul, make new acquaintances in the community and take some "you" time. I look forward to any feedback you all have, and I welcome you to Samureiki! Love & light, Sam |
Sam; AuthorLong before I was a reiki practitioner, I was a writer. This gives me the best of both worlds! Come read up on my thoughts of wellness & spirituality, how I try to stay focused in a busy life, and topics that give us all something to think about! Archives
March 2019
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