How to Control Your Energy with Reiki

HOW TO CONTROL YOUR ENERGY WITH REIKI

How to Control Your Energy with Reiki

Article by John Scardina
Photo Credit: Carley Page Interiors
Featuring: Jennifer Harrison
Magazine: Issue #40  

I’ve been a Reiki master/teacher for quite some time now and have always known that we are responsible for our own energy and for the most part the energies of those near us. But most certainly before being attuned to Reiki I would have never thought that I could control or manipulate my energy for positive results. These results once properly practiced and utilized provide so much positive and healing benefit to our minds, bodies, and souls. The best part is that it belongs to you forever, a lifetime! 

I grew up in the Midwest in a strong Roman Catholic household. You all know whatever religion you choose or follow, that upbringing where you were taught to pray to an entity that you will someday meet only after death. All this for a promise of an everlasting joyous time in eternity. There is nothing wrong with these teachings but for me and my beliefs it was not a good fit to depend on a single entity for everlasting joy. I chose to find my everlasting joy while still living and this is where my spiritual journey had begun in order to find a path that was more to my understanding and belief system, after all there has to be so much more. This is where I found Reiki.

Reiki a Japanese energy healing technique that originated from Dr. Makao Usui. Some even believe that this technique may even had origins much earlier in the Middle East, but I’m not here to tell its origin in detail. I just want to explain a bit of what Reiki is and how it helps you control your own energy. Reiki broken down from the Japanese language means “Universal (Rei) Life Force Energy (Ki) an energy that already exists in everybody and everything. We do not need to be scientists to understand that everything that exists, only exists due to the fact that it is all made of energy itself. 

Reiki being a hands on and distant energy modality makes it most suitable for anyone to be attuned to easily, and yes even from a distance. These attunements can be given to a student on the other side of the world. I at one time did not think this possible but indeed it is through the intent of the master and the acceptance the student. This unusual method of teaching this practice allows the student to practice Reiki and to control their own healing energy for positive benefits. By utilizing daily Reiki practice one can take control of mind, body and spirit. The meditative properties of this practice allow you to be in a relaxed state and we all how well a body heals in this state. To even further positive efforts with Reiki at level 2 you are attuned to several sacred symbols. With these symbols you can now even send Reiki energy into your past to heal long past issues and also send into the future to ease anxieties. There are so many ways Reiki can help you take control of your own energy. Imagine if you will an existence where everyone had control over their energy. Reiki is one of the most relaxing teachings that we can experience.

I know these few words in this article are not enough to explain everything Reiki can do, but I do hope you explore Reiki and the many benefits it possesses. Be in control of your energy at all times in life, the past, the present, and in business. Take control of your energy now. If ever there are any questions in regards to taking control of your energy, contact me, I love teaching this ability!

Brown Rice Risotto with Summer Greens

BROWN RICE RISOTTO WITH SUMMER GREENS

Brown Rice Risotto

Feature by Ella Suihko
Photo Credit: Ella Suihko
Magazine: Issue #40

Basically everything green is always super good for you. Sometimes eating not only enough but also a good variety of different kind of greens may become a struggle. 

Made with lots of onion, zucchini, carrot, green bell pepper and green peas, this brown rice risotto with summer greens is one way to easily incorporate more green veggies into your diet. Green peas are teeny tiny wonder veggies with an outstanding concentration of protein, fiber and micronutrients. Onions contain a healthy amount of folate and vitamin C which is needed for the building and maintenance of collagen which provides structure to skin and hair. This healthy risotto is also super simple and fast to cook which makes it another great go-to meal for these warm summer nights.

Brown Rice Risotto with Summer Greens
(makes 3-4 servings)

1 cup brown basmati rice (uncooked amount)
1 yellow onion, diced
1 spring onion, diced
1 zucchini, grated
2 carrots, grated
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1 cup green peas, fresh or frozen
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1-2 tbsp coconut sugar
2 tbsp tamari soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
2-3 tbsp sriracha sauce

Start by cooking the rice in two cups of water for about 30-35 minutes.

In a frying pan heat olive oil over medium heat until just hot. Add the diced onions, grated zucchini and carrot, sliced green bell pepper and green peas. Sauté for 10-15 minutes or until softened a bit.

Add the coconut sugar, tamari soy sauce, apple cider vinegar and sriracha sauce. Stir well to combine. Mix with the cooked rice and remove from the heat. Serve with fresh lime and enjoy!

FEATURED RECIPE AUTHOR: (MORE RECIPES BY ELLA INSIDE THE CLUB!)

Ella is a plant-based foodie and recipe maker. Studying medical biochemistry and clinical nutrition in the university of Eastern Finland, health and whole-body wellness is close to her heart. Hoping to inspire people to make healthier food choices, she’s sharing vegan-friendly and gluten free recipes on her website. When not cooking or studying, you can find Ella from a yoga class, running in the nature, exploring the home forests or travelling the world in search of inspiration. Learn more about Ella at EllasExperimentalKitchen.wordpress.com

What is a Health Coach?

WHAT IS A HEALTH COACH?

What is a Health Coach?

Article by Jo Ann Bellistri  
Photo Credit: Halley Elefante
Magazine: Issue #12

A health coach serves as the vehicle that drives a person to the health destination they desire. The person has to set their mind and commit to that destination, while the health coach chooses the map, plots the route and navigates the trip, always ensuring a safe ride.

The journey can take many months or years, and along the way bumps in the road and detours are handled by the travelers together. The traveling is where the magic happens and the desired destination turns out to be minor compared to the experience of the journey itself.

Health coaches are different from nutritionists, therapists and doctors. Nutritionists will give their clients lists of foods they should and should not eat. Therapists do not provide an end in sight, and there’s no linking of food and mood. Most doctors do not work on the root cause of a symptom; instead they prescribe a medication to treat the symptom. Health coaches begin a process of discovery by using a positive and practical approach. They work with their clients and are present, engaged and gentle while they guide them toward uncovering the root of the problem. 

The traditional approach to treatment of chronic disease is to diagnose and prescribe. Unfortunately, most medical doctors do not see the connection between food and disease. A health coach sees that connection and also the other factors that are contributing to poor health. Stress, lack of exercise, bad relationships and lifestyle habits are discussed and considered. A health coach touches on many different areas of a client’s life and empowers that person to identify the unhealthy behaviors that need to be changed. There is cooperative communication between health coaches and their clients. Health coaches realize that every person they work with is different and needs to experience a journey that is set up only for them. 

Holistic Healing Options: BodyTalk to Heal the Heart

HOLISTIC HEALING OPTIONS:
BODYTALK TO HEAL THE HEART

Article by Lyn Delmastro  
Photo Credit: Spell Designs
Magazine: Issue #13

Holistic Healing Options

Single was my state for many years no matter what I did. Networking, online dating, speed dating, and even working with a matchmaker.  I was convinced “It just isn’t easy to find the right guy”. Life appeared destined for dating despair until February 2013 when I started receiving BodyTalk sessions. 

BodyTalk is a powerful, gentle, and effective healing modality that is based on the idea that our bodies have the ability to heal themselves. Through neuromuscular feedback, a BodyTalk practitioner uncovers what areas in the body, mind, and spirit are not in balance. Then it uses gentle tapping over the head and heart to help the bodymind self-heal. After my first session in February, I began receiving regular BodyTalk sessions. Gradually I released old belief systems and energetic patterns that blocked me from finding love. I wasn’t consciously aware of many of these beliefs that impeded my ability to attract love.

How did BodyTalk help me do this? 

From a very early age, we all are conditioned to believe certain things. These belief systems come from our families, our friends, religious institutions, and popular culture. When we hear our parents say things like “You have to work hard to get what you want” or we watch them go through challenges in their relationship, we come to believe certain things about how the world operates. Some of these beliefs are conscious and we aren’t even aware of some others.

BodyTalk helps to surface these belief systems and any active memory traumas associated with them. An active memory simply means one that has an emotional charge to it. BodyTalk works to actually release these active memories from the body, particularly the connective tissue. 

To clear these beliefs and traumas, a simple hand position on the face is used to connect three energy areas. The practitioner guides the client to move her eyes in circles to stretch the eye muscles and activate the brain centers involved. Concurrently, the practitioner gently taps over their head and sternum which stimulates the brain to disassociate this active memory. Many times all that is necessary to release the charge of these memories is to simply trigger the subconscious mind into clearing the emotion without having to surface it as a painful memory. Many times only one session is needed to achieve this.

In my case, beliefs about it being unsafe to be loved, thinking my single status was permanent, and active memory traumas of past romantic rejection in relationships surfaced and were released in a year’s worth of sessions. Once they were gone, finding the right partner happened with ease.

Summer Must Have: Bronde Hair Color

SUMMER MUST HAVE: BRONDE HAIR COLOR

Article by Gina Marie DeAngelis
Photo Credit: Victor of Valencia
Featuring: Chanelle Sladics

Summer Must Have: Bronde Hair Color

We all know that everyone likes to have their luscious locks a little lighter for the summer. However, the current trend is actually “Bronde.” What is Bronde, you ask? It’s the amazing middle ground in between blonde and brown. Why not try a subtle combo like Bronde to enhance your natural beauty?

Summer should be Care Free and when it comes to the hair world, there is a perfect solution for the Ultimate Traveler. Meet the Ombre’! From subtle to drastic, this versatile look allows you to have less maintenance this season. The best part about it is that it looks great on long or short hair and in every hue. 

Feeling on fire this season? Why not join the copper red family? Bust out those summer shades – orange hues are definitely here to stay. The perfect combination of reds and copper tones will brighten your look all around. 

Summer dresses and bright colors are great… but why not add pastels to your look too? A simple hairstyle can be switched instantly with some temporary changes. Have your Stylist strategically bayalyage your favorite hue! From rose gold to strawberry, this range of color is in high demand this season. They allow you to tap into warm tones without the crazy fade of red. This is definitely my personal favorite for the season. 

Time to go behind the scenes at the Kim Vo Salon in Beverly Hills

Summer hairstyles should be a direct reflection of the laidback vibe that summer gives us all. With the right cut, a tousled look will have you at ease from day well into the evening. If your hair has a natural wave, luck is on your side. Spray in some sea salt spray or curling cream and let your hair air-dry. At night, for a more drastic look, simply wrap your beachy waves around a curling iron, taking one-inch sections at a time. Don’t forget to use your favorite hair spray and brush out your curls slightly after your hair has cooled down. 

Advice from Beverly Hills Stylist Ramsay Mclean

“The current trend this summer is effortless. Keeping the hair above the shoulders with long layers and always having some texture or bounce to the hair. A messy fishtail braid is an easy way to keep your look on trend and also keeping it off the face. I typically choose a side to angel it. I also create many up do styles by making looser areas and wrapping it up in a bun.”

The look created for me that is pictured below, was collaborated by Celebrity stylist Kim Vo, Stylist Ramsay Mclean, and Makeup Artist Mara Rouse. Photos were taken by Cory Graves. The look given to me is very versatile and can look great smooth and straight or with curls and a beachy texture. It’s lightweight for summer with long layers and facial framing to accent the color. 

Advice to all you Fashionistas out there from the Kim Vo Salon

“Find a look that is appropriate for you. Factors include lifestyle, skin tone, face shape, age and the amount of effort that you want to put into your appearance. Find a look that you can make subtle changes to so you don’t get bored.”

A Summertime Smoothie Even Your Kid Will Like

KEEPING IT SIMPLE:
A SUMMERTIME SMOOTHIE EVEN YOUR KID WILL LIKE

Article by Keli McNassar & Jamison Yeva
Magazine: Issue #39

Sometimes Easier Is Better

Yes, hard work definitely pays off. And, yes, going after something you want with all you’ve got is the way to achieve your goals.

But… sometimes the easy way is actually the better way. Seriously. Let me explain.

There are two areas in my life that demand simplicity and ease, because the alternative is to give into the madness or just give up completely.

The first is getting vegetables (i.e. nutrients other than those known as “Cheerios” or “chicken nuggets”) into my almost-preschooler. The second is making sure I don’t look like one of the people on the “People of Wal-Mart” website. Full disclosure: I totally shop at Wal-Mart sometimes, but I want to look like I shop at Macy’s all the time, without it taking any more energy or brain power.

With the veggies, I could succumb to the Mona Lisa of vegetables art you find on Pinterest or I could give up completely and let my daughter eat junk all day and set her up to be a guest on Dr. Phil sometime down the road, where they call me onto the stage to scold and berate me for allowing my child to become a morbidly obese, diabetic 8 year-old… but both of those options sound exhausting. Ain’t nobody got time to be embarrassed on Dr. Phil.

So what’s the solution for getting my kid to ingest some real nutrients? SMOOTHIES! (I’ve included my favorite recipe below). That’s right. Simple. Easy. No fighting. No whittling away with a paring knife, carving out Anna and Elsa’s faces into the jicama. I just dump the fruit and veggies, milk, and whatever else I want to add into the blender, and presto; a smoothie that my little girl happily sucks down while I let the mommy guilt and craziness wash away so that I can focus on the bigger things, like what I’m going to wear that day.

And that brings me to the second part of my life where I have found that easy is better: my daily fashion choices. See, I’ve worked from home since 2010, and my daughter was born in 2013. When you combine working from home with motherhood, you enter an entirely new realm of frumpiness that you never knew existed, i.e. it’s a good day when you wear your “nice” nasty pajamas all day instead of your “gross” nasty pajamas, and you actually brush your teeth, and you’re all, hello, gorgeous! After years of this, you forget that it’s possible, or even in your own self-interest, to care about how you look, even the tiniest little bit.

The event that finally forced me to face the ugly truth was when I found out I was pregnant with my second kid. I realized that I had a short amount of time to figure out how to look like a functioning member of society instead of one of those people raised by wolves, and I knew whatever the answer was, it needed to be almost as easy as wearing pj’s and sweats all day, and definitely as comfortable. 

I didn’t think this was going to be possible actually, but ladies, I’m here to tell you this nexus of style and laziness desire for comfort exists, and it’s called LuLaRoe. Instead of pajama pants, I now wear amazingly, adorable, buttery-soft leggings that come in a million patterns and colors – that feel like pajamas. Instead of an old festival t-shirt that was obviously made for a man (remember, before they used to make women’s cut shirts?), I now wear brightly colored, super-soft, stylish shirts that also come in a million patterns and in a bunch of different styles – that also feel like pajamas. There are also sweet dresses; one style has pockets (can I get a hell yeah!), and they’re stretchy and comfortable – they feel like... you guessed it; pajamas! You can get on the floor and play with your kids one minute, then fall asleep next to them as you try to get them to nap (they don’t), then get on a video conference call for work and look professional, and then go out to dinner with your family and make everyone else wonder how you seem to have it all together.

I now walk around basically wearing pajamas all day, and I look CUTE. I look stylish, bright, and cheerful. I actually feel like a woman again. I think my husband has noticed that he’s married to a woman again. LuLaRoe is a life changer. 

Ladies, when we can simplify our lives and still reach goals of being healthy or looking great, let’s do it. Our lives are complicated enough as it is. Love to you all!

Perfectly Peared Summertime Smoothie
Ingredients:
1 small bunch parsley
½ med avocado
2 ripe pears
2 peeled Granny Smith apples
2 med bananas
1 cup water
1 cup ice

Instructions:
Peel apples and chop fruit and avocado roughly – put aside.
Add parsley into blender with 1 cup of water and blend until smooth.
Add fruit, avocado, and ice until smooth and creamy.

Vegetable and Red Lentil Quinoa Soup

VEGETABLE AND RED LENTIL QUINOA SOUP

Vegetable and Red Lentil Quinoa Soup

Feature by Ella Suihko
Photo Credit: Ella Suihko
Magazine: Issue #38

Soups are easy to cook and make an excellent healthy stock up meal as you can prepare a batch in the weekend and munch all week long. And usually the flavor only gets better on the next day as well.

Made with a dreamy combination of red lentils, quinoa and all the vegetables, this nutrient-dense superfood soup is loaded with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, essential fatty acids and fiber, all of which are critical for boosting your natural beauty: glowing skin, strong nails and luscious locks.

Take some time to meal prep with this easy, healthy and delicious soup recipe and start glowing from the inside out.

Vegetable and Red Lentil Quinoa Soup 
(makes 3-4 servings)

1 yellow onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
3 cm knob of ginger, minced
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp chili flakes
2-3 cups low sodium vegetable stock
¾ cup dried red lentils
⅓ cup quinoa
500g mixed vegetables, chopped (e.g. carrot, sweet potato, broccoli, cauliflower)
salt & pepper to taste

In a large pot heat olive oil over medium heat until just hot. Add the diced onion, minced garlic cloves and ginger. Sauté for about 5-10 minutes or until golden. Stir in the spices and continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. 

Add two cups of vegetable stock, rinsed red lentils, quinoa and the chopped veggies. Bring to boil and add the third cup of veggie stock if needed to cover all the ingredients. Let simmer for about 20-25 minutes or until the lentils, quinoa and vegetables are cooked. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve and ENJOY!

FEATURED RECIPE AUTHOR:

Ella is a plant-based foodie and recipe maker. Studying medical biochemistry and clinical nutrition in the university of Eastern Finland, health and whole-body wellness is close to her heart. Hoping to inspire people to make healthier food choices, she’s sharing vegan-friendly and gluten free recipes on her website. When not cooking or studying, you can find Ella from a yoga class, running in the nature, exploring the home forests or travelling the world in search of inspiration. Learn more about Ella at EllasExperimentalKitchen.wordpress.com

Protein and Moisture: What You Need for Hair Growth

PROTEIN AND MOISTURE:
WHAT YOU NEED FOR HAIR GROWTH

Article by Melva Williams
Photo Credit: Hailley Howard
Featuring: Siobhan Barrett
Magazine: Issue #39

Protein And Moisture: What You Need for Hair Growth

Protein and Moisture: Importance

When combing your hair; where do you find it most? Is it in the comb, on your shirt, the sinks or your bathroom floor? This is even when your hair is not in it's shedding phase? Are you finding hair everywhere but staying on your head? So you ask yourself what is going on. Hopefully there are medical factors to consider. Are you having a problem or is this normal and your hair in the telogen phase (shedding phase). Like everything in life there is a cycle of life. Like a cat sheds it's fur, a snake sheds it's skin, and so does our hair have a shedding season that should last about 2 to 3 weeks. Hair breakage is usually a lacking of an imbalance of the two important factors within the hair strand: moisture and protein levels. 

Moisture: Think 'Stretch'

Hair needs water to maintain its elasticity, or ability to stretch. Since water is the ultimate moisturizer, water-based products are best for really getting the greatest moisture benefit instead of alcohol bases. 

Moisturizers nourish your hair deep within the strand. Check labels for protein content. Good moisturizers will not contain cheap, filler ingredients like petrolatum, mineral oil, or lanolin. 
Try to avoid products contain these ingredients. There is nothing moisturizing about them! Petrolatum and mineral oil are sealants that seal out the natural moisture our hair needs. 

Protein: Think 'Strength'

Protein is what gives the hair its strength and structure. Hair is about 70% keratin protein by nature. Hair is mainly made up of protein. There are a wide variety of proteins that serve different purposes in hair care. Some enhance elasticity, while others reduce it. These proteins bind to the hair cuticle and help temporarily rebuild any weakened areas. 

Women with relaxed or color treated hair need more protein than others. Relaxing and coloring breaks protein bonds, and depending on how often you do them. Some relaxed or color treated may need more or less protein than someone else. There are also some people whose hair is more protein deficient by nature (genetics, low protein dietary intake), so they require more regular protein than others to keep the balance intact. At the end of the day, you must experiment and get to know your own head of hair. 

Balancing Both for Results

Protein and moisture balance within the hair strand is simply a case of balancing act to prevent hair breakage. These two components work together to produce a healthy head of hair, and neither can work well without the other. 

Achieving the proper balance involves using the right combinations of protein and moisture based products for your hair type.

Everything in life requires balance, including your hair!