Message From The President

"Trees by the lake"

As the holiday season of 2006 becomes a fond memory, I look forward to the coming year and the journey it will take me on. The challenge for us now is to stay focused on our dreams and promises we made, to make 2007 our best year ever. We have the wonderful gift of Reiki for healing ourselves and transforming goals to live the life of abundance that we seek. What ever direction you seek I wish you every success and happiness in the coming year.

The board is now planning the events for the upcoming AGM that will be held May 26th at the Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. The CRA elections will be held after the business portion of our meeting. This year we will be voting for three board positions.

In This Issue About the CRA Member in Focus Reiki Sessions 2006 Whole Life Expo Wellness Show Guidelines Spirituelle Divas™ Testimonial Human Energy Field Book Review Beings of Light Let's Heal Each Other Reiki Shares & Exchanges Announcements Advertising

The nomination form is now available on the home page of our website. This form will be included in the hardcopy newsletters that we mail to those members without the benefit of a computer. If you are nominated and accept to run, please submit a short bio and j-peg photo of yourself to Judy at reiki@reiki.ca. Deadline for nominations will be March 1st, 2007. This is a requirement as your information will be included in the A.G.M. package. The number of proxy votes increased last year as members had the opportunity to read and get to know a little bit about the nominees and put a face to the bio. Make a note of May 26th on your calendar and we will see you there.

I want to thank all our members who came out to volunteer at the Whole Life Expo last November. It was a fantastic turnout and without your support it would not have been the success it was.

The Vancouver Wellness Show will be held on March 2nd, 3rd, & 4th at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre. Please drop by the C.R.A. booth, #960, and meet Barb Weston, Judy Cain and the crew of Reiki volunteers. Then treat yourself to a mini Reiki Session. Even as Reiki Practitioners we must not forget about ourselves. Barb and her volunteers are looking forward to meeting their Reiki friends and C.R.A. members at the show.

Love & Light
Bonnie Smith
President

About The CRA

The Canadian Reiki Association: We provide our members with a national voice; encouraging high educational standards through our Code of Ethics, promoting ethical practices and teaching; assisting the public with referrals to Practitioners and Teachers; and is committed to enlightening and educating our communities about Reiki.

We welcome your comments, criticisms, and feedback. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

Member in Focus- is

Tania Bakas , RP-CRA
North Vancouver BC

Tell us how you were introduced to Reiki

I have found my calling.

I had heard of Reiki a few years before meeting my teacher and Reiki Master, Barb Weston, but my journey was leading me through different experiences at the time.

I had a stable advertising job in Toronto, earned a solid pay cheque and felt independent. As my career advanced, however, my emotional stability declined. A little voice inside me was urging me to make some changes. I wasn't fulfilled by sitting all day in an office where the most common communication tool was the phone or e-mail. I noticed that people never hugged in my work field and most people were quite guarded emotionally. I found the courage to quit my job in search of something that would make me happy. I knew I needed to work in an environment where I can have positive personal interactions with people and make a difference in their day.

As I look back on my old lifestyle, perhaps it was a reflection of what was going on inside of me. I was quite guarded myself, fearful of engaging in relationships and would always escape from problems rather than face them. I decided to start reading as many self help and spiritual books as I could get my hands on. Something needed to change and it had to start from "within". As I started feeling more open and confident in myself I decided to move back to my hometown and start over.

The true quest for catharsis and spiritual awareness began back in North Vancouver. I was seeking guidance and I had a deep desire to find my calling. Within a very short time of moving back home I found Barb Weston through the CRA website. I was intensely drawn to learn from her although I had never experienced a Reiki session before. I just knew that something profound was waiting for me in her class. The first day I met her in person, I was greeted by the warmest hug, and I knew this person was to guide me through my transformation and into my new path of light. I haven't looked back and in gratitude I now enjoy practicing Reiki through my own healing business "Giving Within Holistic Healing".

Since Reiki entered my life I have experienced a great transformation within myself. This is reflected in so much that is happening around me and in my life. I now have the strength and confidence to deal with challenges and conflicts; I know my limitations and recognize the power of my intention. I have learned to love myself and show appreciation to those around me. I truly feel blessed.

What is your major focus for 2007?

My journey as a healer started through one on one healing sessions. It is tremendously rewarding to know that you can play a part in another person's healing experience. I humbly recognize that I am a channel for Reiki and I am intuitively driven to share this gift with the world. I have made a commitment to apply all the skills I have acquired through past work experience in advertising, customer service and hospitality and my current healing work to create projects that will promote wider awareness of Reiki. I am dedicated to "Giving Within" and have also started a new company with my friend and partner Tracy Lydiatt. Together through "Reiki Vibes Holistic Consulting" we are publishing the Reiki Vibes book, a collection of inspiring Reiki healing stories. We wish to educate and spread the knowledge of this loving energy as far and wide as we can.

Tell us about the contribution you see yourself making to the CRA

The CRA offers its members invaluable support and credibility. I proudly display my CRA certificate and make a point to mention to my clients that I follow a strong code of ethics that the CRA has established for its members. My clients feel reassured and comforted that their Reiki practitioner is backed by a credible Association.

I am very grateful for this.

I regularly volunteer my services for CRA events, this year will be my second Vancouver Wellness Show participation and I am very excited. The CRA is often invited to make presentations to educate health groups on Reiki and I have offered my computer and presentation skills to prepare a professional slide show for the audience. This has been well received and the CRA continues to receive more requests for presentations, a great opportunity for us to spread the knowledge on Reiki and demonstrate how it works.

I have been working with the CRA Board of Directors as an "Acting Director" since December 2006 and I am hoping that my contribution and dedication will help make my seat on the board official at the AGM election in May.

Through hard work and dedication we can spread the awareness - I see Reiki becoming a common alternative therapy within hospitals and as more Reiki practitioners join the healing field we may start noticing emerging Reiki Healing Centres. The world is waiting for us!

Tania Bakas, RP-CRA
www.givingwithin.com

Reiki Sessions

...clearing and preparing yourself and your space...

by Cheryl Hiebert, M.Div. RT-CRA KRM
Kingston, ON

One of the questions that come up each time I teach First Degree Reiki is similar to the one that came to the CRA recently and is shown above this article. How do we protect ourselves and our space while performing Reiki sessions? The first thing I would like to remind each of us before going into detail answering the above question is this: Reiki is Divinely Guided Energy. It is healing energy for our highest good. The question simply says to me that there may be some concerns or fears while embarking on the wondrous Reiki journey.

The areas I will discuss in this short article will cover areas such as; how to prepare your sacred space and yourself, how to protect yourself during a Reiki session, and the topic of taking on someone else's "stuff."

The information I will share is largely based on my own experience. I have had a Reiki practice as my full-time career for just over 4 years now and have treated many clients. I hope that what I share with you will help in some beneficial way. I will not profess to have all of the answers because each person experiences working with Reiki in their own way. There are many schools of thought when it comes to these topics and mine is simply one of them.

~Preparing your sacred space: burning incense or sage will clear the space of anything that needs to be cleared. Make sure you allow the smoke from the incense to reach the corners of the room because energy tends to collect in corners, according to the teaching in Feng Shui. If you have completed Second Degree Reiki you can use the power symbol on the floor, ceiling, walls, your treatment table etc. - anywhere in the room that you feel guided to clear. Archangel Michael is the warrior angel, the angel of protection - I always call him in to fill and surround the space, myself and my client with his protective energy. I also use Tibetan bells called "ting shaws" for clearing.

~Preparing yourself before a Reiki treatment: grounding and centering exercises are imperative before you begin. I would also recommend saying a silent prayer before beginning. This is a sample that you may draw from and make your own:

Call in the Divine Lineage of Reiki, angels, archangels, spirit guides etc. (any beings of the light that you might like to call in to be present for the treatment)

I then ask that each of us be surrounded in a bubble of love, light and protection, and that the session be for the highest good and highest healing for my client and myself. (say their name)

You may also use sage or incense to clear yourself and your client before the session. For those of you with Reiki II: you can draw the power symbol over each of your chakras.

To protect yourself from picking up someone else's stuff, you can do the following: with the palm of your hand facing you, trace up from your pubic bone to your bottom lip. This traces your central meridian or energy pathway, which is like a radio receiver and can pick up negative energy. By tracing it slowly and deliberately and regularly the energy will run its correct path on its own. You will still have a sense of things that may feel negative but that energy will not affect yours. I trace it 3 times every day before I even leave the house.

~Clearing yourself: Again, the use of Sage is excellent for clearing yourself and your auric field before and after a treatment. You can use the Power symbol over your chakras if you have Reiki II.

I often use a technique that I learned from Donna Eden, who wrote the book, "Energy Medicine". It is called, "Connecting Heaven and Earth" or "Separating Heaven and Earth" depending on which edition of the book you may refer to. It helps to clear you of anything you may have picked up during a session. Another technique she showed me was to "push up hard on the cheek bones." This area is the 1st point on stomach meridian. It helps to clear stresses or energies that have just been registered.

At some point in a session you may experience an ache or pain in your body. In my experience it is a signal that the area feeling this sensation is in need of healing on the person being treated. If you move your hands to that area the ache or pain will usually subside, or it may disappear when the treatment ends. This does not mean you have picked up their imbalance; it was simply a way for your intuition to guide you in the treatment.

The advice I have given is very basic and each person will do what they feel works for them individually. Over time you will see what works for you and what simply feels right. Trust your instincts and your intuition. I believe that our thoughts create our reality, therefore, keep your self in a positive mind frame and you will be just fine!

Reiki Blessings to all who read this!
Cheryl Hiebert M.Div. CRA-RT KRM

Cheryl Hiebert is the Founder of Sacred Journeys Healing Arts Centre located in Kingston, Ontario. She offers a wide variety of services and workshops and can be contacted through her website: www.sacred-journeys.ca or by telephone at: 613.634.8220.

2006 Whole Life Expo

The CRA made its fourth appearance at the Whole Life Expo during the last week-end of November 2006. This year we were able to give the booth a more polished and professional appearance than previous years with our new CRA maroon and gold trimmed table covers and banners. I would like to give special thanks to Joselin Ratto for her help with the covers and to Rita Bonnici for her help in setting up our booth. Global TV took notice and filmed our booth as part of their storyline on the Whole Life Expo 2006.

This year we doubled the size of the booth and that allowed us to bring in three tables for the show. With over 40 Reiki Practitioners coming out to volunteer we gave 110 mini Reiki sessions over the course of the week-end. We were also successful in selling our CRA T-shirts and the new logo pins and Meditation CD's.

The Whole Life Expo was a wonderful venue for all who came to lend their Reiki hands in support of the CRA. We had many members out for the first time and I hope it was a memorable experience for them as well as the Practitioners who have attended the show over the past few years. I look forward to next year and will be calling on all members who came to this show. I will put a notice out in June as a reminder that if you would like to participate, then please give me a call.

Once again, many thanks to all who participated. Our group effort made the show a success.

Love & Light
Bonnie Smith
President

Wellness Show, Whole Life Expo - Tradeshow Guidelines

by Barb Weston, Vice-President CRA

As a gentle reminder to our volunteers and participants, we ask that you adhere to the following guidelines and etiquette while presenting yourself as a professional and representing the CRA as an Accredited Association.

1. Never diagnose any condition whatsoever during or after a Reiki session unless you are a licensed professional such as a Doctor, Psychologist etc. (Reiki Practitioners do not diagnose nor do they ever recommend medications, vitamins etc. unless professionally qualified to do so)

2. Always cleanse your hands between Reiki sessions with the hand cleanser provided by the CRA.

3. Do not wear perfume or use any essential oil. Some people may be allergic.

4. Always ask for permission to touch the client during the session and assure them that absolutely no inappropriate touch will take place.

5. Never boast to the client that you felt "this or that" during the session. If you have information you wish to share privately you may do so, as long as you are not diagnosing a condition. (unless professionally qualified to do so)

6. Stop your conversations while you are in session with a client. (Talking during a Reiki session indicates to the receiver that they are not worthy of your complete attention)

7. Do not snack on food or chew gum while doing a Reiki session.

8. Take turns with the other practitioners at your table doing the different positions. i.e.: head, feet, solar plexus / spleen (sacral) / root

9. Arrive "at the booth" on time for your shift. You play a very important roll and we are depending on you.

10. Wear your CRA T-shirt with clean, presentable attire. No jeans with holes please. Remember, we are presenting ourselves as professionals to "thousands" of people who attend this show.

11. Turn your cell phone off or set it to vibrate while in the booth.

12. Do not combine other modalities with Reiki such as massage, reflexology, acupressure etc. We are demonstrating "Reiki" in its pure form, not a combination of modalities.

13. Most importantly, enjoy yourself and smile!!! These are wonderful events to be involved in, and a beautiful way to connect with your fellow Reiki practitioners and present Reiki to the public in a professional way.

Spirituelle Divas™

by Rosalind V Smith, RT-CRA

Over the years, many of my Reiki students asked where they could explore topics that they were not comfortable discussing with their friends and in many cases their families.

In September 2002, four women sat in the basement of my house. We were having discussions on topics that we couldn't have with many of our friends. We were questioning and exploring our spirituality.

That was then. Today we are known as The Spirituelle Divas Organization - a not-for-profit, non-political organization. Our members are of various religious beliefs and socio-economic backgrounds. We are over 100 women in chapters of up to fifteen women who meet once a month. We are discussing forming other new chapters including outside of Canada.

We support and empower each other in a journey of sharing and spiritual self-discovery as we care for the less fortunate through individual and collective contributions to our global community.

The Reiki Ideals of Dr. Mikao Usui simply connect to our mission statement. That is, to be an organization for the empowerment of women through learning, leadership and spiritual self-discovery; and to operate in non-judgment with a belief in the ideals of acceptance, love and light for the universe, all people and all living things.

The Spirituelle Divas organize retreats, speakers and a winter gathering. This year we knit over 300 scarves for Street Haven, a women's shelter and collected and delivered school supplies to recent immigrant ESL students at George Harvey Collegiate for the start of the current school year. We make a donation each winter to Sleeping Children Around the World and to date, we have assisted 22 children in third world countries. We have also collected toiletries and other items for women and family shelters. Every member participates to the best of their ability.

Our members are single, married, separated, divorced or widowed. We are artists, therapists, social workers, marketing executives, hairdressers, stay-at-home moms, etc. At the present time, we age from 30 to 80-something.

Our nominal membership fee of $35 per person assists us to defray some of the expenses.

What makes us different from other women's organizations is that we provide each woman with a non-judgmental place where she can feel safe and secure to share and grow and discover her own spirituality. Karen Kofman, a Reiki Practitioner and one of the founding members shares "I have watched myself grow and spiritually mature with the Spirituelle Divas . It has been a safe and loving environment for me to nourish and develop my spiritual awareness." and "The Spirituelle Divas have given support and guidance to help me grow to be who I am today" says Marla Brudner, a Reiki Practitioner. All members encourage each other to step into their true spirit.

We assist women like you who might be interested in becoming a Spirituelle Diva by either finding an existing chapter to join, or aiding in the creation of a chapter.

It is our hope that you take the time to find out more about our organization and discover a place for you!

Namaste

Rosalind V. Smith, M.Ht., RT-CRA
Founder
The Spirituelle Divas Organization
info@spirituelledivas.org
905.764.1727

"Step into your true spirit "

Testimonial

by Debbie Betts, RP-CRA
Flamborough, ON

I want to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the service you provided to me recently. Your reiki treatments were the most effective method of pain relief I have ever experienced. Coupled with chiropractic and massage treatments. I believe that the reiki treatments you provided were the catalyst which allowed my back to recuperate. The immediate pain relief and muscle relaxation that I experienced as a result of your treatments meant that I could continue to work and get on with my day-to-day activities. I thank you for your professional and effective service and will be recommending your services to anyone I know who could benefit from the treatments.

Sincerely
Arlene MacFarlane

Human Energy Field

by Simrat Panfer, RT-CRA
Brampton, ON

Aura is the electromagnetic energy field surrounding the human body. Indian spiritual traditions over 5000 years old tell us of a universal energy, a vital source of all life formed as an individual field, which is perceived as a luminous body surrounding and integrated with the physical body of all living beings including plants and animals. Only a few clairvoyants were able to see and read all seven layers of a person's Aura. In all the religious paintings portraying Halos around the head of Gods, Goddesses, Christ and the Saints indicate that the powerful spiritual energy of these people was actually visible and witnessed by others as a golden light, especially around the heads and upper bodies. In recent years, more and more people are interested in exploring the human Aura to understand the true source of emotional and physical imbalances, which often lead to disease.

There are seven main bodies of human energy and these layers are reflected in layers of the Aura. Each of these bodies is thought to be connected and correspond to seven main Chakras - the Energy Centers. These aura layers are known as the Etheric Layer, Emotional Layer, Mental Layer, Astral Layer, Etheric Template Layer, Celestial Layer and Ketheric Template Layer. The first layer of Etheric field extends about two to four inches around the body and is usually a light or pastel shade. Layering the Etheric layer are the net layers of aura, which contain every color and shade of the rainbow and usually extends 2-5 inches from the body. Its colors, textures and patterns reveal much information about physical, emotional, mental and spiritual states. An Aura is like a thumbprint; it is completely individual and expresses who you really are in your entire splendor.

This electromagnetic field reacts faster to inner and outer influences and, therefore, changes more frequently but as it is connected to the higher energy bodies, it can indicate the nature of body, mind, and soul and can inform us about personality trails, feelings, talents, desires and energy patterns. The physical, mental and spiritual planes of every person have an individual vibratory rate. Therefore, different colors or color combinations of respective vibratory planes reflect these personality planes. Whenever we suffer (pain, disease, moods, losses, tragic incidents, accidents etc.) it is all because of an energy leak in either the inner or the outer layers of Aura. The Aura contains much information about us. This information can give us clues as to what has happened in the past; what sort of energies we are letting ourselves be open to in the future. Not only this, but also the information about past physical ailments or the beginning of new ones is also there. Depending on the number of colors, the position of these colors, the shade of any particular color and many other factors such as the overall shape of your aura, size, and how quickly your Auric colors change gives us a wealth of information concerning your past, and your future possibilities.

The Human Aura has its main energy centers in the body called Chakras, otherwise known as the energy centers of the human body. They have the function of grounding spiritual energies into the physical plane where biologically they are connected with the Endocrine (glands that produce hormones) system of the body. There are seven chakras altogether, and these are:

• The Root Chakra is our connection to the earth and the physical plane and a symbol of our basic survival needs. (Location: base of the spine; colour-Red).
• The Second Chakra is representative of our creative and procreative urges and drives, including sexuality. (Location: the genitals; colour-Orange).
• The Third Chakra is the energy center for power and manifestation (location: solar plexus; colour-Yellow).
• The Fourth Chakra is the energy center for love, both human and divine (location: heart; colour-Green).
• The Fifth Chakra is the center for expression and communication (location: throat; colour-Sky Blue).
• The Sixth Chakra is the center for our psychic powers (location: third eye just above and between the eyebrows; colour-Indigo).
• The Crown Chakra, otherwise known as the 1,000 petalled lotus flower, is our connection with the Cosmic or the divine (location: top of the head; colour-Violet/White)

Now we know that the world in which we live is composed of energy. The Universal Energy Field surrounds our Human Energy Field (aura) centered within oneself, experiencing the abundance of life. Every moment, each of us is awash in the perpetual moment of this Life Force Energy that streams through and around our bodies. This is exactly like the fish living in water without knowing the concept of water in which it lives. Since everything is energy, all healing ultimately involves energy. Most energy healing methods are focused on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels of life. Energy healing works purely with the energetic level of our being working directly with energy to influence the physical, mental and emotional, as well as the spiritual level. Man's natural state is one of health, yet exceptionally rare is the person who does not suffer from any disease and express the desire to get free from disease in the quickest possible way.

There are many Healing Techniques in the world today, Complementary/Alternative Medicine, Natural Medicine, Non-Conventional Medicine. Holistic Medicine/Healing is the title used to refer to a diverse group of health-related therapies and disciplines which are not considered to be a part of mainstream medical care. Let us get familiar with some main techniques of Energy Healings.

Reiki is one of the most common forms of alternative Energy Healing as a hands-on-healing technique. There are many forms of Reiki with Usui being the most common and traditional form. If there is an illness or disturbance in the body, mind or emotions, Reiki can address those levels and also complements and supports other methods of healing, because it uses the energy of which the body, mind and emotions are composed.

Aromatherapy has been practiced since ancient times. The ancient Indians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Egyptians had recognized the therapeutic benefits and healing properties of essential oils. Aromatherapy is the skilled and controlled use of essential oils for emotional and physical health and well-being. The essential oils are extracted from plants and other natural sources.

Feng Shui is the Chinese art of design and placement of objects. The Chinese believe that everything in the universe including living beings is made of energy called "chi". A basic understanding of this energy is essential to bring in harmony and prosperity in our lives.

In crystal healing Crystals are the boosters of Energy. Practitioners of this therapy believe that gemstones carry certain vibrations which when placed within a person's aura, have the effect of changing it.

Meditation is putting mind and body together to connect to the Higher Self. Meditation has been known through the centuries in many forms: prayer, chanting, hypnosis, visualization and breath control.

Yoga means "union"; the conscious integration of body, mind and spirit with the awareness of the One. Stretching without involving the mind is ... stretching, actively connecting with the body through thought and conscious breathing, while remaining aware of spirit is Yoga.

Reflexology is an energy therapy that puts pressure to reflex areas, formed by nerve endings in each hand and foot, that results in improved communication to each and every single gland, organ and part of the body, thus encouraging the body to come into balance.

Individuals with very unbalanced emotional lives can mature into emotionally balanced personalities by increasing their awareness and by using appropriate therapies or meditation, although this personality change is a process that requires time.

With Love & Light
Simrat Panfer

Book Review

"Healers at Work"

Firsthand Accounts of the Difference
Alternative Healing Makes
by Peter Downie, long-time host of CBC TV & Radio

I really liked this book. It is an interesting collection of interviews with different healers and one, Rochelle Graham that I have personally studied with. I had the pleasure of taking a Healing Touch Workshop in Naramata, BC with Rochelle Graham many years ago.

Perhaps, like me, you wonder why anyone would want to study and then practice the healing arts. When we look around us, we see that there are many walking wounded in our lives, and indeed, in society today. With the increase of so many autoimmune disorders and other diseases not respecting any age group, many of us are looking towards alternative holistic therapies to complement our allopathic treatment regimes.

In this book, Downie exposes us to topics that include faith healing, dream interpretation, laying on of hands, and perhaps the most powerful healing of all, that of love.

It is interesting to note that our skepticism accepts how a massage or another hands on modality can offer us relief when we are in pain, yet the concept of receiving healing from someone merely passing their hands a few inches above our body leads us to wonder how that could have any curative effect.

The book also gives us an insight, that emotional, as well as physical problems can be helped with alternative healing techniques. For instance, if we were to suffer a broken bone, we know cognitively that the bone requires setting. To us, that is plain common sense. The discussions in this book present us with alternatives such as Therapeutic touch and various other alternative modalities that seem to be valuable as an adjunct in our recuperative process, and in quickening our healing time.

This book is a worthwhile read and presents us with information in a time when we are seeking to regain control over our own bodies in the healing journey.

Submitted by Connie Meisner, RP-CRA
Prince Rupert, BC
dharma_works@citytel.net

Beings of Light

January2005 © Lyn Ayre
Coquitlam, BC

I've always been a `Light-chaser' and I know I'm not alone in this, else why would there be so many Lights to run after. We are Be-ings of Light and seeing Light, we are reminded of this most awesome fact.

The Light first became visible for me as a child sitting by the water. As the sun beamed down upon the glassy surface, little diamonds formed on the top of the water. I found it fascinating to watch them as they danced and bobbed while the wind moved over the surface and the tide pulled them from beneath. I was transfixed.

As I grew older, like a little crow, all things shiny captured my heart. The rhinestone bracelet my Mom wore, when she and Dad were going out for the evening, was enchanting to me. It sparkled as the Light caught the facets. It offered my Mom an air of richness and bounty that was awesome. When Mom crossed over, it was a choice I made from her jewelry box and I still have it today.

Lying under the starlight at summer camp was another one of nature's remedies for me. While looking up, I felt as if I was falling up into the sky. I let go. I had some great journeys through the stars and nebulae, whipping around the galaxy.

During my teens, I enjoyed dating. One time, there was a roadside fair and the Lights caught my attention. We pulled in and I was in heaven. For me, there was something about the fairway with the game-hawkers, the laughter, the conviviality, the rabble, and, of course, the Lights. My favourite ride was the tilt-a-whirl. As I spun around and around, I became dizzy and disoriented - just enough to feel the joy of not knowing where I was on the world. I was recently reminded of the delight of this feeling as I watched the Sufi dancers swirl and twirl. All of my adult life has found me screeching over to the side of the road when I saw a fair, and enjoying a ride and the Lights around me.

When I became engaged, the sparkle of the diamond won my heart. I've been enamored for life with these tiny beings of Light. Of course, rainbows are always a favourite with me and to have something on my finger that I could look at closely and see rainbows in was incredible. I've been very privileged to own some very nice pieces of jewelry. Beautiful rings, necklaces, earrings, brooches, and pins have adorned me and caused me to reflect Light back to others. At times, I take them all out and just gaze at them, being warmed by the wonder of their Light.

When it was time for me to set up my own home, carved crystal glass ornaments came into vogue. There have been many times in my life when I've just stopped at the store front and admired them for quite a few minutes, feeling re-filled as I left the area. It did something for me. Jewelry storefronts do the same thing.

I discovered that, as the Light left in winter, I'd become sleepy and sluggish, flagging in spirit. I'd feel deprived and frustrated as I went to work in the dark and came home in the dark. I put on weight during the stark winter months. Often, I was depressed and completely un-motivated.

There was only one thing that saved me during this time of year and that was Christmas. The bounteous Lights of this most joyous season would serve to boost my morale for a period of time. I'd organize outings with my family to go see the houses that were decorated in glowing reds, greens, golds, and blues. We'd have cocoa and toast for a snack, then off to bed feeling filled up again. Our home and grounds would dazzle with the brilliance of all manner of Christmas Lights. This year, we took our granddaughter, Courtenay, to see the decorated homes. She, too, is a Light-chaser. There is definite comfort in family traditions. So, cocoa and toast were the snack of choice that night.

As the Light came back in February, my inner Light would strengthen and increase in intensity. My energy began to return and infuse me with feelings of hope and joy.

Through all of this, I tried to discover my own Light, my own sparkle and shine. I knew that I was attracted to all things Light but how could I incorporate that into my Be-ing? It wasn't until I received the most precious gift of Reiki that I became fully connected to the Light and able to radiate that Light out of my Be-ing, to help others.

Today, not much has changed in the `Light department'. Norm and I share our space with several hundred crystals, all emissaries of Love and Light. Each window that tracks the daily progress of the Light has a crystal drop hanging in it. Rainbows fill every room as the earth spins on `round the sun.

Becoming a Light-worker and daily working within those realms has done a lot to even out my year so that the SAD is not as debilitating in the winter. Employing Reiki regularly, through self- healing and sessions for others, keeps me full of hope & joy and ready to serve. My brain is continuously firing on all eights even through this dark time of year. So, writing courses, stories, and articles no longer comes to a grinding halt in November. This is a true Blessing for me. Being inspired (in Spirit) by new thoughts and ideas, and trusting myself to act in accordance with the Light, has filled me with energy that I can sustain year round.

A few years ago, we had the privilege of doing something really cool. On the 21st of December, we went to the 11th annual Winter Solstice Lantern Festival at the Roundhouse in Vancouver, BC, to welcome the return of the sun. We were warmed to see the procession coming into David Lam Park, everyone carrying a lantern. There were dancers with fire torches, and Taiko drumming in the background. We proceeded up to the Roundhouse Community Centre and walked the 600-candle Labyrinth of Light. Our friend, Christine Paton from The Crystal Ark was playing the crystal bowls, and Om was being chanted via CD. It was a wonderful meditative journey through that year.

As well, we went to St. Paul's Anglican Church, which has a permanent Labyrinth and "4,500 spiritual pilgrims of all kinds come each year to walk it." We enjoyed another meditative progression there on New Years Eve, and added our prayers for the victims of the Indian Ocean earthquake and subsequent Tsunami, which had happened a few days before on December 26, 2004.

There are many ways to connect with and increase our inner Light. It is my sincere hope that the reader may get a few ideas of his or her own after reading this very personal article on Light, which is my passion. I'm always happy to receive your letters, which share your personal experiences. Peace be with you.

By Lyn Ayre, Ph.D.
604.524.8565
LynAyre@telus.net
www.LynAyre.com

Let's Heal Each Other

By Setareh Riahi, RT-CRA
Vancouver, BC

A wise man once said: Everyone can be a healer.

We all have the ability or talent to heal, to act as a channel for the divine energies (Prana or Chi) that surrounds us. This talent is inside each one of us, but except for some rare cases, it needs to be awakened. And awakening that ability to heal is one of the wonderful things that Reiki offers us.

I have been teaching and practicing Reiki for many years. I have witnessed many amazing healings that have happened to me or others. Reiki is gentle yet powerful, subtle yet significant. It is a wise energy that finds its way and helps us make positive changes in our lives, when we are ready to accept them.

Throughout human history, we have been blessed with several wonderful healing techniques. Some of those techniques are Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation, Reiki, and Martial Arts.

Other than Reiki, I also practice Yoga, Meditation, and Martial Arts. I enjoy them all, but believe me, Reiki is the easiest one to learn and practice!! The Reiki energies are always available to us, whenever we need them. We just need to intend "Reiki" and it flows…..

So to those of you who haven't experienced this healing technique yet: Have a Reiki treatment, or even better, take the training. This way you can practice it on yourself, your family and friends, your pets, or even your plants whenever necessary.

And to all of the Reiki teachers and practitioners:

Appreciate this gift, use it well.

Couple of important tips for Reiki practitioners:

• Add spiritual balance to your life. Practitioners must commit to personal improvement on a daily basis. This is for better protection of you and your client. In addition, committing to a regular spiritual practice further increases the healing powers of Reiki ray.

• Keep a peaceful state of mind during the session. Focusing on your hands, or visualizing white light coming out of them, will increase the flow of Reiki.

• Do not make judgments. It is possible to find out personal information about the client during a session, either intuitively or by some form of release of the negative energies from the recipient. And whatever you find out let go of them, don't get attached.

• Keep your client's confidentiality. Do not release any information to a third party unless you already have your client's consent.

• Do not get the emotions involved. It is important to keep a neutral state of mind.

• Do not make any promises. Healing is not in our hands, it comes from a higher source. Healing happens if it is for the highest good.

Enjoy the Wonderful Healing Energies of Reiki

Setareh Riahi is a Reiki Master and Yoga Teacher. She performs Reiki sessions, teaches yoga and meditation classes & workshops, and Reiki training workshops in all levels.

Her website is www.setarehyoga.com
She can be reached at 604.790.1200 or info@setarehyoga.com

Reiki Shares & Exchanges

Announcements

Shop at The Reiki Corporate Store:

New at the Store -- CRA Logo Lapel Pins

For your convenience we now offer PayPal® through the internet Corporate Store to pay for all store products plus new and renewal of memberships.

Our newest item in the Coporate Store is our CRA Logo Lapel Pins. These beautiful pins are an ideal gift for yourself or as a gift for your Reiki students when they complete a class. $5.00 ea. Buy 5 pins for $25.00 and get 2 free with your order.

Don't forget we have generic Certificates for Level's I, II, III and Master for members and non-members. Email for pricing or go to our on-line Corporate store.

This 17 minute guided Chakra Meditation CD is perfect to use at Reiki Shares or Exchanges. It is a lovely way to bring the group together while relaxing and centering them at the same time. It is also perfect for personal use to relax and refresh you in just 17 short minutes and makes a perfect gift for anyone. $15.00 plus $5.00 S&H.

CRA merchandise featuring our logo is available! T-shirts in navy and red available in sizes S (red only - limited), M, L plus we have ball caps in navy. $15.00 plus $5.00 S&H.

Please include size and colour preferences where applicable!. Allow 4 weeks for delivery.

Send cheque or money order to:

Corporate Store,
c/o Canadian Reiki Association
Box 54570, 7155 Kingsway
Burnaby, BC V5E 4J6

The CRA is interested in ways to bring the membership together so they can get to know each other by sharing ideas and experiences. For those who frequent the Internet via e-mail and website browsers, the CRA has set up a members only e-mail list discussion group; subscribe at:cra_news-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Extra copies of the newsletter are available for special events or to use for promotional purposes. They are great to have for Reiki Shares & Wellness Shows. For additional copies contact: Judy Cain at: reiki@reiki.ca.

We are always looking for items of interest for our members & the public. Send in your articles, special sayings, up and coming workshops, and notices that you would like included in the newsletter.

Keep the newsletter going by sending in your articles and book reviews.
Why not become the Member in Focus?
For information email: reiki@reiki.ca

Advertising

Path to Life Carol L. Romanella, D.H.M.H.S., H.D., RP-CRA Phone: 416.721.4884 or 416.961.1900 Address: 72 St Clair Ave W Email: csruping@primus.ca Website: www.pathtolife.net Take time to be still ... ..... ........love with a joyful soul Reiki and Sekhem Natural energy healing Wellbeing workshops Worldly goods Stephanie Cookson Reiki Master/Teacher Sekhem Practitioner 556 Church Street (Upper level) Toronto M4Y 2E3 Website: www.transense.ca Email: stephanie@transense.ca Wings of Dove Holistic Centre Sacred space for Personal Empowerment Usui Reiki Sessions & Training L1-2-3-MT CranioSacral Therapy Healing Matrix - Multidimensional Healing Animal Communication & Healing Spiritual & Mediumistic Sessions Metaphysical Education Classes Workshops Retreats www.wingsofdove.ca 604.275.7774 - 1.866.275.7776 dovewing@telus.net Is Your Website Attracting Enough Clients? Join Juliet Austin, MA for The Marketing Dialogues 2007 Website Series: Developing and Marketing a Client Attracting Website For more info: www.julietaustin.comcr.html CIRCLE OF ONE In Toronto, Ontario, Canada Offering workshops and sessions in Reiki Learning Path Integrated Technique Axiatonal Alignment Energy Sensing and Clearing Techniques Contact Diane: 416.690.6336 diane@circle-of-one.com www.circle-of-one.com REIKI FOR KIDS Workshop for Kids 6-12 & Teens 13+ in Montreal , QC For more information contact: Karen Mosuk karenmosuk@hotmail.com 514.856.3435

GOT GOJI JUICE®? Get Himalayan Goji® Juice and get on the road to health and wealth!   For further information go to www.freelife.com Sharlene McLearon R.N., RT-CRA Teacher/Practitioner Blue Matrix Energetics, Integrated Energy Therapy, Reiki London, Ontario www3.sympatico.ca/bmclearon www.asharlene.com asharlene@sympatico.ca 519.439.6834 INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE COURSE Through the Canadian Centre for Indian Champissage. 10.5 CEUs. Contact Debbie Boehlen at 905.714.0298 or see website at www.iaw.on/~debb for upcoming workshop dates. AURA WELLNESS CENTRE Offering Chakra & Ch'i harmonizing, crystal healing, drumming/journeying, EFT, Life Coaching, Reiki, and sound sessions. Through Academy of Energy Healing enjoy in-person, email or correspondence courses. We are accredited and offer the Certified Holistic Energy Practitioner™ program Info: 604.524.8565 or LynAyre@telus.net www.LynAyre.com   "Attempt easy tasks as if they were difficult, and difficult as if they were easy: in the one case that confidence may not fall asleep, in the other that it may not be dismayed. " -- Baltasar Gracian y Morales

@2003 - 2007 Canadian Reiki Association
www.reiki.ca
May not be reprinted without written permission.