A New Decade…How About a Better You

OK, so this isn’t about changing too much about you, as we like you just the way you are. What this is about learning to look after YOU better than you probably are, treating yourself with love and Reiki.

Far too often we forget about ourselves, but by taking time out of the day, even if it is just for 10 minutes to stop and breathe. Even a short pause will help.

Science has proven that the adverse effects of stress on our physical and mental self can be massive. When we are in a state of stress, no matter how small, our body responds by increasing our heart rate and diverting blood from our organs to the muscles, so they are ready for whatever it is they are going to be expected to do – the flight or fight response. This means that the organs are no longer getting their normal blood supply, which can be detrimental, especially where it’s not for any good reason or for too long a period.

For instance, someone has made us cross at work and we have to control our temper, so we go in fight and flight mode. Just the response of managing our anger causes our digestive system to slow down so we will not be dealing with our energy supply as effectively we should. The long term impact of stress on the digestive system is that we may start to suffer indigestion, heartburn, and possibly Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

My mum was diagnosed with Dementia at the beginning of the year and through the shock of being told, she became very poorly. Mum moved in with Paul and me at the beginning of February and through the summer mum’s physical health improved. Unfortunately, the dementia took a nose dive, which was very stressful, as well as demanding at times. The result was that I stopped looking after me. I simply forgot.

As a Reiki Master and teacher, I’m lucky enough to revisit my level one (Shoden) Reiki manual on a regular basis. Once I realised that I was stressed I reviewed my life since Mum moved in. Then I went back to the basics of my Reiki training, which was really beneficial because I was treating myself better. Although I meditate and give myself Reiki I didn’t remember to use some of the other brilliant techniques, however recently I’ve gone back to practising what I teach and have stopped forgetting me.

When my students leave after their first weekend of Reiki training I like to give them homework as I feel this will help them to set up a new daily routine.

I ask them to:

1. Keep a journal on how they are feeling both mentally and physically
2. Use Reiki on themselves, keeping notes on how they feel
3. Recite the precepts and meditate with them on a daily basis
4. Repeat affirmations – create the thought you wish to achieve, using I am or I will as this will detract from the negative to bring in a positive light and attitude

Over the last month, I have found by going back to the basics has really helped, keeping the journal, using affirmations, reciting Being true to your way and your being…. And showing compassion to yourself has definitely helped me, as I’m more relaxed and at peace with myself. It has also help with looking after Mum, so although the future is still daunting I can manage it better because I use Reiki.

With love & light

Article by Debs Cordery

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Debs Cordery company, Rejuvenating Hands, was born in 2009 after she had experienced the benefits of Reiki and other wonderful therapies. Having developed a successful holistic practice, which includes UK Reiki Federation approved, and verified Reiki training courses, she is now able to help others to learn about holistic therapies and to move forward in their own lives.
Debs lives on the Essex coast with her husband, Paul, her Mum and lovely Jack Russell’s, Mutley & Coco. She is mum to Becky and grandma to Eva & Teddy.