Aiyana Fraley, Author at Hand to Soul https://handtosoulhealing.com/author/aiyana514/ Holistic Thai Massage, Reiki, and Sound Therapy Tue, 23 Jul 2024 16:42:34 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.2 https://i0.wp.com/handtosoulhealing.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/cropped-Hand-to-Soul-Brand-Mark-5-Gold-Transparent.png?fit=32%2C32&ssl=1 Aiyana Fraley, Author at Hand to Soul https://handtosoulhealing.com/author/aiyana514/ 32 32 213988193 Guided Distance Reiki – Audio Meditation https://handtosoulhealing.com/guided-distance-reiki-audio-meditation/ https://handtosoulhealing.com/guided-distance-reiki-audio-meditation/#respond Mon, 22 Jul 2024 19:45:19 +0000 https://handtosoulhealing.com/?p=24372 20-Minute Audio Meditation Welcome to this distance reiki healing session. My name is Aiyana and I am a reiki master teacher, kundalini instructor and meditation facilitator. In this audio track, I will guide you through a distance reiki session. You will experience deep relaxation and stress relief. Through distance reiki, I will channel Universal Life Force Energy to […]

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20-Minute Audio Meditation

Welcome to this distance reiki healing session. My name is Aiyana and I am a reiki master teacher, kundalini instructor and meditation facilitator.

In this audio track, I will guide you through a distance reiki session. You will experience deep relaxation and stress relief. Through distance reiki, I will channel Universal Life Force Energy to remove physical, mental, emotional and spiritual toxins from your body and aura.

Before we start, say aloud or to yourself that you are open to receiving reiki in this session and of letting go of what no longer serves your highest good.

You can include a personal prayer, blessing or intention at this time for your healing session. I recommend that you find a quiet place to lay down. Play this audio track on your headphones if possible or on a speaker with clear sound. It is important that you are free from distraction during this session, as I will be channeling energy for you through time and space.

The intention of this session is to balance your energy and remove negativity from your chakras and auric field. I will begin the session by working on your chakra centers beginning with the crown chakra and working my way to your root chakra. I will say I AM affirmations at each chakra center to empower your subconscious mind to align with your higher self.

Thank you for joining me and I hope you enjoy this distance reiki session.

Interested in learning reiki for self healing? Read about reiki training here.

Listen and Receive a Distance Reiki Healing Session

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Gassho Meditation, The Foundation of Reiki Practice https://handtosoulhealing.com/gassho-meditation-the-foundation-of-reiki-practice/ https://handtosoulhealing.com/gassho-meditation-the-foundation-of-reiki-practice/#respond Mon, 22 Jul 2024 18:26:21 +0000 https://handtosoulhealing.com/?p=24368 Gassho meditation prepares us spiritually, mentally and emotionally for reiki practice. It does this by creating a harmonious state within us that supports both our personal healing journey and our ability to facilitate healing in others. The term “gassho,” pronounced gash-sho, refers to the gesture of bringing the hands together in a prayer-like position. This […]

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Gassho meditation prepares us spiritually, mentally and emotionally for reiki practice. It does this by creating a harmonious state within us that supports both our personal healing journey and our ability to facilitate healing in others. The term “gassho,” pronounced gash-sho, refers to the gesture of bringing the hands together in a prayer-like position. This practice symbolizes reverence and respect, and it is deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions.

In Buddhism, gassho is not just a physical posture but a mudra that embodies heart work. It represents the cultivation of a compassionate heart, emphasizing the importance of developing kindness and empathy. By practicing Gassho meditation, we engage in a ritual that aligns our intentions with these values, fostering a deeper connection to our inner selves and our capacity to offer healing to others. It develops an understanding to the greater source of love and creation. This meditative practice helps to center our focus, calm the mind, and enhance our ability to channel reiki energy effectively.

Mikao Usui, the buddhist monk, honorary doctor and founder of reiki, shared gassho meditation with his students during reiki training as the first pillar of reiki. There are a total of three pillars in the Usui Reiki healing system. He taught students to use gassho meditation at the beginning and end of a reiki session. Gassho meditation is also practiced as part of a reiki practitioner’s lifestyle and done for 15-30 minutes daily preferably in the morning or evening.

In this mudra, the left hand represents human beings in the physical world and the right hand represents our most enlightened self. The hand gesture of bringing the hands together symbolizes that we too can embody the qualities of enlightenment. The path to enlightenment, characterized by inner stillness, wisdom, and compassion, is one that gassho brings us closer to with practice. Gassho meditation is simple and effective in calming the mind and expanding our energy.

If you have never practiced meditation before or are a beginner, give yourself time to experience it fully. Meditation can help calm a restless mind, but initially, it may make you feel anxious or irritable. If this happens to you, take long deep breaths and focus on the movement of your abdomen and chest as you breath. Start with just a few minutes of meditation and gradually increase the time as you become more comfortable. The purpose of meditation is to bring a sense of peace and clarity to the mind. With regular practice, you will find that your mind becomes less restless, and you will experience a deeper sense of tranquility and well-being.

How To Practice Gassho Meditation

  1. Find a Quiet Place: Sit in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed or distracted. You may wish to sit in a chair, on a meditation cushion, or on the floor in an easy sitting pose.
  2. Posture: Sit with your spine straight, close your eyes, and bring your hands together in a prayer position in front of your heart.
  3. Focal Point: To keep the mind calm, choose a focal point. You can focus on your breathing, the sensation of your hands touching each other, or the point where your middle fingers meet.
  4. Timing: You may set a timer for your meditation or allow yourself to be guided intuitively.
  5. Ending the Meditation: To end the meditation, bring your attention to your body, specifically to your hands and feet. Take a few deep breaths and gently open your eyes.
  6. Optional Enhancements: Some practitioners find it helpful to play relaxing music, while others prefer silence. Do what feels right for you. You might also set an intention before you begin or recite the five principles of reiki. Remember, this should not feel like an additional chore but rather a gift you are giving yourself to bring more peace, joy, and love into your life.

The Essence of Gassho Meditation

Gassho meditation is a fundamental practice in reiki. The goal is not to achieve anything specific but to simply experience the stillness within and become present in your body. With repeated practice, you will develop awareness of your body, thoughts, and emotions. This awareness paves the way for proactive living, where you respond thoughtfully to your thoughts, feelings, and environment, rather than reacting impulsively. This practice helps you hold yourself more accountable. If thoughts arise while meditating, allow them to float away without attachment or judgment. Gassho meditation increases awareness and provides the stillness needed to connect with your higher self, the intuitive side that guides your hands in a reiki healing session and in life.

By practicing Gassho meditation, you cultivate inner peace and enhance your ability to connect deeply with yourself and others.

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21 Journal Prompts to Awaken Your Reiki Practice https://handtosoulhealing.com/21-journal-prompts-to-awaken-your-reiki-practice/ https://handtosoulhealing.com/21-journal-prompts-to-awaken-your-reiki-practice/#respond Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:44:26 +0000 https://handtosoulhealing.com/?p=24365 Journaling brings to the surface emotions and experiences that are affecting our lives in the subtlest ways. Through the process, we gain clarity, peace and a greater understanding of ourselves. During each level of reiki, we undergo a 21 day spiritual cleanse that helps us increase our awareness, release mental blocks and patterns and heal ourselves on […]

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Journaling brings to the surface emotions and experiences that are affecting our lives in the subtlest ways. Through the process, we gain clarity, peace and a greater understanding of ourselves.

During each level of reiki, we undergo a 21 day spiritual cleanse that helps us increase our awareness, release mental blocks and patterns and heal ourselves on an emotional level. I created this 21 day journaling prompt exercise to support you through your 21 day spiritual cleanse that follows each reiki attunement.

You can use this exercise for self healing and discovery even if you have not received a reiki attunement. You will find it is deeply healing.

These journal prompts are designed to get your pen moving. Journal about the topic listed for that day. Write without thinking and self-editing. Allow a stream of consciousness to flow through your pen. Write until you can’t write any more then take a break and return later to read what came through. I encourage you to listen to your inner guidance and if there is a prompt you get stumped on skip it or come back to it later.

At the end of the 21 days, take note of how you feel and go back and read your journal. You may discover patterns that have been broken or how much you’ve grown in your own awareness during this time.

Journal Prompts For 21 Day Reiki Cleanse

  1. What I fear most is…
  2. What I love most about life is…
  3. Five things (or more) I love about myself are…
  4. I notice my intuition when…
  5. Today, I feel…
  6. I am grateful for…
  7. I need to forgive myself for…
  8. I’m ready to forgive the following people ________  for…
  9. My mantra is…
  10. I am most happy when…
  11. (Recall stressful experience from the past.) This experience taught me ________ about myself.
  12. I am really good at…
  13. Qualities I admire in others are… (examine if you have these qualities and if not what you can do to cultivate them)
  14. If failure was not an option, I would do…
  15. My greatest strengths are ________ and they have helped me…
  16. When I am at my worst, my best friend would cheer up by…
  17. Ten things that bring me joy when I am down are….
  18. I nurture my spirit by…
  19. The best advice I’ve received is… (if you don’t have one ask people what their best advice on life is and write it in your journal.)
  20. I laugh when…
  21. I am most optimistic about…

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How to Give Yourself Reiki During Pregnancy https://handtosoulhealing.com/how-to-give-yourself-reiki-during-pregnancy/ https://handtosoulhealing.com/how-to-give-yourself-reiki-during-pregnancy/#respond Mon, 22 Jul 2024 17:32:19 +0000 https://handtosoulhealing.com/?p=24361 As a mother-to-be and reiki teacher, I knew when I found out I was pregnant that reiki would be a big part of the next nine months. I practice reiki daily and it is a big part of who I am. Now that I am stepping into the role of a mother, I find reiki […]

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As a mother-to-be and reiki teacher, I knew when I found out I was pregnant that reiki would be a big part of the next nine months. I practice reiki daily and it is a big part of who I am. Now that I am stepping into the role of a mother, I find reiki even more vital for me to use to empower myself and my baby.

Practicing reiki self healing helped me overcome many of the physical and emotional changes I experienced as a first time expectant mother. It also assisted me in forming a deeper bond with my baby in the womb during the early weeks of pregnancy when the physical changes were barely noticeable.

Pregnancy is such a life changing event that it can unleash past fears, trauma and emotions that have been tucked away for years. On a physical level, the body is working harder to nourish this new being, to grow organs and body systems. Hormones are being released to support this process and it can make women experience mood swings, feel vulnerable and fatigued.

This is a great time for reiki to support the mother as she unburdens herself from these emotions and finds relief from the physical discomfort. Reiki can provide an expectant mother with the support she needs to get through each stage of pregnancy with confidence and ease. With reiki guiding the healing, she can re-emerge strong and fearless.

How To Perform Reiki Self Healing During Pregnancy

During my first and second trimester, I experienced morning sickness, fatigue and back pain. I am currently entering in my third trimester and have only experienced occasional back pain. The reiki self healing treatment I am sharing with you is what I have used in my pregnancy up to this point. After each self-healing session, I felt energized and empowered. I was able to do the things I loved without dragging my feet, feeling fatigued or having lack of motivation.

I performed this self reiki treatment and focused on the solar plexus, sacral and root chakras. I placed my hands on each chakra center, but spent more time on these three areas because they were more related to the imbalances I experienced in my pregnancy. You can customize your self-treatment by performing the techniques on the areas you need most.

The instructions below are for reiki practitioners of level 1 or higher. If you have not been attuned for reiki, register for the next reiki level 1 training here

Steps to Reiki Self Treatment For Pregnancy

  1. Sit in a comfortable chair with the feet flat on the floor. Shoes and socks should be off and your back should be straight.
  2. Begin by placing the hands together for gassho meditation and mentally reciting the five principles of reiki.
  3. Set your intentions. My intention was: “With the love and light of Reiki, my body and baby are healthy, and my spirit is strong. I am provided all I need to nourish this life and embrace motherhood by the grace of God.”
  4. Place the hands at the crown of the head, then move them over the eyes and forehead covering the third eye. Move them over the throat and finally over the heart. Take as much time as you are guided for each of these hand positions.
  5. Place the hands under the ribs over the solar plexus chakra. Channel reiki energy to empower and balance this center. I used the reiki sandwich here (Cho Ku Rei + Sei Hei Ki + Cho Ku Rei) with the intention that my willpower and confidence remain strong and reiki heal any imbalances causing a disruption to my digestive and nervous system.
  6. Place the hands under the navel center. Channel reiki healing to the sacral chakra. This is the area you want to focus on connecting with the child. I used the reiki sandwich using the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen symbol with the intention that it clear any past karma and trauma from myself and my baby (Cho Ku Rei + Sei Hei Ki + Cho Ku Rei + Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen + Cho Ku Rei).
  7. Place the hands on the pelvis for the root chakra. Since having a child can cause financial stress, I focused on financial stability, prosperity and abundance on this energy center. My intention was that all my child’s needs be met with abundance and that opportunities for financial growth for our family flow freely to us. I used the Cho Ku Rei symbol and the Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen to send healing to the future for our family.
  8. Complete the reiki self healing session with a closing meditation offering thanks and gratitude for reiki.

I encourage pregnant women to use reiki throughout their pregnancy for the reasons I mentioned in my story and for many other benefits. This reiki self treatment assisted me in healing and embracing this beautiful stage of my life and I hope it does the same for you.

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Healing Benefits of Reiki: Answers to Your Most Common Questions https://handtosoulhealing.com/answers-to-your-most-common-questions-about-reiki/ https://handtosoulhealing.com/answers-to-your-most-common-questions-about-reiki/#respond Mon, 15 Jul 2024 20:36:00 +0000 https://handtosoulhealing.com/?p=24381 Reiki is a transformative practice that can offer significant stress relief, increase happiness, and enhance overall health. As more people become aware of the healing benefits of reiki, many have questions about what it is and how it works. As a reiki teacher, I’m here to address some of the most frequently asked questions about […]

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Reiki is a transformative practice that can offer significant stress relief, increase happiness, and enhance overall health. As more people become aware of the healing benefits of reiki, many have questions about what it is and how it works. As a reiki teacher, I’m here to address some of the most frequently asked questions about reiki.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a Japanese healing technique designed to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Developed by Mikao Usui in the early 20th century, reiki involves channeling universal life force energy through the hands of a practitioner to the recipient. The practitioner places their hands lightly on or near the receiver’s body. This energy is self guided by an innate intelligence and as it moves through the body it clears blockages and enhances the flow of healing vibrations.

The word “Reiki” is derived from two Japanese words: “Rei,” meaning universal spirit or creator, and “Ki,” meaning life force or energy. Combined, Reiki translates to “universal life force energy” or “creator inspired life energy”. This energy is thought to be the essence of all living things and the source of wisdom we possess. Reiki helps to improve the immune system, reduce stress, and bring balance to our mental and emotional states.

Every living being is imbued with this omnipresent energy. Ancient monks and sages understood and harnessed this life force through practices like qigong and meditation. When we are healthy, our “ki” or life force is flowing strongly. When we are weak or have blocked energy, it can lead to illness. Reiki healing works by removing blockages and stagnant energy, enhancing the flow of ki to restore balance and health to the mind, body, and spirit. In other cultures, this life force is known as prana or chi/ qi/ ki.

Where Does Reiki Come From?

Reiki was rediscovered by Mikao Usui in the early 1920s. He named his system of healing “Usui Shiki Ryoho.” After teaching others and initiating new practitioners, one of his students, Dr. Chujiro Hayashi, continued teaching and trained 16 additional reiki masters in his lineage. The practice eventually spread to the West, where it continues to flourish and benefit countless people.

Can Reiki Do Harm?

Reiki is inherently safe and cannot cause harm. The energy is channeled from a higher source for the greatest good of the recipient. Reiki energy operates on a higher plane of existence than the physical world and is directed to where healing is most needed. Therefore, reiki is suitable for everyone, including pregnant women, infants, pets, and the elderly.

What is a Reiki Attunement?

A reiki attunement is a special initiation ceremony conducted by a Reiki Master Teacher. During this ceremony, your energy field is opened to receive reiki energy, creating a shift that varies in intensity from person to person. Each level of reiki training includes an attunement process, during which sacred symbols for healing are imparted. Attunements enhance your ability to channel energy from a higher source and once received, they remain with you for life. There is no need for re-attunement later. Many people find attunements to be a profound and uplifting experience, raising their vibrational frequency.

Can Anyone Learn Reiki?

Absolutely, reiki can be learned by anyone interested in practicing it. There are no prerequisites or specific skills required to begin reiki training.

My reiki training is divided into three levels. Reiki Level 1 is open to all, with no prior experience needed. To progress to Reiki Level 2, you must have completed Level 1 training, and to advance to Level 3, you must have completed both Level 1 and Level 2 trainings.

Additionally, my reiki trainings are approved for continuing education for licensed massage therapists in Florida. However, you don’t need to be a massage therapist to benefit from reiki. I have taught students from various backgrounds who have experienced profound and life-changing benefits from their reiki practice. At the core of reiki, it is a practice to develop our awareness, deepen our connection to the Creator and to be of service to others in a compassionate way.

For more information on learning reiki and to find course dates, please check my reiki training schedule here.

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My Personal Journey to Integrative Thai Massage https://handtosoulhealing.com/my-personal-journey-to-integrative-thai-massage/ https://handtosoulhealing.com/my-personal-journey-to-integrative-thai-massage/#respond Fri, 05 Jul 2024 02:35:01 +0000 https://handtosoulhealing.com/?p=24311 I want to take a moment to share something truly special with you—my personal journey in creating Integrated Thai Massage. This holistic therapy is not a new technique or modality I’ve added to my practice. Rather, it is a culmination of everything I’ve learned and experienced in the field of bodywork. It represents many years […]

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I want to take a moment to share something truly special with you—my personal journey in creating Integrated Thai Massage. This holistic therapy is not a new technique or modality I’ve added to my practice. Rather, it is a culmination of everything I’ve learned and experienced in the field of bodywork. It represents many years of processing different frameworks, theories, and applications of bodywork, and how the parts that resonated deeply with me became an extension of me somehow. It is my expression of the beauty in healing work. It is difficult for me to explain because it is an experience that arises when I’m on my treatment mat with a client. It is so organic and soulful that honestly, I don’t like to talk about it much because I can hardly find a way of expressing it with words. What it does makes more sense though, so let me start with that. 

There is a deeper place where our unwellness resides within our body. Sure, it feels like tension in the muscles like shoulder or neck or lower back pain, but underneath that, there is a matrix of information the body is trying to process—like trauma and emotional experiences—and sometimes, or most of the time for many of us, me included, our body gets stuck in a loop. The result is that one-sided approaches only reach the surface of it, leaving us in chronic pain, and feeling stuck, unwell, or anxious.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of learning and practicing various modalities, each contributing uniquely to my understanding of the human body and its healing processes. I have come to know now that the body, mind, spirit, and emotional aspects of ourselves are one unit. They cannot be separated from each other nor treated as parts of ourselves. Each one is interdependent on the other, and to approach them as separate parts is to underestimate the body’s intelligence.

I learned a valuable piece of the puzzle I was solving in my mind each time I approached a session with a client. I tried many different things to help them resolve the problem that brought them to my mat or table. Two and a half decades of trying many angles—it feels unreal that this much time has passed. I have grown up a lot in my understanding of the holistic model of healing and I am grateful that each part of my personal journey led me to understanding the nature of balanced bodywork. Let me walk you through the key components of Integrated Thai Massage and what each brings to the table.

Thai Massage is where my journey began. This ancient practice focuses on deep, rhythmic compressions and assisted yoga-like stretches. It’s incredibly effective for increasing flexibility, improving circulation, and releasing tension. The movement and stretching aspects of Thai Massage provide the structural basis for my sessions, helping clients feel more relaxed and mobile.

Zen Shiatsu introduced me to the world of energy meridians and the subtle yet profound power of gentle pressure. This modality involves applying rhythmic pressure along the body’s energy pathways, promoting balance and healing from within. Zen Shiatsu adds an energetic dimension to my practice, allowing me to address not just the physical, but also the energetic imbalances in the body.

Reiki is all about increasing the available universal life force energy to a client. It’s a beautiful, gentle practice that complements the physical and energetic work of Thai Massage and Zen Shiatsu. Incorporating Reiki into my sessions helps create a deeper sense of relaxation and facilitates emotional release. It’s like adding an extra layer of healing energy that permeates every aspect of the treatment.

Somatic Healing has taught me to listen to the body’s messages and understand the connection between physical sensations and emotional states. This approach emphasizes being present with my client’s experience, encouraging them to connect with their own body’s wisdom. It’s about supporting a sense of embodiment and awareness, helping clients tune into their own healing process.

Integrated Thai Massage is the name I am giving to my bodywork sessions, and I say it’s for now because I know that I will continue to grow, and so will my practice. What I call it may also change. If you’ve had sessions with me before, this is not a new modality I am offering. It is what I have been offering all along. I am simply sharing with you my approach and beliefs about my work. I believe my sessions are a harmonious blend of everything that resonates with me in bodywork. Each session is unique, tailored to the individual needs of my clients, and aims to provide a holistic experience that addresses both physical and emotional well-being.

This integrative approach allows me to help people in a profound way. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, feeling stuck or unwell, or struggling with anxiety, Integrated Thai Massage may provide relief and healing, and I hope most of all understanding of your own healing capacity. It’s a practice that has evolved from my passion for helping others and my dedication to continuous learning. 

I hope this gives you a better understanding of my approach and my work. Hope to see you in a session. Be well, be happy, and be free.

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Why Yoga Nidra Should be Part of Your Self-Care https://handtosoulhealing.com/why-you-should-try-yoga-nidra/ https://handtosoulhealing.com/why-you-should-try-yoga-nidra/#respond Sat, 08 Jun 2024 04:41:00 +0000 https://handtosoulhealing.com/?p=24189 Many years ago I came a cross a gem in the yoga world that didn’t require me to be in a downward dog, balance on one leg or do any awkward pose for that matter. There was only one pose and it is was and still is my favorite pose in yoga – savasana. I’m […]

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Many years ago I came a cross a gem in the yoga world that didn’t require me to be in a downward dog, balance on one leg or do any awkward pose for that matter. There was only one pose and it is was and still is my favorite pose in yoga – savasana. I’m talking about yoga nidra. It is a guided meditation that leads students on an inward journey. It is deeply relaxing and it helps reset the nervous system and improve sleep. It has many benefits that can help destress the body and mind.

My personal experience with yoga nidra is that it leads me on an inward journey where I experience myself separately from my mind and body, yet I am still connected to both. It is like my awareness elevates enough for me to feel and see myself as spirit and at the same time I can feel and sense my body and my mind. It’s an incredible experience. Sometimes these inward journeys help me release things that cause me mental stress or anxiety. I’d say, actually, most of the time that is a given. Other times my journeys take me somewhere that feels blissful but the where and what of it fades as I come back, and I am totally fine with that because the feeling of bliss lingers for days. 

Recently, I wrote a blog on a new class I am teaching that combines yoga nidra with reiki. I share how these two modalities pair so well together to create the ultimate relaxation experience. You can read that article here: Reiki and Yoga Nidra.

Yoga nidra is often referred to as the yoga of sleep or the yoga of awareness and it is a guided meditation technique that can transform your well-being in ways that few other practices can. When I first started experiencing it, I had a hard time turning my mind off and I tried just about everything I could. By happenstance I ended up in a yoga nidra class where I finally was able to get out of my head. I experienced my body and mind in a deep way and was able to detach from the mental chatter. Over time the benefits of it on my well-being were profound. I fell in love with the practice and learned everything I could about it. Sometime later I was guiding students on these journeys myself and got to hear about how much it helped them relax. Having both student and teacher experience with yoga nidra bring joy to my heart. I want everyone to know about how healing this practice is. 

Well, now that you know my personal experience with yoga nidra, let me share some health benefits of the practice. 

1. Deep Relaxation and Stress Relief

One of the most immediate and noticeable benefits of yoga nidra is deep relaxation. Unlike other forms of meditation that require focus and concentration, yoga nidra guides you into a state of conscious relaxation. This helps reduce stress and anxiety, providing a sanctuary of calm in our often hectic lives.

2. Improved Sleep Quality

Yoga nidra can be incredibly effective for those struggling with insomnia or poor sleep quality. By promoting deep relaxation and helping to quiet the mind, this practice prepares your body for restful sleep. Attending regular classes or listening to guided nidra sessions at home can improve the overall quality of your sleep, leaving you feeling more refreshed and energized upon waking.

3. Enhanced Emotional Well-being

The practice of yoga nidra allows you to access and process deep-seated emotions and traumas. By bringing awareness to the subconscious mind, it facilitates emotional release and healing. Over time, this can lead to greater emotional resilience and a more balanced, positive outlook on life.

4. Increased Mindfulness and Awareness

Yoga nidra helps cultivate mindfulness by encouraging a deep connection with your inner self. As you practice, you become more aware of your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. This heightened state of awareness can improve your ability to stay present in everyday life, enhancing your overall mindfulness practice.

5. Physical Healing and Rejuvenation

During yoga nidra, the body enters a state of deep rest, which can trigger the body’s natural healing processes. This restorative state allows for cellular repair and rejuvenation, boosting your immune system and enhancing your overall physical health.

6. Personal Growth and Self-Discovery

Lastly, yoga nidra offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and self awareness. By exploring the deeper layers of your consciousness, you can uncover and address limiting beliefs, habits, and patterns. This can lead to profound personal insights and a clearer sense of purpose.

Join me for Reiki and Yoga Nidra on Tuesdays at 7:15pm at Bella Prana in Tampa. 

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Flourless Banana Pancakes https://handtosoulhealing.com/flourless-banana-pancakes-recipe/ https://handtosoulhealing.com/flourless-banana-pancakes-recipe/#respond Wed, 05 Jun 2024 11:00:00 +0000 https://handtosoulhealing.com/?p=24389 As someone who cannot eat gluten but loves pancakes too much to give them up, I created this recipe to satisfy my cravings without compromising my health. These flourless banana pancakes are not only gluten-free but also packed with protein, fiber, and superfoods. Ingredients: Tips for Perfect Flourless Pancakes: Choosing the Right Banana:Pick bananas that […]

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As someone who cannot eat gluten but loves pancakes too much to give them up, I created this recipe to satisfy my cravings without compromising my health. These flourless banana pancakes are not only gluten-free but also packed with protein, fiber, and superfoods.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ripened banana
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds
  • A pinch of cinnamon
  • A splash of vanilla extract

Tips for Perfect Flourless Pancakes:

Choosing the Right Banana:
Pick bananas that are ripe but not overly ripe. Look for a yellow banana with some brown freckles. If the banana is too ripe, the pancakes may turn out thin or have an overwhelming banana flavor. If you only have a very ripe banana, balance the thickness by adding an extra tablespoon of flaxseed or some arrowroot powder. You can also freeze the banana to firm it up before mixing it into the batter.

Why Bananas Are Essential:
Bananas are rich in magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, and they aid in regulating our digestive system. They are considered “brain food” due to their dense nutrient content and positive effect on the nervous system. If you follow the Medical Medium, you’ll know he strongly advocates for bananas in our diet.

The Importance of Ground Flaxseed:
While some flourless recipes omit ground flaxseed, I believe it’s essential due to its nutritional content. Flaxseeds are considered a superfood because they are rich in protein, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. In baking, flaxseeds help bind the consistency together and make the batter less runny. They also add a subtle nutty flavor that pairs well with ripe banana.

Cooking Instructions:

  1. Mash the banana in a bowl until smooth.
  2. Add the eggs, ground flaxseeds, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Mix well until combined.
  3. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Grease lightly with oil or butter.
  4. Pour small amounts of batter onto the skillet to form pancakes.
  5. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, then flip and cook until golden brown.

Natural Sweetness:
Since these flourless banana pancakes are made with ripe bananas, they have a natural sweetness and tend to be moister than traditional pancakes. This often means you’ll need little to no maple syrup.

This recipe is one of my daughter’s favorites, even though she isn’t usually a pancake girl. Enjoy this nutrient-rich, healthy pancake breakfast. Leave your comments—I’d love to hear from you.

flourless banana pancakes

flourless banana pancakes

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Tropical Green Smoothie Recipe https://handtosoulhealing.com/tropical-green-smoothie-recipe/ https://handtosoulhealing.com/tropical-green-smoothie-recipe/#respond Wed, 29 May 2024 11:00:00 +0000 https://handtosoulhealing.com/?p=24386 I LOVE green smoothies, and this blend is one of my absolute favorites. Packed with vitamin C, the combination of banana and pineapple makes me feel like I’m on vacation. I started making this smoothie after having a similar one at a juice bar and became obsessed with it. In my version, I omit the […]

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I LOVE green smoothies, and this blend is one of my absolute favorites. Packed with vitamin C, the combination of banana and pineapple makes me feel like I’m on vacation. I started making this smoothie after having a similar one at a juice bar and became obsessed with it.

In my version, I omit the almond butter from the original recipe, preferring the additional fiber from flax and chia seeds. This also allows me to enjoy almonds or nuts later in the day. This smoothie is refreshing, creamy, and provides an extra boost of energy, especially with the addition of spirulina.

Enjoy the recipe, and leave your comments—I’d love to hear from you!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 banana
  • 1 1/4 cup pineapple (I use frozen pineapple)
  • 3-4 cups curly kale
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 1/2 tsp spirulina
  • 1 tbsp flax seeds
  • 1 tsp chia seeds

INSTRUCTIONS

De-stem and chop the kale and place all ingredients into the blender until smooth. It is best to use frozen fruit for a cold smoothie otherwise add ice after blending.  Serve cold.

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Meet Your Massage Therapist https://handtosoulhealing.com/meet-your-massage-therapist/ https://handtosoulhealing.com/meet-your-massage-therapist/#respond Fri, 10 May 2024 10:54:31 +0000 https://handtosoulhealing.com/?p=24095 I shared a little about myself and my approach to my work with my home yoga studio Bella Prana Collective. I have taught there for many years and seen many people enter those studio doors needing a change in their life. They’ve found it not only through their yoga practice but through the many healing […]

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I shared a little about myself and my approach to my work with my home yoga studio Bella Prana Collective. I have taught there for many years and seen many people enter those studio doors needing a change in their life. They’ve found it not only through their yoga practice but through the many healing workshops and classes led by compassionate teachers at the studio. Here is a snippet and you can read the full article here.

“I never know what will come up in a session, but I always trust that whatever you need to experience whether it’s peace, pain relief, or healing of some other kind it will come through for us both. It is a wonderful miracle to witness as a practitioner. It brings me a lot of joy to see clients get better, and even more so to have transformative experiences.”

Find me at Bella Prana weekly on Tuesdays for Reiki and Yoga Nidra 7:15pm-8:15pm .

Check out my full bio for more interviews and mentions. 

 

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