In the fast-paced and ever-evolving journey of life, change is the only constant. From career shifts to loss to personal growth, embracing change is not just essential but also an inherent part of the human experience. When you resist change (mostly out of fear), you are stuck in the past and at the mercy of repetitive experiences. In this whirlwind of transitions, finding solace and fostering a sense of calm amidst the chaos becomes crucial. Fortunately, transformative practices such as Reiki, Yoga: asana, breath-work, meditation, mindfulness and connection with others, offer a pathway to activate the parasympathetic mode, paving the way for a more peaceful and joyful existence.
The Power of Transformation
Change often comes with its share of uncertainties and challenges, triggering stress and anxiety. I remember sitting in the doctor’s office as a child telling him that I didn’t want to be anything when I grew up because I didn’t want to grow up. I was afraid of everything, the world was a terrifying place. I wanted to live in a predictable box of routine because it was ‘safe’.
How many of us don’t make a move, take a course, change a career, or meet new people because we are afraid?
However, it's important to recognize that change is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. By acknowledging and accepting change, we open ourselves to a world of possibilities and personal evolution. Essentially, change is our way to access unlimited possibilities in the universe and realize our true potential.
How often do we also realize that after the ‘scary’ experience, it really wasn’t as bad as we feared?
The Lesson in Death
I know, you’re probably feeling uncomfortable with that word, our western culture doesn’t like to talk about death. We even go so far as to constantly make ourselves look younger.
The fact remains, we are all going to die. We will all end up leaving this world behind eventually. What would you do if you knew when you were going to die? What if it was soon? Would it change how you live your life? The fact is the vast majority of us don’t know when that exact date will be.
So by accepting your own mortality you come closer to finding your authentic Selves to live the life you WANT and NEED to be YOU. You are a unique piece of the bigger puzzle, and you have a purpose. Finding yourself through Yoga, Meditation, Breath-work, Reiki, Hikes, Connections with Others, or various other holistic modalities brings you closer to your inner voice.
Connecting with Others: Your Vagus Nerve
It might feel weird to engage and strike up conversations with strangers but if you knew that it actually made you healthier, would you? Any positive social interaction enhances your Vagal Tone which means that when you feel love or connection, your brain releases chemicals and hormones. Your Vagus Nerve is responsible for this release. You can stimulate your vagus nerve in other ways too through movement and breath-work but as Dr. Jeff Rediger M.D. (click the image below to read more about this transformative book!) suggests, when you experience love and connection, "it is like playing a whole song for your vagus nerve." Your cortisol level drop and your parasympathetic mode is activated allowing your body to relax and therefore do what it wants and needs to do, heal.
After all, humans evolved because of 'Survival of the Kindest,' a highly evolved, proactive defensive mechanism that developed in our ancestors after the more famous and primitive, fight or flight response.
A Journey Inward with Yoga
Yoga, a holistic practice that unites the mind, body, and spirit, serves as a powerful tool for transformation. Through physical postures (asanas-Restorative, Yin, Hatha, Vinyasa to name a few), breath control (pranayama), and meditation, yoga helps you reconnect with your inner Self. This ancient practice not only enhances flexibility and strength but also instils a deep sense of inner peace and mindfulness, promoting a harmonious relationship with change.
Breathing Mindfully
Conscious breathing, or breath-work, is a fundamental aspect of many transformative practices. By paying attention to the breath, individuals can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering a relaxation response. This shift from the fight-or-flight mode to the rest-and-digest mode creates a calm and centered state of being, fostering resilience in the face of change. Out of all the breath-work practices I have tried, my favourite is still the Wim Hof method. He combines Bellows Breath with a Breath Hold (see below).
Mindfulness Practice - Keep it Simple
Mindfulness involves being fully present in the current moment, without judgement. I catch myself living in the past or worrying about the future all the time. It takes practice and acceptance to simply guide your thoughts back to the present moment with the words, “Just be, everything is working out for my highest good, just be.”
This enables me to navigate change with a clearer perspective, reducing the impact of stressors and promoting mental well-being. If I am not focused on the past or future, I am living in the now and therefore able to give my full energy and attention to what is happening in front of me. So if something does come up that needs my full attention (remember, worrying about the future is often worse than what actually happens!) I have the energy and power to deal with it even better!
Shifting Perspectives with Gratitude
In the pursuit of transforming your Self to achieve a calmer and more joyful life, shifting perspectives is key. Adopting a mindset of gratitude for what you already have, allows more positive experiences into your life. By focusing on the positive aspects of life, even in the midst of change, you can create a more resilient and optimistic outlook. Try this practice when you first wake up in the morning, naming three things you are grateful for. The famous Monk, Thich Nhat Hanh even recommends setting peaceful alarms throughout the day to remind yourself to be present and grateful!
Reiki: Universal Light Energy
Reiki healing sessions provide an opportunity to embrace change gracefully, cultivating feelings of serenity, joy, and contentment. Everything in life is made of energy, just at different frequencies. Through the gentle transmission of Universal Life Energy, either through touch or hands placed above the body, as a Reiki practitioner, I aim to rebalance the client’s energy. This involves but is not limited to the Chakra System.
We are more than our physical bodies and oftentimes, our physical body fires up to let us know we have feelings, memories and experiences to process and work through. If you are familiar with Louise Hay, she identifies affirmations to work through dis-eases in our bodies. For example, indigestion in the body shows up in response to feelings of dread and anxiety about an upcoming event. Or, brain tumors show up as computerized beliefs, a stubborn refusal to change old patterns.
As such, Reiki not only enhances physical and emotional well-being but also assists in managing the stress and anxiety associated with life's transitions. By eliminating energy blockages and promoting positive vibrations, Reiki empowers us to connect with our authentic Selves, fostering a deeper self-understanding and heightened spiritual awareness.
Embracing Stillness for Healing
In a world that often glorifies busyness, incorporating stillness into daily life is a profound act of self-care. Reiki and Yoga: whether it’s Asana, Meditation, Breath-Work, or Mindful Moments, all provide a sanctuary for the mind. It allows individuals to detach from the hustle and bustle, offering a space for reflection, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Through stillness, the healing process unfolds in the parasympathetic mode, bringing about a positive transformation from within.
Change is not to be feared but embraced as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation. Shifting perspectives and making mindful lifestyle choices contribute to the journey of healing and positive CHANGE, ultimately leading to an authentic life and an authentic Self.
Much Love to You on Your Journey,
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