The 10-Minute Miracle

 

Every Monday morning at 8AM Central Time you will find the latest 10-Minute Miracle Mondays video on my @kerrimulhern Instagram and YouTube channel youtube.com/kerrimulhern . Each week you will find a quick guided journey to assist you in manifesting your dreams. It takes only a minute to put Law of Attraction into action. This means that after 60 seconds of focused attention, you begin to draw to you what you are thinking about. 

We are manifesting all the time, but we tend to focus on what we don't want. Fear can take hold or feelings of unworthiness can be the norm. So, instead of experiencing what we truly desire, we unintentionally draw to us what we don't want. Every single one of us is deserving of all we want and more. We are here to live happy, fulfilled lives. We are also here to learn and grow, but that doesn't mean we have to learn through suffering. 

You are creating your life with every thought.  You are a powerful co-creator with the Universe and how you see your life is simply a projection of your thoughts. The Universe is constantly bringing to us what we think about. It's always saying YES. But what are you thinking or saying? If your thoughts or words are "This will never work out," the Universe responds by bringing you things to help fulfill your prophesy. But the good news is that all you need to change this, is a shift in perspective. If you begin talking only about what you really want, the Universe will conspire to make it happen.

As with anything, the more you practice this way of thinking, the easier it gets, and the more it becomes habit. You can write a short list of what you want to bring into your life such as a job, a love interest, healthy weight loss, a new home, you name it. Then place the list on your nightstand. Every night before you go to bed, read over that list. Then go to sleep thinking about what you want, instead of things that might be troubling you. Now, your mind has all of those hours of rest to work on your manifestation within your subconscious mind. 

When you wake in the morning, read over your list again. Shouldn't your day begin with what would make you happy, instead of what you dread? Right before falling asleep and just when you wake up are the best times to work on your manifestations. Your mind is in the most receptive state at those times. 

Here are some additional tips for manifesting:

1. Imagination: Set a timer on your phone for 15 minutes, sit in a quiet, comfortable spot. Close your eyes and picture in your mind what you want. Use your senses. What would having the thing you desire look like, feel like, sound like, taste like? After you have this pictured in your mind, relax and just breath normally. If your mind wanders, focus back on your breath. When the timer is finished, know that you have put your desires into the Universe and you have meditated, which is so healthy for you in mind, body, and soul. 

"Everything that exists right now was once imagined, which means everything that will exist is now being imagined. Use your gift of imagination to create your desires." - Dr.  Wayne W. Dyer. 

2. Act "As If:" From now on, live as if what you want is already here. How would you behave, carry yourself, speak, or dress if what you wanted was here right now? Bring your desire to you faster, by living as if you have it now. Believe it is already here. 

3. Look For Signs: As I mentioned earlier, the Universe is always saying "Yes" to us. Be mindful of signs and synchronicities that match your desires. These signals affirm that you are on the right path. If you think that something is a sign, acknowledge it and more will appear. 

4. Act on Opportunities: You are co-creating with the Universe. This is not the same as asking a genie to grant your wishes. You are responsible for creating the life you want. For example, if you want the job of your dreams, then act on opportunities such as attending a Job Fair that you just happened to notice while you were scrolling online. 

5. Gratitude - Keep a gratitude journal or a running note on your phone and list 3 things a day (you can list more) that you are grateful for. This is a miracle magnet. Note things that are in alignment with what you are manifesting, something about yourself that you are grateful for, and anything else that comes to mind. The more you do this, the more you will find to be grateful for. 

All of the 10-Minute Miracle Mondays are saved on my Instagram page, as well as on my YouTube channel. Keep an eye on this blog too, as I will be posting more tips to manifesting, meditating, and more!

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.kerrimulhern.com

A Reading With Linda Jones - Light Reader

Linda Jones - Light Reader

Right after the Hay House Live! workshops last October, I contacted Linda Jones, my new friend from the weekend, to book a card reading with her. 

Linda is very ethereal, she loves nature, as you will see if you follow her on Instagram. I am fascinated by her work with bees and how close she gets to them! You will also see squirrels, her adorable parrot Mango, and lots of flowers and nature pics. And of course, she has card readings on her page too! She is a Certified Card Reader and also a Certified Angel Guide through Kyle Gray.

It's interesting to go back and look at this reading since it was about ten months ago. See how behind I still am with this blog? I could have skipped all of those months, but there has been so much leading up to today, that I really wanted to go back and see how it all fits into now. 

We set up the appointment and the reading took place over the phone, and then Linda texted me the cards and write-up of the reading later that day.

I wanted just a general reading and then Linda let me ask some additional questions on other topics after. At the beginning she pulled two cards to see what direction the reading was going in. Green Tara and Mary Magdelene were pulled, but she told me she felt strongly about Archangel Raphael too. I work with him all the time when I work on Reiki clients, so that was a great feeling to know he's with me. Linda also saw green around me when we were in person, which is his color. Green is also the color of the heart chakra. I channel Reiki healing energy  through my crown chakra, then into my heart chakra, down my arms, and out through my hands for healing. Green is a color of healing and Archangel Raphael is the Archangel of healing.  

Linda said the Mary Magdelene card is indicating that my inner teacher awakens. When I asked her an additional question at the end of the reading about timing, she pulled two cards and said it would be winter time, late January or early February. Now I didn't plan this, but clearly it was literally in the cards, because late January I applied to teach my first class at Unlimited Thought Enrichment Center on vision boards. I was approved, and they were able to fit it into their schedule for February. I taught after that until the pandemic shut everything down. And now I'm teaching live classes on Instagram. So Linda's card reading was spot on.

In the reading Linda saw me needing to make quick decisions due to unexpected changes, and she even drew The World card for me about the near future, indicating a major life event. Nothing could be more major than what the entire planet has been going through with COVID-19, and I find it so fascinating that the card was The World. It wasn't just about me, that card was really for everyone.

Linda saw me partnering with spirit, and using her intuitive gifts, she immediately thought of Archangel Michael. Of all of the Archangels, Michael is the one I call to the most. You can ask him to stay with you always and he will. I had done so quite a long time ago. He is able to be with multiple people at the same time, so you can ask him to do the same. For me, he is my protector and the protector of my home and family. I ask him to protect those I work on for Reiki and for card readings as well. So I am so happy about a spiritual partnership with Archangel Michael!  I have learned recently that he is the Archangel for life purpose, so that is another important facet of his abilities to help. Just ask.

There was much more in the reading, but I wanted to give you a sample of Linda's work because she is a beautiful soul using her gifts to help others. She blends her intuitive gifts with the cards to provide a solid reading. Her readings are accurate and filled with kind-spirited words because that is who Linda is.

For more about Linda Jones:

Her Website: Linda Jones Light Reader: Click here

Instagram: Click here

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern

www.suitablegifts.com

Love Yourself More Than Anyone Else Could - James Van Praagh

Me and James Van Praagh

I am still catching up on my blogs, so I gathered my notes from James Van Praagh's workshop from October 2019...yes I have quite a bit of catching up to do! 

"Love yourself more than anyone else could," was the first quote I scribbled in my journal from James' Discover Your Spiritual Superpowers! workshop. That is certainly a beautiful affirmation from someone I have admired for over 25 years.

Hay House Live! Discover Your Spiritual Superpowers!

Saturday morning October 5, 2019, I prepared to go at the Houston Convention Center to attend the Hay House Live! workshop with James Van Praagh. I have followed James ever since he appeared on the television series The Other Side in 1994. He had his own show Beyond With James Van Praagh in 2002, he was the creator and executive producer of The Ghost Whisperer, wrote more than a dozen books, to name a few of his many accomplishments. As a child, I was an avid book reader (apparently that has never left me), and topics that fascinated me even in my youth, were about psychic abilities and life beyond death.

As usual, I said a prayer and visualized how the event would unfold, before I arrived at the venue. I pictured myself sitting in the front row, right in the center. I envisioned a wonderful lecture, meeting kind souls, and of course having a moment with James Van Praagh. I always pray "all this or even better," as the Universe usually has better in store than we can imagine. I also add in "all for my highest good." The reason I do that, is because, we can decide how we want things to work out, and get stuck there. I know I used to. Sometimes things don't go the way we want them to. What I believe now, is that if it isn't in my best interest, it won't happen. I believe that everything is working out for me, even if it doesn't look that way at the time. Because of this view, I am not disappointed when things don't work out the way I want them to. I feel that I am being Divinely guided, either away from something not right for me, or guided towards something better. It is a more positive way to look at all of the events that happen in your life. 

Front and center always!

When I walked in the door to the class, just as I had visualized, my seat was waiting for me. I plopped down my tote bags and said a quiet thank you. I was early of course, I always am. I visualize what I want, but I do participate in making it happen. I'm not forcing it, but I am a co-creator in my life along with the Universe. If I arrived on time, it would be more left to chance as to where I would sit. I had no way of knowing if I would be first in the room or not, but I felt I would be. Some people like being in the back, some people don't care where they sit, I just want to see everything, every expression, every moment. I feel more connected that way.

A kindness left behind.

I also like to arrive early so I can leave a kindness for someone to find as part of my Kindness...Pass It On Mission. I left a Kindness necklace with a Lao Tzu quote along with a note and a butterfly for someone to find. I don't put my name on it, just good wishes for a happy day. Sometimes I get just a random "thank you" message sent to my website. For a long time I didn't catch on that people were expressing gratitude for the intentional acts of kindness left behind. I chuckled at myself for my lack of awareness when I finally figured it out. I wasn't expecting a thank you, I just want to share some love, that's more than enough.

I took some photos of the room and sat down as people began to file in. Everyone was friendly and were introducing themselves and chatting away. This tall, otherworldly young man began sharing his healing experiences to me. He traveled from Washington state to Texas just to meet James Van Praagh. He told me about several miraculous healings he facilitated. He didn't have any particular training such as Reiki, it was just flowing through him and he intuitively knew what to do. He was very kind and wanted to heal the world without any type of compensation. I talked to him a little about that, as I do believe an energy exchange (healing for money, which is also energy), is not a bad thing at all. You would pay a doctor, a plumber, anyone for services, why should a healer be free? I think more value is given to it that way, and receiving that energy (money) back makes things more balanced for everyone involved. He was working to get a website together. I told him that I did social media and marketing for years, gave him my business card and told him if he ever needed help, to reach out. He seemed so touched by my offer, he had tears in his eyes and gave me a big hug. Then he held my hand, and gave me some healing energy! How lovely is that, and the class hadn't even started yet! "All this or even better" - for sure!

Soon a new friend sat next to me. Her name is Linda and she is a tarot and oracle card reader and such a sweet soul. I even booked a reading with her the following week, which I will be writing about soon. I'm not sure why I didn't think to get a picture together with her! Here's her website if you want a reading: www.lindajoneslightreader.com

My new friend Linda.

And then James Van Praagh entered the room. He was so funny and captivating. It really was a thrill to learn from this renowned psychic and medium. The workshop was to help find out if you are a psychic, healer, or medium. At the time, with my Reiki Master certification, I only felt like a healer. I always felt that psychic and mediumship abilities had to be something you were born with. But this class was quite a third eye opener!

James talked about fear, and how it holds us back from our gifts. He said there are two ways to look at it and he shared these acronyms: FEAR = False Ego Appearing Real or Fuck Everything And Run. After a hearty laughter from the audience, we all agreed the former was the one to go with, although our tendency is the latter.

He had us do this wonderful Mountain Exercise. It was like a guided meditation, but we did it with a notebook in hand to jot down what we saw along the journey that James led us on. We would walk and come upon a bridge, a boulder, crystals, and more. We would need to describe what we saw or what we did. When he finished the journey, he reviewed it all with us, and each aspect of the journey had a parallel to our current life's journey. 

James Van Praagh

During the psychic portion of the class, James said that we are all psychic.Everything is energy. That part I already knew from my Reiki classes, but I never thought of myself as psychic. James said that what holds us back is unworthiness, distractions like our phone, and more. This made sense, I know that my intuition is stronger when I take time to meditation, to focus inward and let go of all of the distractions.

We did a healing exercise to recognize our fears and turn them into love. It was a much better way to look at everything. One of the things I feared was not fulfilling my life purpose here. I turned it into love by stating: I am on purpose right now. And I've thought about this alot since the class. I don't think our purpose is necessarily tied to a career. I don't think it's about making alot of money, although we shouldn't think that because we are doing something that we love, that it can't be monetarily rewarding too. I think our purpose may be as simple as learning to love yourself, learning to forgive (even if it is just yourself), understanding differences in others, overcoming prejudices, realizing you are worthy of a healthy relationship. It doesn't have to be about making this huge mark on the planet, it's about elevating yourself, healing yourself, learning, learning, and learning. 

James said the first place of healing is in the mind, and our resistance holds back healing. He made us think about what we are resisting. My resistance is feeling unworthy. But I'm working on it.

We also had to make a list of what we love about ourselves. Have you ever tried that? I highly recommend. See if it's easy or challenging for you. If it is challenging, keep doing it until you are comfortable, and believe all of the wonderful things about yourself. Here's some of mine: I help others. I am smart. I love cats. I write well. Spirituality and personal growth are important to me. I have artistic talent. 

James Van Praagh

James led us through mediumship exercises. Linda and I worked together. She did a reading on me, and I did one on her. It really was fun and I was surprised that I actually saw someone in my mind for her. I wasn't expecting to see anything, but it opened up the possibility that I could. Honestly prior to this, I was a little afraid to be able to see people from "the beyond," but after this class I am fine with it! And since this class, I have seen departed people and pets more and more. I began to start noticing when I worked with Reiki clients. I am in their energy field, so this makes sense. I would see flashes of pictures at first, but all of a sudden I would see a face and I would know intuitively that it was a mother who passed, or a beloved dog. And when I would share this information, the client usually burst into tears because of how much that person or pet meant to them. I am no more gifted than anyone else, in other words, anyone can do this. And James helped me to see that. I think what is different than most, is the desire. One of the Reiki Masters I trained under had no desire to ever let anyone who has passed on into her space. She shuts it out. I don't want anything negative, but I love the fact that when we are "gone" we really aren't gone at all. We just shed our bodies. 

After the workshop we all had a moment to have a book signed and say a few words of thanks to James. It truly was an honor and something I will always cherish.

Me & James Van Praagh

During one of the breaks I stopped to say hello to Starsha Maree. She ran some of the Hay House Facebook pages include the Hay House Wisdom Community. She is as lovely and kind in person as she is on social media.

Starsha Maree & me!

I also waited to get a book signed by Robert Holden after his workshop was complete. He just exudes love and kindness.

Me & Dr. Robert Holden

And before I returned to the hotel I was staying at, I left The Seven Laws of Spiritual Success by Deepak Chopra, along with a butterfly magnet for someone to find at the convention center.

Another kindness left behind.

This was such an enlightening experience, and all that James Van Praagh taught about being a psychic, healer, and medium has allowed these abilities to blossom in me since the class. I trust myself more. I love myself more. As James says, I have "learned to love myself more than anyone else could."

Here are some ways to learn more about James Van Praagh:

Adventures of the Soul - Book: Click Here and Oracle Cards: Click Here

Wisdom From Your Spirit Guides: Click Here

James Van Praagh's website: Click Here

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern

www.suitablegifts.com

Reiki II - Healing Others

So much has happened in the last several months. I earned my Reiki II certificate. The class was fantastic. It was all women in this group, a small class of eight. One of the women from my Reiki I class was there, so it was nice to see a familiar face. She was healing from addiction and breast cancer, and said that reiki lessened the affects of the cancer treatments she went through, and even helped her hair grow in faster. She looked fantastic, her skin was glowing. The other ladies had various reasons for taking the class. Some were massage therapists who wanted to learn more to enhance their massage practices and also earn continuing education credits. Others wanted to learn so they could heal themselves, friends, family and even begin their own practices. 

Along with being attuned to the power, harmony and distance symbols, I also learned how to send distance reiki using a surrogate. I sent reiki to my bestie 1,800 miles away during the class. It was only a 5 minute session, but it was great to learn how to do it so I could continue practicing at home. It is amazing that reiki can be sent anywhere in the world, to people, animals, places, and situations. This is such a loving modality, and it shows that we are all one and truly connected to each other. I learned how to heal things in the past, present and future, how to help in healing addictions, and more about working on others.

One at a time, as in the Reiki I class, we were individually attuned in a separate room. After the attunement, I came back into the classroom and hopped on a massage table to close my eyes and integrate this sacred experience for a moment. 

We practiced on each other in class and learned how to do an aura cleansing. For everyone, and especially empaths who pick up everyone else's energy, this is a great way to cleanse the residue of other people's anger, fear, hostility, etc off of your auric field. Ever walk in a room and pick up the vibe in the air? Well, that energy can get stuck in your aura. We used a selenite wand and palo santo and learned to feel the layers of the aura. Each layer is connected to one of the 7 chakras and has a connection to our body, emotions, and spirit. 

You can use palo santo or sage whenever you want to cleanse your aura yourself, you don't need a reiki attunement to do that. Just light the palo or sage, blow it out so you have smoke.  Gently wave the stick over your head, down your body, over your hands and under your feet. Make sure to completely distinguish the stick. I usually put mine in a small glass. 

Our reiki teacher offered that we could come in after our class and use her tables to practice with each other. After the class she sent us all a follow up email, and I responded to let everyone in the class know that I would love to practice with any of them. I heard from one of the ladies in the class, and I was so psyched to be able to swap reiki with someone in a professional setting. 

We scheduled a time to meet up after work one weekday. I packed up my reiki toolkit including quartz crystals, chakra stones, a selenite wand, water, and some palo santo. Quartz crystals go around the head of the one receiving reiki to amplify the energy. The chakra stones go next to or on the chakras. Just being near the stones alone can activate the chakras. As previously mentioned, the selenite wand and palo santo sticks are used to cleanse the aura. I arrived first and took the time to sit quietly and connect to reiki. When she arrived, it was apparent she had a challenging day at work, so I offered to give her reiki first.  Then she gave me reiki and I felt sensational after! We both left the healing center on a cloud. We met once a month after that, and each time felt great. It was wonderful to have a reiki friend to learn with, share what we were experiencing during the sessions, and practice, practice, practice. 

I practiced long distance reiki on friends and family. I felt as time went on, I got better at it, and started feeling more confident in connecting and sending. There is a level of focus and intent that built up over time by consistently practicing. I developed an ease in using the symbols and hand positions. I also continued to get reiki and acupuncture during this time and practiced self reiki for 21 days after my attunement, as recommended. Self care is as important for the healer as it is for the one being healed.

I am truly grateful to my friends and family at home and at a distance who allowed me to be a conduit of reiki energy for them. I am also grateful to my teacher, my reiki friend, and reiki itself. Having this gift of reiki to share with others is a blessing beyond measure.

My next blog will be about my Reiki Master class, stay tuned!

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

Healing Hands

After my Reiki I certification, I went through 21 days of Reiki. Every morning before I got out of bed, I did Reiki on myself along with chakra balancing. It was a great way to practice and to experience Reiki fully. I found that things that normally would have annoyed me didn't. This included the salsa jar I opened that exploded all over myself, the kitchen counter, the walls, and the towels. It made me laugh instead of scream! 

I noticed synchronicities and lessons became more vivid and obvious. I am one who notices the signs the universe is providing us with, and Reiki helped them be more clear, and sometimes just so over the top. It was wonderful!

Reiki does wonders for anxiety, as does meditation. It has become a beautiful addition to my daily self care. It helps on so many levels of healing, but I have been so grateful for how much it calms me. 

I spent the two months in between my Reiki I and Reiki II classes healing myself, giving Reiki to my houseplants, and my sweet cat Scar. I really wasn't feeling confident yet to work on other people, I wanted the Reiki II class before I started that, as I knew I would be learning more about healing, symbols, and would have another attunement. But I did find one person to at least practice a little bit on. They were helping me as a kindness, wasn't a believer in this form of healing at all. But I appreciated the help because at least I could practice and feel better about working on people in the Reiki II class. 

When I worked on this person I felt nervous at first honestly. But as I continued up her body, I felt more and more relaxed. It seemed like she was too! When I got up to her head and finished, I started to remove my hands. With her eyes still closed, she waved her hands repeatedly towards her head and asked me to put them back! She kept saying "I need to get back, I need to get back." I was stunned. Reiki doesn't make you psychic, so it's not that I can tell what the person is feeling or thinking. I can feel heat in my hands, tingling, and I'm sure as I continue to use Reiki, my intuition and senses will become more pronounced and active. I could tell something was happening, but I didn't know what. 

Afterwards, the person told me that she could see a valley and in the middle was a blue light shaped like an hourglass. She just wanted to get to the light to see what it was. I could feel it was a spiritual experience, and this was when I truly felt the power of Reiki. I have healing hands! I don't mean this from an egoic level. Reiki is flowing through me, I'm not doing the healing, Reiki is. I'm a conduit for healing, a grateful conduit. My teacher Kim told us that even if someone doesn't believe in Reiki, it works anyway. And this certainly proved it! And it was something I needed as much as she did. I really needed to know if Reiki would flow through me. It was a gift for both of us, and I am grateful to my friend who let me practice, to Reiki, and to my teacher Kim.

Reiki can heal on all levels, emotionally, spiritually, physically and mentally. There doesn't need to be a dramatic event such as my friend had. As a matter of fact, some people don't feel anything at all during Reiki, but it still is healing. It does not replace a doctor, a needed surgery, or medication, but it can certainly compliment them. It is tapping into universal life force energy that is available and is in all of us. and all around us. It is love.

I am so grateful that my spiritual journey has led me to this path of healing. I'll be sharing my Reiki II experience in my next blog. I am grateful to you all for sharing this with me too.

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

From Getting Reiki To Giving It

It's been awhile since I've written, so I'm going to begin where I left off and then next week I'll give an update of the last few weeks. It's been a fun adventure!

I began taking the herbs that my acupuncturist gave me. To be quite honest, my first night was spent in the bathroom eliminating any bit of excess water in me. After that, it seemed to keep my systems regular and it has lessened bloating. 


I received the Job's Tears tea I ordered in the mail. The acupuncturist recommended it in addition to the herbs to help with weight loss. It's powder packs. I heated some water (you can use warm milk too), added a pack and stirred. It's not bad, it's creamier than tea and has a nutty flavor (since there's nuts in it!) This definitely makes me go to the bathroom more, but it feels like along with the herbs, it's getting my body back in balance.

Job's Tears Tea

I went to see Kim Krost at the Integrated Healing Institute for Reiki, chakra balancing, reflexology, and an amazing foot massage on both feet, that was very needed. This self care has been the kindest thing I have ever done for myself, and I highly recommend finding something that makes you feel good and feel taken care of. Nurture yourself.

"You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, 

deserve your love and affection." 

- Buddha

Reiki I class was on Saturday. I just loved it! It was a small class, 8 of us and Kim was the teacher.  I learned the history of Reiki, and the basics so I can use it on myself, plants, animals, food, and others. Kim suggested we use it for 21 days on ourselves and journal about it. I will definitely do this, I love journaling and the daily Reiki is a great addition to my spiritual practice of prayer, meditation, and gratitude journaling. Everyone was in the class for different reasons. One lady was recovering from cancer and was also a recovering addict and wanting to learn Reiki to help in her healing. A gentleman was ex-military who did tai chi and and quigong and thought this would be a natural fit. Another woman was taking the class as part of the continuing education credits she needed as a massage therapist, and two sisters came together because one was interested in Reiki and the other wanted to check it out. I wanted to learn it to help others. We have a neighbor who's son has epilepsy, and I would love to be able to give him and his mom some relief, calm, and peace. Kim noted that it's important that we make sure that we are taking care of ourselves first, and I took that in completely and will make sure I am healed and healthy before I work on others.


After the history lesson, it was time for our attunement. One at a time we went to Kim's regular therapy room and we were each given a download of Reiki. It felt very sacred, and it was a short but beautiful ceremony. She told us we could go back to the classroom after and lay down for a moment on one of the three massage tables if we wanted to, and soak it all in for a few minutes. I was the only one to do so. 

While waiting for everyone to finish their attunement, we read from the binders she gave us and had tea, gluten free muffins, almonds, and celery with dip. We stayed quiet so were weren't disturbing whoever was getting their attunement in the next room. We did collectively laugh when the first of us crunched into a celery stalk in the very quiet room.

Next Kim showed us how to work on each other. She asked for a volunteer and the tai chi guy hopped up on one of the tables. We all surrounded him and she showed us how to ground ourselves, ground the client, feel their energy flow, and how and where to touch to provide Reiki. After the lesson, she had us partner up and practice on each other.  I first worked with the massage therapist and a woman that seemed to not have much confidence in her abilities. I know that after reading and learning all that I have, it's easier for me to picture something that I can't see, as opposed to someone who is trying this for the first time. When I could see she was faltering, I told her to imagine what Kim was describing, and that she was doing well. I am sure much of it seemed way out there, but after experiencing Reiki first-hand, I have felt the energy in my body that Kim has transmitted. I feel so much more relaxed and at peace after it. I wish everyone in that room had that experience prior to class, only two others besides myself had.

Honestly, I was nervous too. As we worked on the massage therapist, I was more worried about breathing and pulling up life force energy into my hands than actually feeling what was going on in the person I was trying to help. I did the best I could, but I wasn't sure if I was remembering where to place my hands, and then what exactly I should do with them. Some of it was easy, but it was only my first try. Then we were told to switch so I hopped on the table. Oh my goodness, the massage therapist was awesome! The lady who was more unsure caught the attention of Kim and she tried to help her a bit. It is a different way to look at healing, and it really takes some letting go of typical beliefs. She really did well though, even if she didn't realize it.

Next Kim had us practice on each other sitting down. We were supposed to pretend we were at work and noticed someone who seemed in need (like having a headache or some sort of pain). I worked with the woman recovering from cancer and she told me when she worked on my head, her whole body was moving from it. I worked on her head too. She was super nice and we exchanged emails and signed up for the next Reiki class together afterwards.  

The final person I worked with was the tai chi guy. We were to work on a hand or arm or something while seated. I worked on his hand. 3 minutes is a looooong time to work on a hand! He told me I had a gentle touch. He worked on my hand and arm. 

There were times when I felt light headed and had tingles down my arms when we were working on each other. It was a pretty amazing experience. A few of the students were coming back on Sunday for the Reiki II class, but I couldn't go because it was my last day at my Sunday job. I was a little bummed because I really liked the group, but I was glad I would have some time to practice the basics before the next class.

At the end of class we received our certificates. Kim said to keep aware of how we were feeling in the days that follow. She said magic would happen. I'll definitely keep an eye out and journal about it. I will also be doing Reiki every morning before I get up. 

I signed up for Reiki II in January, the Reiki Master class in April and bought some more herbs so I can take them for a month (1 bottle only lasts 10 days). I am excited to see what magic transpires over the next few weeks. Stay tuned!

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

Belly Cupping, Herbs and the Tears of Job

As I continue my healing journey, I kicked up the exercise routine again. Four mornings this week I went at six in the morning before work. I also took one lunch hour to go back to the gym and sit in the sauna for twenty minutes. I know the sauna is good to relax the muscles and detox. My foot hurts after the gym still, so I've been icing it and using the massager. It is definitely better after the six week rest I gave it, but there is still the inside of my foot above my flattened arch that still aches. The good thing is though, with some ice, the massager, and a short amount of rest, it feels better.

This week I went to my second acupuncture appointment. After a short talk about how I was feeling, Elizabeth put the acupuncture needles on my head, ear, hands, belly, legs and foot to help with my foot pain and weight. She left me this time for 30 minutes to relax. It was comfortable and peaceful. I listened to the soothing music and closed my eyes. After she returned and gently removed the needles, she did cupping on my abdomen for help with my weight issues. They weren't hot, and while she moved them around, I could feel a light suction. There was no pain, and no marks. 

I also asked Elizabeth about herbs for weight loss. She gave me a bottle of Chinese herbs called Poria 15 Formula. I'm to take two tablets 3 times a day. She also gave me a list of foods to try that will help resolve dampness in the body as well as excess water. I find it so fascinating to learn about how different modalities approach how to heal the body. Frog is one of the items to help resolve water. I think I'll go with celery instead! The herbs she gave me is supposed to improve digestion, increase elimination, aid in lipid metabolism, reduce serum cholesterol, phlegm, and water excess in overweight people. It helps with "damp accumulation in the lower and middle burner." Now isn't that a much nicer way to look at being overweight? I have damp accumulation! I love it, it feels like something that can be solved instead of judging myself over it. My body is not in alignment, but I can get it there!

Elizabeth also suggested I try Job's Tears tea for weight loss too. I left the session feeling pain free, relaxed, yet excited about adding the herbs, tea, and the various foods to my healing plan (minus the frog).

Job's Tears Tea

The next day I was signed up for a college tour with my son, so I didn't try the herbs yet, not knowing how they would affect me (especially the "increase elimination" part). After over an hour of walking and standing, my foot was in so much pain. The Motrin I took beforehand didn't help at all.  When we returned home I rested my foot but it was still sore the next day.

Along with healing my body, I'm also working on my mind and the spiritual, soulful aspects of my life. I am working on bringing more joy and purpose into my life. I'm creating the life I really want. Several years ago I was let go from a job and it left me fearful of being in that situation again. I worked awhile at another job not as an employee, but in a contractor position. When I was later hired by a wonderful company at a great salary, I was afraid to let go of the other job completely. So I still worked every Sunday at it telling myself it was a good thing, what was I doing on Sunday's anyway, and it was paying off my car.

Well the truth was, I was keeping the job out of fear, it was keeping me from working on my writing and my small businesses, and it was keeping me from spending more time with my family, relaxing, and having fun. Was it worth a car payment that my full time job could afford? Well I decided to let go of fear, and make some space in my life. I know when you let go of what no longer serves you, doors open. So I let go. I was originally planning on leaving at the end of the year, but the more days went by thinking about it, the more I wanted to go! So I gave two weeks notice, and admittedly, I still feel some fear, but I'm doing it anyway!

Til next week...

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com

Human Pin Cushion In Search Of Healing

To continue the healing with my foot, I made an appointment for acupuncture this week. It is something I have never tried before, but it does lend itself to the holistic approach I am employing to alleviate the pain.  I was curious to see if it works, and looked forward to the Friday evening appointment.

Thursday and Friday I got back to my morning gym routine. I went at 6AM to work my muscles and do lots of crunches to help shrink my belly. It felt good to be back, but honestly, my foot was sore afterwards. I continued using the massager and ice to alleviate the pain, and rested it as much as possible.

I'm on the fence about the new shoes I bought. The insole has an arch that seems to scrape against my foot. It's comfortable for a little while, but I have to switch those shoes with my old shoes that have the Good Feet Store insoles in order to have a consistent level of comfort. I wish my foot felt good all the time.

I know my weight is still a major factor in all of this, but I didn't have the best week honestly. I'm not gorging myself, but I haven't been listening to my body as I was. It's so easy, I'm not sure why I let it slide. But I know I will get back on track again, this is too important.

Friday arrived and I excitedly went to my appointment. Elizabeth is sweet and soft spoken, and well versed in all things acupuncture. We had a long consultation before we began, and I told her about my weight loss goals and the issue I was having with my foot.

Elizabeth decided to use acupuncture as well as cupping in my session. I have not tried either before, but decided to give them both a whirl. I was a bit uneasy about cupping because of the bruise-like marks it leaves on a person. I wondered if it was causing any harm to the body to mark it that way.  

I changed into a gown and hopped up on the table underneath a sheet. Carefully. Elizabeth began to put the acupuncture needles on me. There were maybe two that I could actually feel. It was a pinch, but nothing serious. I really was relaxed going into this. Between the soft music in the background and my positive attitude, I wasn't expecting this to be anything but helpful. She put needles into both my hands, my stomach, my forhead, my leg, and my foot. She lowered the lights and left for me to relax for 15 minutes. I felt a little pain in my foot for a short amount of time, so I lifted my foot, put it back down gently and the pain was gone. I closed my eyes and listened to the music until she returned.

While feeling like a human pin cushion, Elizabeth removed the acupuncture needles and asked how I felt. So far so good!  Next she had me flip over and brought out the cups. She started with glass ones and I could hear her light the flame inside two of them. She placed them on the bottom of my back and it felt like it was burning me. She noted aloud, "yes, those will leave a mark." I wasn't surprised! What did surprise me later, was that it didn't feel like a burn at all. If I had not felt that or looked in the mirror at home, I never would have known they were there. Normally a burn hurts for a awhile after and is sore, these didn't feel like anything at all. So, supposedly the marks are from unwanted toxins being pulled to the surface from the suction the cupping creates. Cupping is a treatment that can help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation, and as a type of deep-tissue massage.

After using the two glass cups, she switched to silicone which were gentler. I didn't hear her lighting them, she put oil on my back and used them to glide around my back while the cups provided suction as she went along. It was kind of like having your back vacuumed. It was moving the lymph around which is also good to release toxins. 

At the end Elizabeth put magnets in my ears to help alleviate food cravings. She said they'll probably come out in the shower.

I left feeling relaxed and my foot was pain free. Will I try it again? Of course! I'm going back next week. Elizabeth is going to provide more acupuncture and cup my belly! I forgot to ask her about herbs, so we'll see what she advises next week.

See you soon...

In Gratitude & Love,

Kerri Mulhern
www.suitablegifts.com