In This Edition

Quote of the Week

“A bee is never as busy as it seems; it’s just that it can’t buzz any slower.” ~ Kim Hubbard

Personal Note from Cheryl

If you need to contact me – I will be offline most of this week taking some time to enjoy my favourite month of the year; my birthday month! I will be back online on the 21st.

There are plenty of exciting workshops with me this summer…details are on the website or send me an email for more information and your questions. There are more added each week, so please stay tuned.

Wishing you a joyful, healthy and abundant week,

P.S.  Welcome to all the new readers that have joined our community!  You’re going to love the resources you’ll find here!  Enjoy!

Cheryl Recommends

Would you like to live your life authentically? Are you living the life you intended?

You will experience deep conversations that allow for tangible shifting of thoughts, patterns and old paradigms. Learn to live from the place that you know exists. Your authentic self provides personal clarity and ongoing inner guidance as you live each day more choicefully.

http://sacred-journeys.ca/services/journey-to-authenticity/

Date: June 1 & 2
Time: 9:30 – 5:00
Cost: $397.00

Feature Article

Honey; A Teaspoon a Day of This Tasty Antibiotic

You might be wondering why I would write an article on honey of all things. Well, in my vigilant pursuit for all things good, natural and holistic, I found I simply had to write about it. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t share this with you! And I need to thank my dear friend Helga for her advice, info and support in writing this article. She brought much of this to my attention years ago when I found out that her and her husband were beekeepers. She is now my local supplier of honey each year. Yum!

Did you know that before we found antibiotics in the 1940’s we used honey on wounds to prevent infection and promote faster healing? Its viscosity provides a barrier that creates a moist environment so the wound can heal without scarring or tissue damage. It has antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that work by slowly releasing hydrogen peroxide – which disinfects the wound and kills germs. How amazing is that!!

Honey does not make the blood sugar spike like refined sugar does, because it is released into the body at a steady rate. It helps the body absorb calcium and is great for those who have concerns about osteoporosis. It contains antioxidants that help protect the body against free radicals.

A few fabulous ways to use honey every day:

• For shiny hair; a teaspoon in a few cups or warm water and pour over clean wet hair, let dry naturally.

• Use in a bath to relax or for insomnia, for softer smoother skin;  take ¼ cup of honey and add a few drops of lavender and mix together – add to the water.

• For pimples; dab them with honey to kill bacteria & speed healing.

• For digestion; the enzymes in honey aid digestion. Eat a teaspoonful next time you get heartburn or if you have ulcers!

• Soothe a sore throat with a spoonful of honey for instant relief.

• Facial mask; combine one mashed avocado, 1 tbsp honey and spread over face and neck for 10 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

• For hay fever; since honey contains pollen, it may have a desensitizing effect over time. It needs to be harvested locally for you to be desensitized to local allergens.

• To sleep better; stir a teaspoon into herbal tea – you’ll fall asleep faster.

• It is antibacterial; dab a little over a cut or scrape before covering with a bandage to promote faster healing.

• Whipped cream; substitute honey for sugar and it will stay firmer longer.

Baking tips:

• Use when warm

• To keep it from sticking, use a bit of oil in the measuring cup first

• Substitute 1 cup of honey for 1 cup of sugar, but reduce liquids by ½ cup.

• Reduce oven temp by 15C or 25F

• Add ½ tsp of baking soda for each cup of honey used

Please Note: Honey has to be the unpasteurized version – not the pasteurized version from the store, otherwise you don’t get the natural benefits. Please support your local producers and get the good stuff! It is an ethical and environmentally friendly choice. (Honey should not be fed to infants under the age of one.)

Listed below are 2 Members of the local Limestone Beekeeper’s Guild:

— For information or to purchase honey: Jim & Helga Elliott: 613-541-0094

— Workshop: If you would like to become a beekeeper for a day: contact Bill Kirby. 613-377-6462 or email: bkirby@kos.net.

The importance of Bees by Helen MacIsaac-Bertrim – Founder of Bee Real Products

Bees are the foundation of our existence, of all of nature.  Bees = production of vegetables, fruits and flowers. A third of what we eat is thanks to the honey bees. The bees are suffering from all the pesticides used on our lawns, gardens and our crops  – and with that comes the decline of food. It’s amazing to think of all that the bees do, they pollinate so we can have food, they produce honey which naturally resists moulds, fungi and other bacteria, it helps with colds and flus and also helps clean wounds.   The honeycomb makes the best wax for candles (a natural byproduct);  they last longer and are non toxic.  We can breathe in the natural sweet smell of a burning beeswax candle without worrying about the health effects of breathing in chemicals. I also use beeswax in my skincare products, as it forms a protective barrier on our skin, to keep out free radicals and environmental pollutants, it also makes my sunscreen more durable. Contac Helent: beerealproducts@live.ca

Wishing you an abundant summer filled with much love. As always – I am here to support you in this life journey and always love your feedback. I hope to see you soon!

Where is Cheryl

Upcoming workshops & events:

May

May 25 – Connecting With the Angels 101 (9:30 – 4:30)

May 26 – Reiki Drumming (9:30 – 4:00)

June

June 1/2 – Journey to Authenticity 2-Day Intensive (9:30 – 5:00)

June 13 – Reiki Share (6:30 – 9:00)

June 15/16 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

June 22/23 – Reiki: Second Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

June 29 – IET for Pets (9:30 – 5:00)

July

July 6/7 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

July 13/14 – Reiki: Third Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

July 20 – The Chakras Class: Theory, Clearing & Balancing (9:30 – 4:30)

July 21 – Healing With Crystals Workshop (9:30 – 4:30)

August

August 10-12 – Usui Reiki Master 3-day Training (9:30 – 5:00)

August 23-25 – Karuna Reiki Master Training (9:30 – 5:00)

Note: There are more classes to be added… so keep checking back for updates.

Your Wellness Tip

Yes, that’s true. In the 1980’s there was a complete reversal and now of course we are being warned to stay out of the sun.

You need to get outside for at least 30 minutes every day, especially when the sun is shining. Regular exposure helps to ward off seasonal depression, and even just 10-15 minutes can stimulate our system to produce adequate amounts of Vitamin D which is essential for bone & teeth health, and can help to prevent cancer. It also helps you feel calmer and more alert. 80-90 % of North Americans are Vitamin D deficient! Vitamin D helps the body to enhance the ability of calcium to be absorbed into the cells of bones.

Sunlight is every bit as important to your health as a deep sleep, exercise, deep breathing to oxygenate your tissues and clean water.

So…get out there, go for a walk, do some gardening, and enjoy yourself knowing that you are greatly affecting your health in a positive way!!

Note: Make sure that you gradually increase your exposure, that you wear a hat and never let yourself get a burn.

About Cheryl

In This Edition

Quote of the Week

“Confront issues and challenges – not each other.” ~ Suzanne Mayo Frindt

Personal Note from Cheryl

The 8th annual Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre Spring Baby Shower event was a huge success last Sunday. We raised over $20,000. Thank you to everyone that came out for the day and all those that donated time, money, energy and items for the auctions. Your generosity helps to rescue, rehabilitate and release thousand of animals each year.

You can still donate if you did not have a chance to make a personal appearance: 

www.sandypineswildlife.org

Thank you to Staples (Riocan), East Gate Health, Dr. Yan Chen, Devon Cosgrove, Eastern Cowboy, Gallery Raymond, Mackenzie Chocolates, Lindy Martin, Tina Lynch, Howard Jacobson, Jill Hewlett, Frank Carone, Rina Thibault, Valerie Thomas, Sonya Nobbe, Life Yoga, Bee Real Products and dozens of others that donated to this amazing event!

There are plenty of exciting workshops with me this summer…details are on the website or send me an email for more information and your questions. There are more added each week, so please stay tuned.

Wishing you a joyful, healthy and abundant week,

P.S.  Welcome to all the new readers that have joined our community!  You’re going to love the resources you’ll find here!  Enjoy!

Cheryl Recommends

Would you like to live your life authentically? Are you living the life you intended?

You will experience deep conversations that allow for tangible shifting of thoughts, patterns and old paradigms. Learn to live from the place that you know exists. Your authentic self provides personal clarity and ongoing inner guidance as you live each day more choicefully.

http://sacred-journeys.ca/services/journey-to-authenticity/

Date: June 1 & 2
Time: 9:30 – 5:00
Cost: $397.00

Feature Article

Cell Phone Etiquette

The advantages in having this convenience are fabulous, however, there might be a few things we can do to ensure we are being polite and respectful in their usage.

In a workshop I hosted recently, the discussion of cell phone etiquette came up. It seems we have strong opinions about this. I finally got my iPhone in November and since it had been a few years I had to learn a few niceties myself. I have caught myself many times using my phone to text while in conversation etc. and really have to watch myself.

These are a few things we came up with:

When you are spending time with someone and your phone rings: unless it is an absolute emergency, it is downright rude to answer the phone. By answering the phone you are basically sending a message to the person you are currently with that the person calling is more important than they are.

When you really need to make a call and are with someone: ask them if they would mind if you made a quick call.

Talking on the phone in public: why does everyone feel they need to raise their voice or yell when speaking? And we really get to hear some personal stuff, don’t we? Texting is always a nice option.

You sit down for a coffee with a friend – they set their phone down on the table and as you talk you can see them glancing over at the phone the entire time. This is not being present and respectful. (When I see this I wonder if we might get more attention by sitting at another table and texting them! Haha)

When you need to connect and are in a crowded space or where talking would seem obtrusive – keeping a distance of about 10 feet is polite.

Out for lunch or spending time with someone: you are in the middle of a conversation and their phone rings  – they simply answer it interrupting your time, and talk and laugh as if that was normal behaviour. Would we walk away from someone in the middle of a conversation to talk to someone else and then come back and say: “Okay where were we?” We thought it might be nicer to simply turn the phone off or put it away.

Although this article might seem to be a bit of a rant this week – it is something that I felt needed to be addressed as I learn myself. Phones are not going the way of the dinosaur anytime soon, therefore knowledge on how to utilize them in a respectful way is essential.

Wishing you an abundant summer filled with much love. As always – I am here to support you in this life journey and always love your feedback. I hope to see you soon!

Where is Cheryl

Upcoming workshops & events:

May

May 11/12 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

May 25 – Connecting With the Angels 101 (9:30 – 4:30)

May 26 – Reiki Drumming (9:30 – 4:00)

June

June 1/2 – Journey to Authenticity 2-Day Intensive (9:30 – 5:00)

June 13 – Reiki Share (6:30 – 9:00)

June 15/16 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

June 22/23 – Reiki: Second Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

June 29 – IET for Pets (9:30 – 5:00)

July

July 6/7 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

July 13/14 – Reiki: Third Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

July 20 – The Chakras Class: Theory, Clearing & Balancing (9:30 – 4:30)

July 21 – Healing With Crystals Workshop (9:30 – 4:30)

August

August 10-12 – Usui Reiki Master 3-day Training (9:30 – 5:00)

August 23-25 – Karuna Reiki Master Training (9:30 – 5:00)

Note: There are more classes to be added… so keep checking back for updates.

Your Wellness Tip

Instead of pulling out all of your precious dandelions, save a few.  These first spring dandelions have a special bitters quality that is perfect nourishment to the human liver. Eating 4 clean pieces a day in the spring’s first 4 weeks assists the Liver’s own Detox agenda at this time of year. It is an old European Herbal recommendation that was widely circulated by the renowned healer Hanna Kroeger. Early shoots of medicinal herbs carry special vital qualities in the Spring, for example: lovage, comfrey, garlic, perennial onions, coltsfoot, horsetail and so on.

I am eating four little yellow dandelions every day right from my healthy backyard lawn – after making sure I am not consuming any little living beings. (Doing ion cleanses with me at this time of year  is also an excellent way to detox from such a long winter.)

Please consult your homeopath, naturopath or doctor before taking anything new in case there might be any potential contraindications. (And thank you Susanna Davis for this knowledge.)

About Cheryl

In This Edition

Quote of the Week

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

Personal Note from Cheryl

2 weeks ago I completed Sacred Childbirth with Reiki practitioner training with Cori Nielsen and will now be offering these sessions as part of my wellness practice. I have been practicing and teaching Reiki for 13 years and felt it was important to add this specialty training. These sessions are for anyone who:

•    is pregnant right now
•    has given birth and would like to clear the trauma from that experience
•    has had a miscarriage or abortion, or is experiencing infertility
•    has had a traumatic personal birth experience
•    or like me: anyone who has not given birth at all and would like to clear the grief

Childbirth is a rite of passage for the baby, the mother, and the family.

Are you dreaming of an easy, drug-free, natural childbirth and long to feel empowered and joyous about your birthing experience? Do you desire to flow with the rhythms of your body and your baby during birth?

Sacred Childbirth with Reiki™ gives you the tools to create your dream birth:
*  relaxation into the core of your being
*  clearing of fear, trauma, and negativity about birth
*  practice accessing your body’s knowledge on how to birth in ease

I have already been working for years with women who have had miscarriages, are trying to get pregnant and work with them throughout their entire pregnancy.

There are plenty of exciting workshops with me this spring…details are on the website or send me an email for more information and your questions. There are more added each week, so please stay tuned.

Wishing you a joyful, healthy and abundant week,

P.S.  Welcome to all the new readers that have joined our community!  You’re going to love the resources you’ll find here!  Enjoy!

Cheryl Recommends

On the Oprah Winfrey show Dr. Oz said, “We’re beginning now to understand things that we know in our hearts are true but we could never measure. As we get better at understanding how little we know about the body, we begin to realize that the next big frontier in medicine is energy medicine. It’s not the mechanistic part of the joints moving. It’s not the chemistry of our body. It’s understanding for the first time how energy influences how we feel.”

I have been teaching and practicing Reiki for 13 years now and am considered an expert in the field. I write regular articles for the Canadian Reiki Association newsletter and am a registered teacher with them. This class will change your life! It helped me recover from and manage depression and anxiety.

My next First Degree Reiki class is coming soon: May 11/12. This life changing  2-day workshop is small, safe and sacred. Please feel free to call or email me to ask any questions at all. It is a truly wonderful investment in your long term health and wellness.

(Feel free to book a Reiki session with me if you are curious and not quite ready for a class.)

Feature Article

We Are All One

The title of the article this week reminds us how we are all truly one. There is no being on this planet that is more important than another. We all have our unique place and all beings deserve that place to be respected – whether it is a human, an animal, a bird, etc. Oneness is about connectedness. When we feel connected to everything and everyone around us, when we feel what those around us feel, when we feel what the trees, the flowers and the wind feels, when we feel what the birds in the air and how the ground underneath our feet feels; that is the true expression of Oneness.

I am writing about oneness because of a wildlife rescue organization I became aware of several years ago. Since then I have been assisting with fundraising activities for Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre (SPWC) They have a big place in my heart for all they do. The 8th Annual Baby Shower is coming up this Sunday May 5th. (Please see the poster below for details.) They really need our support. If you cannot attend the event personally you can visit their website and donate from there anytime. www.sandypineswildlife.org

The picture here is myself and Rita taking care of the silent auction table at SPWC Baby Shower last year – which is where we will be again this year! Please come and say hello.

Here is a little info about SPWC:

Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre (SPWC) has been in operation for nearly 20 years, since 1990, and became a registered charity on January 1st, 2002. Founder and President Sue Meech is licensed provincially by the Ministry of Natural Resources and federally by Canadian Wildlife Services to provide care and shelter for wildlife. SPWC has provided an incredible level of service to the community on a very limited budget thanks to the tremendous and unwavering dedication of the staff and volunteers. To date, we receive no government funding and depend on donations from the public.

Our mandate is to rehabilitate all injured and orphaned wildlife (mammals, birds, and some reptiles/amphibians) in south-eastern Ontario and successfully release them back into their natural habitat. Our primary goal is to promote peaceful co-existence of people with our wild neighbours, and to ensure that they are given the best chance at a healthy life in their natural environment. We provide advice and assistance to property owners on humanely handling wildlife conflict situations. While taking thousands of calls throughout the year from all over Eastern Ontario, SPWC receives most of the public enquiries from Frontenac, Lennox & Addington and Hasting counties. In fact most of the people we help are from Kingston and surrounding areas. We also work closely with the veterinarians and Humane Societies across Ontario, and have implemented an educational outreach program to teach youth about environmental stewardship and the conservation of wildlife.

Sandy Pines has a wish list of items they need right away: please bring as many as you can with you to the Baby Shower. If you cannot come for the day – you are more than welcome to leave them with me and I will take them out on Sunday.

• toilet paper
• paper towels
• bleach
• unsalted almonds
• disposable gloves
• dish soaplaundry detergent
• walnuts
• pumpkin seeds

Wishing you an abundant spring filled with much love. As always – I am here to support you in this life journey and always love your feedback. I hope to see you soon!

Where is Cheryl

Upcoming workshops & events:

May

May 5 – Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre Fundraiser (10:00 – 4:00)

May 11/12 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

May 25 – Connecting With the Angels 101 (9:30 – 4:30)

May 26 – Reiki Drumming (9:30 – 4:00)

June

June 1/2 – Journey to Authenticity 2-Day Intensive (9:30 – 5:00)

June 15/16 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

June 22/23 – Reiki: Second Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

June 29 – IET for Pets (9:30 – 5:00)

July

July 6/7 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

July 13/14 – Reiki: Third Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

July 20 – The Chakras Class: Theory, Clearing & Balancing (9:30 – 4:30)

July 21 – Healing With Crystals Workshop (9:30 – 4:30)

August

August 9-11 – Usui Reiki Master 3-day Training (9:30 – 5:00)

August 23-25 – Karuna Reiki Master Training (9:30 – 5:00)

Note: There are more classes to be added… so keep checking back for updates.

Please take a moment to read what people had to say about my latest 10 week Journey to Authenticity workshop series:

“I find your work truly inspirational. You shine up there when you speak. I feel so light and energized after, even if the topics are “heavy” at times. It is such a luxury and honour for me to be a part of what you’ve created. What a wonderful calling you have Thank you for putting so much spirit into it.” S.N.

Your Wellness Tip

• Root vegetables: carrots, potatoes, parsnips, radishes, beets, onions, garlic, etc.
• Protein-rich foods: eggs, meats, beans, tofu, soy products, peanut butter
• Spices: horseradish, hot paprika, chives, cayenne, pepper

…and I have heard that chocolate and beer are grounding too!!

About Cheryl

In This Edition

Quote of the Week

“This is the other secret that real artists know and wannabe writers don’t. When we sit down each day and do our work, power concentrates around us. The Muse takes note of our dedication. She approves. We have earned favor in her sight. When we sit down and work, we become like a magnetized rod that attracts iron filings. Ideas come. Insights accrete.

Resistance is experienced as fear; the degree of fear equates to the strength of Resistance. Therefore the more fear we feel about a specific enterprise, the more certain we can be that that enterprise is important to us and to the growth of our soul. That’s why we feel so much Resistance. If it meant nothing to us, there’d be no Resistance.

Are you paralyzed with fear? That’s a good sign. Fear is good. Like self-doubt, fear is an indicator. Fear tells us what we have to do. Remember one rule of thumb: the more scared we are of a work or calling, the more sure we can be that we have to do it.” ~ Steven Pressfield

Personal Note from Cheryl

2 weeks ago I completed Sacred Childbirth with Reiki practitioner training with Cori Nielsen and will now be offering these sessions as part of my wellness practice. I have been practicing and teaching Reiki for 13 years and felt it was important to add this specialty training. These sessions are for anyone who:

•    is pregnant right now
•    has given birth and would like to clear the trauma from that experience
•    has had a miscarriage or abortion, or is experiencing infertility
•    has had a traumatic personal birth experience
•    or like me: anyone who has not given birth at all and would like to clear the grief

Childbirth is a rite of passage for the baby, the mother, and the family.

Are you dreaming of an easy, drug-free, natural childbirth and long to feel empowered and joyous about your birthing experience? Do you desire to flow with the rhythms of your body and your baby during birth?

Sacred Childbirth with Reiki™ gives you the tools to create your dream birth:
*  relaxation into the core of your being
*  clearing of fear, trauma, and negativity about birth
*  practice accessing your body’s knowledge on how to birth in ease

I have already been working for years with women who have had miscarriages, are trying to get pregnant and work with them throughout their entire pregnancy.

There are plenty of exciting workshops with me this spring…details are on the website or send me an email for more information and your questions. There are more added each week, so please stay tuned.

Wishing you a joyful, healthy and abundant week,

P.S.  Welcome to all the new readers that have joined our community!  You’re going to love the resources you’ll find here!  Enjoy!

Cheryl Recommends

On the Oprah Winfrey show Dr. Oz said, “We’re beginning now to understand things that we know in our hearts are true but we could never measure. As we get better at understanding how little we know about the body, we begin to realize that the next big frontier in medicine is energy medicine. It’s not the mechanistic part of the joints moving. It’s not the chemistry of our body. It’s understanding for the first time how energy influences how we feel.”

I have been teaching and practicing Reiki for 13 years now and am considered an expert in the field. I write regular articles for the Canadian Reiki Association newsletter and am a registered teacher with them. This class will change your life! It helped me recover from and manage depression and anxiety.

My next First Degree Reiki class is coming soon: May 11/12. This life changing  2-day workshop is small, safe and sacred. Please feel free to call or email me to ask any questions at all. It is a truly wonderful investment in your long term health and wellness. If you book and pay by April 30th – you will receive a free Reiki session!

(Feel free to book a Reiki session with me if you are curious and not quite ready for a class.)

Feature Article

Stepping Outside the Circle

“Whenever I draw a circle, I immediately want to step out of it.”
–Buckminster Fuller

The quote above inspired me to write the following article. There are a couple of ways to interpret this quote: it could mean stepping away from the group, moving away from the norm, designing your life your way, or creating your own circle according to your own beliefs and vibration.

My life design began in earnest when I studied Reiki and began to practice 13 years ago. At first I would hear comments such as: “Isn’t that hocus pocus or voodoo; did you arrive here on your broom?”  I still get comments about how I march to the beat of a different drummer. I guess Dr. Oz and Oprah march to that drummer too, because they love and promote Reiki as well – I am in good company!  Being involved in this kind of work was definitely stepping outside the circle when I first began. I really had to develop inner strength to go forward with this work.

Have you thought about your circle? Do you choose to be your authentic self in your life or go with the flow and try to fit in? Are you more yourself with certain people or situations?  Which feels easier – fitting in or being yourself, and which feels more in alignment with your true self? Not being in the circle, not conforming and marching to your own beat isn’t always the easiest path, but it can be very rewarding indeed.

When are you truly your best self? Is it when you follow your inner compass or the expectations of others? These are all important things to consider as we move more toward being who we were meant to be. If we give away too much of ourselves and are everything to everyone – what do we have left for ourselves? When do we get to live our own dreams? Someone said to me recently: “You are busy helping everyone else live their dreams…are you living yours?”” I thought I was and I am. However, when I was alone and began to reflect I realized I was leaving out some big pieces. I truly want to spend more time writing and teaching. I need to step out of my comfort zone yet again to achieve this next step.

We might give ourselves away far too often – we compromise, acquiesce, and are told to “get with the program” when we stray from the so-called norm. Does any of this speak to you? Are you craving / yearning to do something different with your life? We tend to push away our emotions and suck it up. Maybe we get tired of the circle and leave…or maybe we stay and numb out like the song lyrics by U2 – Comfortably Numb.

“When I was a child
I caught a fleeting glimpse
Out of the corner of my eye
I turned to look but it was gone
I cannot put my finger on it now
This child is grown
The dream is gone
And I have become
Comfortably Numb”

Allow yourself to be fully alive and living the life you intended – please let go of the numbness.

And I simply have to share the wise words below as well. Sometimes it is our greatness that scares us and keeps us small.

Excerpt from Marianne Williamson’s book A Return to Love:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.
It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant,
gorgeous, talented, fabulous?
Actually, who are you NOT to be?
You are a child of God. Your playing small
Does not serve the World.
There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so
that other people won’t feel insecure around you.
We were born to make manifest the glory of
God that is within us.
It is not just in some of us;
it is in everyone.
As we let our own light shine; we unconsciously
give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

Consider historical figures such as Gandhi, Nelson Mandela and Martin Luther King  – they stood out – they were ridiculed and arrested. But look what they achieved! They stepped out of the circle and into their truth.

Take one bold step today. And let me know about it. I get it!

Wishing you an abundant spring filled with much love. As always – I am here to support you in this life journey and always love your feedback. I hope to see you soon!

Where is Cheryl

Upcoming workshops & events:

May

May 3/4 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

May 5 – Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre Fundraiser (10:00 – 4:00)

May 11/12 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

May 25 – Connecting With the Angels 101 (9:30 – 4:30)

May 26 – Reiki Drumming (9:30 – 4:00)

June

June 1/2 – Journey to Authenticity 2-Day Intensive (9:30 – 5:00)

June 15/16 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

June 22/23 – Reiki: Second Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

June 29 – IET for Pets (9:30 – 5:00)

July

July 6/7 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

July 13/14 – Reiki: Third Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

July 20 – The Chakras Class: Theory, Clearing & Balancing (9:30 – 4:30)

July 21 – Healing With Crystals Workshop (9:30 – 4:30)

August

August 9-11 – Usui Reiki Master 3-day Training (9:30 – 5:00)

August 23-25 – Karuna Reiki Master Training (9:30 – 5:00)

Note: There are more classes to be added… so keep checking back for updates.

Your Wellness Tip

About Cheryl

In This Edition

Quote of the Week

“Why don’t we pay more attention to who our farmers are? We would never be as careless choosing an auto mechanic or babysitter as we are about who grows our food.” ~ Michael Pollan

Personal Note from Cheryl

I will share more details about what I will be offering next week. Right now I am at a loss for words. It was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. I look forward to sharing more with you as I integrate the teachings and am so excited to bring this to my practice!

There are plenty of exciting workshops with me this spring…details are on the website or send me an email for more information and your questions. There are more added each week, so please stay tuned.

Wishing you a joyful, healthy and abundant week,

P.S.  Welcome to all the new readers that have joined our community!  You’re going to love the resources you’ll find here!  Enjoy!

Cheryl Recommends

Introduction to Meditation Class

Understanding Stress and Introduction to Meditation workshop: What is stress and how is it caused? You will learn wonderful coping strategies to cope with stress and how simple meditation techniques calm your mind, body and spirit. The class will include breathing techniques and easy ways to begin a meditation practice now. You will experience a relaxing guided meditation leaving you calm and refreshed. Please bring a Yoga mat and small pillow if you wish. Dress comfortably.

Date: Sunday April 21
Time: 9:30am -12:00pm
Cost: $55.00+hst

Feature Article

The Birds and the Bees

As you begin to open your windows this spring you will enjoy the spirited song of the birds again. You will hear the tree frogs and the crickets making their magical sounds. Do you relish in the vibrant colours as the blossoms on the trees emerge and your gardens begin to flourish with the promise of summer splendour? Do you know that the flowers and the vegetables exist from the pollination of the bees and other insects that carry the pollen from flower to flower? Did you know that birds eat many of those insects? Well here’s the scoop – if you are using chemicals like pesticides, herbicides and some types of fertilizers on your lawn and in your gardens you will hear less birds each spring, and there will be fewer flowers as well. The poison contained in these products do not only kill the weeds, but all of the living beings that bring us flowers, vegetables and nature sounds. When the birds consume the infected insects, they get sick and die.

In this week’s article I would like to discuss the use of chemicals in your homes and yard. The use of chemicals affects your wellness, the wellness of your children and animal companions, as well as, all living beings that exist around you. They all have equal value and deserve the same respect. Yes, I am on my soapbox this week but I am VERY concerned every spring when I see the cars loaded up with bags and bottles of toxins and I see the lawn companies begin spraying.

We need to be aware and help spread this knowledge to others.

We are bombarded with toxins from all directions in our daily lives, and this is one area we can control if we take some time to think when we shop for products for our homes and our yards. When we spray our lawns with pesticide for example, our dogs and cats carry it in. Our children play in it. Now it is in the carpets and perhaps in our beds if they nap there. Children play on the carpets and ingest it. Animals lick their paws. Birds and insects are affected as they ingest it and are covered in it. I saw a gorgeous golden retriever napping on my neighbour’s lawn one summer… his back to the skull and crossbones sign (from the pesticide company) behind him. I found out months later the dog was dying of cancer, no wonder.

I recall bending over to inhale the aroma of a gorgeous rose in my uncle’s garden in California years ago, only to find that it had no fragrance at all. I called him over and asked him why. He told me that they don’t like bugs so they have created hybrids with no fragrance. I was in a state of shock when I heard that. Controlling nature in this unnatural way will only have terrible long term repercussions along the entire food chain, including each one of us. I cannot stress enough how we need to refrain 100% from using these toxic compounds that have been proven over and over again to be permanently damaging our earth. Please take care in any product you purchase. If the label says it is safe for the environment AND kills weeds then it is a dangerous poison, no matter what the label states.

What are the options for indoor healthy cleaning supplies and safe outdoor products?

Outdoors: first of all, who really cares if the lawn is weed free. Grass is an unnatural phenomenon anyway… dig some of it up and plant some vegetables, or get some chickens for fresh eggs. Pick the dandelions and add them to your salad (if they have not been poisoned of course). Dandelions are there in the spring to help us detoxify our liver after a long winter. Every so-called weed is there for a reason.

I have read that most fertilizers are not toxic unless they are eaten right from the bag, since they normally contain primarily nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. If animals are eating fertilized grass it can upset their stomachs. Weed killers and herbicides are dangerous and poisonous. I pull out invasive weeds manually and plant loads of grass seed where needed. A thick lawn will naturally choke out the weeds. Cutting the grass too short can allow weeds seeds to creep in and germinate in-between the blades of grass; so raise the blade on your lawn mower. Taller grass will require less watering over the hot summer months as well.

Insecticides are bad news and can pose a real threat to our health. They are not properly labelled and the companies are not required to do so. Using them can cause serious damage to the nervous system of anything alive (us, our children, our animals, the birds etc), possibly causing paralysis and muscle weakness. Go to your health food stores or the health section and look for organic natural products that are safe for you and the environment. Go online and do some research before you buy products that could cause harm to us all.

Indoors: harmful chemicals can create indoor pollution. The combination of certain products can be even more toxic. Here are a few ideas and way to use natural products:

• Borax: Combining equal amounts of white vinegar and borax will banish mold and mildew from hard surfaces. This natural mineral can also clean your toilet. Pour 1 cup of borax into the toilet bowl and let it sit for a few hours before scrubbing to eliminate stains and odor. 1 cup with your laundry can help eliminate mildew from towels in the humid summer months.

• Distilled White Vinegar: It cuts grease, eats away lime deposits and destroys odors. Because of its neutralizing properties, white vinegar is also good for washing windows, sanitizing kitchen counters and shining bathroom fixtures. Simply dilute 1 part vinegar in 4 parts water. A natural antibacterial because of its high acid content, vinegar is an effective alternative to caustic cleaners on toilets and floors.

• Hydrogen Peroxide: Typically found in the medicine cabinet, this disinfectant can also be used as an effective bleach alternative in the laundry room. Because it’s also a powerful oxidizing agent, it works especially well on food, soil, plant, blood and other organic stains. Just make sure to spot test in a discreet area because, like bleach, hydrogen peroxide may lighten fabrics. For each average-size load of whites, add 8 ounces of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide after you have filled the washer with hot water.

• Baking Soda: A truly multitasking cleaner, baking soda is a perfect substitute for cleaning powders that scour sinks and tubs without scratching. It’s also great for wiping down and deodorizing the fridge. Combined with an equal amount of vinegar, baking soda can freshen drains and prevent them from clogging. Sprinkle some on your carpets before vacuuming for a natural deodorizer.

• Lemons: Lemon’s citric acid content cuts stubborn grease and makes your home smell fresh. Lemon juice is also a natural bleach, especially when combined with the sun. Freshen cutting boards by rubbing a cut lemon over the surface. This is especially effective for fish odors. Undiluted lemon juice can also be used to dissolve soap scum and hard water deposits.

And check out David Suzuki’s website for more great tips. www.davidsuziki.org
It all comes down to what is most important… a perfectly manicured weedless green lawn or the health of our planet and all living beings. Let’s make the right decision this spring. All of the future generations will thank us for our stewardship.

Wishing you an abundant spring filled with much love. As always – I am here to support you in this life journey and always love your feedback. I hope to see you soon!

Where is Cheryl

Upcoming workshops & events:

April

April 18 – Energy Medicine Workshop (6:30 – 9:00)

April 21 – Introduction to Meditation/Understanding Stress (9:30 – 12:00)

May

May 3/4 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

May 5 – Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre Fundraiser (10:00 – 4:00)

May 11/12 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

May 25 – Connecting With the Angels 101 (9:30 – 4:30)

May 26 – Reiki Drumming (9:30 – 4:00)

June

June 1/2 – Journey to Authenticity 2-Day Intensive (9:30 – 5:00)

June 15/16 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

June 22/23 – Reiki: Second Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

June 29 – IET for Pets (9:30 – 5:00)

July

July 6/7 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

July 13/14 – Reiki: Third Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

July 20 – The Chakras Class: Theory, Clearing & Balancing (9:30 – 4:30)

July 21 – Healing With Crystals Workshop (9:30 – 4:30)

August

August 9-11 – Usui Reiki Master 3-day Training (9:30 – 5:00)

August 23-25 – Karuna Reiki Master Training (9:30 – 5:00)

Note: There are more classes to be added… so keep checking back for updates.

Your Wellness Tip

About Cheryl

In This Edition

Quote of the Week

“Abundance is not something we acquire. It is something we tune into.” ~ Dr. Wayne Dyer

Personal Note from Cheryl

Please join me Saturday April 20th for another amazing Bay Gala: 12:00 – 7:00pm.
The Bay is asking $10.00 for the event. $8.00 will go toward the purchase of cosmetics and $2.00 is donated to a women’s focused charity. The charity is THE LOOK GOOD FEEL BETTER ORGANIZATION – Helping women with cancer. Myself and a few other lovely ladies (Laura Cruse and Carrie Leigh Bartlett) will be offering mini Reiki sessions. Come and enter the draw to win a 90 minute session with me – and you know I always have chocolate!

There are plenty of exciting workshops with me this spring…details are on the website or send me an email for more information and your questions. There are more added each week, so please stay tuned.

Wishing you a joyful, healthy and abundant week,

P.S.  Welcome to all the new readers that have joined our community!  You’re going to love the resources you’ll find here!  Enjoy!

Cheryl Recommends

http://sacred-journeys.ca/services/journey-to-authenticity/

Introduction to Meditation Class

Research has shown that meditation – even after only 10 hours over several weeks can affect brain function. Even a few minutes per day can make a huge difference in your daily life.

In this class you will learn how meditation techniques calm your mind, body and spirit. This will change your life and assist you in coping with stress, anxiety or depression. The class will be a combination of breathing techniques and easy ways to begin a meditation practice now. We will discuss stress, its negative impact on your life and coping strategies.  Common fallacies and misperceptions about a meditation practice will be dispelled. It is easier than you think! You will also experience a relaxing guided meditation leaving you calm and refreshed. Please bring a Yoga mat and small pillow if you wish. Dress comfortably. 

Date: Sunday April 21
Time: 9:30am -12:00pm
Cost: $55.00+hst

Feature Article

But I Don’t Have the Money For…

Does this sound familiar? Please don’t say it. Don’t even think it.

We all say this every now and then, but are we aware of what we are really saying? Did you know money is energy? Money is energy; it listens closely and follows your intentions.

Contemplate this for a moment: When you go to a restaurant you receive a menu, look over the options and decide on the items you want. The waiter arrives and you place your order. When the waiter walks away you KNOW it is coming your way. You simply have to wait for it to be prepared in the kitchen. Then the waiter brings it out and places it right in front of you.

Or do you feel unsure about your order after you have placed it? Maybe you decide to follow the waiter around to make sure he got your order. You keep reminding him: “Excuse me – you know I ordered a clubhouse sandwich right? Don’t forget I wanted a salad instead of the fries?” Then you follow him around the restaurant, maybe right into the kitchen – making sure he doesn’t forget. You really want this sandwich – you are so hungry for it. You keep asking and reminding him, just in case.

Life presents us with an incredible list of menu items to choose from. Our life’s work, our home, travel, happiness, joy, love, wellness, material items – we have an unlimited supply to choose from. If we approached our life with the same attitude as the restaurant scenario – how could it change right now?  What if we knew for sure the items we chose on the menu would indeed arrive? I believe they can. But we can get in the way of the order being delivered.

When we plead and beg for those things we choose from our life menu we are coming from a place of lack or scarcity.  Pleading is assuming that they do not exist (or if they do – not for us.) When we believe the order is coming we have a better chance of it arriving. It is more effective to direct our intention and energy on what we intend to create in our lives instead of focusing on what we don’t have. Focusing on what we don’t have can create even more of the same. We must utilize positive energy and emotion to truly manifest…see, feel taste, touch and smell it – use all the senses. Make it as real as you can for yourself. And – Poof! There it is. Our intentions create what we see in our lives…keep a close eye on those thoughts.

Try this when you are working to bring something from the “life menu” into your life. Fill in the blank for the following statements:

I have the money to ____.
I have ___.
I am happy and grateful now that ___.
I easily manifest: ___.

Notice how it feels to create these statements? Let the excitement fill you. Be playful.

First set the intention. Then let go and trust. The Universe always responds. In just the right time.

And we don’t always know how things might show up in our lives…examples: a tax refund, your investments skyrocket, back pay from your job – windfalls can arrive in many forms.

Let’s learn to live in the now – in the present. If we postpone our abundant living till tomorrow, that day may never come. Tune into your abundant mentality now!! Here is one more quote for you today.

“What about creating a very obvious positive current of financial abundance? What about getting so good at visualizing that the money flows through you easily? What about expending money? Giving more people work? Giving more people opportunity? The more you spend, the more people benefit, and the more people get in on the game and dovetail with you. Your role is to utilize the Energy. That’s why you exist. You are an Energy-flowing being, a focuser, a perceiver. You are a Creator. There is not anything worse in all of the Universe to do than to come forth into the environment of great contrast where desire is born easily and not allow Energy to flow to your desire. That is a true squandering of life.” — Abraham

Wishing you an abundant spring filled with much love. As always – I am here to support you in this life journey and always love your feedback. I hope to see you soon!

Where is Cheryl

Upcoming workshops & events:

April

April 16 (10 Tues) - Journey to Authenticity 10 week series (6:30 – 9:00)

April 18 – Energy Medicine Workshop (6:30 – 9:00)

April 20 – Women’s Gala Event at the Bay (12:00 – 7:00)

April 21 – Introduction to Meditation/Understanding Stress (9:30 – 12:00)

May

May 3/4 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

May 5 – Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre Fundraiser (10:00 – 4:00)

May 11/12 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

May 25 – Connecting With the Angels 101 (9:30 – 4:30)

May 26 – Reiki Drumming (9:30 – 4:00)

June

June 1/2 – Journey to Authenticity 2-Day Intensive (9:30 – 5:00)

June 15/16 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

June 22/23 – Reiki: Second Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

June 29 – IET for Pets (9:30 – 5:00)

July

July 6/7 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

July 13/14 – Reiki: Third Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

July 20 – The Chakras Class: Theory, Clearing & Balancing (9:30 – 4:30)

July 21 – Healing With Crystals Workshop (9:30 – 4:30)

August

August 9-11 – Usui Reiki Master 3-day Training (9:30 – 5:00)

August 23-25 – Karuna Reiki Master Training (9:30 – 5:00)

Please take a moment to read what people had to say about the recent ezine:

“Cheryl, you know what I love about you? You look at these things about us that are les than ideal, write about them in a way that everyone can relate to, and then say: hey, this isn’t that big a deal, we all do it, let’s notice it and just get along with ourselves and each other. The high and mighty, the low and forlorn, I think everyone feels the things you describe in your newsletters. You always remind me that I’m just a person and all manner of things are and will be fine!” S.M.

“Thank you for your weekly articles. Every week I send it to my family, friends and co-workers. It is so often a topic going on in my life right at the moment. And thanks for the supportive session with you – the Reiki and the EFT – they are both REALLY working to calm my anxiety and relieve my depression.” A.M.

Note: There are more classes to be added… so keep checking back for updates.

Your Wellness Tip

1. Sliding into a hot bubble bath. Light some candles, add some lavender to the bubbles, add a little soothing music and mmmm…it all gets washed away.
2. Sipping chamomile tea with my feet up. Ahhh…heaven.
3. Yin or relaxation Yoga class. I sleep like a baby.
4. Yes, I am going to say it: sex. It has been proven to relieve stress. This one is worth the time.

About Cheryl

In This Edition

Quote of the Week

“It is spring again. The earth is like a child that knows poems by heart.” ~ Rainer Maria Rilke

Personal Note from Cheryl

Easter weekend was a nice little holiday for so many. I saw so many robins, chipmunks and a gorgeous pair of cardinals over the past week – a sure sign of spring. You can feel the excitement in the air this year. It’s been a long cold winter which builds on the anticipation of spring and summer. And please read my quote for this week…it is gorgeous!

There are plenty of exciting workshops with me this spring…details are on the website or send me an email for more information and your questions. There are more added each week, so please stay tuned.

Wishing you a joyful, healthy and abundant week,

P.S.  Welcome to all the new readers that have joined our community!  You’re going to love the resources you’ll find here!  Enjoy!

Cheryl Recommends

Have you tried a Soul Reading with me yet? Spring is a great time to for new beginnings and growth.

• Do you ever wonder why you are here, or what you are here to do?
• Do you wonder why you cannot move forward in life
• Do you feel stuck?

A Soul Reading will help you find the answers!

A soul reading is a powerful tool to help you understand your soul theme, soul purpose, and “sacred truth”. It will give you the “big picture” view of your entire life story.
We all have a Soul Blueprint that is a tangible, energetic grid pattern that creates the very foundation for all of our experiences. You will receive validation for all of your life experiences and a deeper understanding of the “why” of your life.
If the time is right for you to do this level of work, you will be guided by your inner spirit to do so.

Let’s get you booked in for this incredible life-changing 2 hour appointment now!

Feature Article

Rising Above Drama and Self Sabotage

Have you ever planned to attend an event and at the last moment got sick? Or planned to go to a workshop that felt a little too challenging and felt too unwell? Do you know people in your life (or yourself) where it seems to be one thing after another; they jump from one drama to another – obstacle after obstacle? It is like the old country song lyrics about losing the wife, the horse, the farm etc. – when it gets worse it gets worse.

When I was younger, I would jokingly say that I had a black cloud following me. It sure felt that way sometimes. We can be addicted to drama in our lives. It can feel like home to us if we grew up in that kind of environment. Having a good story to tell, receiving a lot of attention, playing the victim can be a way some people move through life. We blame everyone else but ourselves for our predicament. That way we don’t have to take responsibility for our lives. It is always someone or something else’s fault.

When I was in University my apartment was impeccably cleaned every time I had an exam or paper to write. Or I would get sick. The sickness was getting in my way, and I used it as an excuse not to move forward. Can anyone else relate to this?

When there is always some kind of crisis in our life, it can prevent us from attaining what we truly desire in life. We postpone our wishes, dreams and desires each time we create conflict for ourselves. And our inner fears can get in the way too. We are often unaware they even exist. Maybe we really don’t want to face them and subsequently self-sabotage.

When we can begin to get to the root of the why and become more aware of our actions and reactions, we can begin to change. We want to find out what is beneath this need for drama or sabotage. What are we afraid of? Do we feel anger, lack of confidence, or unworthiness? Drama creates an adrenalin surge in the body. We can ask ourselves if we are addicted to the high of conflict.

Repetitive negative thought patterns, unhealthy behaviours, and sabotage douse the fire of our passion, deplete our energy and we may find it difficult to move forward. Eventually we will get sick of this cycle and begin making changes. We might seek counselling, start to journal, make a choice to step back from drama, dramatic situations or dramatic people.

Consider this – your thoughts create your reality. When we are aware of the way we are thinking and the thoughts we have most of the time, we will begin to understand why we have drama, conflict or self-sabotage in our lives. A chaotic mind produces chaos outwardly. The best way to bring about change begins on the inside. We can’t change anyone else – all we can do is our own work. And the reward of peace and ease in our life is incredible!

I often share one of my favourite Dr. Wayne Dyer quotes in my classes: “When we change the way we look at things, the things we look at change.” Try it – it works.

Neale Donald Walsch also has some amazing words to share:

“…it sometimes looks like ‘one thing after the other,’
but really, it is Blessing After Blessing.

I know, I know…you don’t experience it that way. But
that’s because you don’t see it that way.  In this business
of life, “What you see is what you get.”

If you think you are looking at struggle, struggle is what you will experience.  If you decide that you are looking at a gift (even if you can’t see it clearing in this exact moment), a gift is what you will get. Just wait. You’ll see. I mean that literally. You will see.

Wishing you an abundant spring filled with much love. As always – I am here to support you in this life journey and always love your feedback. I hope to see you soon!

Where is Cheryl

Upcoming workshops & events:

April

April 4, 11, 18, 25 – Yoga Beginner’s Series 4 weeks (9-00 – 10:15am)

April 6/7 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

April 9 (10 Tues) - Journey to Authenticity 10 week series (6:30 – 9:00)

April 11 (10 Thur) - Journey to Authenticity 10 week series (9:30 – 12:00)

April 18 – Energy Medicine Workshop (6:30 – 9:00)

April 20 – Women’s Gala Event at the Bay (12:00 – 7:00)

April 21 – Introduction to Meditation/Understanding Stress (9:30 – 12:00)

May

May 3/4 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

May 5 – Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre Fundraiser (10:00 – 4:00)

May 11/12 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

May 25 – Connecting With the Angels 101 (9:30 – 4:30)

May 26 – Reiki Drumming (9:30 – 4:00)

June

June 1/2 – Journey to Authenticity 2-Day Intensive (9:30 – 5:00)

June 15/16 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

June 22/23 – Reiki: Second Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

June 29 – IET for Pets (9:30 – 5:00)

July

July 6/7 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

July 13/14 – Reiki: Third Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

July 20 – The Chakras Class: Theory, Clearing & Balancing (9:30 – 4:30)

July 21 – Healing With Crystals Workshop (9:30 – 4:30)

Please take a moment to read what three people had to say about the recent 10 week Journey to Authenticity series of workshops:

“This 10 week series was a phenomenal investment is all ways!!  I have grasped many opportunities for personal development; however, I have to say that this has been one of the deepest, life altering experiences ever!” J.B.

“I have taken many classes with Cheryl!  The “Journey to Authenticity” is a 10 week series that everyone should invest in, if you are looking to learn, grow and enrich yourself.
Every week there was something new and exciting to learn and I was then able to incorporate what I learned into my life in order to make some much needed changes!!  Being in a group setting with like-minded individuals, who are just as eager to learn and to also have an incredible teacher such as Cheryl makes for time well spent!  I am truly grateful for having had this experience!!” Shannon Goulet

“The journey to authenticity has been an informative and enjoyable 10 weeks. Lots of ideas were shared and new views were given on problem solving. I have been able to add more to my Reiki tool box, that allows me to further heal myself and others. Cheryl, as always, provides a safe and loving environment where we are able to share, laugh and heal, without fear of being
judged. I recommend this course to anyone who wishes to continue their journey of wellness.” T.L.

Note: There are more classes to be added… so keep checking back for updates.

Your Wellness Tip

About Cheryl

In This Edition

Quote of the Week

“Is the spring coming?” he said. “What is it like?”
“It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine…” ~ Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

Personal Note from Cheryl

P.S.  Welcome to all the new readers that have joined our community!  You’re going to love the resources you’ll find here!  Enjoy!

Cheryl Recommends

Please visit my website for more detailed information. If you are interested in purchasing an ion cleanse unit for yourself and your family please visit this site: https://hl4y.infusionsoft.com/go/3in1premium/Cheryl/

Feature Article

Emotional Spring Cleaning

We experience emotions in our lives on a regular basis. It is an integral part of us, being these thinking feeling beings that we are. They flow freely through our body and mind as we experience them. We may notice them as they flow through us. We might label them as happy, sad, angry, love, impatient etc. They exist until the lesson is learned and we let them go. At least that is what is supposed to occur.

But what happens when emotions get stuck? For example – we cannot let a grudge go. Or perhaps for years we have “sucked it up.” Or maybe an experience was too much for us to handle and we told ourselves we just didn’t have the time for it. This is akin to trying to hold a beach ball under water. We’ve all tried that one – and how well does that work? Eventually the ball comes back up to the surface. It is the same with our emotions. We can only hold them in for so long. If we cannot process them in some way, it may feel like a pressure cooker inside our bodies. We may develop imbalances like depression or anxiety. Depression is often called: anger turned inward. And anger held inside can show up as high blood pressure in the physical body. There is always a way the body will try to release emotion. If it cannot dissipate, then we might get sick.

So what can we do to ensure we are efficiently aware of and processing our emotions? First we reframe how we look at them in the first place. We can become a witness to our emotions. Take a step back. Instead of reacting to them, notice them and realize we are not that emotion. “I am not sad. I am not angry. Right now I am feeling this emotion – it does not define me. It is not who I am.”

We often avoid the feelings that come up, right? Allow yourself to ride the waves of discomfort as they arise. Notice them. Allow yourself to feel them – but don’t get sucked in. I call it the ebb and flow of life. We are in the flow when life feels amazing and in the ebb when things take a downswing. This ebb or low time is often associated with strong emotions. We prefer to run like hell rather than facing the fear, shame, anger or disappointment. In fact, these low times can be a time of learning valuable life lessons. In the midst of them we may not realize this however – it feels like way too much to handle. But reflect for a moment, to a time when things were really tough or challenging. How do you feel when you look back now – you are a different person, right? Life lessons come in all forms – it is how we move through them, not away from them. They will always make us stronger and wiser in some way.

Anxiety is a common complaint with my clients. With the busy stressful lives people lead, there seems to be so much to accomplish in one day. One of the best ways to cope with anxiety is with our breath. It keeps us right here in the present. A series of deep belly breathes tells the body we are safe and calms down the nervous system. When we breathe from the upper chest area we get very little oxygen flowing throughout our body and the blood begins to flow to the arms and legs, triggering the fight or flight response. We may frequently be in this state – with the body thinking it has to flee, when in fact we are simply stuck in traffic. This produces stress hormones in the body like cortisol – which over time is toxic. Breathing deeply enough for the belly to rise will calm it all down, and in most cases your body will reverse the fight or flight response. Try it the next time you feel stressed, angry, impatient etc. I do it all the time and it really works. It seems too simple somehow, but therein lies the beauty.

Energy balancing techniques like Reiki, Emotional Freedom technique, chakra clearing and the ion cleanse for detoxification sessions I offer can assist you in clearing old emotional debris that might be holding you back from truly living the life you intended. We all want to live a life in alignment with our intentions, our natural gifts and inclinations. Come and join me for emotional spring cleaning and let’s get you moving your life in the direction of your dreams.

Here is another quote I want to share with you today:

“You are not your mind, your emotions or the circumstances of your life. You are the peaceful observer of your mind and emotions that allows life circumstances to pass through and around you for your evolution to finally come to a place of total acceptance of all that is. Only the peaceful observer remains after all else fades away. Only the peaceful observer in total acceptance of what is can take action towards effectively changing anything. You are only this peaceful observer – everything else is as fleeting as the blink of an eye, choose happiness and don’t buy into it.” – Jackson Kiddard

Wishing you an abundant spring filled with much love. As always – I am here to support you in this life journey and always love your feedback. I hope to see you soon!

Where is Cheryl

Upcoming workshops & events:

March

March 30/31 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

April

April 3 – Journey to Authenticity F*R*E*E Info night (6:30 – 8:00)

April 4, 11, 18, 25 – Yoga Beginner’s Series 4 weeks (9-00 – 10:15am)

April 6/7 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

April 9 (10 Tues) - Journey to Authenticity 10 week series (6:30 – 9:00)

April 11 (10 Thur) - Journey to Authenticity 10 week series (9:30 – 12:00)

April 18 – Energy Medicine Workshop (6:30 – 9:00)

April 20 – Women’s Gala Event at the Bay (12:00 – 7:00)

April 21 – Introduction to Meditation/Understanding Stress (9:30 – 12:00)

May

May 3/4 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

May 5 – Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre Fundraiser (10:00 – 4:00)

May 11/12 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

May 25 – Connecting With the Angels 101 (9:30 – 4:30)

May 26 – Reiki Drumming (9:30 – 4:00)

June

June 1/2 – Journey to Authenticity 2-Day Intensive (9:30 – 5:00)

June 15/16 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

June 22/23 – Reiki: Second Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

June 29 – IET for Pets (9:30 – 5:00)

July

July 6/7 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

July 13/14 – Reiki: Third Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

July 20 – The Chakras Class: Theory, Clearing & Balancing (9:30 – 4:30)

July 21 – Healing With Crystals Workshop (9:30 – 4:30)

Note: There are more classes to be added… so keep checking back for updates.

Your Wellness Tip

Put your toilet seat down before flushing!

I saw this on Dr. Oz and have shared it here before, but felt it needed repeating. They performed a test in a washroom – on a woman’s toothbrush and cup to test for bacterial matter. They found 3 different types. She was shocked because she knew she was thorough in her cleaning regime.

Dr. Oz then did a demonstration in the bathroom with what would occur when the toilet was flushed. They found that when the toilet was flushed, a fine spray of what looked like water came up from the toilet and went all over the room. But it wasn’t water – it was bacteria and germs. This fine spray can go as far as twenty feet from the toilet. We can’t really see it with our eyes, but it happens each time we flush. So – everyone – please put the lid down each time you go to the washroom. (I have to tackle all the tough issues here!)

About Cheryl

In This Edition

Quote of the Week

“Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.” ~ Joseph Campbell

Personal Note from Cheryl

Over the past 13 years I have created and built a community of like-minded individuals – a space and place for us to meet and have deep rich conversations. A place to feel at home, to learn and grow – safely and with ease. To let go of old patterns and habits, and live the life we intended. Explore my website, or see the Calendar in this ezine for the next dates of the Journey to Authenticity series of workshops. Let’s grow and explore life together.

There are plenty of exciting workshops with me this spring…details are on the website or send me an email for more information and your questions. And there are more added each week, so please stay tuned.

P.S.  Welcome to all the new readers that have joined our community!  You’re going to love the resources you’ll find here!  Enjoy!

Cheryl Recommends

–For the month of March: when you purchase a package of 3 ion cleanses you receive the 4th one free! (I am extending this offer for spring cleaning from the inside.) There is no hurry to use them, although doing a series of them is a great idea.

–For anyone who would like to experience a Reiki session with me – when you book a 90 minute Reiki session – you receive an ion cleanse for free!

Please visit my website for more detailed information. If you are interested in purchasing an ion cleanse unit for yourself and your family please visit this site: https://hl4y.infusionsoft.com/go/3in1premium/Cheryl/

Feature Article

Creating An Altar

I was doing some spring cleaning this week – even though the weather is not quite reflecting the season yet. As I was dusting and moving things around, I thought I would write an article on creating altars. Although this word may seem to have a religious or spiritual connotation, it is a very personal way of creating a sacred space for yourself and/or objects that have meaning to you. It can simply be an expression of something you want to focus on in your life right now. You may have already created one or more in your home or office without knowing it.

An altar is a way of dedicating personal space for things that are important and have meaning to you. It can be created around a goal or focus; a person, your family, or your animal companion. It can be religious or spiritual in nature. It is a place for coming back to yourself again and again, as the quote for this week suggests. It could represent a space for meditation, reflection, remembering an event or accomplishment, and a place to retreat for calm and peace.

I have several altars in my home. One is dedicated to the dogs that have been in my life and passed on. I have one in my bedroom with some sacred objects that I reflect on before I fall asleep at night – they bring me peace and calm, and make me smile. I have a collection of pictures, crystals and a few sacred objects in the corner of my living room. My kitchen has a shelf with pictures and other sacred objects that have meaning to me. In my office I have a shelf dedicated to Goddess statues, pictures and crystals. If you look around right now – you will see little collection of things you have created already. Having a space we can go to for reflection can be so important in our busy stressful lives.

Pick a spot in your home where you have undisturbed space to create this. It could be a shelf or mantle, a side table, a nightstand, or a garden outside. Choose a theme that expresses your intent for the altar.

How to create your own alter: Choose a beautiful scarf or shawl as the base, or maybe you have a crocheted doily from a grandmother. Then add any of the following items to make it uniquely yours: pictures, candles, cards, crystals, rocks, incense, flowers (real or dried), rose petals, statues, poems, prayers, shells, awards, trophies, mala, rosary beads, trinkets, potpourri, herbs, seasonal items, affirmations, quotes, small bowls filled with any of the above items. Try to keep it clean and uncluttered. Let your creative inner child have some fun with this activity!

Now take the time to be with your new altar for your sacred time. You deserve it.

Wishing you an abundant spring filled with much love. As always – I am here to support you in this life journey and always love your feedback. I hope to see you soon!

Where is Cheryl

Upcoming workshops & events:

March

March 23/24 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

March 27 – Reiki Share (6:30 – 9:00)

March 30/31 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

April

April 3 – Journey to Authenticity F*R*E*E Info night (6:30 – 8:00)

April 4 – Energy Medicine Workshop (6:30 – 9:00)

April 4, 11, 18, 25 – Yoga Beginner’s Series – 4 weeks (9:00 – 10:15am)

April 6/7 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

April 9 (10 Tues) - Journey to Authenticity 10 week series (6:30 – 9:00)

April 11 (10 Thur) - Journey to Authenticity 10 week series (9:30 – 12:00)

April 20 – Women’s Gala Event at the Bay (12:00 – 7:00)

April 21 – Introduction to Meditation/Understanding Stress (9:30 – 12:00)

May

May 3/4 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

May 5 – Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre Fundraiser (10:00 – 4:00)

May 11/12 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

May 25 – Connecting With the Angels 101 (9:30 – 4:30)

May 26 – Reiki Drumming (9:30 – 4:00)

June

June 1/2 – Journey to Authenticity 2-Day Intensive (9:30 – 5:00)

June 15/16 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

June 22/23 – Reiki: Second Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

June 29 – IET For Pets (9:30 – 5:00)

July

July 6/7 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

July 13/14 – Reiki: Third Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

July 20 – The Chakras Class: Theory, Clearing & Balancing (9:30 – 4:30)

July 21 – Healing With Crystals Workshop (9:30 – 4:30)

Note: There are more classes added all the time… so keep checking back for updates.

Your Wellness Tip

Try this as another way of tuning in and connecting to yourself: Lie down and become aware of your breath. Take in some deep rich breaths through the nose and let your body settle and relax. Deep belly breathing is best for calming down the nervous system. We will do an internal scan of the body. Begin at the top of your head and with your awareness tune inside and notice if you have any tension, pain or tightness in the head area. Notice the eyes and eye sockets, the muscles of the jaw and the forehead. With as much detail as you can, continue moving your focus downward to the neck and shoulders, the back and spine, the chest, arms, hands and fingers, ribcage and stomach, internal organs, hips and pelvic region, buttocks, thighs, calves, ankles and feet. As you notice any areas of distress, imagine that you are bringing your breath into this area to calm and relax. To release what you have discovered, exhale as you imagine you are releasing it all. (You can exhale through your mouth or nose.) You will feel calm, relaxed and in your body with this exercise. Try it before you go to sleep at night.

About Cheryl

In This Edition

Quote of the Week

“The moments of happiness we enjoy take us by surprise. It is not that we seize them, but that they seize us.” ~ Ashley Montagu

Personal Note from Cheryl

March break is this week in Ontario and many of you might be taking the week off or on vacation. The article this week just might inspire you to take the time to create some big smiles.

I helped guide a group of women through two days of Second Degree Reiki training this month. I feel so blessed to do the “work” I love  – which never feels like work. To witness ah-ha moments, to see lives change right before my eyes is truly amazing. To share this journey with all of you makes my heart truly sing…thank you!

Over the past 13 years I have created and built a community of like-minded individuals – a space and place for us to meet and have deep rich conversations. A place to feel at home, to learn and grow – safely and with ease. To let go of old patterns and habits, and live the life we intended. Explore my website, or see the Calendar in this ezine for the next dates of the Journey to Authenticity series of workshops. Let’s grow and explore life together.

P.S.  Welcome to all the new readers that have joined our community!  You’re going to love the resources you’ll find here!  Enjoy!

Cheryl Recommends

–For the month of March: when you purchase a package of 3 ion cleanses you receive the 4th one free! (I am extending this offer for spring cleaning from the inside.)

–For anyone who would like to experience a Reiki session with me – when you book a 90 minute Reiki session – you receive an ion cleanse for free!

Please visit my website for more detailed information. If you are interested in purchasing an ion cleanse unit for yourself and your family please visit this site: https://hl4y.infusionsoft.com/go/3in1premium/Cheryl/

Feature Article

How To Make Someone Smile

Out of the blue someone surprised me with a PEZ candy dispenser this week. It was Tinker Bell – one of my absolute Disney favourites. You would have thought I won the lottery. This was a wonderful gesture that made me giggle and smile from ear to ear. It inspired me to write the article this week.

I love to listen and “record” what people love, crave and need in their life. The kinds of books they read, the music they love, places they have travelled to, special treats they eat, their favourite colour or flower – they are all little clues to the surprises I can create for them. I like to listen all year, and then at Christmas or at some random time I present them with a surprise. They usually say, “How did you know?” (It’s fun because they told me and don’t recall doing so.) The delight and ooh’s and awe’s are so much fun to behold.

Here are a few ideas to make people smile:

• I like to pay for the next person’s coffee while waiting in line or at the drive-thru. They walk or drive up and voila…it’s been paid for!

• Send a little card or note for no reason at all – the old fashioned way; in the mail. We all love to receive mail!

• We need more balloons! Go out and buy a few. Then give them out randomly on the street or bring a bouquet over to a friend’s. And always bring them to a party of any kind. And let everyone join in blowing them up.

• Leave a sweet note note in a library book.

• Place some change in an expired parking meter.

• Give a homeless person a gift card to a restaurant or coffee shop nearby.

• Let a driver merge into your lane.

• Let a pedestrian cross the street – anywhere.

• Bring homemade chocolate chip cookies to any kind of function. I even bring chocolate to my online workshops/meetings and offer it around.

• Over tip breakfast servers (or any fabulous server).

• I read a blog recently where a woman tied an “it’s going to be okay” note to a flower and left it in a public place.

• Share your umbrella with a rain-soaked stranger.

• And tell the people you love that you do love them – often. We cannot “over love” someone…but we can let them know frequently how we feel. Why hold back? The future and ruminating about the past may be adding to the angst. Each day might feel like you are getting through the anxiety of the day instead of living life in general.

Wishing you an abundant spring filled with much love. As always – I am here to support you in this life journey and always love your feedback. I hope to see you soon!

Where is Cheryl

Upcoming workshops & events:

March

March 14, 20, 28 – Yoga Beginner’s Series 4 Weeks (9:00 – 10:15am)

March 17 – Integrated Energy Therapy: Advanced Level Class (9:30 – 5:00)

March 23/24 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

March 27 – Reiki Share (6:30 – 9:00)

March 30/31 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

April

April 3 – Journey to Authenticity F*R*E*E Info night (6:30 – 8:00)

April 4 – Energy Medicine Workshop (6:30 – 9:00)

April 4, 11, 18, 25 – Yoga Beginner’s Series – 4 weeks (9:00 – 10:15am)

April 6/7 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

April 9 (10 Tues) - Journey to Authenticity 10 week series (6:30 – 9:00)

April 11 (10 Thur) - Journey to Authenticity 10 week series (9:30 – 12:00)

April 20 – Women’s Gala Event at the Bay (12:00 – 7:00)

April 21 – Introduction to Meditation/Understanding Stress (9:30 – 12:00)

May

May 3/4 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

May 5 – Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre Fundraiser (10:00 – 4:00)

May 11/12 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

May 25 – Connecting With the Angels 101 (9:30 – 4:30)

May 26 – Reiki Drumming (9:30 – 4:00)

June

June 1/2 – Journey to Authenticity 2-Day Intensive (9:30 – 5:00)

June 15/16 – Reiki Master Training Weekend (9:30 – 4:30)

June 22/23 – Reiki: Second Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

June 29 – IET For Pets (9:30 – 5:00)

July

July 6/7 – Reiki: First Degree Class (9:30 – 5:30)

July 13/14 – Reiki: Third Degree Class (9:30 – 4:30)

July 20 – The Chakras Class: Theory, Clearing & Balancing (9:30 – 4:30)

July 21 – Healing With Crystals Workshop (9:30 – 4:30)

Note: There are more classes added all the time… so keep checking back for updates.

Please take a moment to read what three people had to say about a two-day Reiki class last week:

“Just wanted to thank you for a wonderfully knowledgeable weekend. The more I learn, the more I am aware of what I already know. Everything this weekend was knowledge I already had, but you were able to focus it, or help me channel it. It feels amazing to be on this path. I feel empowered, thank you!!”  H.B

“Just wanted to say I enjoyed my weekend. Anyone who is a non- believer would just have to take a course to figure out something shifts within your body. I am fairly certain this happened after
Level  1 as well!”  E. B.

“Thanks also for a great weekend – skilled teaching, nice environment, neat classmates. It was fun!” C.B.

Your Wellness Tip

When I am feeling anxious, overwhelmed or stressed one of my go-to Yoga poses is Savasana or corpse pose. You don’t have to have done a full Yoga session to enjoy the benefits of this anytime you choose. This pose (or asana) can help to calm down the nervous system and bring calm to the mind, body and emotions.

Here is how: Lie down on your back with knees bent at first. Bring your attention to your breath and slow the inhales and exhales. Practice deep belly breathing. Turn your awareness inward – let go of any outside noise and allow thoughts or worries to float away as they enter the mind. Try not to let them distract you by engaging or following them. Now slowly straighten out your legs if that feels comfortable. Lift your chest up slightly to bring shoulder blades together and release back down. Arms are extended alongside the body and slightly away from the sides with palms facing up. Tuck your chin slightly to elongate the cervical spine. Now close your eyes and continue breathing and simply relax…try this for 5 minutes. You can do this in the morning if you feel anxious about your day or at the end of the day to unwind before bedtime.

About Cheryl