Victoria (Chicago)

Thank-you Victoria for your question! I always find it a pleasure to receive emails from those of you who have visited my site and have questions.

For you there isn’t too much you need to do before, during or after a Reiki session. I do suggest wearing something comfortable, drink plenty of water after, and let your practitioner know whether or not you feel comfortable with them laying their hands on you directly.

You should try to come to a Reiki session with an open mind and heart and relax and enjoy your session. For your practitioner, at least this is what I do, I will clear the negative energy from me, the room and will ask if you would do the same. I burn sage, but if you object I have an alternative method.

I will have you either sitting in a chair or lying down, which ever is more comfortable and feasible. I do a brief meditation and ask you to draw awareness to your breath. I like to begin at the crown of the head and work my way down the body. I have different ways that I do this, most of the time I allow my intuition to guide me, but if there is something specific you want worked on, I will do so.

During the session you close your eyes and remain as relaxed as possible, you may even fall asleep, which is okay and not uncommon. I will allow you to rest up to fifteen minutes following your session, or as time permits. Some people have reported a warmth all over their body or parts of the body, others have felt tingling, or it’s been described as “like little rain drops falling down from my head.” , and others have not felt anything. If you don’t feel anything it doesn’t mean that Reiki didn’t work, it only means you didn’t feel any sensations.

I also like to incorporate music and crystals during a session. Of course it’s your choice whether or not there is music and crystals during your session. When I am finished I will again do a brief meditation, allow you to bring your awareness back gently and when you are ready the session is finished. I will remind you to drink plenty of water and to take it easy.

Some people have said they feel lighter, others have reported feeling dizzy or light headed after a session, others report nothing. After wards I clear the space, my energy and the crystals, but you are not present for that. I hope that helps and if you have further questions let me know.

Shanti,

Susan  (click to email)

Mary of Oak Lawn

Hello Mary,

First I have to say I AM NOT a medical doctor, therefore I would tell you to discuss that with him first. You should ALWAYS discuss your fitness programs with your medical doctor(s) or if you want to begin a new program. Now, if you are okayed by your doctor to participate in a yoga program, then I would search for a yoga instructor who knows about your condition or who is willing to take the time to research it.

I have limited knowledge in this area. I have spoken with a chiropractor about spinal stenosis and the main recommendation was what was described as mountain pose in yoga. Spine lengthened, chin up and shoulders back.

When performing other poses, go gently and be aware of how you feel in each pose. If there is pain, a burning sensation or a tearing sensation then stop and ask your teacher for assistance. Majority of teachers are more than willing to modify a pose or find an alternate pose for their students.

Thank you for the question Mary and blessings to you.

Shanti,

Susan  (click to email)

Brenda

Hi Brenda,

I'm not sure how over weight you are, but I am sure yoga would be helpful as part of a new life style. Yoga is a form of exercise that is gentle and accessible to most. Yoga works not only on the physical body, but also on the mind as well.

As you begin to lose the weight on a physical level you will also be retraining your mind as well. The mind is very impressionable. What you take in you get back. If you think that you are fat, you will be. If you believe you are at a comfortable, desirable weight, you will be that.

Ultimately, you have to want it badly enough to do it. If you want to lose weight then you have to make the commitment to yourself to stick with something you enjoy and change slowly your eating style.

Brenda, thank you for your question and you are more than welcome to call me and I would be glad to discuss this with you one on one.

Shanti,

Susan  (click to email)

My name is Joan. I have heard the teacher in the yoga class I took once say something about mantras. Can you tell me what a mantra is and how and why I should use it?  

Dear Joan,

It is very nice to hear from you and thank you very much for your excellent question. I will do my best to explain what a mantra is, how and why to use it in your yoga or meditation practice.

Mantra is composed of two Sanskrit root words, 'man' means 'constant thinking' and 'tra' means 'to be free'. Therefore a mantra is a means to free you from your constant worries or fears. A mantra is a vibration that exists in the universe. There are many mantras, but all are effective in producing results that they are intended, if they are practiced.

If you do not have a guru, a spiritual leader, then listen to as many mantras as you can and choose one that resonates best with your soul. Once you choose your mantra, chant it. It is best to practice your mantra between 4:30 am and 6:30 am in a quiet place. The room ideally would be clean and clutter free and having flowers and incense or a candle can help set a good vibration. Pranayama, or breathing exercise, is recommended prior to your chanting and some suggest quietly reading scriptures or inspirational writings. The manta will be more effective if this is done.

Be unrushed, it is not the number of times you chant your mantra but the intensity of how you chant it. Chanting a mantra should be something you find harmonious within you, not because someone said you should do so. Mantras are chanted to bring peace and to feel the meaning of the mantra, not the literal translation but the feeling you get from chanting it.

Joan, I hope this answers your questions. If you need more information please feel free to contact me again and I will be happy to give you more information.  

Blessings,

Susan  (click to email)

Jean

Hi Jean,

Thank you for your question!

The muscles that should be working are not, when there is hyper-mobility. Hyper-mobility requires more body awareness and more "work" to bring the joints and bones into their proper alignment. Once you bring the bones and joints into their proper alignment through the work of the proper musculature, that would help reduce or even eliminate the problem of painful joints, if hyper-mobility is the cause of the pain.

Yoga can help with hyper-mobility. Yoga is about being aware of your body. Through proper alignment in yoga asanas (poses) you can gain strength in the muscles that lack it, and begin to utilize those muscles; that will allow the muscles to relax that should be relaxed. Hyper-mobility is harder to correct than if you/your muscles are tight. It would require time and patience, but it is achievable.

I myself have hyper-mobility and still "pay attention" to the work being done, especially the asanas that I know I have difficulty with. I have made significant improvements and I can really feel it.

I have hyper-mobility in my shoulders and knees. I rarely have pain in my knees anymore and if I do I can usually trace it back to what I was doing and how I was moving. I make a note to myself to be more aware and make any corrections in my actions for the next time I do that particular activity.

For example I was playing tag with Michael and the next day my right knee really hurt. I went back over how I was running. I remember the jerky movements I made and the torqueing I did while running and dodging him. I now know for next time, that I need to be aware of how I am running and make the intention to not torque my knee while running. I will try to become more fluid in my motions.

I am not sure if you are currently experiencing any pain but I do recommend that you get an evaluation from a trusted physician, whether a Western physician or holistic, to rule out any other possible causes.

I hope this helps you. If you have any more questions or need further clarification please let me know.

Namaste,