We are spiritual beings having a human experience. In order to process all of the day’s happenings, the drama, the stimulation, the good, the bad and the ugly, our body needs to find ways to digest and stimulate, assimilate or eliminate life’s happenings.
One of the main things I do with clients is family constellation therapy. In this, we acknowledge and work with the fact that the egg that ultimately created you, was in your mom’s womb when she was just 5 months in her mom’s womb. Additionally, on top of our own consciousness, and the universal consciousness, we have a family consciousness that drives much of our decisions and experiences today. We are therefore not only susceptible to the stressors and traumas that we experience in our own lives, we are also subject to past pain and trauma from our ancestors as well. It is important that we have an outlet for past and current physical, mental, emotional and spiritual burdens.Without an outlet, and even an inlet, we subject ourselves to stagnant and stale energy that can lead to dis-ease, depression, lack of success and a whole other slew of undesirable manifestations.
It is vital then, that we have both a mindfulness and meditative practice, as well as a physical practice. Since, by definition, yoga is aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility, it multi-tasks on both of those criteria. The yoga asanas or poses are perfectly and appropriately designed to move energy through the body on every level. Practicing yoga can increase the brain chemicals that make you happy, decrease bodily aches and pains, augment both the quantity and quality of your sleep, amplify your sex life, confidence and peacefulness, and tone and strengthen your bod. The benefits of yoga are endless. Additionally, when clients have just experienced some growing pains (physically and emotionally), and/or had some major healing/realizations/detoxation take place, I always recommend some slow and gentle yoga in order to release the physical and energetic toxins from the joints, meridians, muscles and cells of the physical body, and the nadis and chakras of the subtle body.
In conjunction with release and output, it can be very beneficial, healing and advantageous to have an energetic input. This is where Reiki comes in. Reiki is a hands-on healing technique that infuses the recipient with life-force energy on every level (emotionally, physically and on a soul level). The origins are debatable as most recently, it came from Japan, but like yoga, it has some Hindu and Tibetan roots. Reiki is unique in the healing arts, because like yoga, it can be self-administered and for many, becomes part of their daily practice. Much like the food we eat, we can wax and wane in life-force energy. Daily exposure to the subways, draining people, lack of sleep, crappy food, our own trauma and past familial trauma, etc can all lead to a lack luster being. Reiki is a way of channeling energy from source, so it is the purest, most potent kind and since the energy is not yours, it doesn’t deplete you, but rather fills you (or the recipient) up. The life-force energy revitalizes you, renews you, and is like hitting the reset button on the computer. I have found Reiki to be a really quick, easy, and compatible modality with any other. My favorite combo or formula is to, with intention, do some yoga poses for optimum release, and follow up with some Reiki to fill in the newly cleansed areas with life-supporting energy. Like yoga in the 21st century, Reiki is no longer for the gurus, nor is it exclusive. By design, it is adaptable and moldable to various needs of the individual, and super easy to learn. I believe that assimilation and elimination is essential to a healthy mind, body and soul. Through the foods that we eat, reiki, and yoga, I would say you have a leg up (pun intended) in terms of your health and well-being.
If you would like to learn more about Natalie Berthold and her Family Constellation Therapy, non-traditional Nutritional Counseling, virtual Reiki Certification Program, or her upcoming Cape Cod retreat that utilizes Reiki, Yoga and Family Constellation Therapy, check out www.natalieberthold.com
