Inspiration

{New Video} How to Find Alignment (Are You a Human Doing or Human Being)?

{New Video} How to Create & Sell a Profitable Online Signature Program that is Unique to You!!

{New Video} Getting Into Vibrational Resonance & Making New Belief Systems On Money

{New Video} How To Trust Your Intuition & Your Inner Guidance System

What is Reiki?

Reiki is an alternative healing technique that promotes and awakens health & well-being to the individual receiving this healing energy. Reiki (also known as Universal life force energy) dates back to ancient times when it was used to stimulate the body's own innate healing powers by bringing balance and harmony to the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. Reiki is the energy that gives life to all living things. In some cultures it is known as Ki or Chi; while in others it is referred to as Prana or even the Holy Spirit. 

The Reiki practitioner doesn't send or direct this energy from themselves, but rather they act like a conduit which allows this healing life force energy to flow through them and their hands. Reiki then goes where it needs to go. It is not the practitioner that heals the client but actually the client receiving the Reiki, who is able to tap into their own innate healing abilities. This allows for one to come into harmony with their truest potential in all facets of life.

What are some of the benefits of Reiki?

• Reduces stress and promotes ultimate relaxation
• Enhances the body's own self healing mechanisms
• Supports immune system function
• Restores overall energy and vitality
• Promotes a more restful sleeping pattern
• Minimizes short and long term imbalances in the body
• Helps dissolve negative subconscious imprints
• Brings forth conscious awareness of patterns that longer serve you

The person receiving the Reiki remains fully clothed during the session while lying comfortably on the bed, covered with a blanket. Bolsters and pillows are available as well. Sessions usually last 1 hour and can be done with a hands on or hands off approach, depending on the comfort level of the recipient. During the treatment, the clinician moves their hands into specific positions on (or off) the body, during which time the recipient may feel warmth, tingling, or an energetic pressure change. Often times the recipient with drift off into a deep meditative state or lucid dream state. Some people on the other hand may fall asleep. You will still receive the benefits of Reiki if you are asleep. Reiki has no contradictory side effects and requires no concentration or effort by the client.

Blissful music, tranquil nature sounds, aromatherapy and crystals may also be included as part of this restorative service to further enhance the healing experience.

Many people incorporate Reiki into their monthly self-love and care regime just as they would with massage therapy or acupuncture. This avoids health crises from arising, while creating consistent results and a higher vibrational living.

What to expect after a Reiki session

The therapeutic effects of Reiki will continue to take place for several days (and even longer) after the treatment has taken place. This is your body continuing to restore itself back into harmony and balance.

Bodycherish offers Reiki, Crystal Healing and Chakra Balancing ~ all to inspire higher vibrational living. All life & business coaching clients receive Reiki (in person or via distance) each month as part of their program.

Click here to learn more!

How To Stop Limiting Beliefs! Give Yourself Evidence Things Are Working Out

How easy is it to allow your ego to take over and supply you with "evidence" that your heart-based and passion driven idea is just silly? How easy is it to let ego come in and completely dismantle your inspired idea and keep you playing safe and small, within the confines of your comfort zone? 

I think we can all agree that it is very easy...and that is where the work lies. It's in catching those limiting thoughts and consciously choosing to stop them and paralyze them in their tracks. This is key because our fundamental beliefs about what is possible in our lives (career, money, health and relationships) is based upon the repetitive thoughts we think. 

So ask yourself, are you spending more time arguing for your limitations by providing your brain "evidence" why you cannot do something. Or are you choosing to support your dreams and ambitions by intentionally choosing to think thoughts that provide you with evidence things are and will work out in your favour?

On a personal note, I provided my resignation letter to my corporate employer, who paid me $7,100/mo (not including the golden pension and bonuses) at the beginning of March 2017 with FULL KNOWLEDGE I had not one but TWO mortgages to start paying all by myself by April 1st (my tenants from my rental property told me they were moving out March 31st). Not only that, I had a credit card payment coming up for a coaching program that I had enrolled in the month prior that cost me a $10 thousand dollars Canadian!

You may ask yourself, why would I quit the financial security at such a financially taxing time? What sane person would do such a thing? I was launching my private coaching practice in April but I had no so-called evidence it was going to match my corporate employer's salary. And I most definitely had no hard evidence I was going to DOUBLE my corporate salary within 9 months of unhooking myself from that soul-sucking job...but I did just that #boom!

What I had was more powerful. I had belief that no matter what, I was going to be successful AF. How did I develop such a resilient belief system? I only provided myself with evidence that I was going to be successfull. I did not allow limiting thoughts to derail my soul purpose and drive. I prioritized keeping my vibration high knowing I attract what I AM. I consciously spent time ruminating in how and why things were going to work out for me. I believed, and still do, that the Universe and a higher power wants to support me fulfill my deepest desires and wildest dreams in this life.

And because I believed it BEFORE I could see it, I attracted what I envisioned to me.

I share to showcase that this is possible for you too. I could have spent countless more months and years at my corporate job supplying myself with reasons why I had to financially. . and trust me, there would have always been another excuse to put my dream on the back burner of life. 

Life is so short and we can live it in a mediocre, auto-pilot kind of way. Or we can live it like we mean it & open ourselves up to the countless possible (amazing) outcomes that are equally available to every. single. one of us.

What is a chakra and how does it work?

You may have heard about the chakras but aren't totally clear on what exactly they are and how they work.  You can think of the chakras like energy centres of the of the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual bodies. It is these bodies that are thought of as part of the subtle body.  A chakra is an energy point (or node) in the subtle body versus the physical body.  You can picture a chakra as a funnel shaped energy centre (or vortex) that corresponds with many meridian points and nerve bundles in the human body.

There are different ways a person can open, clear and balance their chakras.  In fact, each chakra resonates with different foods, colours, sounds/music, mantras, activities, yoga poses, affirmations, and essential oils and crystals from the plant and elemental kingdoms.

There are many chakras in the subtle human body but there are seven primary chakras that are often considered to be the most important ones.

1st (Root) Chakra: This is located at the base of the spine and the corresponding colour is red. When balanced, it will bring about good health, feeling grounded, safe and secure; prosperous  and when unbalanced or closed it will bring about feelings of insecurity, fear, financial difficulties, depression, boredom and lethargy. Physically, an unbalanced root chakra will bring about dry, pale, blotchy skin.

2nd (Sacral) Chakra: This is located just below the navel  and the corresponding colour is orange. When balanced, it will bring about feelings of pleasure, increased creativity & enthusiasm and healthy sex drive, and when unbalanced or closed it will bring about feelings of guilt, shame, depression, mood swings and addictive tendencies . Physically, an unbalanced sacral chakra will bring about lower back pain, puffiness and bloating.

3rd (Solar Plexus) Chakra: This is located at the stomach region and the corresponding colour is yellow. When balanced, it will bring about healthy emotions and a zest for life, abundance, stability, courage and personal power and when unbalanced or closed it will bring about feelings of decreased self worth, shorter temper, increased aggression and stubbornness. Physically, an unbalanced solar plexus chakra will bring about puffiness, bloating, mid-back pain and unhealthy cravings.

4th (Heart) Chakra: This is located at the heart/chest region and the corresponding colour is green. When balanced, it will bring about feelings of compassion, connection, empathy, happiness, peace & love and when unbalanced or closed it will bring about feelings of rejection, jealousy, codependency and a tendency to be withdrawn & critical/judgemental. Physically, an unbalanced heart chakra will bring about a pasty complexion and poor circulation.

5th (Throat) Chakra: This is located at the throat and the corresponding colour is blue. When balanced, it will bring about open expression and truthful communication and when unbalanced or closed it will bring about feelings of shyness or difficulties with appropriate communication & listening skills. Physically, an unbalanced throat chakra will bring about stress, fatigue and thyroid challenges.

6th (Third Eye) Chakra: This is located at the point of your forehead above and between your eyebrows and the corresponding colour is indigo. When balanced, it will enhance intuition, imagination, insight and intellect and when unbalanced or closed it will bring about impaired concentration, memory, thinking abilities and disrupted sleep. Physically, an unbalanced third eye chakra will bring about headaches, hormonal changes and depression.

7th (Crown) Chakra: This is located above the head and the corresponding colour is violet (or white).  When balanced, it will bring about a deepened spirtual connection and increased wisdom and open-mindedness and when unbalanced or closed it will bring about feelings of separateness, fear of death and cynisim. 

Overall, chakra balancing and healing allows for many benefits, including the following:

-deep relaxation & improved sleep

-calming your mind and thoughts & reduced anxiety

-subtle emotional shifts

-increased energy

-deepened spiritual insights

-elevation of mood & release of negative emotion

-pain reduction

For ladies enrolled in Elevate Your Life, (a transformational life & business journey that ensures you literally become an energetic match to your deepest desires), you also receive a monthly treatment of Reiki, Archangel healing (includes cord cutting), a customized crystal healing grid & angel card reading & overall chakra balancing. Click here to learn more about this Signature Program.

Barriers to blessings

Part of my story with how BODYCHERISH came to be is that adversity (and what may have seemed like a major barrier to creating my skincare line) was actually a blessing in disguise. That so-called "barrier" is that the summer or 2013, I fell down my staircase, lost my consciousness, fractured my skull, sustained a traumatic brain injury and lost (still to this day) 100% my sense of smell. This happened on my 29th birthday because I was drunk (as per usual back then). This was the same summer of chaos in which I got a divorce, lost my house, had friendships fall away but most importantly...lost my sense of identify of who I was in this world...Talk about some BIG life changes!

...but what happened next is quite interesting. As I started to get my life in order and practice radical self-love & care, my sensitivities to the ‪energies around me also started to heighten. Specifically, my draw to the elemental kingdom (‪aka healing crystals & gems) increased at an exponential rate, along with my ‪spiritual awakening for that matter! It was as if my body had to make up for the loss of one primary sense (smell) by enhancing & strengthening another sense (my energetic sense) in how I now choose to show up & navigate my life this world.

At the same time of these changes my ‪‎inner guidance system strengthened and I developed the ability to "just know" the right ratios and which ingredients to use (without ever even smelling them). I learned to open myself up to receive necessary guidance and trust that the right answers would always come in - which by the way always lead me to the next best step decision in my life and in my company. It's funny how the ‪Universe works isn't it? I mean, who decides to create a skincare line (which of course has to smell divine) AFTER losing 100% their sense of smell?! I do and it's been wildly successful thanks to something greater and bigger than just myself. Some may (and do) joke that it's someone who hit their head too hard falling down the stairs. I say, Fuuuuck That. From first hand experience, I know it to be true that it is the contrasting life experiences that actually serve us by being the necessary catalyst to propel us into a new, brilliant and bright future.

I share this story as proof that when you listen to your inner guidance system (what your ‪soul is calling you to do) the Universe will conspire in your favour and open up doors that didn't exist before. Trust me, you will be brought the success you deserve when you ‪follow your heart and your divinely, ‪inspired life path...NO MATTER WHAT may appear like a major barrier along the way! Hope this inspires you & now is your chance to learn more about the transformational life and business coaching programs I offer here.

Skin Transformation Series (which foods to increase)

In a previous post I shared ideas on what to avoid or limit, but this week's post is a lot more fun to implement. This week's post focuses on what we can add or increase to our diet to create healthy & radiant skin using a truly integrative approach. While topical products help, looking at the health of your skin from the inside out can really help you achieve beautiful & luminous skin for good. Not only that, you will find an improvement in your overall health and wellbeing – increased energy and vitality felt from the inside out!

Which foods to increase: 

• Ginger: One of the most inexpensive and effective ways to decrease inflammation, eliminate toxins from the body and supercharge it with antioxidants is with this superfood. Simple ways to add ginger to your diet include juicing it or simply drinking ginger tea.
• Turmeric root: This superfood is also excellent for reducing inflammation while helping the body eliminate toxins effectively. Simple ways to add this powerhouse to your diet include adding the spice form to your meals whenever possible. It tastes great sprinkled on eggs as well as soups and various rice dishes.
• Aloe Vera: This superfood is excellent to apply topically as it is full of anti-inflammatory properties that help sooth dry, flaky or burned skin but is also very healthful when taken internally due to high content of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and enzymes. The Facial Toning Elixir contains premium grade aloe vera, which makes it unique to other natural toners on the market.
• Burdock Root: Can be purchased as a whole food or in a tincture form. This lovely root is excellent for skin health as it can treat abscesses, acne, psoriasis and eczema. It also increases circulation to the skin, helping to detoxify the tissues.
• Coconut Oil: This miracle oil is excellent to apply topically as it is full of anti-aging, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties but is also very healthful when taken internally. Easy ways to incorporate this oil into your diet include adding a 1/2 tsp into your morning coffee, using it as your primary cooking oil and also substituting in recipes for butter or fat.
• Cacao: Super high in zinc which is one of the most important essential minerals you can give your skin. Insufficient zinc leads to tired and drab looking skin, while adequate zinc ensures optimal wound healing, protection against UV radiation & a reduction in acne.

Hope some of this information helps and if you are curious to explore more non-toxic and healthy facial products, please click here to see BODYCHERISH's Facial Ritual Collection.

Skin Transformation Series (which foods to decrease)

Creating healthy & radiant skin requires a truly integrative approach. While topical products help, looking at the health of your skin from the inside out can really help you achieve beautiful & luminous skin for good. In this post I will share helpful, step by step guidance that will empower you to create the skin you have always desired and deserve. The best part about the steps is that they are mostly free! No expensive drugstore purchase of products is needed. As you read along, keep in mind that for changes to be sustainable they have to be gradual and you have to understand the reasons behind W H Y you are making the changes. Once we have a better understanding of what helps or harms the body, our skin, and our overall health, we become more and more inspired to continue along our new path to radiance.

Then, before you know it, you will start seeing results. You will start to see a glowing, clear and youthful complexion. Not only that, you will find an improvement in your overall health and wellbeing – increased energy and vitality felt from the inside out!  

Skin Transformation: which foods to limit to enhance health

The truth is that what you eat affects not only how you look and the radiance of your skin, but also how you feel. It can do wonders for your skin if you avoid chemically processed, genetically modified or any foods that trigger an inflammatory response in the body. Chronic inflammation is a precursor to wrinkles, blemishes and redness in the skin, so a diet filled with anti-inflammatory foods strongly supports skin health.

• Casein (found in cow milk): Dairy products made from cow liquids contain a main protein known as casein, which can lead to an inflammatory response in the body; especially to those that are sensitive to it. Without a doubt, I was one of them and never even knew it. In fact, my whole life I gobbled up cheese at every chance I got. Little did I know it was my protein rich cottage cheese and yogurt (cow derived) that were causing my skin so much grief (cystic acne, eczema patches, itchy skin, keratosis pilaris and hives). Please note that sensitivities to casein will vary and will not be the same for everyone. In next Sunday's blog post will share healthy, protein and calcium rich alternatives to cow liquids.
• Processed Meats & Nitrates: These are full of harmful toxins and preservatives that can lead to allergic reactions (rashes & hives), amongst other skin and general health ailments. You're best to steer clear. Next Sunday's blog post will share plant based protein rich alternatives to cows, pigs & chickens.
• Processed Sugar: Processed sugar can also be called things like high fructose corn syrup, white sugar, dextrose, fructose or anything that ends with the word syrup. I know… it is tough to avoid this ingredient as it is in almost everything these days but the truth is that it increases chances of breakouts, cellulite and more. This is because sugar messes with our hormones, blood sugar and the immune system, and can even steal nutrients and hydration from our skin. Next Sunday's blog post will share healthy sugar alternatives, including my favourites (honey and organic coconut palm sugar).
• Sugar Substitutes:  The most detrimental choice you can make regarding a sugar is by picking a substitute that is marketed as "sugar free" or zero calories. These are made with Sucralose or Aspartame (also known as AminoSweet after rebranding to sway the public). These contains toxins & carcinogens which rapidly age the body, including the skin. These ingredients also increase the bodies insulin production response. The more insulin we have floating around in our blood, the more our body is going to respond by increasing our fat storage. Interesting how the "zero calorie" and "sugar free" products are the very things contributing to type 2 diabetes and obesity due to the abnormal insulin response it causes in our bodies. As an Exercise Physiologist, it is very common that my clients who suffer with type 2 diabetes or obesity, have been mislead with incorrect information regarding sugar free sodas and they negatively impact their insulin response.
• Refined White Carbs (also known as enriched wheat flour): As with processed sugar, refined white carbs get immediately converted to sugar once ingested in body and in turn cause the same side effects (spiking blood sugar and releasing more insulin). This puts stress on the body and kickstarts more inflammation.
• Gluten: The name says it all. This glue-like substance can clog up our body and our skin, while further increasing inflammation. This all stems from what happens to our gut as a result of consuming it (especially if you are gluten sensitive). 
• Carrageenan: Although this ingredient is derived naturally (you’ll find it is added to many organic food products or drinks to thicken the consistency), it is actually harmful to the body as it too promotes an inflammatory response. This is because it is difficult for the digestive system to break down. 

I know that can sound overwhelming! I don’t suggest anyone quit cold turkey. The goal is to simply become more mindful and aware of what we put into our bodies and to understand how what we eat impacts our energy, our mood, our health and even our skin.

I use to eat a ton of processed meat, as well as cheese and gluten. Presently, the only animal products I consume include wild caught fish & organic eggs from free range chickens. I also avoid gluten & dairy 90/95% of the time. For me, the biggest thing that healed my skin disorders (which included eczema, cystic acne, red bumps on the back of my upper arms (keratosis pilaris), and itching skin/regular breakouts of hives), was the removal of processed meat & most dairy and gluten. 

I know this to be true because the rare time I consume cheese or gluten, I will experience a light flare up of old skin issues. But let me stress, my dietary changes did not happen over-night! It was very gradual process overtime (a few years) that eventually become solidified based on the results I was seeing and how much better I started feeling. My energy also started to soar as my body was no longer in a state of chronic inflammation.

Hope some of this information helps and if you are curious to explore more non-toxic and healthy facial products, please click here to see BODYCHERISH's new Facial Ritual Collection.