Soothe Your Soul

Fibromyalgia Awareness Day

2011-05-12T08:10:00.000-07:00

Did you know that today is Fibromyalgia Awareness Day? Neither did I. Did you know that massage and other touch therapies, as well as energy therapies, can help reduce the pain that comes with Fibromyalgia? That I knew.

If you suffer from Fibromyalgia you know the pain it can cause, and stiffness, in your joints, muscles and tendons. Massage and other treatments can help relax your muscles and joints and help ease your pain.

I know a couple of people who suffer from this debilitating illness and they have benefited greatly from alternative forms of therapy. Why not call Soothe Your Soul today to schedule yourself a healing massage or Reiki session, and help take the pain away!

Into the new year...

2011-05-12T07:22:00.000-07:00

It has been a while since Soothe Your Soul had a new blog post. Things have changed, greatly, since we last spoke with you. One of the big changes is that Hannah moved the business into a new location. Soothe Your Soul is now located at 2B Washington St., still in downtown Oxford. This new location is upstairs and it is large and beautiful!

Mondays and Wednesdays Soothe Your Soul offers Yoga classes, perfect for beginners and the experienced. You can find more information about these classes within Soothe Your Soul, or on our website.

There are many other new things this new year, but for now you will have to come visit us to experience them. Or, keep an eye out for regular blog posts appearing here!

Lastly, for today, I'd like to introduce myself, your new blogging queen here at Soothe Your Soul. My name is Yvonne M. Glasgow, and this is only my second day as the newest employee of Soothe Your Soul. I am a freelance writer and I am an eternal learner. I have a Bachelor and Masters degree in Metaphysical Sciences, I also just earned my Holistic Life Couching, Ph.D. through the University of Metaphysical Sciences. I am also attending college to earn my Bachelor of Science degree in Health & Wellness. It is this background that brought me here to the desk at Soothe Your Soul.

Next week I will begin bringing you info on some of my favorite things here at Soothe Your Soul. Till then, think positive and be positive. You can do and have anything in life that you want as long as you ask for it, believe in it and let it be yours!

Great Gift Ideas!

2010-11-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

Greetings Friends!

By now there are a few things you probably know about me...

1. I am a big supporter of SHOPPING LOCAL (and not just for the obvious reasons...like owning an independent business).
2. I am a big supporter of LOCAL ARTISTS and love to be able to feature their work here at the store.
3. I love to be surrounded by things that make me feel GOOD!
4. I enjoy giving gifts that make others feel GOOD!
5. I am passionate about filling Soothe Your Soul with good feeling products that are people-positive, animal-positive and all over positive (meaning they support the local economy, don't test on animals, are eco-friendly, fair-trade, support charity and any and all other positive qualities).

Here is my personal GREAT GIFT LIST!

Better Botanicals Shiva Pamper Package - gift set
Experience Bodily Nirvana

An ensemble of Better Botanical's most pampering products in a collector's item tin lunchbox featuring the Hindu God Shiva. Set contains Ayurvedic Body Oil (4oz), Kokum Butter Body Wash (6oz) and Kokum Butter Body Balm (8oz).

About Better Botanicals: Better Botanicals offers a line of fantastic, fun, and totally natural skin and hair care products. From the calendula cleanser to the gloss conditioner, once you try these products, you're going to be hooked! Better Botanicals products work so well because all of their products combine the technology of modern skin care with the ancient tradition of Ayurvedic herbal care. What's more, each product is made with vegetarian, food-grade ingredients (read: no scary, un-pronounceable ingredients); rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and key minerals; free of animal ingredients and synthetic colors and fragrances; and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skins. They use the highest concentration of carefully selected botanicals, pure plant and essential oils, nuts, seeds, grains, and honey. Best of all, their products deliver what they promise--you will see noticeable benefits with regular use.

Better Botanicals Shiva Pamper Package - gift set
Experience Bodily Nirvana

An ensemble of Better Botanical's most pampering products in a collector's item tin lunchbox featuring the Hindu God Shiva. Set contains Ayurvedic Body Oil (4oz), Kokum Butter Body Wash (6oz) and Kokum Butter Body Balm (8oz).

About Better Botanicals: Better Botanicals offers a line of fantastic, fun, and totally natural skin and hair care products. From the calendula cleanser to the gloss conditioner, once you try these products, you're going to be hooked! Better Botanicals products work so well because all of their products combine the technology of modern skin care with the ancient tradition of Ayurvedic herbal care. What's more, each product is made with vegetarian, food-grade ingredients (read: no scary, un-pronounceable ingredients); rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and key minerals; free of animal ingredients and synthetic colors and fragrances; and gentle enough for even the most sensitive skins. They use the highest concentration of carefully selected botanicals, pure plant and essential oils, nuts, seeds, grains, and honey. Best of all, their products deliver what they promise--you will see noticeable benefits with regular use.

Knit Outta the Box - Complete knitting kits
I LOVE to knit. It is a great way to unwind and relax and these kits are perfect. Every knitting kit contains everything needed to complete the project – bamboo knitting needles, pattern(s), how to knit instructions, yarn cutter, darning needle, stitch markers, fabric notions bag and yarn. It all comes beautifully packaged in a see-through box. Plus their distribution and marketing center is located in MICHIGAN!

Coventry Candles
Another woman-owned Michigan Company. The candles are fantastic! Not only will they make your space smell fantastic, they will aid you in your affirmations and blessings. Each candle is made with a specific intention.

Green Daffodil Candles
Handmade Soy candles from another women-owned Michigan business. Brand new to Soothe Your Soulm, these candles have been a huge hit! Come check out all the great scents. My favorite right now is Pumpkin.

These are just a few of the fabulous products we have featured right now in the store. Stop by to see everything in person. We are giving away wonderful gift bags for all of our shoppers that make a purchase on Black Friday or Small Business Saturday.

I will post more great ideas over the next few weeks.

Love & Blessings!

Hannah

What is on your bookshelf?

2010-07-21T11:11:00.000-07:00

I am beginning to feel like simplifying can easily become a full-time job! Can anyone relate? As I was cleaning and purging last night I was lulled into the thought...wouldn't it be simpler to just ignore the clutter? Okay, I know it isn't true, but I indulged in it for a brief moment. I realized as I was cleaning and sorting that one of the areas where I tend to "collect" is books. I LOVE books! I love the way they feel, I love getting lost in a book, I love the way they look. I love hi-lighting them and flagging them (thanks Oprah). I love everything about them, except the fact that there is a large stack next to my bed that I've yet to read and I realized it was making me feel pressured. All kinds of voices were speaking in my head. I was thinking about the purchases, the money I had spent, the topics I should be learning more about and just the time involved in reading them. I decided that the simple solution would be to:
1) Give away any books I've read already and don't need to reference. So to those of you in the Oxford area...be sure to check the sharing basket at Soothe Your Soul.
2) Divide the books into a few catagories. I chose the following: read now, read later and ongoing reads (things like A Course In Miracles that stays with me all year).
3) I kept my ongoing books and my read now books next to my bed and moved the others to the shelf across the room.
Everything is looking much better and it felt better as I sat in my bed.
I decided to take a picture of my books, so that I can compare and see what progress I've made 6 months from now. Which made me wonder...what books are on your bedside table?
Here are my stacks..

Any of you reading the same ones? Maybe we should start a book club here at Soothe Your Soul to keep me motivated?!

Happy reading!
Love~Light~Laughter
Hannah

Artist of the Month at Soothe Your Soul

2010-07-16T12:58:00.000-07:00

Welcome our newest Artist - KANDY MYNY

Kandy owns and operates her design company named

"Bit O'Whimsey"

Kandy Myny is a mixed media artist living in Shelby Township, MI.

She uses acrylics, charcoal, ink and other collage elements to create one of a kind pieces of art full of texture and color. Her style is whimsical and fun with a focus on nature, community and the beautiful world in which we live.

Her pieces are meant to make people smile and bring a little bit of whimsey into their home.

Soothe Your Soul now carries a variety of her artwork -

8 X 10 prints
5 x 7 prints
notecards single and 4 packs
necklaces
For additional information check out her sight:

www.bitowhimsey.com

Soothe Your Soul | lapeerareaview.mihomepaper.com | The Lapeer Area View

2010-04-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

Soothe Your Soul | lapeerareaview.mihomepaper.com | The Lapeer Area View

Go GREEN

2010-03-05T11:35:00.001-08:00

"Scented Pleasures" handmade soaps and more!Created with the finest oils and enriched with shea & mango butters.
BUTTER reduces degeneration of skin cells, restores flexibility, and lends protection against the sun. GOATS MILK natural skin moisturizer and rejuvenator, softens the skin. HONEY draws moisture and is antibacterial.

Better BotanicalsHerbal-balancing-pure
Ayurvedic Essentials-pure beauty for the face, body and soul.
These products are based on the ancient principals of Arurveda, the original healing science of India. They rely on India's pure balancing herbs to offer products that work with the body's natural rhythms and intelligence. Their concept is to infuse nature's healing qualities into each formulation and to help stimulate the skin's natural ability to find its way back to balanced health.

EVE OrganicsPure mineral makeup and organic skin care.
They avoid toxic ingredients and give back to the community by giving 10% of their net profits to given charities to help support communites in need. This company uses recyclable packaging and never tests their products on animals.
Pure Minerals makeup is free of parabens, preservatives, chemicals, talc, and bismuth oxychloride.

Dawn Cobble- "DLC designs" Handmade jewlery that is "one of a kind"! No two are alike.
Shown are GREEN earrings for St. Patricks Day, or for manifesting, abundance, and healing.

We have a lot of "GREEN" products in the store. Check out the "Blessed Herbal Candles" The Affirmations -Prosperity-candle states:
I release the limiting thoughts that block my prosperity. I open my mind, heart, and being to the unlimited abundance of the universe.

Hey-How did that fairy get in there? Fairies in the showcase mean spring is on it's way!

Adventurine Polished StonesAn all around GOOD LUCK stone, a popular gamblers talisman. Increases perception and creativity, enhances intelligence and speeds the healing process.

TWIST
100% Biodegradable European Sponge Cloths.
Can be used over and over again, cleans+wipes+dries. All Household uses.
In partnerhip with Global Response, TWIST, LLC, works to protect the diversity of our planet and the rights of all people. You can help by believing in a clean world. Please clean kindly!

SEASIDE NATURALS "A non toxic company.
They proudly produce the finest all natural cleaning products made in Connecticut from local sources. By combining natural and organic ingredients they blend pure essential oils into their cleaners to create a premium effective product this is safe for the consumer and their families, pets and the environment. Seaside Naturals consciously uses environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques and recycled and sustainable materials.

~THANK YOU~for supporting Soothe Your Soul!
We look forward to seeing you soon.
Please recycle and buy earth friendly products.

Love~Light~Laughter
Hannah Cornell-Schroeder

Local Oxford Vendors at Soothe Your Soul

2010-02-03T09:34:00.000-08:00

Happy One Year Anniversary Soothe Your Soul !

Check our newsletter for amazing store specials for Valentines Day!

This month we are highlighting two of our local Oxford business women that feature their beautiful designs in our store.

Dawn Cobble of "DLC designs"

Dawn is a resident of Oxford for the last five years. She is married to her high school "sweetheart" and has two children. After graduating from Rochester Adams High School in 1991, She went to Oakland University and majored in Social Work. When asked how she discovered her passion for jewelry making, she replied "I saw a piece of beautiful jewelry, it intrigued me, I took classes...and well the rest is history!"

Dawn's favorite piece of jewelry to make are earrings and her favorite stone - at the moment - is "laboridite"and "citrine".These particular crystals, citrine for example, feel sunny, warm and gives the feeling of carefree spring/summer time. The feeling that Dawn gets from Laboridite is "every time you look at it, you sense something different-kind of like - ME!"

Feeling that she has a lot of hobbies that she enjoys, Dawn loves to exercise to 80's music, because it gives her an amazing energizing feeling. She also has two of the cutest children and enjoys doing things with their activities as well.

Did we mention she is a huge Red wings fan and her favorite player is "Draper"?

So, come by and check out Dawn's beautiful, energizing jewelry at Soothe Your Soul. She updates her stock every week and each piece is unique and individual. No two are the same!

Kelly Cook of Scented Pleasures, LLC

Kelly is a resident of Oxford and a graduate from Michigan State in advertising.
She is a mom first, graphic designer and "soap maker."
Kelly first got interested in soaps and lotions when a friend of hers was making lotions that really liked. She loves to create things and thought it would be interesting to make some soaps and lotions for herself.

As time passed, she started to make soaps for friends and family members and they all encouraged her that she should start to sell her products. This was the birth of "Scented Pleasures llc." For the last five years, she has been creating soaps and lotions and is a great example that we all are aspiring to, "find what you love to do and make a living at it!"

Kelly uses wonderful essential oils, Shea, mango butters to make luxurious handmade soaps and creams. Her goal is to give everyone a moment to pamper themselves in this fast non stop world.

Her friend, Dawn Cook, mentioned that "Kelly is a loyal, trustworthy friend and is very knowledgeable and down to earth. I just love her!"

When you come into Soothe Your Soul you can smell the wonderful fragrances that Kelly's soaps have. We also have Valentines soaps in various heart shaped boxes and baskets.

7 ways to love YOUrself

2010-01-26T12:53:00.000-08:00

In lieu of Valentines day coming up on February 14th, many of us are seeking more romance whether we are married or single. Love comes from within ourselves and then radiating this inner soul love out to everyone around us.
How do we connect with our inner soul love?
To be radiant to all those who we are around every day?
Is there a simple way to do it that doesn't involve a lot of time and energy?

Here are a few simple ways to connect to your "Inner Brilliance."

1. Practice Praise.
We all are aware the world is filled with brilliant minds. Talent, creativity and skill as far as your mind can think. Daunting? No. Inspiring? Yes. As you open your eyes to the work of the women around you, allow yourself to experience in awe without envy. Begin to honestly give kudos out to those who you find to be amazingly talented and good at something. You will find the more freely you express your appreciation of them and what they are doing, the greater capacity for your own acomplishments will increase.

2. Create a meal, Slowly.
A meal just for you. So often we feed others, but we must nourish ourselves. Allow yourself to create your own culinary favorites and savour in all the flavors, textures, and spices in various types of food. Light some candles, sit down and really enjoy eating your food, not scarfing it down over the sink while waiting on kids and family members. Allow yourself to be the guest of honor. Be passionate about the preperation, table setting and giving yourself the time to relax.

3. Find a few minutes for free writing.

Indulge your deep love of creative writing with a beautifully bound journal just for you. Don't worry about penmanship or grammar. Take time for unbridled thought. Unleash your pen and let it roll over the pages. Write down your wishes, dreams, fantasies, and what-ifs. Read your entries once a month and see what your heart is sharing, it might surprise you!

4. Create a collage.

Collaging is a way to stir up ideas. Get a collection of magazines, cards, stickers, and cut out a bunch of images or words that speak to you. Don't worry if they are not related, use your intuition and have fun. Trust in your instincts. Paste the pictures on a board and watch as the map of your spirit shows up in your creation.

5. Take a walk outdoors.

15 mintes of peace under the wide-open sky is a perfect way to shake off any stressors that may be clouding your creativity and lack of receiving. Listen to how your feet sound as they strike the ground, check into your body, your breath, look up and observe the sky and receive the earths love for you. As you move into a more thoughtful state of mind, allow you spirit to focus on discovering your purpose.

6. Meditate.

Take time every day to get to know yourself again, for falling in love with who you are. Turn off the phone and be alone, quiet, and reflective. You can do this while walking, gardening, watching birds, sitting quietly, listening to music, or driving, etc. Meditating is loosing yourself and moving out of time. This is your time. You will be able to tune in better to your inner longings, your dreams.

7. Dance. For Real!

Close the curtains, lock the door, and let loose. Twist, jump, shout and giggle, laugh and breathe. Let go of all the self critisms that you have been carrying around. Free-form dancing is the best way to let off some steam and destress. Pick upbeat temp music that has a good beat.
And most of all, Have Fun!!

The secret recipe for discovering your self love:

1 cup of curiosity

a pinch of pampering

simmer to satisfaction

then, savor the inspiration that it brings to life.

A few of my favorite things

2010-01-15T12:41:00.001-08:00

Owner of Soothe Your Soul in Oxford MI, Hannah Cornell-Schroeder

Peaceful Greetings to all!
From-Pam Ziskie-part time shopkeeper and massage therapist here at Soothe Your Soul.
Happy January to everyone and Thank You so much for all of the beautiful customers that continue to support Soothe Your Soul here in Oxford, Michigan.
We are now coming up to our first year anniversary in February.

Each month of the year brings it's own special memories and remembrances.

Today as I was dusting, and rearranging some of the store items, I decided to create a list of my favorite things that I enjoy here at Soothe Your Soul. What I LOVE about this store, is that we carry most of our items from local vendors, artists and "real" people. The product quality is top notch and unique. All of my friends like getting gifts from me because everything always smells so good

Demdaco Wall Plaques The sayings on these wall hangings are so beautiful~

"the whispers of our loves want us to take notice. they may just be whispers, small voices tucked deep inside the pockets of our hearts, but we must hold their possibility's close to our chests and allow them to step into the light."

This one is nice and small and only $10.00. I have three different ones in my bathroom at home and they also make a nice gift.

Heart Shaped candle holder (8.95) and "Curly Girl Design"

The one shown here is "know love plaque" and is only $9.95.
This duo will make a nice Valentines gift and is under twenty dollars.

We also carry homemade greeting cards that are "one of a kind."

Made by local artist Carol Adams.

Triloka Ayurvedic Chakra Essential Oil blends.

These beautiful oils are blended from pure essential oils to assist you to open, cleanse and work with each individual chakra or all seven. I like to use these during meditation on my third eye while doing my breathing exercise to relax. ($7.95 each) $55.65 for all seven.

Better Botanicals Ayurvedic Essentials

Pure beauty for the face, body and soul. The great thing about these products is they are all natural, organic food for your face and skin. Hannah gave me samples to try before I purchased all five of the line. We were on vacation that weekend and the trial sizes were perfect for travel. When I returned home, I bought all of the line for dry skin. My skin looks so healthy now- I rarely need to wear makeup to cover up imperfections! The highest priced item is the moisturizer, which is only $17.99. Compared to what I was paying, this is a great deal and an amazing product!

(14.95) Large Fairy decals.

This picture does not do these little beauties justice! The decals are fun to put in a hidden place or on the bedroom windows. Great for little girls and grown ups too that love fairies!

Scented Pleasures by Kelly Cook

Made in Oxford, MI homemade soaps.

These soaps smell so fresh and are all homemade for each season.

The large bars are $4.50 and we also carry sample sizes.

As you can see in the picture, we have snowflakes for the winter and
Kelly is working on some Valentine ones to share with your sweetie!

Oracle Cards. $15.95

We carry many different card decks to be used for meditation, daily inspiration, gifts and for those who do readings. I like to mix a few decks together and use my intuition to chose one or two each day to uplift and inspire me during my work day. I enjoy having a positive focus and the card proped up in a special place or in my purse is a nice reminder.

Nature's Alchemy Essential Oils

All natural essential oils vary in price depending on the plant and can be used for many different things. If you are new to oils, come in and smell testers in the front of each row and let your nose guide you to what you need. I like to make bath salts, or use the oils in blends for massage sessions. Everyone always comments that I "smell so nice." We have three different companies for you to chose from and each one carries different oils. The store also carries books on essential oils to guide you in how to use them. We also offer aromatherapy classes at various times during the year.

Coventry Creations, Inc. "where magic happens"

Made in Ferndale,Michigan.

Blessed Herbal candles made with natural ingredients and essential oils are poured on the full moon. I have these candles in my massage room and they do not even need to be lit to enjoy their pleasant fragrance. They have blessed kits, affirmations, and come in three different sizes.

Most around $7.50 and under. These make a great gift with a deck of oracle cards.

($23.45 for both)

True to Nature Incense

($2.25 each)

Rolled by hand, made in WI are made with natural fragrances based on herbs, flowers and essential oils. My favorites are patchouli and sandalwood.

We have a very nice selection of "Used Books". There is nothing better than walking into a used book store and noticing that wonderful energy and smell of knowledge! Each book and CD is priced individually. Very resonable!

Sage, feathers and "Sage and Smudge" book.

($20.90) all together. Can purchase individually.

Sage has been a part of personal, religious practices in cultures as diverse as Chinese, Roman and Native Americans. Smudge: to burn Sage in a ritual manner to cleanse or clear space, objects or environments.

"Think Happy Stuff"

Hats ($19.95), t-shirts, mugs, notebooks, bumper stickers, rocks, etc.

What a beautiful line of products that Hannah carries and wearing this reminds

others to think positive thoughts and can create a SMILE!

Of course Soothe Your Soul carries a ton of other wonderful gifts, treasures and fun items.

Check the website to catch up on store specials each month.

http://www.soothe-your-soul.com/

Until Next time.....Think Happy Stuff!

2009-11-18T12:30:00.000-08:00

Soothe Your Soul "spotlight" series

Cathy Zucker-Spiritual Lifecoach

written by Pam Ziskie-

Before I began working at Soothe Your Soul in Oxford, MI, I signed up for a "Life Coaching" series to connect with other like minds. I had become a regular customer of the store in addition to receiving massages and Reiki sessions. The first evening of class we all went around the room and introduced ourselves and what we wanted to gain from the class. The session was about bringing balance to our lives in a busy world. Everyone shared how busy their lives were and how they did not have time for themselves, work, kids, and hobbies, etc. When the last person spoke, it was my turn and I had done the opposite of the others in the last year, I had too much time on my hands and was bored! My new years resolution was to create peace, balance, harmony, plenty of time to relax, read, and meditate. As a master of manifestation, one thing was missing-connecting with others, especially groups. I had a strong desire to connect with communities, and deepen my connection to where I live.

Have you ever heard "be careful for what you ask for, because you will get it?"

So getting back to the class- every other Friday night in the fall of 2009 at 6:30pm, the numbers began to grow each time and thus a magical synergy began to happen. Our group leader Cathy Zucker amazed me at how she could ask just the right question to make us think and go deep within ourselves to find out what we truly desired. She has a highly creative mind and assisted each individual person to the best of her ability and then would open up the question to everyone in the class to create a cohesive bond between women. My favorite class was when she "sang" and had us all sing along with her. We were all a bit shy at first, but the love that burst forth from her heart warmed us all to the core. Another class we "danced" and also did "yoga" a few weeks later. The transformation I witnessed in those who attended was profound. I could see people changing right in front of my eyes. I have learned that when we come together in groups of three or more an energetic "entrainment" occurs and everyone begins to vibrate at a similar frequency, thus "speeding" up whatever process or goal of the individual.

Well, I am no longer "bored" but very "blessed" to be working a few days a week at Soothe Your Soul. What a perfect opportunity for me to meet new friends in my neighborhood of Oxford! In one of the classes, I shared that I dreamed of being a writer. My new friend and employer -Hannah (owner of Soothe Your Soul), asked if I would help her write for the store blog on occasion. Cathy's life coaching skills helped me gain the confidence and make my goals/intentions clear and turn them into a reality.

I asked Cathy to share her biography with us this month, as I find her such an interesting woman. Here is what she had to say:

Life is amazing to me. It proceeds in perfect order and timeliness. All of my experiences have prepared me for my present work. I was a vocal coach for 10 years when new students began coming to me for lessons with particularly sad eyes or with a posture that was drooped over. Sometimes a student would say " I know I'm supposed to work with you, but I don't think it's about singing." So I started asking life to reveal my work to me. One friend offered to be my "guinea pig." That was nice, but I didn't know what we were supposed to be doing. She was fine with that. "I trust you" she said.

I put more effort into my meditation and other spiritual practices during that time and looked for signs. One morning, I woke up with the words "Life Coach" in my head. What's that? I went on the Internet to see, and a whole new world opened up for me. People pay you to do this?!! I had already been "coaching" my friends and family for years. So I began to study. Soon I hired a mentor coach for myself. He guided me to the right books, asked all the right questions to help me discover the experience I already had, and helped me set up my website. He supported and encouraged me with my first clients, and when our work together was done, he referred someone to me. What a sign of faith! The last time I saw him, he said "You've added a precision and a laser-like awareness to your life and your intentions." WOW!

So here I am, facilitating conversations among the most fascinating people. Hannah has been so generous and gracious to me at Soothe Your Soul. My fall workshop series has been fun and enlightening for me as I live through the topic for two weeks before I present it to others. I find people open, talented, wise and compassionate. We're using the true desires of our hearts to move forward in our own lives and to help each other along.

My life has brought me so many tools for which I am grateful: music and singing, parenthood, yoga, a deep awareness of the unity in all life, the opportunity to share in people's lives in a deep and meaningful way. I hope that my work sheds a little light along your path, encouragement to pursue what brings meaning to your life, and joy as you realize the happiness and freedom you already possess.
Cathy Zucker can be reached at:

www.spirituallifecoachingmichigan.com

cathyzucker.blogspot.com

248-494-0271

There is a new "Lifecoaching" series beginning at Soothe Your Soul Friday January 8th, 2010.
Please check Soothe Your Soul meetup to sign up.

Here's what some of the class members had to share:
"The life coaching class at Soothe Your Soul has impacted my spiritual life. I have been interested in learning techniques to live a peaceful life. In this hurried world, we neglect our inner selves. Neglecting our soul ends up resulting in stress which ends up resulting in illness.

So much of these illnesses can be avoided if we take care of our inner soul. Cathy Zucker's life coaching class gave me some tools to find out what it is that brings me back to peace in my daily life and helped me to apply them.

I have since traveled down new avenues that are bringing me joy and hope to my future purpose. After dealing with a lot of loss in my lifetime, I am determined to make the most of each and every day. This class helped to guide me in reaching that goal.

Thank you, Soothe Your Soul. Your place has brought more love and light to my life. This is not a goal, but a journey that is ongoing. We always need to feed our souls."

Sue Biddle

Still in awe of the power of the law of attraction...brings me to our newest line at SYS

2009-11-09T10:45:00.000-08:00

Good Afternoon!

I was just getting ready to write a blog entry about a new line that I am really proud and excited to bring into the store. It is a fantastic company called Eve Organics. Well I decided to jump over to their website to do a little research to make sure I had all my facts right before I shared them with you. Guess what?!?!? The first entry on their blog was about Soothe Your Soul! Gotta just love what the Law of Attraction brings us! You can check out their blog right here.
Now to share my top 5 reasons why I made the decision to bring the line to Soothe Your Soul.

They are a Michigan Company!
They are a Women owned Company!
They provide the finest skin care and mineral cosmetics.
They educate their consumers about what ingredients make up their skin care. Something I've been preaching about for years. This is SO important people!
They give back to the community by donating a portion of their proceeds every year.

Great news is they are going to be here this Thursday, November 12th from 6-8 pm to launch the mineral make-up line here at Soothe Your Soul. There will be an opportunity to sample the line and test all the colors. This is going to be a great opportunity! You are going to want to be here...because I just may be giving some away that night.

Love~Light~Laughter

Hannah

Welcome to Pam Ziskie!

2009-11-05T07:49:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone-

I am so excited to announce our newest member of the Soothe Your Soul team. Her name is Pam, and she is fabulous! She adds her many talents to the shop and fills the place with love and light everytime she's here. I had the pleasure of receiving a Stone/Energy Healing Massage from her on Monday and there simply aren't words to describe the experience! First get yourself one, then give one to someone you love. I promise....it will be the best think you've done in a long time. And...if you come up with words to describe it...let me know and we will add them to the website! For now, here is an introduction to Pam and her awesome massage. Be sure to check out her Holiday Meditation class as well. You can register here.

Greetings Everyone!

My name is Pam Ziskie, and I am a resident of Oxford, MI. Since moving to Michigan from Beckley West VA. (23 years ago), I have discovered the amazing history and beauty that this state has to share with us. Not to mention we are surrounded by water for emotional healing.
My mission statement is simple, Live Joyously at all times. “Think, Say and Do” out of compassion and most of all embrace Divine Love and BE it.

Hannah, the owner of Soothe Your Soul, has asked me to write for the company “blog”. It is my honor and pleasure to share my thoughts, feelings and wisdom with you, the reader. My intention in writing, is to inspire you, share what I have learned, and fill your mind with wonder, creativity and joyous laughter. I am not the “expert” on anything and only share the subject matter from my personal perspective. I will offer facts, definitions, and my opinion and then you decide what to accept as your truth.

Today I would like to share with you something “old and new” that I am offering at Soothe Your Soul.

“Healing Hot Stone Massage”

Just reading the words gives me a "cozy" feeling inside.

Backing up a bit, I was born in VA-my home town was a sleepy little place tucked away in southeastern area of the state. My history is rich on both sides with Native American genes and I so am blessed to have grown up with this wonderful knowledge first hand-I lived it.
As children, we played outside all day long, sunup to sundown. We slept under the stars at night and frolicked in the woods all day. It was a different time and all was safe in our world. My friends and I would make these elaborate forts in trees with scrap material we would find in the wooded areas. Part of our ritual was piling up rocks after we had dug holes and branches from trees all around our forts. In VA, there are a lot of limestone and natural crystals that are in caves. Our piled rock formations represented “this is our fort, no intruders!”

Three years ago I had the wonderful opportunity to visit a friend in Sedona AZ. She took me to a national state park for a hike in the woods. It was a perfect day in October and we thought it would be nice to get some exercise. We followed the path through the woods and I kept having these fantastic flashbacks from my childhood days playing in the woods and running along pathways. The red mountains took my breath away with their magnificence and powerful presence. As we wound in and out of the forest, flat rock landings and pathways, we came upon an opening where the river was flushing out of the “Cathedral Rock” formation. I remember being frozen and tears running down my face. I thought to myself, “This is what it must feel like when you die and go to heaven.” The sound of the water caressing the rocks embedded in the river are etched in my mind forever. If I quiet myself down, I can still hear it.

After I composed myself, I began to look around to see if anyone was around to witness my girl moment. Luckily, I was alone and my friend went on up ahead to see what she could discover. I felt a strong urge to lie on the flat rock mound and soak up the sun like a lizard, and I did. After a few minutes I began to sense I was not alone. I kept seeing flat stones stacked upon one another in my mind’s eye, and then they started to evaporate into “stone people.” I could hear them talking and the love that emitted from their essence is indescribable.

I have no idea how long I laid there. When you are in this state of being, you move out of time and into your soul. I awoke to my friend looking down on me with the evening sun glaring behind her. I got up and we adventured to a place she had found ahead.As we approached this new area, I saw the river had slowed down here and there was a rocky beach. My friend pointed ahead and I was startled to see all of these “tall people” standing above the beach. I rubbed my eyes thinking maybe the heat had got to me and I did not eat enough for lunch.

We carefully walked into this giant rock bed and it felt like we had “died and gone to heaven!” For real. My friend and I began to gather flat stones in our arms of various sizes to make “a prayer intention” here in this beautiful place. Stacking the stones as high as we could, I began to pray out loud to the stone people, the four legged creatures, the mountains, water, sun and sky. We made as many of the stone piles as we could and placed them in various places around the Arizona forest. It is a beautiful memory etched in my mind forever.My entire life, I have been fascinated with rocks, stones, crystals and anything from our precious earth. Over the years, I have accumulated a large collection of stones. Each one has its own energy and personality. Some I have purchased, and most I have found in various places.. It is funny I ended up living in Oxford, since we live on top of a rock quarry.Many moons ago when I was in massage school, I found out that there was a massage modality using hot stones on the body. After I had my “a-hah” moment, I signed right up! I had found my “niche” as a massage therapist.. I was already a Reiki Master and Bodyworker so this was a perfect completion to what I wanted to practice as a healer. Since then, I have attended various “stone healing” classes to add to my massage style. Five years ago I was very grateful to find large metamorphic stones that contain iron ore thus retaining their heat/energy longer and can be used in stone healing layouts along with the massage techniques I was already using.

The stones are heated in water and after you are comfy, cozy on a massage table, the large stones are placed in various layouts on your body specifically tailored to what your body needs that day.

Smaller stones are used with a natural body butter to massage your back, arms and legs.

Hands-on techniques are used on the hands, feet, and neck. In addition, abdominal massage/essential oils can be used if you are having some digestive issues.

For additional comfort, healing and grounding, unique hand and feet stones are used.

Essential oils are also used along with Integrative Healing techniques to assist you in connecting with mother earth, feeling and smelling her magnificent wisdom and beauty.This type of massage lasts approximately ninety (90) minutes and is now being offered at Soothe Your Soul over the winter months. The healing investment is $110.00.Please call to set up an appointment, purchase a gift certificate, or for any additional information. I can’t wait to meet you!Until next time………

Love

Pam Ziskie, CMT. CST

Wellness Tip

2009-09-29T08:26:00.000-07:00

Good Morning Everyone-
I just read a wonderful tip on the Daily Om. Since it is the start of cold and flu season, I thought it would be wise to share it with all my friends. Since sniffles have been starting around my house the last few days, I plan to go home and brew up some myself. Here it is, in good health...

If you feel ill health coming on, brew a wellness elixir. Simmer three sliced lemons, one teaspoon freshly grated ginger, one clove freshly minced garlic, and one quarter teaspoon cayenne pepper in five cups water until the lemons are soft and pale. Strain a portion into a mug and add honey by tablespoons until you can tolerate the taste. Drinking this potent mixture of antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal ingredients three times each day can ensure your symptoms never progress into a full-blown illness.

All the best,

Hannah

2009-09-10T06:50:00.000-07:00

September 10, 2009

Hi Everyone - this is an article from the Daily Om and can be seen in its original form here: http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2009/20060.html. I wanted to include it here, because we have Dianne (The Angel Lady) coming in on Saturday to teach us all about how to use the pendulums.

Intuition Made Visible
Pendulum Motion

Using a pendulum is a simple way to clarify messages from intuition or inspiration. With its minimal construction of a weight, or bob, allowed to swing freely from a piece of cord or chain, it gives us a visual understanding of the subtle energies that influence us. When we ask a question using the pendulum, we may receive answers from our own intuition or from our spirit guides or angels. The process, known as "dowsing" or "divining," is also useful to check our energy centers or even to find lost articles. Whether it is our energy or the whispers of our guides creating the motion, the pendulum helps us better understand the secret language of spirit.
Your pendulum can be anything that feels right to you: a crystal pendant, wood or metal ornaments, a seashell, an item with sentimental value, or even an acorn on a string. The key is that it must be balanced so it can swing freely. Before and after each session, you may want to purify your pendulum, perhaps by using salt water or burning sage or incense. Focus on becoming still and choose who you would like to answer your questions, your higher self or your spirit guides or guardian angels. By asking questions whose answers you already know and watching the corresponding movements, you can learn what "yes" and "no" look like. Your pendulum may move forward and back for "yes" and side-to-side for "no," or perhaps a variety of circular motions will be your indicators. For some people, movement comes easily as they are more in tune with working with energy, but do not give up if you do not get movement right away. Determining a neutral state, which may be stillness or another ! distinct motion, can help avoid confusion as well. Once you are familiar with your pendulum, you can use it to check the energy of a room, or use a pendulum over your chakras to see if they are blocked or open.
When we make a practice of listening to our spiritual guidance, we find it more accessible to us in general. The use of a tool like the pendulum can only help us gain mastery in this understanding, allowing us to transform our lives into playgrounds for manifesting our gifts and dreams.

MEN EXPERIENCE CHILDBIRTH

2009-05-27T08:24:00.000-07:00

This is a great article from Janice Rex Weaver that I wanted to share with all of you. I think it is perfect connection with Father's Day coming up. If you'd like to learn more about the HypnoBirthing experience (or know somebody who would), please join us for Janice's FREE class on June 16th at 6:30 here at Sooothe Your Soul.

When it comes to birth, there certainly are a lot of different philosophies………..some folks believe that birth is difficult and painful. Others understand the mechanics of a woman’s body and know that when the body is sufficiently relaxed, birth happens gently and in comfort. But no matter where you lie on that scale, one fact remains…….childbirth is absolutely experienced by both women and men. This statement might be a little foreign to some, isn’t birthing up to the mother? Obviously to a large degree it is. But Dad’s also go through their own kind of birthing process, needing to have clear, calm energy to help the birthing mother. They need to release their own fear…..breathe……relax. Ride the ebb and flow of uterine surges just as Mom does. Dad’s have the innate built in response as protector, so to make good decisions, relaxation is key. So how can we achieve this relaxation, non-resistance, and freedom from fear when society does all it can to pump up the volume and focus on the drama of birth? Rarely do we see in TV or movies mothers enjoying birth, even if it is supposed to be comedy, it is focused on the pain. Usually it can be a time when power is turned over to someone else instead of embracing the responsibility of this magical moment. Education is key. With knowledge and awareness we can prepare ourselves for this most beautiful event you will only experience once……even if you have more children, this is the only experience you will have with this child. There are many good birthing methods available to choose from and you need to find the right one for you. My husband and I were fortunate to find HypnoBirthing® which served our needs and the needs of our baby beyond our wildest expectations. We became more connected to our baby and the birthing process. We discovered the joy in relaxation and found that it helps the process in such a positive way. Not only did I receive tools to support my birthing, my husband become fully prepared as advocate, supporter, protector for me and our baby. We received such wonderful gifts from the easy and comfortable births we had with both of our daughters, I was inspired to become certified and teach HypnoBirthing® childbirth education, which I currently do in Rochester and W. Bloomfield.

Interested in learning more? Join the free seminar at Soothe Your Soul on Tues, June 16 at 6:30 to discover ‘The Advantages of HypnoBirthing’ – a combination of relaxation, breathing, and visualization techniques that are used to control pain during labor and childbirth. It empowers men and women to build confidence in themselves.

It is often said that "we spend more money on our cars than our bodies". Many of us are also very happy and ready to spend thousands of dollars on our weddings, a very important day in our lives. We even have Wedding Planners to help us make the day perfect. I've come to believe, after experiencing the births of my daughters, there cannot be any more special day than receiving a child into the world happily and gently.

With this perspective in mind, it seems only natural to do whatever we can as parents to guarantee this. Find joy in this responsibility. Find liberation in this way of thinking. Pablo Casals said, “The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him.” Let’s join together to protect this miracle, to ensure the well being of our children, and be an advocate for their happiness.

Janice Rex Weaver is a Certified HypnoBirthing® Practitioner and creator of her practice, Peaceful Birthing. She finds bliss in sharing her birthing experiences with others. To contact Janice and to find your bliss, visit www.YourPeacefulBirthing.com

Oops! I lost my balance...

2009-05-25T09:50:00.000-07:00

I am sorry that I haven’t blogged in awhile – I’m afraid I had lost my balance. No, I didn’t fall down, although I have been known to do that. I lost the balance in my life. I don’t know about you, but sometimes I feel that I spend most of my energy trying to keep my balance. Every day, every where, every way, we are inundated with messages…we need to be the sexiest partner, the cool kool aid mom, the smart and savvy career person, be fit and fabulous by working out every day but never breaking a sweat - we must maintain our homes and gardens with the skill of Martha Stewart, cook like Rachel Ray and all the while look like Selma Hayek. And, in our spare time, we are surfing the web, facebooking our bffs on my space and twittering our every move, and, oh by the way…is there an app for that? Whew! I am exhausted just typing about it and living it is….well, it is a balancing act. Like most of us, I am juggling the balls of my marriage, my kids, my job, my friendships, my home, my aging parents and for some reason when I do lose my balance, what I usually end up dropping are the things that I need, want, or just plain enjoy. But I have started to realize something very important (in large part due to the classes, conversations and friendships I have experienced at Soothe Your Soul!), so important I feel foolish that I haven’t realized it before…Long before I can concentrate on juggling, I must find and maintain my balance, and the most critical step toward finding that balance is focusing on building and maintaining a very solid foundation. Everyone who knows me knows that I am not very coordinated. So I am not sure why I thought I could juggle when I can’t even keep my balance! As I continue this journey of self discovery, I am picking up such basic yet indispensible facts…for instance, in Reiki, I learned that you must always close a session by grounding the person. What a simple yet powerful concept! Unless we continue to be grounded, grounded within ourselves, grounded to our core beliefs, grounded to the Earth, grounded to the larger common consciousness, unless our base feels sure and steady, how can we expect to stand and move forward let alone perform tricks like juggling?! So, for now, I am shifting my focus, trusting the universe to keep my many balls afloat while I reinforce my foundation, fortify my center and restore my equilibrium…of course, all the while looking like Selma Hayek!

Breaking news!!!!

2009-05-21T17:00:00.000-07:00

Contrary to popular belief, 'Video did not kill the Radio Star!' (The Buggles, 1979). Today, Hannah Cornell-Schroeder was a radio star. Soothe Your Soul was featured on AM 690 this morning from 11 - 11:30 a.m. Hannah was calm and composed as she provided listeners a glimpse into her own journey to Soothe Your Soul as well as an informative summary of all that Soothe Your Soul has to offer. She was joined by Reiki Master & Teacher, Leslie Cirinesi, and Scott Cooper who recently offered a guided imagery class at Soothe Your Soul. All three did a terrific job of representing the team of amazing teachers, healers, and mentors that have found themselves drawn to Soothe Your Soul. Great job, Hannah...you are a star!

Why I continue to 'Think Pink'...

2009-04-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

Right now, Hannah is featuring some products at Soothe Your Soul with proceeds going to breast cancer research. I wanted to thank Hannah for doing this and explain why I believe that this cause is so important.
I am a 8 1/2 year breast cancer survivor. Like many of you, my life had been touched by this terrible disease long before I was diagnosed myself. I did my first 'Race for the Cure' in 1998 with my daughter's preschool. I was so struck by how many young women, many of them pushing strollers, were wearing the pink survivor t-shirts. Little did I know, I would soon be one of them.
After my diagnosis, friends and family began to join me at the Race for the Cure, so in 2004 we formed a team, Glow Team Glow!, to Race for the Cure. We have grown to about 50 members and have so far raised over $10,000. Every year we share so much fun, a few tears and a lot of hard work. Every year I say, "This is it - no more Race for the Cure." But then, every new year I can't let go...why?
Do I continue to walk because I can, because I am still here...of course I do! Do I continue to walk in celebration of family and friends who are cancer survivors...of course I do! Do I continue to walk in remembrance of loved ones who have lost their battle with cancer...of course I do! But I walk with all of those things in my heart every day, so why continue to Race for the Cure?
It is simple, because now I know...now I know how it feels to learn you have breast cancer. How it feels to be so afraid, to come face to face with your mortality, and to feel alone in a way you never thought possible. So how can I know and not do something about it, how can I know and ever look in the eyes of someone newly diagnosed and say, "I know and I did nothing," how can I know and not want to save my daughter and all the daughters of the world from ever hearing the words, "You have breast cancer." So I guess that's it...as long as I know, I will walk.
So, please stop into Soothe Your Soul and check out ways to support our Race for the Cure...I know you will be happy you did!

Wisdom in the oddest places...

2009-04-10T15:02:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to share with you a moment of insight I had today. I was helping Hannah out at Soothe Your Soul today.
As I got ready to face the day, I was chastising myself for all the things I should be doing for myself but haven't been. You know what I mean; exercise, healthy food, more quiet time. At the same time, I moved on to thinking about all of the reasons I haven't been doing these things; no time, no energy, no money, etc., etc. For me, this cycle of thinking seems to be occuring more and more often lately.
Now, fast forward to Soothe Your Soul...I was unwrapping some stones that had arrived. Small, smooth stones each with one word engraved on them. Words of healing, inspiration, comfort...you get the picture. My eyes were drawn to a particularly beautiful stone - the colors, the unique patterning and sense of depth attracted me. I was eager to see what incredible word would enhance this fabulous stone. The word was 'EXCUSES'! What! Why would a word so tied with feelings of shame, cowardice, justification and apology cover such a incredible and unique stone? That's when I had my moment...is that exactly what I had been doing to myself that very morning? Covering my unique and incredible self with a sense of shame, cowardice, justification and apology...with 'EXCUSES'. Wow! So now I must change my perspective. I must do good things for myself when I can because I deserve them and when I don't or can't, I must recognize that I am still interesting, still unique, still beautiful - no EXCUSES! I will let you know how that goes for me...

Reiki 1 and me...

2009-04-06T14:23:00.000-07:00

I am now a certified Level 1 Reiki practioner! Fascinated by my Reiki experiences and eager to learn more I decided to take the 6 hour class (actually, two 3 hour sessions) with Hannah and Leslie at Soothe Your Soul. I also convinced my 25 year old son to join me. The class itself was fun and interesting. Both Hannah and Leslie are terrific, down to earth ladies who instantly made everyone comfortable. Again, just like I had experienced at the Reiki Circle, there were different types of people with a wide variety of reasons for their interest in Reiki. We learned about the history of Reiki and more. During the class, we were all 'attuned' to open us up to be a channel to receive and utilize more of the Universal Life Energy. The attunement is a simple (and not scary) process which is performed by a Reiki Master. The attunement itself was a very calming and balancing experience for me. We got to practice on ourselves and on each other. As my son said, it was a peaceful and calming experience. We both left the second session feeling relaxed yet energized.
Honestly, some of what I learned made so much sense that I felt that I had always known it. There were also things that did not make sense to me or didn't seem right to me...for now anyway. But, one thing is for certain, I am thankful that Reiki is now a part of my life and I am eager to continue to grow and develop my Reiki skills.
By the way...I am always looking for someone to practice on!

Reiki Rocks!

2009-03-31T13:53:00.000-07:00

Well, it only seemed logical that if I was going to blog for Soothe Your Soul that I should at least try Reiki. I knew it must be a good thing because I respect Hannah and totally trust her judgement - if she loved it, it must be a good thing. I started out slowly with a 'sampler' session with Hannah and Leslie. It is difficult to describe, but I definitely felt something and it definitely felt good...and I definitely wanted more. Next I attended a Reiki Circle at Soothe Your Soul (every third Thursday of the month). I was fascinated by the different people that attended. People of different ages, different lifestyles who had all found a place for Reiki in their lives. Not being a practitioner, I could only receive Reiki and I was amazed by the intensity of energy being produced...at one point, I had to go downstairs when it became a little overwhelming. Not negative, just intense. After the Reiki Circle, I was even more intrigued. This 'energy work' made sense to my scientific brain. After all, one of the first truths of physics is that energy never ends, it just changes form and from the tiniest atoms in each of us we are full of energy, so it why shouldn't we be in touch with this energy and even be able to change its form?
Stayed tuned for my next step...

Soul Ramblings...

2009-03-29T10:42:00.000-07:00

Soothe your Soul got me to thinking just what is a soul? So, I did a little research and this is what I found…
The definitions of soul range from something very definitive to a catch all for anything that is unknown, intangible and indescribable about our existence. These are some of those definitions:
~ Soul is the immaterial part of a person.
~ Soul contains one’s thoughts and personality.
~ Soul can be used interchangeably with spirit, mind, psyche, self, breath, heart, life force, energy…
I also learned that the word and the idea of soul have been used by all the ancients and every religion holds some concept of the soul.
Some believe soul is eternal and separate from our physical self while some believe it is our life force which begins and ends with our physical life.
Soul is a type of music which combines elements of gospel, rhythm and blues. (This may be the most accurate description of soul!)
After much researching and thinking, this is what I believe to be true:
~ Everyone has a soul.
~ Our soul is the purest form of our self.
~ Each soul is unique.
~ Each soul is innately beautiful.
~ Each soul wants, needs and deserves to be acknowledged, accepted, embraced and, of course, soothed!

Welcome to the Soothe Your Soul blog!

2009-03-29T08:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you for joining my blogging journey. This journey will be new to me as I have never blogged before or even followed a blog before. I am supposing that the best way to begin this blog is to introduce myself and enlighten you to the point of reference from which I am blogging. My name is Cindy and I live in Oxford with my husband of 28 years, my two children, two dogs and two cats. I have my roots in this area, having grown up in Washington, MI but have also lived in East Lansing, Royal Oak and Clearwater, Florida. I received a bachelor's degree in nursing from Michigan State University and have worked in hospitals, doctor's office, and Hospice, but discovered my true nursing passion was home health care. I believe my role as a nurse was to be an agent of change, whether it be towards better health and well being or towards a peaceful and pain free final transition. Meeting and caring for people in their own homes, amongst their loved ones and treasured possessions, makes it so much easier to understand and embrace the whole person and not just see them as their 'disease.' Through a series of events, some happy; such as the adoption of a long desired child, and some challenging; such as being diagnosed with breast cancer, I have taken a break from my nursing career. I have still managed to stay quite busy though, raising my family and involving myself in a multiple of volunteer activities. It was through one of these volunteer positions with the PTO, that the blessing of Hannah Cornell-Schroeder entered my life. We had an instant connection and over the last 8 years we have shared so much - laughter and tears, losses and new beginnings, struggles and successes...and more than a few margaritas! I was so excited when Hannah shared her plans to open Soothe Your Soul. It seemed to be the culmination of everything she had been preparing for, the start of a dream realized. Then when she asked me if I would become the official Soothe Your Soul blogger, I was so thrilled, honored and, to be honest, more than a little bit scared. I wondered, 'what is a blog,' 'can I do justice to Soothe Your Soul and to Hannah,' and 'what do I know that anyone would want to read about?' I certainly didn't feel qualified to write a blog about reiki, stone healing, angel reading or any other alternative healing modalities. Yes, I had always been open to alternative practices, and yes, I have had experiences, both positive and negative, with different approaches in my search for better physical, mental and emotional health...but I am certainly not an expert. After pondering all of this ad nauseum (if you do follow this blog, you will discover that I tend to over ponder things at times! ;-), I realized maybe this is what made me the perfect person to do this blog. I suspect few of you that will read this blog have fully embraced and immersed yourself in the new age world of alternatives. Most of you are probably like me, an average person with an average history looking to take your life from average to extraordinary! So...let the journey begin!