The Influence of Children’s Books on My Life, Reiki & Writing

One of my favorite classes in college was children’s literature. I really had no idea why this was the case, but upon starting to re-read The Time Quintet by Madeline L’engle, I can see how books I read as child not only shaped how I write as an adult, but also my process of thought, and thus, my life. (As an aside here–I’d also like to interject that Arthurian mystery was fairly intriguing to me as a child, too, and Susan Cooper’s The Dark is Rising series certainly shaped me as well.)

Why was I so open to even try Reiki, let alone practice it? For those who don’t know what Reiki is, firstly, it doesn’t have to be capitalized. I just always do it. Secondly, it’s either a) a part of the measurable energy force within and outside of ourselves or b) the practice of Reiki, a hands-on or distance modality often used by holistic health and alternative health providers. You can visit Reiki.org for more information, or here from Nani Lotus Bodywork.

There’s traditional training of Reiki, which is Usui Reiki, and considered the original means to train. But now there are so many other types of Reiki out there, from one I’ve always wanted to try, Lubeck’s Rainbow Reiki, to Rand’s Holy Fire Reiki, to ones I’ve never even heard of. Sekhem Reiki? Lightarian Reiki? What?! It gets confusing.

However, I’m assuming each of these different types all have a form of distance Reiki. Distance Reiki, from my own personal training and knowledge, can move beyond space and time. We may not understand it with our limited thinking, but I’ve seen and felt it work. It just is.

Logically, you can think back to the past while you are in the present. You can also assume things about the future while you are in the present. Thus, time is not linear, even to the human brain and body, because you can think about things and have a visceral reaction in the present.

Here’s where it gets fascinating in the context of my own life. I read these books as a child, and somewhere within me, I registered the notion that light, and dark, needed to strike a balance to both exist. Without one, there is not the other.

I registered that extrasensory perception (ESP), to some extent, must certainly be real. Not because it’s this magical concept and wishful thinking can conjure reality, but because there are so many inexplicable things in life. Déjà vu, for one; thinking about someone and them calling you on the phone, for another; gleaning messages from random things that you see at that perfect moment; or odd shared dreams, weird shared experiences.

I simply call it being in the flow.

Science strives to define these inexplicable experiences, and oftentimes it does. Science is magic; magic is science. Humanity has been thought provoked for only so long, right, so how could we possibly have scientifically proven all of the magic that exists?

L’engle describes kything, this process of “going within” others and their experiences, connecting even more than regular ol’ ESP. The way she writes about it made me realize, oh my God, this is Distance Reiki. (Another aside: this reminded me of when I was personally learning about Reiki–during the last season of the TV show LOST. And guess what? We chalked up the light at the center of the island as Reiki as well!)

All of these pop culture references, all of these hidden books, or even books in plain sight. Beyond our wildest dreams is the true reality; our limitations taking us only so far. I understand why reading is considered dangerous and wilding. It truly can open your mind like a parachute.

I have no idea what drew me to these books as a child, but I can clearly see how the magic of them shaped my reality, and even my own writing! I imagine that when The Light Thrower series is said and done, my own themes will continue to explore good, and bad, light, and dark, and the delicate balance of the music of existence. And I imagine, as I continue to practice and teach Reiki, that more and more experiences from my childhood will continue to support the expanding reality of my today.

Swell Recommendations!

Here we go!

I’m not sure how often I will post recommendations — either annually, semi-annually, quarterly, seasonally — but I think it’s a superb idea to list current things I find swell in the world.

So for this first round-up, it’s going to be heavy on self-promotion, but I promise, it won’t always be this way.

Podcasts

Naturally I think my own podcast is super swell! It’s traveling along the lines of this blog — in terms of holistic health topics, spiritual topics — but I’m sure they won’t always meander the exact same path.

It is called Woo Woo BBQ. The premise is we’re going to roast — or toast — or maybe a bit of both — whatever we’re cooking up for the episode.

For now we are just on Spotify. We have the trailer, an introduction about who we are and why we’re doing the podcast, and three episodes. The episodes cover Reiki, magic mushrooms and El Camino de Santiago.

On Spotify * On Instagram * On the Web

Shopping

The last time I traversed to Salem, MA, it was during Covid shutdowns so I wasn’t able to make it inside this store. But I think, if you have any need for witchy items, you should check out Hauswitch. I’ve ordered some various items from them, and I’m sure I will continue to do so. They’ve got a lot of fun things. |I have no affiliation with this place, just FYI.

Reading

More self-promotion here, and yes, I’ve mentioned it before here. But if you need an easy read, full of woo woo things, love triangles, banter about destiny vs. free will, prophecy, silly dogs and wary cats, then this book is for you. Join Violet as she discovers who she really is, and why it matters. Set in suburban Atlanta, read on to find what happened When Violet Got Bored. On ebook or paperback; free to Kindle Unlimited readers on Amazon.

Like spooky, historical fiction? Check out The Hauntings of DoG Street: Chowning’s Tavern on Kindle Vella. It follows a modern college student who begins to realize she has a natural gift speaking with the dead… in this case, people who lived in Colonial Williamsburg, back when it was just Williamsburg, during colonial times!

Who is the Man in the Hat? What does he want? First 3 chapters ALWAYS free.

Have a kiddo? Phenix & Fox: Shooting Stars is my children’s book. It’s in paperback, ebook, and a coloring book variation. This summer it will be released in full color via hardback. And you heard it hear (haha) first: the book will be released sometime soon via Audible, read by none other than me!

Animals

It’s bird-watching season in my part of the woods, so I highly recommend some nesting birdseed blend for your flight babies. If you have a local Wild Birds Unlimited near you, they’ll let you order online and pick the seed up! |I have no affiliation with this place, either.

Eats

I found these at Whole Foods, I think. Babybel has just introduced NON DAIRY wax cheese! AAACK! I freaking loved it! My kid hated them. It reminded me of something — some flavor from my childhood — but I couldn’t place my finger on it. If you have eaten them and have an idea? Email me and let me know! |And you’re right if you’re thinking that Babybel is not sending me money, or free cheeses.

Oils

Rocky Mountain Oils has been, quite probably, my favorite brand for close to ten years. They recently interviewed me via Zoom for a short feature. You can watch it here, or visit them on the web here and check the oils out for yourself. I love the chakra blends and immune system blend. Yes, I’ve already blogged about this in a few places.|It looks like they do have an affiliate program out there, but no, I’m not a part of it.

I think that’s a good enough start for the first List of Swell Things! (Of course I’m thinking of Oprah’s Favorite Things when I type that. Of course!)

Stay swell out there.

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A Novel for Bodyworkers/Yogis/Magic Lovers

A little bit of self-promotion here.

I wrote a book about a bodyworker. Scenes take place in yoga studios, dojos and meditation rooms. There are crystals, runes, reiki, and elixirs.

While the story itself was therapeutic to write, the fun came in describing the world we holistic health people know and love. I call BS when BS needs to be called, I call confusion when Destiny vs Free Will is on the mind of our characters, and sneak in some recipes at the back of the book.

Read more about the book here.

Purchase on Amazon here. Free for Kindle Unlimited readers!

If you enjoy it, please leave a review!

Happy Reading, Fellow Light Workers!