Who am I
Welcome to Ravens Rest. I’d like to introduce myself.
Veteran, father, cancer survivor, and naturalist. For many years I have always felt a strong connection with nature, the outdoors, and truly and firmly believe that the secrets to a long and healthy life can be found by connecting with nature and learning to listen to our own inner spirit.
After having cancer twice and discovering I am allergic to chemo, there was no certain outcome on if I would heal. I was told there was nothing modern medicine could do and I would just have to wait and see. To me, that was not an acceptable answer and decided to dive in to what nature could do for me. With family in medicine, Chinese herbology, energy work, and mental health care, I decided I wanted to combine all my resources into one place and learn to heal the way our ancestors did.
I went right into learning Reiki, learning and using our bodies natural energy centers, flow, and the natural energies found in the universe. Training and learning over the course of a year I earned Reiki Shinpiden and beyond into other forms such as Violet Flame.
Soon after I decided to pursue adding Mindset Coaching to my skillset. I quickly embraced the concept of radical acceptance, understanding that there is no point in stressing over things that have happened and can no longer change, but understanding that its just a learning opportunity to grow in the future, and how to turn experiences that may seem bad into a positive mindset.
Relocating and moving into an 820 acre dark sky preserve, I began to study Sylvotherapy, a more in-depth form of Forest Bathing. Learning more about beneficial plants and the science behind why the forest is so healing and relaxing. By combining science and nature, I learned how to get the best of both worlds and learn to heal in the most natural way we can.
What is Reiki?
Reiki is a holistic healing technique that originated in Japan in the early 20th century, developed by Mikao Usui. The word "Reiki" is derived from two Japanese words: "Rei", meaning universal or spiritual wisdom, and "Ki", meaning life force energy. Reiki is based on the principle that this vital energy flows through all living beings and that disruptions or imbalances in this energy can lead to physical, emotional, or spiritual dis-ease.
During a Reiki session, a trained practitioner uses a light touch or holds their hands just above the client’s body to channel healing energy. The goal is to remove energy blockages and encourage the natural flow of energy, allowing the body and mind to return to a state of balance and harmony. Reiki is non-invasive, gentle, and typically experienced as deeply calming.
Why is Reiki Beneficial?
Reiki is considered beneficial for several reasons, both physical and emotional:
Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation: Reiki helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system, encouraging the body to relax and recover from daily stressors.
Enhances Emotional Clarity and Stability: Many people report feeling more grounded, centered, and emotionally balanced after a session. It can help release emotional blockages or old patterns.
Supports Physical Healing: While Reiki does not replace medical treatment, it is often used alongside conventional care to support recovery from illness, injury, or surgery by promoting the body’s natural healing processes.
Improves Sleep and Mental Clarity: Regular sessions can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and promote mental focus.
Balances Energy: Reiki aims to bring the body’s energy centers, or chakras, into alignment, which is believed to support overall wellness and vitality.
Safe for All Ages and Conditions: Because it is gentle and non-invasive, Reiki is considered safe for people of all ages, including children, the elderly, and those with chronic or acute conditions.
Many individuals incorporate Reiki into their wellness routines for its calming effects and its ability to foster a deeper connection between mind, body, and spirit. It is widely used in wellness centers, hospitals, and hospices around the world as a complementary therapy.
Sylvotherapy and its benefits
Sylvotherapy, also known as forest therapy or tree therapy, is a nature-based healing practice that involves spending intentional, mindful time among trees and in forested environments to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The term comes from the Latin word "silva", meaning forest.
Unlike simply walking through nature, sylvotherapy encourages slow, conscious immersion in the forest. This may include activities such as deep breathing, sitting or lying on the forest floor, meditating, or physically connecting with trees by touching or "hugging" them. The practice draws on the belief that trees emit beneficial energies and compounds (like phytoncides, antimicrobial oils released by trees) that can positively affect the human body and mind.
Benefits of Sylvotherapy:
Reduces Stress and Anxiety: Time in nature has been scientifically shown to lower cortisol levels and reduce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Boosts the Immune System: Exposure to phytoncides can enhance natural killer (NK) cell activity, which supports immune function.
Improves Mood and Mental Clarity: Sylvotherapy can help clear the mind, reduce mental fatigue, and elevate overall mood.
Enhances Sleep Quality: The calming effects of forest environments can help regulate sleep patterns and improve rest.
Promotes Grounding and Emotional Balance: Connecting with nature helps individuals feel more rooted and connected, both to themselves and the natural world.
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