CategoriesMoon Phases Spirituality Tips & Advice

Lunar Living

How do you go with the flow of the moon? Well, on the 30th April we have a new moon in the zodiac sign Taurus, this will be the second new moon of the month, it is called a “black moon”. New moon energy is all about planting the seeds, so it’s time to focus on what you want to manifest and set your intentions. As the new moon will be in Taurus, we will have a look at the energy Taurus brings us and combine that energy with the phase of the moon so you can harness this energy in the best way.

Taurus is the 2nd sign of the zodiac and is ruled by the feminine planet Venus, the planet of love. Taurus brings strong, sturdy, reliable and protective energy. This new moon is going to encourage us to re align ourselves with what we desire in our life, questions to ask yourself will be “Does the life I desire align with my beliefs and values? “What negative blocks have I got that is stopping me from reaching my full potential?” “Do I truly believe that I am worthy of the life I desire?”. These are very important questions to ask yourself, in order to manifest your desired life you need to believe you are worthy of it and I mean truly believe. If you feel it is not aligned with your values and beliefs, you need to either re evaluate your values and beliefs or what it is you are asking the Universe for. When you think of your desired life does it light up a spark inside you? Does it resonate with who you are? When it lights up your soul thinking about it, sit with them feelings and believe it is yours already and hold on to the feelings it gives you, the more you feel it the more you believe it and the more you believe it the more you attract it into your life.

Get a pen and paper its prompt time! Start to write down what you want to manifest on paper, writing this down allows you to physically see what you are manifesting, and also physically send it out to the universe to deliver back to you! You should start to feel all the positive feelings it gives you whilst doing this, and don’t forget to show your gratitude for the universe/higher source for where you are right now in your life and where you will be in your life. Once you have written down what you want to manifest you can fold your piece of paper towards you and keep it safe (I normally keep it under my pillow for the night and then place in my journal to reflect on at a later date)

Once you have written your manifestations down you can do a little energy clearing exercise to release any negative blocks and any negative energy. Stand with your feet firmly on the ground and say “I declare my body grounded to the earth right now and so it is” Now visualise a magnet in your stomach and say out loud “I call all of my energy back home to me that may have been taken without my permission” and visualise your energy being attracted back to the magnet in your stomach. Now visualise butterflies surrounding you landing on your body and say out loud “I release any negative blocks and energy that is holding me back and I send it back to where it came from wrapped in love & light. Visualise the butterflies taking this away from you. Finally, visualise a white light inside and surrounding your body and aura and say “This is my energy shield, nothing shall have access to my energy without my permission”.

Remember to stay true to yourself and when you feel like nothing is happening come back to the energy clearing exercise, and to your manifestation letter and allow your self to sit with the feelings it gives you! Remember to BELIEVE in yourself and know you deserve the life you desire!

CategoriesEducational

The Immune System

Your immune system is a network of cells, organs, proteins and antibodies that work to protect you against bacteria, viruses and parasites. The immune system keeps a record of every microbe it has ever defeated, in the form of white blood cells. This means that if a microbe was to enter your body again, these white blood cells can destroy the microbe before it can multiply and make you feel sick. For example, you can only catch chickenpox once!

However, some infections like the flu and the common cold have many different strains. The white blood cells you’ve developed only work for one particular strain, which is why you can suffer from the flu over and over again.

So how can you support your immune system?

There are simple lifestyle changes that can support your immune system and cell function, and keep your body running correctly.

  1. Sleep is closely linked to a healthy immune system. Whilst you are sleeping, your body can focus its energy into cellular activity rather than movement or high brain activity. It is recommend that adults have at least 6 hours of sleep each night, the optimum time being 8 hours. Any less could result in your body not having adequate time to create white blood cells. This is also why you tend to sleep more when you are feeling sick, as your body knows it needs time to repair!
  2. Whole plant foods such as fruit, vegetables, seeds and nits are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, These antioxidants help decrease inflammation caused by unstable compounds called free radicals. Free radicals can be found in pollution, cigarette smoke and industrial components, and can attack the cells in your body and cause high levels of inflammation. This inflammation can lead to chronic diseases such as cancers, heart diseases and even Alzheimers!
  3. Fibre is also essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. Fibre feeds the healthy bacteria in your gut, known as gut microbiome. Having a robust gut microbiome can help keep harmful pathogens from entering the body through your digestive tract. Find fibre in wholegrain, broccoli, carrots and beans.
  4. Probiotics found in yoghurt, fermented foods and supplements are essential for a healthy immune system. Probiotics are found in your digestive tract and can help your cells differentiate from healthy normal cells to invader harmful cells.
  5. Moderate exercise is vital to keep your body healthy. Although prolonged, intense workouts can suppress your immune system, moderate exercise can give it a boost. It can reduce inflammation and provide energy for your cells to regenerate and repair, as well as removing any harmful bacteria from your lungs. You should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week to ensure a healthy body and immune system.
  6. Stress and anxiety can affect your immune system. Stress can increase the cortisol levels in your body. Cortisol is responsible for creating the ‘fight or flight’ mode, meaning all unessential body processes are put on hold until the threat is dealt with. High levels of cortisol from continuous stress can prevent the immune system from working properly, as the body still thinks there is a threat to deal with first. Stress can be reduced with daily meditation. Meditation, even for just 5 minutes, can give your mind and body time to relax and refocus, reducing any stress you may feel.
CategoriesSpirituality Tips & Advice

An Adventure in The Making

Will (my husband) and I have always wanted to travel. We both like to be free, we are always up for and enjoy an adventure. Whether it’s a morning by the sea or visiting somewhere we haven’t been before, we have always enjoyed experiences over anything physical – ‘stuff’.

We had our daughters when we were in our 20s, life happened, we travelled a bit, but the idea still stuck in our minds; that we would travel when we were older. Over the last few years, conversations between us turn to our retirement, travel, we chat about what are going to do, daydream and come up with many ideas (shall we get a van, move to the country, let go of Quest or have a second shop, buy a house abroad, get a canal boat…etc), yet none of them have felt right and it just hasn’t been the right time. Will reached another decade last year (ouch) and we thought the time is really upon us to make some changes… But what would we do? Where we would we go?

Let us take you through our considerations. Quest is happy and the Quest Team is brilliant, so we know we don’t need to worry about it: it’s in good hands. Our daughters are happy and independent, our health is currently good, we are not materialistic, therefore we don’t need a big house and all that comes with its day-to-day running. We like adventure, we love nature, we would like to travel, experience different cultures. Even though it could be prudent to wait for another year or two until the pandemic is well and truly in the distant past, the current situation in Ukraine is over; we concluded there would always be something to stop us.

So, this year, in April we are leaving our home and downsizing to stay in a tiny cabin on the edge of Boxhill. I know some of you have already visited it on a Bliss retreat, healing / meditation session or an evening meditation. If you have, you would know it is literally on the edge of the world…. It’s in nature, with amazing views; we can go for lots of walks, every day breathe the fresh air, and the best thing is we can leave it at any moment, as it will take care of itself, so we can go on our travels to far and distant lands. The other upside is that, of course, we will continue being close enough for us to continue to work in Quest and run all my workshops, courses and more. Our daughter and her boyfriend will get to enjoy our home, whilst Will and I turn into carefree, non-materialistic nomads.

We have running water, electricity, but a camping toilet (yuck). We have to cross a field to get to the cabin which will be fun in the rain, and the mud, but hey ho we will be living the dream (so we hope)…

Currently, Will is busy decorating it. We have visitors that we hadn’t planned for and are trying to move those little visitors out… We have blinds up at the windows now, otherwise the surrounding neighbourhood might have seen more than they bargained for… We have also had hot water and a teeny weeny washing machine plumbed in.

If you have been to my home, you will know I am very minimalist, however the amount of stuff I have cleared out and let go of has surprised me. I cannot believe how much I have accumulated and held on to, we keep clearing and then clearing again, we have very little room as you will soon see and I have been asking myself what do I need? Like, what do I really need?

I realised, I don’t need very much at all.

Once I let go of all my possessions and started again from scratch, it felt good and it feels good now, clearing out things that I haven’t read or done or that don’t bring me joy any more.

So the countdown has begun, Spring is on its way, the clocks are springing forward and the warmer weather is on its way – thank goodness. We have some challenges ahead, and other things to consider, which I will share with you over the next coming weeks (with lots of photos of course). I will keep you updated with the fun, tears and antics of cabin life with my new series – Carolina @ The Cabin, across my social media; Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, blogs and more; for whoever would be interested in how one lives in a small cabin, like, a really small cabin.

Love, Carolina x
@thesoulcoach

This is from The Soul Coach’s fortnightly blog. Check the blogs out for yourself here!


CategoriesEducational Spirituality

The Power of Reiki

What is Reiki?
The basis of Reiki is that the body has an innate ability to heal itself over time. However when we are feeling stressed, ill or anxious, our bodies prioritise energy for critical processes and we are not completely healed.  Reiki is a non-intrusive healing treatment where the Reiki practitioner boosts the energy within a body, which can then be used to heal. This extra energy is known as the Universal Energy, and is the building block for every object and every living thing; from your dishwater to your thoughts. The Universal Energy is intelligent and works on all levels; the mind, body, emotion and spirit. Your body knows exactly where this energy is needed, allowing for total harmony and balance to be restored.

Where does Reiki come from?
Although there are many references to Reiki in ancient times, it was rediscovered by a Japanese born Buddhist monk, Dr Usui, in the 1800’s. Whilst Dr Usui was working in a Christian School, he became interested in the stories of Jesus’ healing hands, and he set out to obtain these healing properties himself. His travels took him across the World and he eventually ended up at the holy mountains of Kori Yama. Here, he fasted and meditated for 21 days in order to attain a high state of consciousness. On the last day, a spiritual energy come down onto the top of his head and provided him the knowledge of the healing. He called it Reiki.

Who is Reiki for?
Reiki can be performed on any gender, any age.  It is completely safe to use Reiki in conjunction with other complementary therapies and conventional medical treatments. Reiki has no religious connections or belief systems; it is available to everyone who may wish to receive it.  Many practices have adapted the Reiki principles, and the use of Universal Energy can now be seen in Yoga, and Tai Chi.

How can Reiki help?
Reiki can be beneficial in many situations. It is especially effective during times of stress, which many of us suffer from due to our hectic lives. When our bodies are stressed, our bodies are in a constant ‘flight or fight’ mode, meaning our energy is being used up unnecessarily to fight an invisible threat. This could result in a decrease in productivity and creativity and an increase in anxiousness when dealing with important decisions. All this has a detrimental effect on our health and wellbeing.

Reiki will help add calm to your life and restore balance. Your body can use the Universal Energy to clear your mind, opening it to new ideas and possibilities. You can have an increase in productivity and stamina. Reiki can also be focused on a specific part of the body, such as an injury or discomfort, and can speed up recovery and relieve any tension. Other Reiki benefits also include;

  • Reduced fatigue
  • Improved sleep
  • Lowered blood pressure
  • Deeper connection to your higher sel

Everyone’s Reiki experience is different, and your benefits may differ from others depending on what your body needs. These benefits may be felt instantly, or more than one session may be required.

At Quest, we offer Reiki treatments by our experienced Reiki Masters Carolina, Alison and Liz. Find out more information here!

And if you wanted to learn Reiki yourself, check out our Reiki Training Courses here!

CategoriesSpirituality

My Journey to Spirituality

Firstly, a big hello and welcome to my first blog. So for those of you who don’t know me, my name is Louise…or Lou to my friends and family.  I’m happily married to my husband Alex and we have two beautiful daughters, Emily (11) and Esme (8). I’ve been on quite the journey these past 12 years and I’m going to share my story with you now. May it inspire you and give you the strength and courage to pursue your dreams too.

I’ve always been a very spiritual person and would say that from a young age it’s somethings that’s felt very much part of me. As a teenager, I used to love going to the little spiritual shop in Croydon (the name escapes me at this moment).  Buying mood rings and looking at all the witchy stuff with my friends. I absolutely loved it! As a young adult, I’d dipped in and out of spiritual groups and yoga but that was pretty much it. Then life, as it so often does, got busy and my spiritual journey was put on hold.

The past 12 years of my life have been quite the roller coaster. My dad was diagnosed with cancer the year before I married Alex. During the time of his very short illness, I also became pregnant with our first daughter. We all lived in hope that he’d make it to meet his grandchild and be present at our wedding. However, he sadly lost his fight just a few weeks before Emily was born and several months before our wedding. We had some ‘signs’ on the night after Emily’s arrival that he was very much present and that gave me comfort. Emily will never know, just how much her arrival got me through an incredibly difficult time. She was my rock!

The summer after my dad passed and with Emily just a few months old, Alex and I were married. We could have postponed it, but I knew that my dad wouldn’t have wanted that. We had the most beautiful day surrounded by our friends and family and the sun was shining gloriously. We raised a toast to loved ones who’d departed, but I KNEW my dad was with me that day. I felt his warmth in the sun and his closeness with the gentle breeze. It was those little things that brought me comfort and reassurance.

Life changes when you lose a loved one, but it does have to go on and so did I. I went back to work full-time as a primary school teacher and worked hard to provide for my little family. We found out we were expecting Esme when Emily was just 2.5 years old. We had such wonderful plans for our future together. Sadly, just half way into pregnancy Alex’s father passed away very suddenly and without warning. The months that followed were another of mixed emotions. Grief, sadness, joy and happiness at the arrival of our second daughter. Then two weeks later my nan sadly passed away.  I literally was riding the roller coaster of emotions. It was also during this time that we also started to notice my mum’s mental health wasn’t as it should be. Little did we know then, that two years later she’d be diagnosed with a very rare type of dementia, known as Posterior Cortical Atrophy.

It was in the summer of 2016 that we received the news of her diagnosis. In the three years that followed, I was juggling the roles of mother, wife, part-time teacher and main carer. I cannot put into words the toll it took on my mental and physical health. I was in physical pain and seeing a counsellor privately for my mental health. When my mum sadly passed away in October 2019, my world that I’d tried so hard to keep together just seemed to fall apart. I felt lost. I felt empty. I’d lost all sense of who I was and what I was here for.  This phase is sometimes referred to as dark night of the soul. I was signed off work for a few months and in that time I went back to spirituality. I began searching for reiki courses, as it was something I’d considered years ago, but just did nothing about. That’s when I found the wonderful Carolina – The Soul Coach and my life started to change. 

I remember booking to do my level 1 in March 2020. It just so happened it was the weekend before the first lockdown happened here in the UK. I remember being a little apprehensive because of what was happening in the world, but with the encouragement of my husband and sister, I did it. Words cannot express just what an incredible experience this was for me.  I can hand on heart say my energy completely shifted on my first attunement. I will never forget that moment. I knew after day 1 that reiki was something I wanted to pursue further.

Looking back I can honestly say the timing of my reiki 1 was just perfect – 6 months after losing my mum and just a matter of days after completing reiki 1, we go into lockdown. Grieving, whilst home-schooling two children, working as a teacher online and having a husband who had to go out to work every day would have previously tipped me over the edge, but no! I spent the time healing myself. Healing my grieving children and supporting them in the best way I could. Reiki became part of me. It became part of my life. It gave me joy and purpose again. I continued with my reiki journey and did my level 2 training in September 2020.

2020 for most was hell, but for me it was transformational! It gave me time to heal and grow. I made the decision to return to teaching full-time in September 2020. I’ve always loved working with children and felt that being full-time would bring purpose to my life. Yet, several months in and another national lockdown and I knew this wasn’t me anymore. The job wasn’t the same job I signed up to almost 15 years before. The relentless jumping through hoops was taking its toll on me, my family and my health. I knew I wanted to pursue my reiki professionally, so I made the decision to leave teaching. My colleagues thought I was mad. I had no other job lined up. I hadn’t finished the reiki 2 requirements to allow me to practise professionally but I knew what I wanted to do and I wasn’t prepared to let anyone stop me.

So in the summer of 2021, I left my career, had no job and still hadn’t finished my reiki 2. I knew with every ounce of me, that’d I’d figure something out. I took a HUGE leap of faith and trusted the universe. Let me tell you…the universe did not disappoint! I had three job offers in 1 week. One of which was a job at Quest (which was of course the one I took). I’ve now been at Quest for 7 months but it feels like so much longer, in the best way possible. Carolina and the team there are simply the best. I’ve never worked with such strong and empowering people before. As cheesy as it sounds, we are like family.

What about the reiki? Well I achieved my professional practitioner status in November ’21 and went on to do my masters that very same month. This year I’ve started working towards Master Teacher qualification under the guidance of Carolina and Alison. I’m so excited for what the future has in store. There is so much more in the pipe line. My life has honestly changed for the better. I can feel the magic that spirituality brings every day of my life and I’m so incredibly grateful for finding Carolina. She’s helped me transform my life!

Remember that when you go through trauma in life you have two options, you can sit and let it consume you OR you can rise from those ashes and make your life beautiful. Don’t feel like you have to live a life in the way that society tells you. You do you. Listen to your intuition.  Let your soul guide you and you won’t ever be disappointed.

Love and Light,

Lou xx

Follow our incredible Louise for Reiki & inspiration!
@spiritandsoulreiki