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!

In ancient times, humans all across the world would celebrate the cycles of nature and the seasonal changes. Without advanced technology, such as telescopes and satellites, humans would use the stars and sun to identify these transitions. Even though we are in very different times now, we are all still connected and influenced by the movements of the Earth. By tuning into these shifts, we can harness the Earth’s energy to help us grow, progress and transform.

The Spring Equinox occurs when the Sun crosses the equator – this will be on March 20th this year. This means the Northern Hemisphere tilts more towards the sun, resulting in longer days and warmer temperatures. In earlier times, the Spring Equinox signified the beginning of the new year as it brought regeneration, growth and abundance. Below are our favourite rituals to do at this time as the energy is perfect for them!

Spring Clean:
You’ve no doubt heard the expression ‘Spring Clean’ before, but it’s more than just cleaning your home. The Spring Equinox celebrates new life and rebirth, so honour this time by clearing both yourself and your home so you feel ready to move forward. Look closely at your environment; is there anything that is no longer serving you? Donate old clothes that you don’t wear anymore or fix anything that’s broken. Notice any habits or thoughts that are cluttering your mind and work towards clearing these away. Let your intuition guide you: what do you truly need to release to move forward?

The Time for Creation:
Spring is closely associated with new life and fertility, and brings the arrival of blossom, budding plants and new-born animals. Harness this energy and set out to achieve the new life you dream of. Whilst the Autumn provides the opportunity to clarify your intentions, Spring is the time to act. How can you achieve your goals? Create an action plan that you can follow that will help you reach them. Plant some flower seeds in the garden, focusing on your intentions and goals. Nurture your seeds and let their growth remind you of your potential.

Appreciate the Outside World:
With Spring comes warmer weather and longer days. Even if the British weather brings us rain, there will be signs of Spring all around us. Spending time outside can enhance your wellbeing dramatically, especially after spending the Winter inside, and is known for reducing depression and boosting your mood. Go for walks, sit in the park, have a BBQ or simply let the breeze flow through a window and you will feel uplifted, motivated and full of love. When you are outside, really appreciate the moment by noticing everything around you. Use all of your senses. Can you smell the flowers? Can you hear the birds chirping in the trees? Can you see the baby geese along the pond? Can you feel the warmth of the sun on your face? Bring the outside in by creating an altar in your home with items you find along your walk – a flower, a leaf or a pebble – to remind you that, whatever happens, the Outside World remains constant and available to you.

On the 14^th February people across the globe exchange gifts, send cards and spend the day with their loved ones. Although the focus is on romantic partnerships, this day can also be used to express your love to family and friends. Whether you celebrate it or not, you can’t deny that love is definitely in the air during this month. But why do we celebrate Valentine’s Day? Where did this tradition come from?

Valentine’s Day is shrouded in mystery, but we do know that it’s in celebration of St. Valentines. Unfortunately, there’s been at least 3 different St. Valentine or Valentinus.

One of the legends say that Valentine was a priest during the third century in Rome. Emperor Claudius II decided that single men made for better soldiers, so he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine didn’t agree with this, and defied the Emperor by performing marriages for young lovers in secret. When Claudius discovered this, he sentenced Valentine to death.

Another story see’s a Valentine imprisoned in a Roman prison, where people were often beaten and tortured. The legend goes that this man had recently fallen in love with a young girl, and during his time in prison and just before his death, he sent her a letter confession his love. He signed it ‘From your Valentine.’

Although we will never know which one of these stories are true (if any) they all have similar themes – that St Valentine’s was a sympathetic, heroic and most importantly, romantic figure.

Whilst some believe that the 14^th February marks the death of St Valentine’s, others claim that the Christian Church chose this date in an effort to ‘Christianise’ the pagan celebration of Lupercalia.

Lupercalia is celebrated at the ides of February (15^th February) and was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, as well as the Roman founders Romulus and Remus. The festival consisted of Luperci priests sacrificing a goat for fertility and a dog for purification, and then taking the sacrificial blood and covering both women and crop fields with it. The blood was believed to make the recipient more fertile in the coming year. According to legend, all the young women would then place their names in a big urn. The bachelors would then choose a name out of the urn and become paired with their chosen woman for the year. These matches often ended in marriage! This festival was eventually outlawed with the rise of Christianity.

Whether you celebrate Valentine’s Day or not, you can’t ignore it’s popularity. Today, according to the Greeting Card Association, an estimated 145 million Valentine’s Day cards are sent out each year. This is the second largest card sending holiday, just falling short of Christmas!