Happy 2018, y’all!
OK, I know it’s been 2 weeks – but you’ll have to cut me some slack. I guess you could say I took the whole, “New Year, New Me” thing to the next level because I packed up my entire life (including ze cat) and moved to New York City…. Seriously.
This year is all about being true to my damn self! Gone is the girl who dictates her life around the thoughts and opinions of others. Farewell to the friend who says “yes” to everything out of the sheer desire to please the people around her. BUH BYE to the betch who is too afraid to speak her mind – not because she doesn’t have an opinion, but because she is afraid of how it could make someone else feel.
One way I’m staying more true to myself in 2018? Self care!
I follow @thebalancedblonde on Instagram (go follow!) and seriously can’t get enough. From her morning meditations to writing her weekly intentions – she’s like, super inspirational. As I was scrolling through my feed one morning, I stopped to read one of her posts that discussed energy healing and it’s benefits – and I was sooo intrigued! I was obviously skeptical (hello, wtf are all these crystals) but I was also extremely open. I made an appointment with the incredible Joanne Newell at the Center for Energy Healing later that day.
When the day of my appointment came, I was a volcano of emotions. I had just received my new job offer and had started thinking about my impending move, all while preparing for a 10 hour solo journey home to see my family for the holidays. I was greeted warmly by Joanne as soon as I walked through the door. I didn’t know it then, but the feeling of peace that washed over me when I walked in? Energy, baby.
She gave me a tour of the facility and I was pleasantly surprised to find a familiar face in one of the mediation rooms! Kristen Hyler, an old friend from college, was working there, specializing in astrology (something I hope to interview her on in the future – SOOOO interesting)
After the tour, we settled into comfortable chairs in a private room and got to know each other a little better. Joanne told me about her 15 year stint in corporate America and how energy healing truly changed her life for the better. It was comforting to know she believed in the power of energy healing so wholeheartedly that she actually left her professional career to pursue it.
After we finished talking, I laid flat on top of a super comfy table and she began to assess my energy fields and the flow of my chakras by placing her hands over different areas of my body. (Kind of awk but also kind of soothing.) After my initial assessment, she told me that my throat chakra (controls communication/personal truth/self expression) was electric/buzzing/on fire… none of which sounded good, LOL. She asked how that area felt psychically… and though I hadn’t been fully aware of it before, I immediately realized just how tight/heavy it felt.
Then she started asking me questions. My session got pretty personal, pretty quick (duh, that’s the point) so I won’t share exactly what we discussed…. but what I will tell you, is that this stuff works. I walked in completely unaware of what exactly was causing me stress…. I thought maybe the obvious things – my new job, my big move, the long trip home…. By going down this path with Joanne, I was able to uncover what was REALLY causing me stress – and it came down to my fear of communication with a certain friend and coming to terms with my own truth.
She’s no psychic, but it truly felt like she had dug into my soul and read my deepest thoughts….. At the end of the session, she asked how I felt physically… and y’all, I kid you not – I felt loose and light. Like an actual weight had been lifted off of my body and I could move again.
She explained how every person has an energy field surrounding them. As we go throughout our days, we come in contact with everyone elses’ energy. Ever been around someone who is having a bad day and all of the sudden, so are you? Sorry Charlie, but that just means some of their negative energy rubbed off on you. It’s our job as self-loving humans to make sure we guard and take care of our energy the best we can. Whether that means a lot of introspection and meditation or simply staying away from people who drag you down – it’s different for everyone.
After my session was complete, Kristen helped me pick out an essential oil and crystal to help channel my energy into positive communication. (Still not 100% sure how I feel about these but really do want to learn more.) Joanne also gave me a homework assignment: to use what I’d learned that day to communicate with my friend truthfully and without fear. (I DID IT THAT NIGHT Y’ALL, I KID YOU NOT – AFTER WEEKS OF BEING LOST FOR WORDS, I DID IT! THE FEELING OF TRIUMPH I HAD WAS CRRRAZY!)
If you’re not open to the experience of energy healing, there is absolutely no reason to explore it because it’s something you have to actively participate in. But for those of you who are interested in learning, not only about yourself, but the world and all of the energy that surrounds you everyday – I HIGHLY recommend going to see an energy healer!
Similar to a typical doctor, you can’t expect to go one time and be totally healed – it’s a process of healing. Joanne recommends a series of sessions to make sure you are truly taking care of your mental/spiritual/emotional health.
Joanne opened my mind to the world of energy healing and thankfully introduced me to methods I will def use to manage my stress and emotional/mental well-being. Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body – you truly cannot work on one without the other. I am so excited to continue my journey of self discovery in 2018. I honestly can’t believe how far I’ve already come!
You can learn more about The Center for Energy Healing and make your own appointment with Joanne (or Kristen!) here. THEY EVEN TAKE APPOINTMENTS OVER SKYPE!
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