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As the new year approaches we start to reflect on the past year or life thus far. We might consider how we want to change our life and, or what we want to improve. Most of us spend time after our holidays in limbo, waiting for the new year to arrive for a new beginning; a clean slate. 

Once January 1st arrives we finally feel ready to tackle on our resolutions to eat better, get to yoga more regularly, kick a habit, etc. So what happens to our resolutions in February, March or even a week after New Year’s day? We burn out. The excitment of a fresh start begins to fade away. Problems arise as they always do and we slip back into…

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Reiki, Skepticism and Success 
-Emily Leahy 

I once experienced the world much differently than I do now. I rarely felt embodied; I was endlessly lost in fears and negative thought patterns. Everyday there was an internal struggle within me. I was constantly restless and never at ease. I first experienced Reiki at the end of a yoga class years ago and it left a strong impact on me. After my skeptical mother (an R.N. at Children’s Hospital) was trained to use Reiki in the hospital, I felt the urge to attend Reiki I training for myself in 2010. 

So you might be wondering what is Reiki? Reiki is an energy healing treatment that works holistically; on the whole body, mind and spirit. Not a system of religious beliefs, Reiki is simply a relaxing treatment where natural healing vibrations are transmitted through the hands of a Reiki practitioner (acting as a conduit) to the body of the recipient. The purpose of a Reiki treatment is to relieve stress and pain, induce relaxation, release emotional blockages, accelerate natural healing, balance subtle bodies energies and support other medical modalities including traditional therapies. I know what you’re thinking- energy? Seems pretty out there! I was a bit doubtful too when I would read descriptions. For me Reiki was something I needed to feel in my own body to truly understand. For those of you left brain thinkers who are still not so sure, there have been many scientific studies done on Reiki. In addition there are several of hospitals in the US currently providing Reiki to patients and the list is growing. Here is an excellent website I found that documents this research on Reiki and hospitals which use Reiki: http://www.centerforreikiresearch.org  . 

Reiki, without any reservation, has changed my life and allowed me to feel home and at peace in my body wherever I go.

This January I opened my new office at USMMA where I offer Reiki, Crystal Chakra Balancing, Chakra Yoga Therapy, Reiki Shares and Meditation classes. Now as a Reiki Master of Masters I am able to empower others with the gift of Reiki. I hold trainings for children, teens and adults so that they can use Reiki on themselves and share it with others. The next Reiki Training will be March 17th & March 18th at my office at USMMA with only 2 spots left! Be sure to check out my website www.EmilyLeahyYoga.com for information about Reiki and upcoming trainings. 

Here are other testimonials from my clients and students from my trainings:

“My first Reiki treatment amazed me as to how it made me feel.  It somehow helped me release things that I needed to let go of for a very long time. It let me start focusing on exactly what I needed to make me stronger and happier on many levels.  Reiki has given me a strong sense of “peace” during a very stressful and chaotic time in my life.  It is helping me discover just who I am, what I need and what makes me happy. I spend a lot of time helping others and in the process often lose the energy I need to take care of myself. Reiki truly gives me the energy to be strong and true to myself in an honest way. It helps me stay strong on many levels and that in turn, allows me to continue to find my own happiness.  When I feel that “things are getting away from me” and old patterns of anxiety are creeping back into my like, Reiki “peace” takes over and I am able to face new stresses in a calmer, clearer way. This allows me to move forward instead of back into old patterns.” ~Cathy S.

“Socrates said that wisdom beings with wonder. So while wonder began my journey what truly propelled it forward was the guidance I recognize now as invaluable is the human touch and mentoring I received from Emily’s workshops. I was attuned by Emily Leahy and received my 1st & 2nd degrees in Usui Reiki after completing day time workshops. The discussion and knowledge shared in these workshops provide so much.  Reiki can be defined but it’s essence is something that is truly touching when shared. Since learning about the chakras and being attuned I have found that I can perceive issues both positive and negative in a unique way.” ~Edna G.

“Having Reiki in my life is like opening the door to a whole new world. Reiki has given me new and better feelings about life, love, giving and caring and the deep desire to help others. I now have a tool that I can use to help make someone’s life better, something that I have wanted to do for most of my life. I can never thank you enough for helping me find this wonderful tool, and I will use Reiki to help as many people and animals as I can. I hope one day to be able to teach Reiki to others, thereby adding more Reiki givers to the world. Reiki has done amazing things for me and I wish to pass it on.” ~Norm C.

“Reiki has opened my life in many new amazing ways. I get into such a blissful state when I feel the compassionate energies moving through me to heal others. Reiki is a very special thing which I am blessed to have in my life.” ~Jacob S.

“Reiki is amazing! Reiki 1 and 2 training has helped me unblock years of hidden emotions. It has definitely helped me lift the weight off and has made me a lighter person. I love that I can heal myself and those around me!” ~Amy B.

5 Ways Alignment Will Transform Your Yoga Practice
-by Emily Leahy

When I started my yoga practice six years ago, I loved the flow and the rhythm of the class. Vinyasa yoga or “power yoga” is a beautiful dance that unites our body, mind and breath as one. Yet I found my practice choppy and my mind wandering, I constantly questioned “Am I doing this right?”

You could say I became obsessed with yoga and I wanted to learn as much as I could about the practice. I experimented with all different styles: Iyengar, Bikram, Forrest, Anusara, Hatha, Kundalini, Kripalu and Ashtanga. This experience had a huge impact on my practice. I walked away new understanding that there is a science behind this spiritual practice and the importance of proper form. I am passionlooking forward to sharing the tools, techniques and cues I I have learned over the years in my upcoming workshop, “Am I Doing This Right.” 

Here are 5 ways alignment will transform your yoga practice:

1. Injury Prevention- Feel in pain during class or when you leave? Doesn’t have to be this way! You need to learn how to protect your joints and stack your bones. Learning about alignment will also help you distinguish the difference between pain and sensation. 

2. Increase Strength- Want to be able to learn advance postures such as crow or headstand? It starts with understanding alignment with the basic postures. Alignment is the foundation you must learn in order to go deeper! 

3. Increase Flexibility- Tight hips and shoulders in Warrior I? This is most likely due to the positioning of your feet and hands. Learn to work with the structure of your skeleton to open up shoulders, hips and more! 

4. Be More Present- When you have a foundation of alignment you will have a new confidence in class and let go of worries and feeling self-conscious.

 5. Increase Relaxation- When you are in proper alignment you will be able breathe more deeply. As you breathe more deeply you will let go emotionally, mentally and physically; this will bring more peace to your practice. 

Don’t just take it from me, check out John Friend’s Article for more information about alignment: http://yogauonline.com/yogatherapy/news/alignment-yoga/399102010-john-friend-importance-alignment-yoga

Expect to have a lot of fun in this upcoming workshop Am I Doing This Right, Saturday May 12 from 1-3pm! We will explore and investigate postures in a brand new way using the wall and lots of props. Gain a new understanding of these ancient poses and walk away with information to practice at home! 

Raw & Dairy Free Yogurt- By Emily Leahy

Do you stay away from dairy, but miss your yogurt? I eat this raw and dairy free yogurt almost everyday! Try this recipe and start noticing a difference in your digestion!

What You Will need

Cleaver
Blender
Strainer
Spatula

Ingredients:

4 Young Thai Coconuts
1 cup coconut water
3 capsules of probiotics 

Each coconut is unique in the amount of white coconut meat and water. 4-6 coconuts will get you about 4 cups of meat. If you cut it open and see purple flesh, the coconut is rotten. 

1. Cut the Young Thai Coconut on its side with a cleaver. Hold firmly and be careful of your fingers. Rotating the coconut, cut away from you, about once on each side. Carefully remove the top and strain out the water into a jar or glass. 

2. With a spoon remove the white flesh rinsing off any hard pieces of coconut, If you choose you can pick and remove all dark pieces of coconut attached, but it is  not necessary

3. Put meat in blender. Slowly add water as you go. Blend until smooth      

4. place coconut mixture in bowl after blending

5. Open up the probiotic capsules and stir in

 6. Place a cover on top and put mixture in closet for 24 hours

 7. Remove from closet and put in fridge to eat cold

 8. Add toppings and sweetener or eat as is! Enjoy!   

It will store in the refrigerator for at least 10 days. The yogurt shouldbe white, if it turns pink or purple discard it. 

Ideas for topping:  berries, bananas, raw honey or coconut secrets nectar, Go Raw granola