Today, I’m thrilled to dive into the enchanting world of several spiritual practices and guide you through a comparative journey of various paths that lead us to deeper connection, inner peace, and profound healing. I have integrated some of these practices into my daily life but have included one I have yet to learn about. So, grab your favorite crystals, light some incense (I love my divine harmony incense!), and let’s embark on this adventure together as we explore different spiritual practices.

The Power of Reiki: Healing Through Energy

First up on our journey is Reiki- an ancient Japanese healing technique that channels universal life force energy to promote balance, relaxation, and healing on physical, emotional, and spiritual levels. Rooted in the principle that energy flows through all living things, Reiki practitioners gently place their hands over the recipient’s body, allowing the energy to flow through them and into the recipient.1 This gentle yet powerful practice can help alleviate stress, reduce pain, and restore harmony to the body and mind. I am a Reiki master and after starting the training in summer 2022, I found time to complete the master level during the summer of 2024. If you want long-distance Reiki healing here is my Etsy page. You can look forward to reading more about Reiki in a future post!

Meditation: Cultivating Stillness Within

Next, let’s delve into the timeless practice of meditation- a gateway to inner peace, clarity, and self-awareness. Whether it’s sitting in silence, focusing on your breathing, or practicing loving-kindness through affirmations, meditation offers a sacred space for quieting the mind, calming the nervous system, and connecting with the essence of being. 2 Regular meditation practice teaches us to cultivate mindfulness, presence, and compassion in our daily lives. I meditate several times a day to ground myself, decrease anxiety, and increase gratitude. There are a variety of free apps that you can check out if you’d like to try guided meditation.

Yoga: Union of Body, Mind, and Spirit

Yoga is an age-old practice that brings together the body, mind, and spirit through movement, breath, and awareness.3 Whether you prefer the gentle flow of hatha yoga or the more energetic vinyasa style, there’s a wide range of practices available to meet everyone’s unique needs and tastes. By combining physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation, yoga encourages us to develop strength, flexibility, and a sense of tranquility, both during our practice and in daily life.


I personally love doing hot yoga in a studio or practicing sun and moon salutations on my mat at home. If you’re not quite ready to join a group class, there are plenty of yoga videos available for home practice. However, attending a yoga class can be a wonderful opportunity to connect with new people, and you shouldn’t feel nervous about it—there will be participants of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned practitioners.

Shamanism

Now, let’s journey into the mystical realm of shamanism-an ancient spiritual practice that bridges the gap between the seen and unseen worlds. Through rituals, ceremonies, and shamanic journeying techniques, practitioners connect with spiritual guides, animal allies, and ancestral energies to receive guidance, healing, and wisdom.4 Shamanism offers a profound opportunity for self-discovery, empowerment, and transformation, allowing us to tap into the vast reservoir of wisdom that lies within. I do not have any experience with shamanism, but would be interested in learning more as well as integrating this into my spiritual practice. Feel free to shoot me an email through the Contact page if you have any suggestions for a practitioner to reach out to and schedule a session with!


Embrace Your Spiritual Journey

As we explore these diverse spiritual practices, remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to spirituality. Each practice offers its own unique gifts and insights, inviting us to explore, experiment, and discover what resonates most deeply with our hearts and souls. So, whether you find solace in Reiki, inspiration in meditation, or empowerment in yoga, know that your spiritual journey is yours to embrace.

Love and Light,

Emma Rae

Resources

1 The International Center for Reiki Training. What is Reiki? reiki.org, https://www.reiki.org/faqs/what-reiki. Accessed December 1, 2024.

2 Goyal M, Singh S, Sibinga EMS, et al. Meditation Programs for Psychological Stress and Well-being: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Intern Med. 2014;174(3):357–368. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2013.13018

3 Yoga: Effectiveness and Safety. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Nccih.nih.gov, https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/yoga-effectiveness-and-safety. August 2023. Accessed December 1, 2024.

4 What is Shamanism? Dance of the Deer Foundation. shamanism.com, https://www.shamanism.com/what-is-shamanism. Accessed December 1, 2024.

Meet Emma Rae

I am currently 32 and live in Madison, Wisconsin. I work full-time at a large healthcare organization. I am not currently a leader but I have been in the past. Being a leader can be achieved in a variety of ways to create change and growth.


My education and certifications include:

-Bachelor's Degree in Therapeutic Recreation

-Master of Science in Healthcare Administration

-Certified Child Life Specialist

-Reiki Master

-Certified Crystal and Chakra Healer

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