by Debbie Rodrigues | Jul 4, 2015 | Health and Wellness, Stress Management
Check these 4 Spotify playlists with Reiki healing music for all occasions. They have everything you need to focus, relax and fall asleep.
I love music.
Since I was a baby, my mom raised me with the habit of having some background music. Including for bedtime.
Music and a small lamp close to my bed were always on.
It might seem strange, but her reasons were good, and if you have children, I would recommend you give it a try.
Falling asleep is not something that little ones like to do.
How many times have you seen cuties fighting against their sleep?
Also, when they are outside, or there are visitors, they struggle getting the rest they need. It was to avoid such situations that my mom had the music and the light on.
Until today, I can sleep pretty much anywhere, at any night time.
Falling asleep is not always that simple.
If you follow me on Instagram, you have probably bumped into my posts mentioned my weird hours.
However, once I fall asleep, I am out.
Earlier this week they decided to clean our street at 5:30 AM in the morning.
For almost an hour they had this small truck riding back and forth throwing small rocks against our windows.
But you know what? I did not hear a thing!
Note that we live on the first floor and our bedroom windows are pretty much “on the street.”
4 Spotify playlists to sleep better
I’m always looking for new playlists that help me unwind, relax, and recover.
By the time I wrote this blog post, these were my favorite ones.
White Noise
One of the things that help me a lot falling asleep in general is having some white noise in the background.
Rain sounds are my favorite, but pretty much anything from waves to cats purring does the trick. I love even those interference like sounds.
When looking for a playlist on Spotify to help me focus, I came across the perfect one.
If you are also into white noise, you have to check White Noise out.
It contains only 19 songs, but it lasts 20 hours!
It is the sort of playlist you turn on and forget about it.
For me, it works like a charm, for both sleep and focus.
You might be wondering what white noise is doing in a list of Reiki healing music, but it can be a great alternative to switch your focus.
Experimental Ambient
Not everyone is for music when doing relaxation or mediation.
For these people, instead of having some melody that will “call” their attention, white noise can be a better option.
Another playlist I use for sleep and focus is Experimental Ambient.
This one was created by Spotify Brasil* (how cool is that?) and contains 30 songs that last almost 4 hours in total
I am not a morning person.
Since I started using RescueTime, it has been even more clear to me.
It’s true that I prefer doing my physical activities in the morning. Still, I am more alert past mid-day.
The cool about this playlist is that it pretty much lasts the interval I set for blogging and doing my social media after lunch.
I do try setting a timer, but I have not been consistent.
In the case of Experimental Ambient, however, when it all goes silent, I know it is time to move on.
Of course I do not sit around in front of the computer non-stop for all this time.
But with this playlist, I can also insert one or two yoga poses or some SMR without it sounding odd.
Other music genres make me want to go crazy and dance, but I cannot do it yet. Frustrating!
Anyway, yoga and SMR are great alternatives, and I am not going to complain about it.
Sleep Songs with Nature Sounds
Some months ago, I bought 101 Healing Sleep Songs with Sounds of Nature for my Reiki practices.
I used to listen to an online station, but they have very annoying commercials, and their fee was too high in my opinion. So I started looking for alternatives on iTunes, and I found this album.
Bumping into it on Spotify was perfect.
Even though there are effectively 101 songs on the list, they are not the longest ones.
You can listen to it entirely in a little bit more than 5 hours. It is ideal for those who like some variation.
Reiki Meditation Sleep
Last but not least is Reiki Meditation Sleep.
If you’re into meditation, you’ll love this.
With 18 songs, this playlist ends after 60 minutes (59 to be precise).
It’s both the duration of a long Reiki session and can be used for relaxation and unwinding practices as well.
Remember what I said about my mom using songs for me to sleep?
This playlist includes a song called “Musica para Bebes” which means music for babies in Portuguese.
If babies can sleep with it, why not you?
Before you go
Can you answer the following question in the comments below, please?
Have you ever listened to Reiki healing music? Do you use music to relax, sleep or focus?
*No, it was not a typo. I intentionally wrote Brazil with an “s” because that is how it shows on the app.
** Neither me or the brand Debbie Rodrigues has any affiliation with Spotify.
by Debbie Rodrigues | Jun 6, 2015 | Stress Management
Use Reiki energy for stress management. Its results are truly beneficial.
Some time ago, I wrote about how Reiki has helped find inner peace. But the benefits of Reiki go way beyond that. One of its many applications is stress management.
What is stress?
Like inflammation, stress is a natural reaction of our body. And the same way, it is not always bad for us. But there is “good” and “bad” stress.
Also known as eustress, it is the “good” side of stress. It motivates us and provides the pump we need to get things done. Everyone needs eustress, and it presents no harm to us.
Its counterpart, the distress, is a different story. From the moment that eustress becomes too much, and the individual is not able to control it anymore, it becomes “distress”.
Distress has been related to many diseases and health conditions. Prolonged distress is harmful to our body and soul. Symptoms such as headaches, high blood pressure, overeating, and depression are just a few of the long list associated with stress.
Depending on the situations you are exposed to and depending on how you deal with them, distress appears and stays. Learning how to handle adversity is crucial to prevent distress from taking over your mind and body.
One of the ways one can use to live a balanced lifestyle and to become more mindful is Reiki.
Understanding Reiki
Reiki is non-intrusive healing procedure. It is neither faith or a religious doctrine. It does not require the recipient to have a belief system or conflicts with anyone’s beliefs. Reiki is for everyone. Gender, age or social status do not play any role in it.
After a Reiki session, some people describe experiences such as warmness and itchiness. Others aren’t able to recognize any specific sensation. The effectiveness of the treatment is not to be associated with the presence or not of physical impressions, though. Each person is different. The receptiveness of the individual also affects their conscious reaction to it.
Reiki treatment
During a Reiki session, clients remain fully clothed. They are generally given the chance to choose whether they want background music or not. When not asked in advance, the recipient can inform their preference.
The duration of each session may vary upon agreement before the start. In general, a full session lasts 60 minutes. We live in a world full of appointments and responsibilities. Sessions longer than 1 hour are not accessible to everyone. Besides, the practitioner can also plan the session ahead so that the client benefit from it.
I have already received Reiki while seated as well as lying down. Sometimes, a blanket is provided as the recipient will stay in the same position for some time. Once a session starts there are no pauses.
In Reiki, there are some basic positioning of the hands and a standard to be followed. But it is a flexible system. A practitioner may decide to spend more time on a certain chakra depending on the feedback felt from the recipient.
For more information about Reiki read also:
How to use Reiki for stress management
One of the side-effects of stress is that it inhibits the ability of the body to maintain balance.
During a Reiki session, the practitioner uses their hands to stimulate the flow of energy to the recipient. This way they release tension from the entire system contributing to balance in body, mind and spirit.
Some of the proved effects of Reiki are blood pressure reduction, lowered stress hormones and increased immune strength. It has also been successfully used to reduce anxiety and depression as well as controlling pain levels. Because it also promotes confidence, it empowers the recipient to deal with stress. As they become fully aware of themselves, clients gain focus and clarity.
Where to start
The best way to start with Reiki is by attending a session with a practitioner. Anyone can do self-Reiki with or without training, but it is advisable to begin with assistance. A knowledgeable will be able to guide you towards your goals just like a Personal Trainer does with their clients.
Relax during the session. There is no right or wrong reaction to the treatment. You will probably react differently to each session anyways. Do not force yourself to feel anything. You are there to find balance, not to create stress.
When time or access to a Reiki practitioner nearby is an issue, one can attend a distance session. Make an appointment with a Reiki practitioner of your trust and be available at the time agreed. Ideally, you should be in a relaxed position, sitting or lying down, during a distance session too.
If you are seeking Reiki for a specific reason such as pain or stress management, you can say it to the practitioner. But if your reasons are personal, you do not need to go into any details that you do not desire to talk about. Note that Reiki is for your overall balance. Do not be surprised if your headache complaints are treated with Reiki being sent to your gut system. Reiki works on the causes, not on the effects of a condition.
Reiki and me
I practice self Reiki on a daily basis. The duration varies depending on my availability and needs. I also offer distance sessions for those interested. You can contact me through email for more information on availability and pricing.
Final considerations
Reiki is never sent without authorization. If you would like someone to receive Reiki treatment, first request direct authorization. He or she is free to decline it. Even though Reiki is a non-intrusive technique, the wish of the individual has to be respected.
Reiki can also be done for non-material matters. In such cases, it is “sent” for the best resolution of the issue and clarity and strength of heart for those involved.
Have you ever considered Reiki energy for stress management?
For more Holistic Health tips read also:
Please check the list of link parties I join here.
Be Healthy and Live Fully.
by Debbie Rodrigues | May 12, 2018 | Other
It’s time for my 50 before 50 fourth check-in. Learn how I use my bucket list to stay motivated to achieve my Dreams.
It’s May 12. Happy birthday to me! 🎂🎁
Before I start my 50 before 50 fourth check-in let me tell you I didn’t accomplish anything new.
This time, it was more a matter of progressing.
What happened
The past months have been a lot busier than expected.
With the growth of my site and business, I had to make significant changes in my planning.
I even had to create a waiting list for new clients.
Besides, with me traveling to Brazil, I had to rearrange a lot of my tasks to create extra room in my schedule.
Therefore, instead of crossing off items, I just worked on:
- Minimizing my wardrobe
- Practicing meditation daily
- Reading two books per year
- Offering more services to my clients
- Launching a course
- Visit my mom on a yearly basis
- Planning offline days on a regular basis
- Meeting new people
While it isn’t as exciting as being able to show off accomplishments, I’m happy with the things I did.
Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be meaningful.
Follow-up
In the meantime, you can follow my progress on a Board I created on Trello*. LINK LINK
There you can also see the ongoing items.
Going forward, I intend to make more regular updates to keep my bucket list fresh in mind.
Like anyone else, I also get myself caught up with busYness if I’m not careful.
The next check-in will take place in November 2018.
My ultimate 50 things to do before 50 bucket list
1. Write an ebook
2. Run a 5K race
3. Attend a CrossFit event
4. Improve my yoga skills
5. Finish a knitting project
6. Visit a new country
7. Clean my email accounts
8. Take a spa day
9. Start studying Japanese again
10. Finish the CrossFit Open Scaled
11. Minimize my wardrobe
12. Go to the movies alone
13. Donate blood or plasma
14. Go to a restaurant alone
15. Practice meditation daily
16. Run a 10K race
17. Read two books per year
18. Attend swimming lessons again
19. Offer more services to my clients
20. Do four photoshoots
21. Finish the CrossFit Open RXed
22. Increase muscle mass
23. Launch a course
24. Improve my mobility
25. Visit my mom on a yearly basis
26. Bike regularly in the summer
27. Attend a TED event
28. Finish a sewing project
29. Become a “regular” somewhere
30. Be able to do handstands
31. Start and finish a new project
32. Plan offline days on a regular basis
33. Have an article published
34. Visit Japan
35. Become a better Vegan
36. Volunteer
37. Improve my cooking skills
38. Go to a Jazz concert
39. Meet new people
40. Become a speaker
41. Motivate others to achieve their dreams
42. Continue my studies
43. Advance as a Reiki Practitioner
44. Fly First Class
45. Let go of all grudges
46. Buy a new car
47. Get another certification
48. Practice random acts of kindness regularly
49. Become really good at CrossFit
50. Enjoy life!
Due date: May 12, 2025.
Before you go
Can you answer the following question in the comments below, please?
How do you deal with changes of plan?
Read the other posts in this series:
*Some links are affiliates. If you choose to buy anything from them, I’ll make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Read full disclaimer here. Thank you for your support!
by Debbie Rodrigues | Nov 12, 2017 | Other
Check the third check-in of my 50 things before 50. Learn about my updates, progress and find inspiration to achieve more whatever your age.
I’m not going to start saying that the past six months went too fast because you probably felt it too.
Part of it has to do with us being busy all the time.
We’re always rushing against the clock and moving forward from one holiday to the next.
It’s almost unhealthy sometimes.
And if we aren’t careful, we feel overwhelmed, frustrated, and lost.
My ultimate 50 things to do before 50 bucket list
1. Write an ebook
2. Run a 5K race
3. Attend a CrossFit event
4. Improve my yoga skills
5. Finish a knitting project
6. Visit a new country
7. Clean my email accounts
8. Take a spa day
9. Start studying Japanese again
10. Finish the CrossFit Open Scaled
11. Minimize my wardrobe
12. Go to the movies alone
13. Donate blood or plasma
14. Go to a restaurant alone
15. Practice meditation daily
16. Run a 10K race
17. Read two books per year
18. Attend swimming lessons again
19. Offer more services to my clients
20. Do four photoshoots
21. Finish the CrossFit Open RXed
22. Increase muscle mass
23. Launch a course
24. Improve my mobility
25. Visit my mom on a yearly basis
26. Bike regularly in the summer
27. Attend a TED event
28. Finish a sewing project
29. Become a “regular” somewhere
30. Be able to do handstands
31. Start and finish a new project I planned and executed Affirmations To Build Confidence. It was a dream project I wanted to share with the world!
32. Plan offline days on a regular basis
33. Have an article published
34. Visit Japan
35. Become a better Vegan
36. Volunteer
37. Improve my cooking skills
38. Go to a Jazz concert
39. Meet new people
40. Become a speaker
41. Motivate others to achieve their dreams
42. Continue my studies
43. Advance as a Reiki Practitioner
44. Fly First Class
45. Let go of all grudges
46. Buy a new car
47. Get another certification
48. Practice random acts of kindness regularly
49. Become really good at CrossFit
50. Enjoy life!
Due date: May 12, 2025.
Accountability
I must say that it was a little disappointing I again crossed off just one item of the list.
Still, planning, executing and launching Affirmations To Build Confidence was such a meaningful project for me. LINK
It is about fulfilling a Dream and helping others feel motivated to go after theirs as well!
Besides, I advanced with other items too.
Things that are proceeding as expected:
- reading two books
- practicing kindness
- improving my mobility
So while this progress isn’t “visible”, it’s there and I’m aware of it.
If I hadn’t put this list together and followed it up, I’d never know it.
That’s how awesome accountability is!
You can do it too
No matter your age, you shouldn’t use excuses such as being too young or too old to achieve big goals.
As we get older, we have more responsibilities. We must manage our time mindfully to accomplish anything meaningful.
Yet, it’s possible.
Don’t give up on yourself!
Do you have a list like this one too?
If yes, please, share the link in the comments, I’d love to follow your progress too!
And if you want to join a wonderful group of like-minded achievers for accountability, support, and motivation, come on over to my FREE VIP Tribe!
Follow-up
In the meantime, you can follow my progress on a Board I created on Trello*. There you can also see the ongoing items.
The next check-in will take place in May 2018.
Read the other posts in this series:
*Disclosure: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” It means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. However, when you order through my link, it helps me to continue to offer you lots of free stuff. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Thank you, in advance for your support!
