I had the pleasure of talking with Katarina Todorovic of MysticMag, an online review website in all things mystical. We had a great chat about Live Life Reiki Studio, the offerings and mission we strive for.
Here is a snapshot of what we discussed - “I believe energy healing work and practices have the power to return us to symbiotic harmony and living life as ceremony – where instantaneous healing, divine knowing and sacred reciprocity thrive.”
Visit the link below to read the full article!
It was revealed to me even deeper in the beginning of December 2020, how crucial this time of ascension is and our role in it. I received an image of a person rising up into higher levels of being, consciousness and crystalline light. As I studied the image, I saw there was a brick tied to their foot and on the brick was an inscription of all the things that need to be let go of in order to ascend - past experiences, people, beliefs, lower vibrations/frequencies in the form of fear, separation, avoidance, etc. But what was so beautiful about this image was that the only thing connecting the person to this brick was a tiny piece of thread that could easily be cut, untied, broken.
It became clear to me that the weight we are carrying around can be so easily removed from us now by DECLARING we are ready. We need to make a choice right now to let go of all that is holding us down, keeping us in lower vibration/frequency and declare our light, power and purpose. We have this insanely powerful connection and light within us and a team of guides who only want us to achieve our highest good and reach our limitless potential.
Being human, we have the gift of free will, of choice. It truly is a gift because it is how we craft, coordinate and cultivate the lives we live and how we live them. So what will you choose? Will you choose to see yourself for the light being you are and fully embody your light or remain held down in lower frequencies?
We need to start SEEING ourselves as we truly are. We are holding the frequency of light within and even though we are in our humanness, our light and divinity is no different and the frequency of light we are CAPABLE of holding is no different than that of higher consciousness realms. But we have to be willing to step into this knowing.
As we step into the new year, a deeper truth on this message is coming through and specifically, two words keep coming up - Grounded Presence. Regardless of what may be happening externally, cultivating presence within yourself and remaining in this state of presence in order to attune to the frequencies of ascension and light. To remember who you are at the core of your being. To express love in all capacities. Remove all distractions keeping you from your presence, power and truth. You are so very important for this time and your decision to anchor in the light has the power and capacity to affect great change. Come home to yourself, breathe into your heart, remove the density. Sometimes we can get in our own way, we see the thread as a chain or heavier bondage, release it to the light. Allow yourself let go.
You are SO supported and loved - beyond measure.
XX, Ashley
“Our bodies communicate to us clearly and specifically
if we are willing to listen to them.”
- Shakti Gawain
Does every energy center in your body have a space at the table of your decision making?
If you answered no, this article will provide tips on how to get the most out of our resources to start listening and learning from the most intelligent system - our bodies. If you answered, what does that even mean? This article will help explain what whole body listening is and how it’s beneficial. If you answered, yes, Congrats!
So what does giving your energy centers a space at the table of your decision making mean? It means listening with every chakra in your body. This is important because a lot of times, we as humans will pull our decision making resources from one or a couple areas of our energy centers. When we tap into all of our energy centers; that is when we are truly guiding our decisions based on intuition rather than thought. Listening to our higher self, the divine and our guidance for our highest good.
What are chakras?
Chakras are energy centers that flow energy throughout our body. If our chakras are blocked, we can develop physical or mental/emotional ailments. Stagnation of energy is not good in any form. If our chakras are open and flowing freely, we experience more joy, trust, and love of life. I’ve listed a breakdown of our 7 main chakras including what they stand for, what happens when they are flowing freely and what can happen when they are overactive or under-active as a guide as you develop your whole body listening. Knowledge is power! The more we know the more we can utilize each center.
Root - The Root Chakra or 1st Chakra is referred to as our "Power Base". It determines our ability to feel safe, secure and grounded. As well as the ability to keep money in our life. When our Root Chakra is balanced, we are trusting, independent, physically healthy and graceful. Our chakras can become over or under active depending on the experiences of our lives. When our Root Chakra is overactive we can experience greed, violence or dominance. When it is under-active we feel unloved, fearful, unsure and frustrated.
Sacral - The Sacral Chakra or 2nd Chakra is referred to as our "Creative Energy Center". It is where you "brith" what you want to manifest/share with the world. When our Sacral Chakra is balanced, we express our true and authentic selves, we are emotionally balanced, passionate, friendly and playful. When our Sacral Chakra is overactive we can be manipulative, bring about negative attention and feel a need for control or power. When it is under-active we feel social anxiety, lost, guilty or concerned about what others think of us.
Solar Plexus - The Solar Plexus Chakra or 3rd Chakra is referred to as the "Body's Battery" and where our inner strength resonates. It is where our motivation and ambition to pursue goals comes from. When our Solar Plexus Chakra is balanced, we are mentally and intuitively clear, confident, respectful of self and others, easily problem solve, have integrity, and radiate calmness. When our Solar Plexus Chakra is overactive we can be judgmental, critical of self and others, stubborn and a bully. When it is under-active we feel low self esteem, procrastination, and apathy.
Heart - The Heart Chakra or 4th Chakra rules love, breath, balance, relationship and unity. When our Heart Chakra is balanced, we feel loved, cared for, and we love ourselves. We share with and relate to others easily creating trust and community. We are emotionally in balance, embrace connection, have hope and a contagiously good vibe. When our Heart Chakra is overactive we can feel self entitled or jealousy. We can also blame others and be a victim to our own emotions, or be "over-givers". When it is under-active we feel unloved or needy. We have a fear of rejection or self pity.
Throat - The Throat Chakra or 5th Chakra rules speech, communication, and creative expression. In etheric energy, it also represents dreaming. When our Throat Chakra is balanced, we are able to let things go, especially our own past choices. We express our views and opinions in a healthy way. We do not dwell on past, present, or future anxieties. We have wisdom that all experiences create our bigger life picture. When our Throat Chakra is overactive we can be stubborn, speak too much, and be seen as criticizing in a negative way. When it is under-active we are afraid to speak publicly, are co-dependent, timid, and find it difficult to live in the present moment.
Third Eye - The Third Eye Chakra or 6th Chakra rules our spiritual awakening, inner peace, and illumination. When our Third Eye Chakra is balanced, we feel intuitive or receive intuitive messages easily. We are charismatic, magnetic, and sure of our purpose on Earth. We can also be seen as wise to others regardless of age. When our Third Eye Chakra is overactive we can feel lost, worried, or spaced out. When it is under-active we tend to not see the bigger picture of life, we are easily influenced by others, and doubt our decisions.
Crown - The Crown Chakra or 7th Chakra represents enlightenment, pure awareness and goes beyond all duality. When our Crown Chakra is balanced, we are said to have a "glow" about us. We live fully in the present moment, feel connected to Divine, Source, or God (however you refer). We also exude compassion, peace, harmony, love, focus and thoughtfulness. When it is overactive we can crave attention, feel the need to be popular, and be overly imaginative. When it is under-active we feel misunderstood, find it hard to have fun, and are unaware or deny our spiritual connection to Divine, Source, or God (however you refer).
So now that you know more about the chakras, you can be present when going into a decision. Check in with yourself. Take a moment to breathe into your body and into each chakra at a time. Start at the base and work your way up through the crown. For example, if you are debating a new career opportunity you can check in with your root and ask, “Will I feel safe and secure with this new career?”
Sacral, “Will I be expressing myself authentically in this new role?”
Solar Plexus, “Does this new opportunity take from or give to my ‘body’s battery’?”
Heart, “Will I be able to create relationships and build trust & community in this new role?” Throat, “Will I feel stifled or will I be graced the opportunity to speak openly and express myself?”
Third Eye, “Does this opportunity contribute to fulfilling my purpose?”
Crown, “Does being connected with this new company/job/role keep me focused, at peace, and able to be in the present moment?”
Listening intuitively to your body’s reactions as you move through will give you more confidence and support in your decisions. But, never forget - every decision you make is the right one. We either win or learn, there are no losses. My hope is that this article assists you with whole body listening and learning, creating more aligned decision making in your life. Please feel free to share how it goes!
XX, Ashley
“Adopt the pace of nature, her secret is patience.”
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
I’ve been thinking a lot about seasons and how, as we come from the Earth as humans, we also share the heartbeats and rhythms of the Earth. So naturally, we experience seasons in a very similar (yet, human) fashion. However, sometimes we are experiencing an internal summer, yet it’s winter outside our windows. Other times, we are mirrors for what’s happening on the Earth outside our windows. This is what alignment means. I’ve been experiencing within myself more alignment than ever before. It’s interesting that I am, for what seems like the first time, accepting her invitation and sinking into the deep, still, inky blackness of winter and beginning to understand what this time of year is really for…
Introspection
Shadow work
Self-reflection
Healing
Dreaming
Composting
Release
You can’t grow, create and manifest what you truly desire in life, if you still have blocks, barriers and the energetic remnants of trauma standing in your way.
You need to go within, look it all squarely in the eye, and release what you see. It doesn’t matter how many new outfits you have hanging in your closet and it doesn’t matter how Insta-ready that new throw/rug/cushion cover makes your place look from the outside, when you still have resistance lurking on the inside.
Reiki has helped me immensely when diving into my shadow. It heals with grace. It heals with a mighty power, yet a softness. It heals without having to relive experiences. It heals experiences we may not even be aware of from ancestral trauma to past life trauma to those deeply hidden, causing blocks we otherwise wouldn’t be able to heal or release. Utilize this season, on this hemisphere of the earth, to dive deep. So much is waiting for you on the other side of healing.
Here is some brief insight into the other seasons and what they represent so you can check in with your body and identify what season you are in.
Spring - the beginning of all things, the spark of creativity, inspiration, intuition. We have understanding and clarity when we are in the season of Spring.
Summer - Represents wonderful, playful energy with rapid growth in many areas of our lives. We have patience and realize the interconnectedness of all things.
Fall - Death and dying (in some form) making way for new growth in our lives. A deep wisdom of life experiences. We tend to want to be in deep rest and dream vividly. We have discernment and deep emotion when in the season of Fall.
What season are you in?
Live Life Reiki Studio is here to assist in your healing journey. Reach out to us to learn more, we can’t wait to connect with you!
"You don't have to be an influencer to have influence."
- Ashley Bennett
I recently had the pleasure of attending a Themed Labyrinth Walk at the Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens here in Los Angeles, CA. The messages downloaded from that walk have still been resonating with me and are what has called me to write this article. For those of you who are unfamiliar with what a labyrinth is, it is an archetypal design that has been in existence for thousands of years as part of mystical and religious traditions and cultures throughout the world. Walking a labyrinth brings peace and relaxation to our minds. It can be a meditative process, assisting us to let go of tension and open our minds to new ways of thinking, new solutions to problems and invite creativity in our lives. There is also Sacred Geometry in the Labyrinth. A circle which represents Spirit and unity. A square which represents Earth and the physical like us, as humans. Triangles which represent water and life water brings. In the center there are 6 petals resembling a lotus which represents enlightenment and it is said at the center is where we receive messages to questions or problems we had at the beginning of the walk.
This particular walk, being close to the Thanksgiving Holiday, was focused on the “Attitude of Gratitude”. Which was very timely with my previous article, November’s full moon meaning and the season we are in. They asked us to set an intention around gratitude for the walk that day. My intention was to merge with the light of Holy Fire Reiki, connect to my Divine Heart, express gratitude for all that is happening in my life and all that will happen, and to let go of anything not of my highest good.
As I walked the Labyrinth that beautiful afternoon, the message - “You don’t have to be an influencer to have influence” came to me. It reminded me of the influence we all have on the lives of those we interact with. Whether these interactions be mere moments or lifetimes. Everyday, through the way we smile, listen, engage, connect or the opposite of all of these, defines our impact and the relationship we create with others. This message was so beautiful to me and served as a reminder to be present in every moment so that we are aware and responsible with the influence we have on others in a positive way! I am grateful to have the connection to Reiki to help me be present to receive these messages and serve as reminders for my heart’s intention and purpose on Earth.
I would love to hear your thoughts on what resonates with you in this article!
How are you staying present in your influence/impact on others?
XX, Ashley
"Just for today... be filled with gratitude."
- Dr. Mikao Usui
The quote above is one of the five Reiki Ideals:
Just for today… do not be angry.
Just for today… do not worry.
Just for today… be filled with gratitude.
Just for today… be devoted to your work.
Just for today… be kind to all others.
Dr. Mikao Usui, the founder of Reiki in Japan in 1922, says to repeat the Reiki Ideals once in the morning and once at night as the secret art of inviting happiness. I have found as I do this daily, there is a specific ideal that resonates for my day. Whether I am stressed, ungrounded, anxious or frustrated, when I come back to the ideals and my mantras, I truly regain happiness - just as Usui Sensei suggests. When I come back to a place of happiness, I in-turn feel joy, gratitude, abundance and wholeness. And these are the feelings we all want to feel, right?!
Since starting my Reiki business full time a couple of months ago, I have gone through a load of emotions. The highs, the lows, the good, and the bad. Every time I connect to Reiki, which has become an everyday (all day) delight, I am overwhelmed with the grace of gratitude. Grateful for wherever I may be in every moment. Grateful for the kismet and synchronistic times. The times where I feel the most joy in my interactions and sessions. Even the times that are more difficult I have learned are teaching me something. When I have days with open appointment blocks, I realize I am being gifted the time to focus on something else that may be calling my attention. Reiki has brought me and is continuing to bring me a calmness and an understanding. It is also unlocking infinite possibilities for me other than what may be obvious and right in front of me.
In the Reiki Master class, we learned about different levels of consciousness and specifically in my lineage, Usui/Holy Fire III, we receive a direct connection with the Reiki energy rather than it being passed through the teacher to the student. So we too, receive a direct connection with different levels of consciousness. An example being; The Consciousness of Divine Graces. Here lives the grace of gratitude, grace of forgiveness, grace of compassion, and grace of beauty. When we resonate at this level of consciousness, these graces are shown to us, in us and through us. I am grateful that I am able to connect with these Divine Graces to assist me in my daily life.
If you are interested in inviting the power of Reiki and the Divine Graces into your life, Live Life Reiki Studio is hosting a Reiki I & II Training Class at our Sherman Oaks, CA location November 22nd-23rd. Please visit our Classes Page and contact us to learn more!
We are also in this wonderful season of Thanksgiving, a time to reflect on all that we are thankful/grateful for and why. Take a moment now, outside of the holiday to think and recognize and truly appreciate ALL of the things happening in your life.
What are you grateful for today?
XX Ashley
"In all things of nature, there is something of the marvelous."
- Aristotle
When I took my Reiki I & II class about a year and a half ago, Lisa and I stepped outside to process what was taking place that day energetically. As we were discussing, two Dragonflies flew right in front of our path and hovered around us. We said at nearly the same time, “they must be our sign.” Since that class, I see Dragonflies so often, especially in times where I feel I need a “sign”. They have become my Spirit Animal and are a great reminder of my spiritual journey. I want to take the time to share some information I found on Dragonfly Spirit Animal Totems, as they may be a messenger for you, as well.
When I looked up what the common Dragonfly Spirit Animal meanings were, I was not surprised to see that they symbolize change and transformation, being open to experience new things and that something BIG is unfolding in your personal journey. They also carry with them a deep compassion, kind, gentle and full heart to all living things. The dragonfly glides with purpose and as the spiritual beacon it has been to me, when one calls on the dragonfly, one can inspire others to grow spiritually in their journey, as well.
Many times in my life I have been called a “deep thinker” that I never make a move unless I have gone inward for a long time and have weighed all pros, cons, and options. If Dragonflies are around you during a time of deep thinking, process, consideration, it should come as no surprise as they resonate with wisdom and deep thought. They are not the largest beings, every flight they take requires great effort, can be highly dangerous, so it is unforgettable and meaningful. Speaking to their size, they are light in weight and their wings are glasslike, so with this symbolism, they possess the power of the light.
As a continuation of thought from my previous article, I spent a lot of time thinking about this step into my Reiki Practice and whenever I was deep in thought and consideration, a Dragonfly would appear, again my “sign”. It warmed my heart in my research to find that they represent prosperity through determination, dedication and hard work. That by stepping out of our comfort zone and embracing our full potential, there is the ability to break through illusions so we may grow and change for the better. Within this quest of knowledge on my ever present Dragonfly, I have realized they truly are a symbol of magic and mystery and they carry with them very powerful and meaningful messages.
The wonderful thing I have learned about Spirit Animal Totems, is that they may come to us even when we don’t recognize their significance in our lives at first but, we can also call on these beautiful and helpful beings. The above sentiments I shared are likely to invoke the presence of a Dragonfly when in that state of deep thought, at a crossroads, or silently resonating with the grace of joy. If you ever are in need of seeing the big picture, practicing selflessness, compassion & understanding, or want to know the truth about something; call in the Dragonfly.
What Spirit Animal surrounds and protects you? What Spirit Animal have you called in recently?
XX Ashley
* I found my information on Dragonfly Spirit Animal Totems from trustedpsychicmediums.com. They have a breadth of explanations on many different Spirit Animal Totems on this site - very much worth digging into!
“Fearlessness means taking the first step even if you don’t know where it will take you. It means being driven by a higher purpose rather than by applause. It means knowing that you reveal your character when you stand apart more than when you stand with a crowd. Be fearless. Be the last people to accept things as they are and the first people to stand up and change them for the better.”
– Tim Cook, Duke University
I officially left my corporate job in the beginning of September. When I think about the journey of transition, the journey of a leap of faith, the journey of a life purpose, I think of the act of fearlessness that must occur inside someone. In knowing that whether win or lose, what you are going into the unknown for is a calling, something greater than where you currently stand.
My entire life, I have always known I was meant to help people. I believe in the potential of all people, even if they can’t see it within themselves. My career as a Gallery Leader for RH, a leading luxury interior design retailer, fulfilled this part of me for almost 7 years. I led teams of people, large and small, with the sole responsibility of development. In those 7 years, I watched many people grow, blossom, achieve goals through my coaching and mentorship. More importantly, they were able to see the potential in themselves to achieve greatness. While all of this was amazing, and I continue to have strong relationships with nearly everyone I worked with, it was only able to go so far. I longed for something deeper. Deeper connection, community, and relationship.
I found Reiki, or rather, Reiki found me about 3 years ago. I had never taken a session, I didn’t know anyone personally who practiced, but I had a strong knowing this was the path for me to find that “something deeper”. I researched and researched looking for the right instructor for nearly 2 years, because although I am spiritual, I am also very grounded and realistic. Learning from someone who was highly accredited was of great importance to me. I finally found Colleen Benelli based out of Portland Oregon. When I found her, I knew that was it. Fast forward through over a year of training and here we are. I am a Certified Usui/Holy Fire III Reiki Master and Advanced Crystal Healer. My mother, Lisa, and I started Live Life Reiki Studio in the beginning of 2019, and by September, Reiki was pulling and calling me so strongly to commit full time to this work. This definitely required a level of fearlessness and the quote that began this article really spoke to me about leaving something I had great success in already, to do the thing that could change my world and the world of the lives that I connect with for the better. Yet, I would have to start over, and that was so worth the happiness and the purpose that I felt would be fulfilled.
I have always been fond of quotes and symbols to illustrate thought so you’ll find a lot of these in my articles :) This next quote I’d like to share, also struck true to me when making the decision to pursue my business full time, “sooner or later we long to follow a ‘calling’ to do the work of our hearts. American theologian Frederick Beuchner put it beautifully saying ‘the place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.’ Mystic poet Rumi said ‘everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in his or her heart.’”
Change is not easy, especially when we as humans are creatures of habit. I hope this article speaks to you, and if you are currently doing the work that sets your heart and soul on fire - congrats! And if you’re wondering whether it’s time to take that journey of transition, journey of a leap of faith, the journey of a life purpose, do it! You’ll never regret a chance you took, but you’ll always regret the chances you didn’t take.
I would love to hear from any of you on this subject! I love meeting and conversing with those who have relentless courage and faith in themselves and/or something bigger. Let’s create community, support one another, and in turn elevate humanity!
XX Ashley
Today started differently than I hoped. After a night where sleep did not come easy and a head pounding with every breathe, it ended better than expected.
Once my husband left for work I had 1 and a half hours before needing to be at work myself. So starts the morning routine... slug around, shower, coffee, and lipstick... only if today I felt better and had gotten some sleep I could feel the excitement for tonights first meditation and Reiki Share at the park. Surely if anyone did show up they wouldn't want to listen to a froggy throat and stuffy nose guiding the way to the Ocean of Love, right?!
All day I drank tea, rehearsed the planned introduction and picked the perfect meditation. The funny thing about this preparation is that of the handful of people I invited, I really had no idea if even one would show up. I continued through the day with the intention of feeling better for my first ever meditation and Reiki Share. Having never been to one, I had no choice but to allow Reiki to flow and guide me. I knew I was going to show...sunshine or this insistent rain, oh I was going to be at the park! Wettest May ever, or not (haha). By late afternoon, I felt my spirits rise and the clouds started to separate and allow some sunshine through. Yay! It's working. I told myself to keep up the intention. My heart was full of gratitude! Tech neck was surprisingly not an issue today. Go figure, usually by this late in the afternoon its time for the yoga video (great stuff on Gaia). I love this video, 5 minutes and VOILA! back in motion.
With that, I decided to do a meditation tuneup. That's what I call a short self Reiki session. It allows me a 5-15 minute Gassho Meditation with time to center myself and become present that;
Just for today... I will not anger
Just for today... I will not worry
Just for today... I will be grateful for all of my blessings
Just for today... I will work with honesty and integrity
Just for today... I will be kind to all living things
My husband and I arrived at the park a couple of minutes early and walked around looking for the best seat. Before long, a person entered on the other side and within a few minutes we were close enough to recognize each other. We had recently done business together and I mentioned to him that I wanted to start a meditation group. He was interested and I gave him the date and time and Reiki brought him to meditate. To be fair, this person is a long time family friend of my parents in a small community where we live. So he wasn't a complete stranger. The three of us had a nice conversation about our community and recent activities while walking to a picnic bench near the creek farther away from the street noise.
The birds were out playing in the water puddles in the pavilion next to us. It was perfect. The birds chirping would be a great addition to what was turning out to be, as I said before, better than expected. After a Reiki demo and description, it was time to start the meditation.
I host a monthly Reiki Share every 4th Thursday of the month in Oakhurst, CA. If you're interested in coming or want more information, feel free to reach out to me at reikistudiolisa@gmail.com.
Love & Light,
Lisa
"But down deep, at the molecular heart of life, the trees and we are essentially identical."
- Carl Sagan
My boyfriend and I went camping in Malibu recently to celebrate our anniversary. We stayed at Sycamore Cove Campground in Malibu, which was absolutely beautiful. It is right across the street from the ocean and nestled in the mountains with beautiful sycamore trees, riverbed, shrubs, and wildlife. At our campground specifically, we had such a beautiful Sycamore extending its branch down into the campground, seeming to invite its campers to come crawl/hang/be in its presence. What Reiki has taught me, more than I already knew, is that the life force energy that Reiki is; is in everything around us.
On Saturday afternoon, as the sun was shining over the peak of the mountain and into our campsite, I felt an ever more special call to what I now recognize her as, “Sycamore Beauty”. As I climbed on to her strong and inviting branch, I saw that campers before me had carved love words, names, and symbols into her trunk. My first reaction was, “ How could someone leave marks on such a special piece of nature?!” I was kind of mad… Then I heard a voice say, “connect to my spirit and you will see these marks don’t hurt me, they represent all those that have spent their time with me.” I was called by Beauty to connect to her life force and as I called in Reiki to assist me with this, I quickly realized Beauty was happy to have humans connecting to nature and creating memories amongst her branches. As she invited me to join her, she had invited these others at different times, as well. She urged me to look up higher into her branches and when I did, I saw that a specific person had come back to her many years in a row and had left their years of visits on her branches. I turned from mad into joyful to know of the memories that many had shared and the time they had taken to slow down, take a break from the day-to-day life, and be immersed in nature and Beauty’s presence, as I had that weekend. Seeing the example of those who returned year after year made me feel so warm inside that Beauty had left a similar mark in their hearts as she did in mine. Although I may not know these people personally, I appreciated them.
As my Reiki training has taught me as well, you cannot fight darkness with darkness, and as we all grow to love and appreciate each other and see ourselves as beautiful as nature sees us, we lift up all of humanity. What I hope those reading this take away from my story, is to be present and listen in every moment. We may never know the reasoning at first, but there is a reason my boyfriend and I chose Campsite 57 at Sycamore Cove Campground that weekend, and it was to have this amazing ah-ha moment in nature and appreciate that we too, are a part of nature. As Steve Jobs has said, “you can’t connect the dots looking forward, you can only connect them looking backwards.”
What trees have you spoken to recently? :)
XX Ashley