Red Pine Reiki

10/14/2026

The nervous system responds to emotions and the environment. It responds to physical danger and to perceived emotional threats. Scare someone and watch them react....things are happening in the body. What does it look like, fear? Our nervous system also responds to safety, love, empathy, joy, and compassion. Gush over something/someone? What does that look like? That's the nervous system responding. Our nerves react to perceived emotions, relationships, memories, and our sense of safety.

Our nervous system also remembers patterns of stress. Consider what happens when someone is suddenly frightened. Their sympathetic nervous system activates. Their heart beats faster, their breathing changes, muscles tighten, digestive activity slows and their body prepares to respond to danger. This happens automatically, without conscious thought.

Now imagine someone living for years with emotional abuse, unpredictability, criticism, or fear. Their nervous system may repeatedly activate these protective responses. Over time, some people develop persistent muscle tension, heightened vigilance, disturbed sleep, headaches, digestive symptoms, or chronic pain.

The danger may have passed, but the body can continue responding as though it needs protection. Prolonged stress can contribute to physiological changes that influence pain and well-being.

Where the parasympathetic nervous system comes in play ❤️

The parasympathetic nervous system is part of the autonomic nervous system. It helps regulate heart rate, digestion, and recovery. When we are under prolonged stress, in crisis, experiencing loss or abuse, the nervous stystem has a tight grip. Sustain prolonged abuse and your body might have a tight grip which can lead to physical pain and fatigue.

The analogy of Reiki loosening a tight squeeze captures an important experience: when the body's defensive activation decreases, muscles may relax, breathing can become easier, and the person may feel less physically guarded.

During a Reiki session, people report experiencing deep relaxation, warmth, emotional ease, or a feeling of safety.
Research suggests Reiki can influence these measures of autonomic activity.
A person doesn't have to consciously revisit or even understand the emotional experiences that contributed to their tension in order to experience physical relaxation. They can simply rest.

Our nervous system is continually responding to the world around us, including our emotional experiences. Fear can quicken the heartbeat. Prolonged stress can tighten muscles and influence sleep, digestion, and pain. When the body experiences safety and relaxation, these protective responses may begin to soften. Reiki offers an opportunity for stillness and rest, creating space for the body to move toward a calmer physiological state.

The nervous system also responds to affection, connection, gratitude, laughter, and joy. Just as a plant's roots support its ability to respond to its environment, our nervous system continuously responds to the conditions in which we live.

❤️ 💙 💜
Redpinereiki.com

10/13/2026

"I have noticed a trend in Reiki. We talk about Reiki more than we practice it. There is plenty of discussion about what Reiki is and what it can do, but the Gyosei go unread, the Gokai are not put into practice,Joshin Kokyu-ho, Hatsurei-ho and daily self treatment get set aside. These practices were given to us by Usui Sensei to refine and stabilize the kokoro. They are not extras, they are the system itself.

Long before Reiki, I trained first in Kyokushin Kai Karate under Soshu Shigeru Oyama, with his son Shihan Tetsumori (Ted) Oyama as my primary teacher. When Soshu founded World Oyama Karate I continued my training there.

One might ask how a full contact martial arts path known for its severe discipline could inform a Reiki practitioner.

Reiki and Oyama Karate are both Dō, a spiritual path meant to refine the spirit and kokoro of the practitioner. The training looks different but the purpose is the same.

The answer to most questions in Oyama Karate was "Just sweat." The questions were answered through basic technique practice, kata and free fighting. There was no magical formula other than hard and consistent practice. No amount of lengthy philosophical discussion would make you a better karateka. I saw that proven year after year on the dojo floor.

I would argue Reiki requires the same. Most of the answers are found in the practice and not the conversations. Read the Gyosei and sit with them. Put the Gokai into practice today, not someday. Practice Joshin Kokyu-ho and Hatsurei-ho. Give yourself self treatment every day the way Usui Sensei's students did.

Through consistent daily practice the questions are answered. We steady, we learn to get out of our own way and let the Reiki do what needs to be done, we surrender to Reiki and do not force it. Reiki knows what needs to be done. Our work is to become a clear and stable channel, and that comes from practice, not from talk.

Miyamoto Musashi wrote in the Go Rin no Sho (The Book of Five Rings) that when you truly attain one Way you begin to see it in all things. From one thing, know ten thousand things. Musashi refined himself so completely through the sword that the refinement carried into his calligraphy, his ink painting and his sculpture, arts he pursued with no formal teacher. Refine one Way deeply enough and you have refined the practitioner, and the practitioner carries that into everything he does.

This has been my experience moving from the dojo to Reiki. The years of kihon, kata and kumite taught me nothing about Reiki technique. They taught me how to practice. Show up whether you feel like it or not. Trust the basics. Sit through the plateaus. Let the Way work on you instead of asking the Way to bend to your preferences.

In karate the advanced practitioner is not the one who knows the most techniques. He is the one whose basics are so refined that everything built on them holds. Reiki is no different. When we commit to practicing the basics and build a strong foundation, the rest flows, easily.

So when the questions come, and they will, my answer is the one my teachers gave me.
Just Sweat (practice). The rest takes care of itself." - Mark Straubel
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*"Just Sweat" is a trademark of the World Oyama Karate Organization. This article reflects the personal views and experiences of the author. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as an endorsement of, or affiliation with, the World Oyama Karate Organization, nor does the World Oyama Karate Organization endorse or sponsor this article, its author, or any services offered by the author.*

10/13/2026

The other day I read a wonderful article by Heather Plett called What it Really Means to Hold Space for Someone. Here is a quote from the article:

10/13/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DJrfHNMYc/

1.HEALTH ANXIETY
Survivors may become highly focused on physical symptoms due to prolonged stress.

2. INSOMNIA AND SLEEP DISORDERS
The mind often struggles to rest when it has been conditioned to expect danger.

3. ANXIETY DISORDERS
Constant fear, criticism, unpredictability, and emotional instability can overwhelm the nervous system.

4. PANIC DISORDER
Years of emotional stress can trigger panic attacks and persistent fear responses.

5. DEPRESSION
Long-term emotional abuse can gradually lead to hopelessness, sadness, emotional numbness, and despair.

6. BRAIN FOG
Difficulty concentrating, remembering information, and making decisions is common after prolonged abuse.

7. OCD-LIKE SYMPTOMS
Chronic uncertainty can contribute to excessive checking, reassurance-seeking, and rumination.

8. DISSOCIATION
Some survivors mentally disconnect from emotions, memories, or surroundings as a coping mechanism.

9. COMPLEX PTSD (C-PTSD)
Chronic psychological trauma may cause hypervigilance, emotional flashbacks, trust issues, and fear.

10. STRESS-RELATED PHYSICAL ILLNESSES
Chronic headaches, digestive issues, muscle tension, fatigue, and other stress-related symptoms may develop.

Narcissistic abuse affects more than emotions.

It can impact the brain, nervous system, body, relationships, and overall well-being.

© Mental Health with Omoye. All rights reserved. Do not copy, just reshare.

10/09/2026

Wow, wow wow!
"When one lives their life manipulating others, he cages himself inside a glass box. Inside that box, he can see what he most desires, but he never demonstrates the authenticity to feel it because at a deep level, he knows he's not really giving love or accepting it in return. This denial. This means of guarding oneself, denies oneself of truly living. Of truly loving anyone, least of all themself. For that I felt sad for him. That's the sadness I feel for narcissists, especially for my father in all his calculated, resentful brooding."

Evolution of a Soul: Live Your Truth. Transform Your Life (Published in Wisconsin) is a beautiful book written by Shelby Kottemann.

I had the pleasure of meeting Shelby when she was visiting Crystal Eclipse in Sparta. I felt drawn to receive a Reiki session from her that day, and I am grateful I followed that feeling. She felt in my body what I have felt in many of my client's bodies because it is all too familiar. I purchased her book, although now I wish I had read it before we met. There is so much I would have loved to discuss with her!

Although Shelby is speaking about her father, her reflection can apply to so many relationships in our lives. A romantic partner, parent, sibling, friend, coworker, or peer who exhibits narcissistic or manipulative behaviors.

Imagine living a lifetime protecting an image of yourself rather than experiencing the freedom of simply being yourself. There is sadness in that.

There is an important distinction between understanding someone's suffering and accepting harmful behavior. We can have compassion for another person's struggles while maintaining healthy boundaries and honoring our own well-being.

This brings me to something we explore in Reiki classes at Red Pine Reiki: the journey back to our authentic selves. Who are we beneath the expectations, conditioning, fears, protective behaviors, and identities we have accumulated throughout our lives? How much of what we believe about ourselves is truly ours? How much has been shaped by our experiences, relationships, and the need to protect ourselves?

Reiki offers us an opportunity to become quiet, turn inward, and reconnect with that authentic self. Through self-practice, meditation, reflection, and the Reiki principles, we cultivate greater awareness of our thoughts, emotions, reactions, and patterns. We begin to recognize what serves us and what may be keeping us from living with greater authenticity.

The Reiki journey is about remembering who we are beneath everything we have learned to be. Perhaps one of the most beautiful aspects of this journey is discovering that authenticity allows us to experience love, compassion, gratitude, and connection more fully, beginning with ourselves. Then we feel sad for the others who do not understand this.

We cannot make another person begin that journey. We cannot do their inner work for them, but we can continue our own journey with greater understanding, compassion, and clarity.

This is Shelby Kottemann's way and it is brilliant! See how she shines and finds examples of people of the light along the way....in their own unique ways.

To my past Red Pine Reiki students, I would especially love to hear your perspectives.

I would love to hear your reflections. Our learning doesn't end when class is over. We continue to grow, discover, and learn from one another.

With gratitude to Shelby Kottemann for sharing such a thought provoking perspective in Evolution of a Soul.

I wonder if she follows Red Pine Reiki 🤔

10/04/2026

✨ Congratulations to Tamara, Kris, Toni, Shanna, and Elizabeth! ✨

Today they successfully completed their Shinpiden Reiki Master Teacher class. ❤️

Shinpiden is the Japanese word often translated as “mystery teachings” or “secret teachings.” In the Japanese Reiki tradition, it represents the Master level, but becoming a Reiki Master isn't about having mastered everything.

In many ways, it is the beginning of a deeper, lifelong journey.

At the Shinpiden level, students deepen their connection with Reiki, expand their personal practice, explore the deeper teachings and symbols of the system, and learn how to teach and initiate students into Reiki via the Reiju/atonement.

Shinpiden is more than receiving a title. It is an invitation to live Reiki. To continue working with the Reiki precepts. To become more aware of your own energy and inner light. To practice compassion for yourself and others. To trust the journey and to recognize that there will always be more to learn, experience, and discover.

A Reiki Master doesn't reach the end of the path, instead they choose to keep walking it.

I am grateful to have shared this day with these beautiful souls and to watch each of them take this next step in their Reiki journey.

Congratulations, Reiki Masters. ✨❤️
I look forward to your practicums. The journey continues.

P.S. It is good to be silly every now and then.

10/04/2026

10/03/2026

The classroom is all set for Shinpiden Reiki Master Class! ✨

Several students have chosen to embark on this beautiful journey. I’m so looking forward to spending the day with them.

Shinpiden is not simply a class or a level to complete, it is a lifelong journey. There is always more to learn, experience, practice, and discover within ourselves and within Reiki. ❤️

The beautiful crystal necklaces waiting for the students were purchased from Crystal Eclipse located in Sparta. She has an amazing selection of beautiful crystal merchandise and so much more. If you want one of these necklaces, you’d better hurry because I nearly bought her out! 😂💎

The last photo is my “let’s be real” moment.

A menopausal hot flash - caught in motion. 😂🔥 I see you my peers hot flashing away....or maybe it's just me 😄. Let's call it "dewy."

09/30/2026

As Reiki practitioners we learn that sharing Reiki isn’t about giving away our own energy or trying to “fix” another person. We become a calm, grounded presence. A space where another person can slow down, receive, reconnect, and remember their own light.

Every time a Reiki practitioner sits with someone in compassion, places hands gently, offers Reiki from a place of nonjudgment, or simply holds peaceful space, we are sharing light.

We may never know how far that light travels.

The person who leaves a Reiki session feeling calmer may bring more patience home to their family.

The student who learns Reiki may someday place their hands on a frightened loved one.

The person who once needed someone to hold space for them may eventually become the person holding space for someone else.

This is how Reiki light grows.
We continually remind one another that the light is already within us.

That is one of the greatest gifts of becoming a Reiki practitioner: you learn to hold the light, share the light, and trust that it will continue far beyond you. ✨

Red Pine Reiki LLC