My spirit is moving me to do something to make a difference

[Digit]

I will be in training beginning tomorrow to become a healer, and trust I will be effective in my pursuits.

While I am unemployed with nothing else better to do, I would like to use the talents to visit hospices, nursing homes, etc to give comfort. I really feel a need to do this as my spirit is on empty since I have not been able to help anyone for quite some time. I don't require conscious recognition, as actually, that makes me uncomfortable. Odd for a dbl Leo, but maybe other planets are at work.

It might not necessarily be to "heal", because I am not GOD, but maybe I might give comfort.
At least that is what I want to do.

I used to be a Realtor, and was able to help people nobody else wanted to help, that is until my knee injury precluded me from doing stairs like I used to be able to do. I never made alot of money, but I don't require much in the way of material goods to be happy. These people took an inordinate amount of time (many had disabilities), but they needed an advocate, and I elected to be the one to help.

I love helping the underdog...always have. Even in High School, I was a friend to the shunned outsiders even though I was very popular. I received grief for this from my peers, but that never kept me from recognizing they were valued people in their own right.
I have received a few emails from classmates privately thanking me for being genuine and caring, which meant more to me than you can imagine. I never expected a thank you.

My question is as follows: Is there a way to do this, and not interfere with the wishes of the spirit of the individual? Can you take someones hand, listen to them speak of their lives while simultaneously giving a "booster" for whatever they need whether it be healing or comfort in their last days?
I will be asking the teacher this question, but I value the opinions of this group.
From what I can gather, it appears this might be Reiki after googling the teacher.

If nothing else, I may go and volunteer at a Hospice just to listen to people talk of their lives, so they feel they have value and are remembered.

[BanzaiBonnie]

1. Some people will tell you

that you may not send healing to someone who has not asked for it.

I abide by the tenet that I can direct healing where I see a need and it will be accepted or rejected at a higher level. My advice is to follow your own heart on this one.

No different than saying a prayer for someone. There is nothing wrong in the laction of sending love to another being.

[LaurenG]

2. Hi Digit

I've been in the field for many years and there is no greater gift for both healer and healee than to connect.

Reiki is a wonderful modality, it opens up awareness on many levels. I know you'll love it, even if you find it's not Reiki you'll be learning. Energy healing is very relaxing and heals on many levels. Though sometimes it will not be successful on a physical level, it will treat and help to heal in other areas.

All of us have a "soul contract" and sometimes it's not in our contract to heal the way we think we should and sometimes death is the ultimate healer. I make it a practice to "get out of the way" when I am doing healing. Just let the energy do its work. You will come to see how much love is available to us and will just know what to do if you just go with the flow.

I wish you all the best as you pursue energy healing. Lord knows the world is in dire need of healers!:thumbsup: :hi: :hug:

[u4ic]

3. I've known

a few people who've worked with the dying, and I think it takes an extraordinary person to do it. You sound like one of them, Digit! :hug:

Can you take someones hand, listen to them speak of their lives while simultaneously giving a "booster" for whatever they need whether it be healing or comfort in their last days?

I think it needs to be said that by taking their hand and giving them a voice, you are already giving them a 'booster', which does not mean that Reiki would not do good, either. It's always best to leave it up to the individual, whether they'd want any type of 'healing'; their wishes should always be respected, so they feel like they have some control.

What about therapeutic touch? Maybe even a gentle massage as well? I'm wondering if there are a few modalities that you could learn?

[Sanity Claws]

4. Good luck

I can't answer your question but it sounds like you are taking a great path.

[Digit]

5. I am home from the first class

When I walked into the chapel, the teacher grinned broadly and gave me a huge hug! I thought, Wow, what a nice warm greeting. She did not do it with many others, so I wonder if she picks up on what I am intending on doing? I am rather curious why I received such a warm welcome, but I will go with the flow for now. Whatever it may be, I like her energy. I could see it shimmering around her head as she spoke.

Many of the attendees have been attuned to Reiki II level and have a history with this particular teacher. Many are in the health profession.

The first exercise, I opted to be the one giving the healing. My guinea pig's sinus cavities began to open and lots of sniffling and coughing ensued. My palms tingled.
Then it was my turn to receive, and some heaviness I had felt in my chest diminished.

Indeed, the teacher is a Reiki Master, but this is not actual Reiki. We were all invited to attend the Reiki healing group held at her home on the first and third Wednesdays of the month.

I worked at a hospital as a Physical Therapy Tech; giving whirlpools to patients, making up and distributing hot packs/ice packs, giving parrafin wax treatments for people with arthritic hands, and generally helping the PT's with mobilization and transport. This was an orthopedic hospital in Northern Va.
Yes, it was very rewarding, but it paid very little and at the time, I was going through an expensive divorce.

Possibly my experience will allow me to learn something else to be useful in a similar setting.
A Hospice sounds great, as so many are afraid to be around the dying.

I did mention to the teacher that I tend to pick up whatever pain the patient has and realize it gets in the way. Several others in the class said they have the same experience. She feels that if the spigot is open sufficiently, you should not pick up the pain of others. I suspect she will give us more tips in this area.

I am going to propose a gathering to administer healing as an optional class project to the teacher in private next session. If she shares this with the class and nobody wants to participate, I will proceed on my own, once I have the skills.

If I am not to be a good healer, I guess that just being there to stroke the hand of someone who is alone, and interact with them is at least something. I hope I can do more, and hope I can gain the fortitude to be of service in some small fashion.

I realize I had difficulty once when asked to give a whirlpool to one unfortunate man who was suffering from gangrene to his leg. The smell of rotting flesh was horrendous and I told the PT I could not do it. The PT did it, and he died the next morning anyway. I guess I will have my limits, as anyone would.

God, give me strength.

[Quakerfriend]

6. Hi Dig!

:hi:

I feel something very wonderful and powerful about your willingness to take on this endeavor. You have such enormous strength, girl!

I have always felt that you have great depth and clarity. You will find that this comes back to you 1000 fold. It will advance your own healing tremendously. You will find that it is a two way street.

You are right about just being there to hold a hand. Anything you do will be most appreciated, I know that. Just your physical presence, alone, is helpful.

When I was quite young I spent alot of time around the sick and dying. At times it was too painful for me to see- a grapefruit sized tumor hanging from a lovely lady's cheek, the large hole in a young man's face...no nose or lips...after he had tried to commit suicide by putting a gun in his mouth..., the vale worn by a women who had no face because she suffered from head and neck cancer...

Remember to look into their eyes and see the person and not dwell on their deformities. They are just people wanting to be seen for the person they are.

When I was sick it was very hard for me to be around others who looked at me and felt pity. Do not pity them!! This only serves to take energy from them. Just look for the person inside and ask them about their lives.

Once, when I was at my sickest, I went for a hydrotherapy treatment at the hospital and the young lady who took care of me was very sweet. She spoke very little English, but she said to me, "You are a very good person, aren't you?" "I can see that." Little did she know how much her kind words would serve to give me strength in the days to come. It helped me a great deal. I suppose because when one is near death there is a great deal of introspection about one's life. You have the great realization that to do good is SO SIMPLE, and you regret all past acts that were less than kind- even the smallest ones. Anyone who is sick needs to be appreciated for the good that they are. Don't forget this- even if they seem grumpy and nasty! They need to know that all is forgiven.

Also, look for the light! When there is healing sometimes you will see bright light- especially coming from your fingertips!

Please, keep us posted about how it goes!

[Quakerfriend]

7. Hey, Dig, how is it going? n/t

[Digit]

8. Wow, Quakerfriend, I was just thinking of you!

Your original post struck a chord with me....and no, I do not focus on the deformity or manifestation of the illness. I have been appalled that parents are not teaching their children sensitivity in this area and it bothers me a great deal. I taught my own daughter to be sensitive to people who might appear "different". I can recall watching the movie "The Elephant Man" as and being moved by how insensitive others were to this wonderful human being.

See my other post for the update on my class. The teacher wishes me to propose it to the class next time around, and we will see if there are any takers. I really would like to form a group for this undertaking. The group would be merely to share of experiences and unload if necessary.

In my heart of hearts, I think it is a good thing.