Meet Marie - Healing the Mind and Body
This interview was originally published in our January 2022 Newsletter.
What drew you to Reiki and Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy? How have they informed both your personal and professional life?
Being a helper and caring for others is something I do naturally and interestingly, part of my healing journey has been to focus more on myself which led me to Reiki and Biodynamic Craniosacral therapy. It was through my own profound experiences as a client that inspired me to become a student of both modalities.
In my very first session in receiving Reiki, I felt warmth on my body, a sense of calm and rejuvenation. Once I started to offer Reiki sessions, I noticed people had similar experiences and left more centered and present.
My introduction to Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy came as I was exploring gentle touch therapies that support trauma healing. In my first session and many thereafter, I experienced a slowing down of my nervous system, subtle micro-movements in my body and stillness. The session was deeply resourcing and left me in awe. I was amazed that I was able to experience so much with just a feather light touch from the therapist. I later learned during my two years of training that healing occurs when we are given permission to express as we are, without an agenda to change or fix us.
My daily practice of self Reiki gives me an opportunity to connect with the Universal Life Force Energy. Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy has taught me so much about embodiment, slowing down and just noticing without judging what comes up. I find it healing being in that space of neutral listening as a therapist and in my own personal life.
If you weren't in your current line of work as a therapist, what do you think you'd be doing?
I have an affinity for the elderly and those at their end of life. I can see myself as companionship for the elderly as I have enjoyed so much time with my Grandparents and many elderly friends. I appreciate spending time and listening to the wisdom they offer. Also, I have been honored to support and hold space for dear family, friends and family pets approaching their end of life. Being an End of Life Doula is something that feels in alignment for me.
What's one thing you'd like to learn in the near future?
I am currently fascinated by Somatic Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology which acknowledges that the conscious memories and experiences babies have within the womb, during birth and post birth informs our childhood development and adult life. These early imprints manifest in our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual expressions into our adulthood. A baby’s experience is affected by the experience of the Mother, the surrounding family and the experiences of the previous generations.
I have such a curiosity in understanding how my family and ancestral history along with my early life experiences contributed to the unconscious ways in which I interpret my life experiences. I believe that Pre and Perinatal Psychology is another rich avenue to explore and can assist in repatterning bonding and attachment style and resolve early trauma, which ultimately allow us to live a more conscious and fulfilling life.
I am currently following the work of Myrna Martin and Ray Castellino.
Do you have a regular wellness practice that promotes balance in your life?
Yes. I have a well of resources which are ways I care for my physical health, mental, emotional and spiritual health. I exercise regularly, eat mostly a plant based diet and go for walks. I am so blessed to be surrounded by a community of healers, therapists, and dear friends and family who I trust and confide in. I regularly meditate, do yoga nidra and self Reiki. I enjoy listening or reading materials by Eckhart Tolle, Gabor Mate and Mooji to name a few. I love traveling, photography, being in nature, playing my ukulele and singing. And finally, I have lots of play time with the little ones in my life who remind me how important it is to dream and use our imagination.