3/15/2010 @ 6:30

3/15/2010

Postal code 92373, US
Redlands, CA 92373

JoAnn Levine first began training for Reiki in 1989 to heal her own physical ailments. After achieving marked results, JoAnn continued on to become a Reiki Master - one who performs hands on treatments as well as initiates others in the Reiki method of natural healing. Since that time, she has become certified in Pranic, Spiritual Healing and Circle of Life/The Way of the Heart. Also, she has been trained in Feng Shui, the oriental art of placement and design. This endeavor into holistic health has been very fulfilling, particularly because the benefits of a treatment are so apparent. Clients who arrive tired, ill or stressed, leave a Reiki session fully rested, relaxed and full of life. JoAnn finds it is both a joy and a blessing to share her skills and knowledge with others also seeking personal empowerment, increased spiritual awareness, vibrant health and boundless joy. JoAnn hosts a monthy Ascension Meditation in Redlands, CA based on her training in various meditative techniques including Tonglen Meditation. The Dalai Lama says that he does Tonglen every day, and in particular for the Chinese officials who torture and kill Tibetans. He says: ÂÂ"I visualize them and draw their ignorance, prejudice, hatred and pride into myself. I do this with such strong feeling that if later I hear about atrocities, the intensity of my own negative feelings is reduced to the point of groundlessness." "There are many Buddhist practices that cannot actually be achieved ÂÂ- like this one ÂÂ- but are there for developing strong will and determination and openness. For example, you cannot actually give away your happiness and take otherÂÂ's suffering on yourself. But the practice will certainly increase your compassion.ÂÂ" The Dalai Lama suggests beginning the practice with ÂÂ"equalizing,ÂÂ" which means, ÂÂ"to realize that each and every sentient being wants happiness and does not want suffering, just like you.ÂÂ" With that in mind, he imagines that this practice actually reduces suffering in the world, but he says that ÂÂ"whether this meditation really helps others or not, it gives me peace of mind. Then I can be more effective, and the benefit is immense.ÂÂ" Pema Chödrön writes: ÂÂ"Tonglen has to do with cultivating fearlessness. It opens your heart and gives you courage. In tonglen, you breathe in pain; you acknowledge the suffering of the world. You explore the discomfort of the human condition. And then, with every out breath, you open. You connect with your feelings of joy, well-being, satisfaction and tenderheartedness." "This practice brings the realization that you can feel both suffering and joy ÂÂ- that both are part of being human. Your heart will open, and you will become less concerned with personal protection. You will cultivate fearlessness and compassion. And that will be of great benefit to others.ÂÂ" "Tonglen gives us a method on how to relate with pain. How to open our heart and open our mind in the very situation where our hearts and minds habitually shut down. This is really the key."