About me

My name is Caroline Winterson. I was born in Ireland and now live in the United States. Five years ago after the birth of my second son I became aware that I was deeply depressed. My life was completely centered around my family without any real external interests or communication with other people. Knowing that diet and exercise were essential to well being, I decided to make some changes in my life. Having had some experience with aerobics, running and physical training, I opted for the gentler choice of yoga. As luck or synchronicity would have it there was a wonderful teacher in my town. She taught Kripalu yoga, a combination of flowing asanas (yoga postures) and meditation. Although I felt no tangible connection to Spirit, that did not prevent me from saying "God please help me". From that point on my life began to make subtle but wonderful changes. Instead of being constantly critical of myself and others I would notice that if I was smiling, people would smile back at me. Friends began to enter my life and an awareness of the inner state being reflected to the outer world began to emerge. One day my yoga teacher asked me if I would be interested in studying Reiki. Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. It is administered by 'laying on hands' and is based on the idea that an unseen 'life force energy' flows through us and is what causes us to be alive. 'Rei' means 'God's wisdom' and 'Ki' means energy, so Reiki means spritually guided life force. A treatment feels like a wonderful glowing radiance that flows through and around you. Reiki treats the whole person including body, emotions, mind and spirit. Reiki is not taught in the usual sense but is transferred to the student during a Reiki class. The ability is transferred to the student during an 'attunement' given by a Reiki Master and allows the student to come in touch with the unlimited supply of 'life force energy' that is available to all of us. It is not dependent on one' intellectual capacity or spiritual development and therefore is available to everyone. Reiki training happens in four stages. Reiki I and II are taught together and cost $310, Advanced Reiki Training costs $210 and the Reiki III Master class costs $615. Prices will vary according to country. Complete information may be obtained from The International Center for Reiki Training at www.reiki.org. 

I have completed Reiki I and II in which I received attunements, instructions on hand positions, how to give a full treatment, knowledge and application of symbols which can assist in healing all aspects of our being and also long distance healing which is really another form of prayer. It was truly as if a light was turned on within me and I was struck not only by the beauty but also by the profound simplicity of this technique. In reality there are only two emotions, love and fear. When Love is experienced we feel a connection not just to our Higher Self but we also feel a unity with all beings. From this point all things are possible and no obstacles are insurmountable. When fear exists, we experience separation, anger, jealousy and a belief in scarcity. This fear state stems the flow of Love and Light and we may manifest disease. It is believed that all living beings and creations come from One Spirit, God or Divine Energy. This can also be experienced as Light or Love, that is Love in the Higher Sense i.e. love without condition or expectation. It's essence is one of eternal regeneration and creation. As a healer, it is my intention to be a channel for this loving energy. One of the biggest lessons I have had to learn is to release attachment to the outcome or to look for tangible results from a treatment. 

I begin a session by saying a prayer - The light of God surrounds us, The love of God enfolds us, The power of God protects us, The presence of God watches over us, For wherever we are, God is and all is well. I then ask for guidance and protection so I can serve the highest good of my client and also prevent myself from taking on their discomfort. This has also been a lesson in true empathy. By keeping my attention on my breath this allows me to hear the guidance that is being given and to connect with issues that the client is currently dealing with. As my hands are directed to different parts of the body, an intense heat may be felt by the client. This can mean either a constriction of energy or intense activity in that area. By leaving my hands in that particular area a release will be experienced and deep relaxation usually occurs. People sometimes fall into a deep sleep, anxiety is then realeased and the mind is also brought to a place of oneness and optimism. From this point of well being, we are then in a much better place to allow new possibilities and solutions to manifest in our lives. I will end a session by giving thanks for all assistance given and suggest to my client to remain on the table for about ten minutes to allow integration of the work completed. 
Although the instruction in Reiki was extremely beneficial for me, it is not necessary to do a workshop to learn this modality. Because we come from One Source, the ability to transfer Divine Love exists in all of us, either by thought or touch. It is through intention that we create action and this is demonstrated over and over by the instinct to place our hand on the shoulder of someone in distress or to wish someone well with our mind. I am eternally grateful for the gifts of Spirit as I move through my life. It would seem that depression is a dislocation of Spirit from self and that once this connection is re-established the sadness may remain but the hopelessness disappears. May you also find your own connection with you Higher Purpose and continue to grow in Love and Light. Introduction To Yoga, Although it is highly recommended to receive Yoga instruction from a qualified teacher it is also possible to begin your own practice at home. Here are a few introductory steps to introduce you to this wonderful discipline. All you need is a comfortable space on flat ground with a clean mat, towel or blanket to work on. One of the main objectives of yoga is to train the student to become conscious of the inner reality, and is therefore not dependent on physical flexibility, age or size. to be continued!!!!!