Author Archives: Camilla

Latest News: Reiki Level II Certification

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On Friday, July 19, 2013 I attended an all day training to become certified as a Reiki Level II Practitioner. I was certified as a Reiki Level I Practitioner on June 15, 2013.

Both classes I attended are taught by Denise Sheehan of Sage Spirit Coaching & Reiki. Denise is such a beautiful spirit and shining light. I’m blessed and grateful that our paths crossed.

Reiki was founded by Dr. Mikao Usui in the 1870′s. It is believed that Sanskrit Sutras & Tibetan Monks practiced it 2500 plus years ago.

What is Reiki? (Pronounced “ray-key”) … Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also contributes to healing. It’s done through touch. A warm and soothing energy flows from the hands into the client, promoting relaxation and releasing tension. Reiki, a form of energetic clearing and balancing, works on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels, restoring balance to body, mind, and spirit. You can learn more by visiting The International Center for Reiki Training.

I am actively taking a few clients now on a limited basis. Contact me here or via email to camilla (at) camilladowns (dot) com. 

I am in my 21 day Reiki cleanse right now; which means that I practice Reiki on myself every day during this time and be aware of the foods I eat, amount of exercise I get and be sure to spend time in nature. During this time I am sharing it with Thomas and Lillian also. Thomas had some interesting comments about his Reiki experience.

My Reiki Lineage:

2500+ years ago – Sanskrit Sutras & Tibetan Monks
1870s – Dr. Mikao Usui
1900s – Dr. Chijiro Hayashi
1939 – Mrs. Hawayo Takata
1973-1980 – Phyllis Lee Fumoto (Reiki Alliance)
Dr. Barbara Weber Ray (Aira)
*Iris Ishikuro
John Gray & Beth Gray
17 others
1982 – Arthur Robertson (Arma)
1989 – Dan Buffo
Alima Pat Hamilton (NWSH)
1999 – Brossman
Stephen Bruno
2002 – Laura (Derbenwick) Bruno
2006 – Denise Sheehan

Camilla and Denise at the conclusion of Reiki Level II Training on July 19, 2013. Great day!

Opportunism: D iz for Different Amazon Review

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(Wade and I having coffee after he read the book. He sent a text telling me he’d read the book and wanted to meet for coffee to discuss it. I LOVED that y’all!) 

★★★★★ Opportunism is generally regarded as a derogatory term that refers to people who will do anything for themselves. They have no core values beyond promoting their own needs. They contribute nothing to society.

In fact, opportunism is a great art that has been studied and practiced by many. Opportunism is a belief system that is eminently positive and powerful. It is a philosophy that says every event occurs for a reason and that it is within your capacity to see this reason as positive. When you complain and rail against circumstances, you fall out of balance with the the natural state of things; you wish things were D-i-f-f-e-r-e-n-t. What Camilla has done is to embrace Different to the point that she sees it as an Opportunity to the point where it can be likened to a fire that consumes everything in its path – ALL cirumstances become consumed in her mental heat and converted into O-p-p-o-r-t-u-n-i-t-i-e-s. Any man or woman who believes this cannot be hurt by anything or anyone. The age of the individual is NOT over – but needed now more than ever. Good Job Camilla and thanks for leaving a trail at a time when so many have come to rely on Hope as a Strategy for moving forward. Thanks for being You! – Wade Hodges – May 28, 2013

If you would like to write an Amazon review of D iz for Different go here (amazon affiliate link). It’s not necessary to have purchased the book through Amazon. If you have an Amazon account, you can write a review.

Mindful Living: Oneness with Nature

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Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. -Albert Einstein

He says to me, “Come quick. It’s almost gone. Come tell the sun goodnight!” I quickly head over, peak my head out the door and tell the sun goodnight. A few minutes later I peak my head out again to tell him dinner is ready. When he comes closer I notice tears streaming down his face and he keeps saying “I’m so happy”. I tell him it’s okay to cry when you are happy. That’s good stuff.

One touch of nature makes the whole world kin. -William Shakespeare

He tells me he just loves nature and it makes him feel so good and makes him so happy but he also feels ashamed about that. I asked him why he feels ashamed about it. He says he doesn’t think other people feel the same way as he does and he is the only one. First, I tell him it doesn’t matter if anyone else in the Universe feels this way, that does not make it wrong. I tell him that if it makes him feel this good and happy, that’s all that matters. It is the right thing when it brings out these feelings. We don’t define what is right and wrong for us according to other people’s opinions. Next, I let him know he is not alone in feeling this. I said you’ve got someone sitting right here next to you who feels the same way …. ME. Plus, I know bunches of other people who feel this way too. You are not alone. Yet, also remember that it wouldn’t matter if  you were ….

He asked why it feels so good? I told him he is feeling his oneness with nature. The knowing that we and nature are connected. I explained how amazing and awesome it is that he is feeling and recognizing this at so young an age. There are so many people who live their whole lives and never know this feeling. I feel many of us knew this feeling as children, but we lost it along the way. Then, there are people like me in their 40’s who are just NOW feeling it and realizing it (or remembering the feeling from childhood). I said my wish for him is that he never forgets this feeling and carries it with him always.

Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher. -William Wordsworth 

The “He” in this post is my 7 year old son, Thomas. He has given me permission to share this with all of you.

I help to support my family with my writings. I share my writings for free for the benefit of others. If you benefited from this writing, would you like to toss a tip in the love offering “bucket”? Oceans of gratitude … xoxo

Book Musings: Gift from the Sea

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“Gift from the Sea” by Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Passage from Gift from the Sea (amazon affiliate link) …. “The sea does not reward those who are too anxious, too greedy, or too impatient. To dig for treasures shows not only impatience and greed, but lack of faith. Patience, patience, patience, is what the sea teaches. Patience and faith. One should lie empty, open, choiceless as a beach – waiting for a gift from the sea.”

This is another find from a used book sale. I paid one dollar for it years ago at a library book sale. I’ve read it several times and was called to read it again this week. This book speaks to my soul as it delves into simplicity and balance. It’s clear why this is the book I’m reading right now. My heart and soul crave simplicity. I’ve come a long way and continue my simplicity journey paired with natural and inspired living. Yes. I know why my hand went right to this book on my nightstand bookshelf as I was rushing out the door for yet another time of arriving late at an appointment.

At 138 pages it’s a quick read. One could read the book in one sitting, yet, you may want to read a chapter a day to let each chapter settle in and give yourself time to ponder what you’ve just read. Get it. It’s well worth it!

Recipe: Chia Seed Pudding

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These awesome little seeds are rich in dietary fiber, protein and Omega-3’s … in one little ole tablespoon! That’s a ton of nutrition naturally present in such a small serving!

I adapted this No Cook Chia Seed Pudding from the back of the package for Trader Joe’s Chia Seeds (amazon affiliate link) … which are also the Chia Seeds I buy.

Combine:

1/4 cup of Chia Seeds
1 Cup of Almond Milk (I use Trader Joe’s Unsweetened Vanilla. I’ve tried at least 4 or 5 different brands and I like this one the best.)
1/4 cup of local honey, agave syrup or Grade B Maple Syrup (I alternate on this so it will have a bit different taste each time. Try less even!)
Dash of Gluten-Free Vanilla Extract and or any other flavors, like citrus juices or a drop of your favorite essential oil. Experiment. Be creative! Get Wild! … and …. Have FUN!

Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours. Turns into a perfect no cook pudding!! Reminds me of tapioca pudding y’all!

**LOVE OFFERING** If you find this content helpful, I invite you to toss a tip in the love offering bowl. With oceans of gratitude … Camilla ….

love-cards-in-a-basket-october-2016

I also like sprinkling chia seeds on my salad and into my water! The chia seeds give the salad a great crunch. I LOVE the way they swell in the water and the texture and feel of the seeds when drinking my yummy Chia Seed Water!

 

Blessings,

Camilla
See It. Share It. BE IT … Spread Love Everywhere You Go!

Did you know I wrote a book? It’s titled “D iz for Different – One Woman’s Journey to Acceptance” and you can read more about it here.

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Inspired Living: Smile

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Smiling is infectious; you catch it like the flu.
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around a corner and someone saw my grin.
When he smiled I realized, I had passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile and then I realized its worth.
A single smile, just like mine, could travel around the earth.
So if you feel a smile begin, don’t leave it undetected.
Let’s start an epidemic quick and get the world infected. – Author Unknown

Won’t you join me?

Latest News: Interview on Special Needs Kids Talk Radio

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On June 26 2013 I got to have fun being interviewed by Julie Fowler and Jenn Brockman of Special Needs Kids Talk Radio. We had a great time talking about “D iz for Different”, the story behind how the book came to be, Lillian and 18p-, affects of being speech impaired for Lillian, what I’m up to these days including The Customized Employment Project, where this blog is headed, Thomas and how I handle it all.

Feel free to post in the comments section with any follow up questions. Enjoy!

Listen to internet radio with myselfempowermentcoach on BlogTalkRadio

Sincere and Inspirational: D iz for Different Amazon Review

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(My daughter Lillian helping ship books … 2012.)

★★★★★ D iz for Different is a sincere and forthright book about a woman faced with a life path she never expected. Camilla Downs chronicles her experience as the mother of a special needs child with courage and candor. She writes about finding acceptance and learning to truly embrace her life, not in spite of its twists and turns, but because of them. This is an uplifting and helpful book for anyone whose life has not played out according to plan (i.e., everyone)! – Jenna S. – June 17 2012

If you would like to write an Amazon review of D iz for Different go here (amazon affiliate link). It’s not necessary to have purchased the book through Amazon. If you have an Amazon account, you can write a review.

Latest News: Reiki Level I Certification

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On Saturday, June 15, 2013, I attended an amazing all day training to become certified as a Reiki Level I Practitioner. It was such a beautiful and peaceful day. Words simply aren’t sufficient to describe the experience.

The class is taught by Denise Sheehan of Sage Spirit Coaching & Reiki. Denise is such a beautiful spirit and shining light. I’m blessed and grateful that our paths crossed. I’m excited and ready to move on to Level II now!

Reiki was founded by Dr. Mikao Usui in the 1870’s. It is believed that Sanskrit Sutras & Tibetan Monks practiced it 2500 plus years ago.

What is Reiki? (Pronounced “ray-key”) … Reiki is a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also contributes to healing. It’s done through touch. A warm and soothing energy flows from the hands into the client, promoting relaxation and releasing tension. Reiki, a form of energetic clearing and balancing, works on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels, restoring balance to body, mind, and spirit. You can learn more by visiting The International Center for Reiki Training.

I am in my 21 day Reiki cleanse right now; which means that I practice Reiki on myself every day during this time and be aware of the foods I eat, amount of exercise I get and be sure to spend time in nature. During this time I am sharing it with Thomas and Lillian also. Thomas has fallen asleep twice while sharing it with him before bed. On the third day Thomas asked me to do “Haiku” on him again. He wasn’t even clear on how to pronounce it! HA! He said it felt like there were electrical charges coming out of my fingers into his body. I didn’t explain to him what Reiki meant or anything about it. I just loved getting that message from him!

My Reiki Lineage:

2500+ years ago – Sanskrit Sutras & Tibetan Monks
1870s – Dr. Mikao Usui
1900s – Dr. Chijiro Hayashi
1939 – Mrs. Hawayo Takata
1973-1980 – Phyllis Lee Fumoto (Reiki Alliance)
Dr. Barbara Weber Ray (Aira)
*Iris Ishikuro
John Gray & Beth Gray
17 others
1982 – Arthur Robertson (Arma)
1989 – Dan Buffo
Alima Pat Hamilton (NWSH)
1999 – Brossman
Stephen Bruno
2002 – Laura (Derbenwick) Bruno
2006 – Denise Sheehan

Pictures from the beautiful and peaceful Reiki Retreat Center, Oda Be Acres, where the training was held.

Book Musings: A World of Wonders

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Verse from the book A World of Wonders: Geographic Travels in Verse and Rhyme (amazon affiliate link):

Walk Lightly

Make the Earth your companion.
Walk lightly on it, as other creatures do.
Let the Sky paint her beauty – she is always watching over you.
Learn from the Sea how to face harsh forces.
Let the River remind you that everything will pass.
Let the Lake instruct you in stillness.
Let the Mountain teach your grandeur.
Make the Woodland your house of peace.
Make the Rainforest your house of hope.
Meet the Wetland on the twilight ground.
Save some small piece of Grassland for a red kite on a windy day.
Watch the Icecaps glisten with crystal majesty.
Hear the Desert whisper hush to eternity.
Let the Town bring you togetherness.
Make the Earth your companion.
Walk lightly on it, as other creatures do.

This is a beautiful book for kids … and I LOVE it too. Titled, “A World of Wonders: Geographic Travels in Verse and Rhyme” it has eye pleasing illustrations. You not only get to read a great verse or rhyme, you have the added feature of gorgeous illustrations.

Perfect read before bedtime. You could read the entire book in one sitting. I chose to split it into two nights since I get to read to two kids before bed. I was touched and inspired with good feelings when reading this one … and so were Thomas and Lillian.

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