Meet Robin Waters Casper, Author and Therapist

Meet Robin Waters Casper is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, a Certified Reiki Master Teacher, an author, and a publisher. She enjoys writing books for children of all ages, and publishing books in a variety of genres including poetry, new age, and romance. Learn more about Robin and her work by visiting http://www.watersnlight.com.

1. How did you first become interested in practicing Reiki?

The most fascinating, empowering, and inspiring element leading me to learn the practice of Reiki was its beautiful, healing energy that works as well for treating oneself, once attuned to it, as it does for others. Because of some major auto-immune problems, I was gratified to find something I could implement naturally and with no other cost after the class. This means I now have direct access with my own inner power to bring forth at will for pain management whenever I choose, no need to run off to this practitioner or that doctor with every ache and pain. Other profound benefits are spiritual alignment with my higher self, more clarity and intuition, less anxiety and stress, and generally a calmer, healthier sense of well-being, even though I still have a compromised physical being. My initial interest blossomed into a sincere desire to become a Reiki Master Teacher so I could pass on this ability to others.

2. What do you see as the connection between your work as a Marriage and Family Therapist and your work as a Reiki practitioner and an author/publisher?

My current career, a blend of Reiki and writing/publishing books, arose from a background as a helper in the healing process. As a Marriage and Family Therapist, I mostly worked with children, teens, and families. I was the 0 to 5 (California First Five) Program Therapist at our local Mental Health Center. I loved working with families and their young children, using techniques specifically designed to enhance attunement in relationships between the child, parents, and caregivers. Increased brain development due to the mirroring of feelings, eye-contact, healthy touch, and audio communication of talking, reading, and singing often brought much joy, closeness, and, sometimes, parental reunification. A child’s first five years sets up an entire life and what happens during those years will directly effect that individual in either healthy or unhealthy attachment and brain development. To be part of positively impacting children and families in this way has been an honor. Lucky Lucky the Love Puppy; A read-along, sing-along, feelings picture book grew from this work at Butte County Department of Behavioral Health in Northern California.

Additionally, I was a play therapist working individually with children, and I would at times create my own materials. When I was a private practice intern, my supervisor, Julie Tamminga, whom I met at my first therapist job, Children’s Bureau of Southern California, immersed me in Mindfulness Training via Zen-inspired Vypassana Meditation, a technique she called “Focused Watching”, a way to observe the body while following the breath. Because creators frequently use what they know to write or explore projects that interest them, I wrote a children’s story to help children identify emotions from how their body felt inside and to breathe through the difficult times when they were feeling upset. It also touched on other issues, including grief, problem-solving, compassionate caring, and general self-soothing. I presented the story to Joyce C. Mills, MFC, Ph.D., award-winning therapy storyteller, and Executive Director at StoryPlay Center, Arizona, at a workshop of hers I attended. I was fortunate that she agreed to consult and provide endorsement for the book for ages 7 to 9 that evolved into Mindful Max and the Mental Magic Club.

Before that, earlier in my career, Julie had introduced me to Reiki, practicing her new skills on me as I was beginning to show signs of health problems. But it wasn’t until many years later when a massage therapist used Reiki, and years later still, when an alternative health NAET practitioner, Vickie Van Scyoc, re-introduced it to me and a mutual friend, Casey Fickardt-Hersch, LCSW, invited me to attend a Reiki One Class that I wanted to learn it for myself. I did not know back when Julie or the massage therapist provided me with energy healing, that if one learned Reiki, one could use it for self-treatment. I now make it a point to inform people that we all are healers and all have this ability within us, and that Reiki is easily learned and accessed.

The next writing project sprung from spirituality and a psychologically inspired imagination: a novel I’ve been writing, revising, and pursuing editing for many years, originally called Rich with Wonder, but now titled, Beaming up Rosie. The story revolves around a quirky, nearly middle-aged dentist, Rosie Rich, who has managed to suppress her tumultuous history, but is dogged by a fear of being swallowed up in a pit of Hell for her sins. She meets young, cosmic surfer-hunk, Ken Wonder, and catapults onto a sexy, roller-coaster ride of metaphysical New Age antics and synchronicities, sending her into a tail-spin of emotional and spiritual challenges, as she desperately seeks redemption while encountering this odd, sensual conundrum of Mystical Magic Man vs. Dangerous Devil’s Delighter, alternate dimensions, and layers of synchronicity where healers, psychics, mediums, spirit guides, angels, entities, occultist proponents and past lives confront and intertangle with her present-day human dramas. I plan on releasing it this year, 2017.

Lucky Lucky the Love Puppy; A read-along, sing-along, feelings picture book, is the last book I wrote and the first one I published once I decided to start Waters N Light Reiki N Books. For ages baby to six, it follows Lucky, my true-life Golden Cocker Spaniel, as he emotes various feelings through doggy behaviors. The story began as a song that fell from my lips one day as I was petting him. Another incidence of allowing creativity to unfold naturally, I grabbed my smart phone and recorded it, knowing instantly it would be my next book. I wrote the song, had it transcribed and put to piano music by Gina Trenalone, then professionally recorded it at Heirloom Studios in Chico, California. At the end of the story/song, I present questions to invite discussion with teachers, parents, and therapists about feelings. Obviously, again, it was inspired from connections in my work singing and reading to children with parents for the above-mentioned attunement and brain development process. I am super proud of all my books, but this one is the most fun as I go out in the world singing and flipping pages for children in classrooms and libraries. The kids often spontaneously sing the catchy first part, “Oh Lucky Lucky the Love Puppy”. There is a Spanish version in the works. Now that I’ve moved to Hawaii, I seriously plan to create and collaborate on Lucky Lucky Aloha Puppy, the next version with English and Hawaiian translation. I see it as an enjoyable, interactive, and effective way to introduce children to emotional education.

Note: In addition to Amazon, you can also find my work on CDBaby.

3. What inspired you to start writing and publishing books?

As you can see, my higher self, or soul if you will, compels me to write entertaining projects with substance that offer healing to others, whatever age they may be. Self-publishing is now a viable way for authors to publish with many established authors who’ve landed traditional contracts utilizing self-publishing, or combining modes for their backlist. Thus, Waters N Light Reiki N Books stemmed from a sincere desire to bring my brand to the public while retaining all rights. However, Beaming up Rosie, may branch out into the traditional world on its own journey to self-realize. I am open to that unfoldment given the right situation.

4. Do you have an intentional goal as an author to help your readers in some way?

I intend to weave meaningful emotional and/or spiritual insight into each book without preaching or lecturing. I strive to make the reading experience one that is engaging, mesmerizing, and, perhaps, thought-provoking. To this extent, I envision a non-fiction series of miraculous phenomenal events as reported by healers of all kinds in the Sublime Healers 300 Series.

5. What else would you like people reading this interview to know about you and your work?

I consider it an honor and a privilege to teach, write, and record about healing. One mission I have is to bring Reiki to as many people on the planet as possible, so I co-developed a Reiki Volunteer Program at Enloe Medical Center. I encourage others to bring Reiki Programs to their communities. I love to assist and collaborate with other Reiki Teachers, which led to creating several tools for a more effortless and engaging process, including power points for Reiki I, Reiki II, and Advanced Reiki Training (Reiki 3 Part I), a free Reiki Intro accessed at www.watersnlight.com home page or at www.learnitlive.com, a tool for Reiki Grounding in the chakras for attunements, Harp Solo & Chakra Grounding Meditation, (see below) and chakra harp to play in the background of classes, and promoting my Reiki Master Teacher, Kathy Christian’s, CD, Reiki Meditation for Self-Treatment, an awesome way to get folks immediately started using Reiki for self-care. I administer a Facebook group called Helping Reiki Master Teachers Teach. I plan on continuing to teach Reiki so many others can experience its awe-inspiring benefits. I would like to teach it ocean-side here in Maui, and, also, continue as a Spiritual Expert Instructor online at www.learnitlive.com.

In 2016, I released a CD/Download with my colleague, Rev. Dr. Katy Valentine, Harp Solo & Chakra Grounding Meditation, (also professionally recorded at Heirloom Studios) that consists of a brief introduction, a 13-minute Harp Chakra Grounding Meditation of soothing voice against Katy’s lovely harp that is tuned in ancient modes to correspond with the chakras, followed by about 40 minutes of Divine Energy Harp Solo with more chakra-tuned harp and then a couple minutes of light Celtic harp, Katy’s original composition, Swift Wind, to bring the listener back to the present moment. I, my students, and others listen for grounding, prayer, meditation, attunements, background for massage, complimentary arts of all kinds, and yoga. Available as a CDAmazon, CreateSpace (Amazon’s creative Design Department) and CDBaby, also Katy’s website: www.agapeharp.com.

As far as books and the Lucky Lucky the Love Puppy Song, and links to our harp meditation CD/download, all may be found on my website or at my online store through my website: www.watersnlight.com/books.html and www.watersnlight.com/products/services.html. My author name is Robin Waters Casper, LMFT. It will be Robin L. Waters for Beaming up Rosie.

If you wish further info or communication, or are interested in Reiki classes, collaborative Hawaii Reiki teaching opportunities, tools, publishing collaborations, or submitting a phenomenal healing story for the Sublime Healers 300 Series, please visit www.watersnlight.com and drop me a note through the contact form. I look forward to hearing from you!

Thanks, Robin!

Meet Pauline Baylock, Reiki Practitioner and Health Coach

Pauline Baylock is a certified Reiki practitioner and AADP Certified Health Coach. Her company, Balance Life 360, views wellness as a multifaceted labor of love, one that should combine self-care for the mind, body, and spirit. Her passion is empowering people to explore integrative healing modalities, relaxation techniques, and spiritual practices that restore, enhance, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Pauline's most recent project is expanding her practice to include mobile Reiki sessions in the Manhattan and Brooklyn areas. Learn more about Pauline and her company at www.BalanceLife360.com.

1. How did you first become aware of Reiki--and what inspired you to learn to become a Reiki practitioner?

I've been vaguely aware of Reiki for many years. I would meet a Reiki practitioner here and there, but I never asked for a full description of what Reiki was, which is interesting now that I'm thinking about it because I'm usually more inquisitive about things that intrigue me.

I knew it was energy healing that involved placing your hands on the recipient. I also remember most practitioners I met were slightly odd, perhaps that was a coincidence, or maybe they were on a different level of consciousness than I was and that's why their vibe was weird to me, who knows? What I can say is I was always intrigued by Reiki--the word itself is quite unusual; it's always had an erotic mysticism about it. Now who sounds odd, LOL! I've always wanted to try a session; even though the few practitioners I met seemed odd (not in a bad way), the idea of Reiki had a compelling allure to me.

My first attunement, that's when the transference of the Healing Energy is passed from the Reiki Master to the student, was a a game changer for me. I decided I wanted to do something personal and special to celebrate my 50th birthday. I was already on the path of spreading my wings spiritually, and in other areas of my life, I guess you can say I was having an awakening on many levels: reclaiming my power, validating, valuing and stepping up for myself etc. So it seemed like taking the Reiki class happened at the right time, or more specifically in Divine Order. I knew in my heart I discovered two things that weekend; one was the perfect vehicle for me to use to get people to initiate a self-love, self-care regimen, and the other was that Reiki was going to enhance my entire life. I'll never forget what fellow students said to me on day two of the class: "Pauline, something has shifted with you; it seems like you have a peaceful glow." That was interesting because I didn't notice any major shifts that I thought others would pick up on, only internal stuff that I was feeling a because I was spending my birthday doing something loving and beautiful for me. Whatever "it" was, was very noticeable to people that didn't even know me. I thought to myself, "Wow, this stuff is deep".

2. How does Reiki fit into the context of the self-care and healing practices you have been engaged in with your company, Balance Life 360? 

My healing practice at Balance Life 360 is Empowering People to Choose a Healthy Life. 

This is a good question, Mandy, because self-care is just what it states, self-care. Reiki self-care is a part of my daily healing routine. I'm experiencing positive changes in many areas of my life, which makes me a clearer vessel for the transference of Reiki energy to my clients. As I continue to practice Reiki on myself, I'm becoming a better practitioner, and I'm growing spiritually as well. The extra benefit is it's helping me to understand that people are as unique as snowflakes, and it isn't until you begin to deal with everyone as a unique individual that you are an effective conduit for their healing. No matter what your practice is.

Balance Life 360 is about encouraging people to explore their options when it comes to healing modalities. Self-care should be a multifaceted labor of Love. 

Reiki is the perfect fit for anyone that wants to introduce a self-care practice into their life because Reiki balances the energy in our body, and enhances our body's natural ability to heal itself. Reiki is unique in that it's individualized--it gives each recipient what they need, bringing all the areas that are out of balance in their life into balance. 

Balance Life 360 is a holistic approach to healing that encompasses all aspects of the client's life. It's taking into account what's eating them as well as what they're eating. It's gently supporting, loving, and empowering the client to develop a self-care system, or as I like to call it, a self-love system, that feels right for the individual.

3. What has been your own experience in developing healthy habits, and how has your own experience motivated you to help others? 

Trial and error, going easy on myself. I'm not out to prove anything to anyone. I don't define myself by my diet, which changes according to my moods and how much I weigh; rather I pay attention to what my body communicates to me. Yes, we have to learn how our body communicates with us, as that will eventually lead you to healthier habits. Like everything else, committing ourselves to a healthier lifestyle is a habit. I'm still giving myself time to develop healthier habits in all aspects of my life; it's an ongoing process. 

It's crazy that we think we can change a lifetime of behavior overnight; it's not realistic, and we're setting ourselves up for failure when we believe this. Let's take nutrition, for example. I come from a culture where food is a very important aspect of bonding and our celebrations. I've grown up on some of the most culturally diverse foods that you can imagine, from dishes of my southern roots, to sampling the cuisine of many friends of various ethnicities that have entered my life. Food, or should I say experimenting and enjoying rich delicious food, is as much a part of my spiritual flow as breathing! I've added healthier options and have developed a deep appreciation for high vibration foods, those foods that give us life and energy, so my desire to eat unhealthy foods has diminished considerably; however, I'd be lying to you if I told you fried chicken, lasagna, macaroni and cheese, and a delicious glass of wine, were a thing of the past for me, smile.

When you're taking loving care of yourself on a regular basis, then you don't have to become a fanatic about anything in your life. My healthy habits are me doing what feels good and right for me. Sometimes it's bike riding or a trampoline workout, here and there I've experimented with yoga, at times it's a vegetarian or vegan flow, morning lemon water....

My staples are drinking lots of water, green drinks, lots of walking, reading--nourishing the mind is just as important as nourishing the body. The most important life-changing habit is daily meditation. It's my time to connect with my source, my divinity, my light. It's my opportunity to connect to my true self, and get answers to many of my questions, direction, my time when I most experience unconditional love, my moment of peace.

Wow!!! It seems each question takes me deeper into myself.

4. Would you tell us a little bit about your mobile Reiki practice?

My mobile Reiki practice is just like the name says, mobile. It's part and parcel of who I am as a person: I don't like to feel encumbered or tied down, and I like the freedom of being able to meet people at different locations, and participate in events that wouldn't normally have a Reiki practitioner there. I noticed most people were tired of going to the gym, or having to rush to a class of one kind or another. A lot of people don't have the energy to add anything else on their plate. Many people tell me they like the privacy of their own environment, and some say they don't have time to add another appointment to their a schedule; however, if they didn't have to leave the house....

Mobile Reiki speaks to all of these issues, and I can relate to most of what people were telling me because these people are me, either now or at one point in my life. I love working out in the privacy of my own home, creating my own schedule; there was a time when I had ZERO energy to do anything, and Reiki is a energy balancing therapy that not only enhances a person's energy level, but it also makes people feel good. NONE of the people I spoke to had a problem with feeling good--in fact, EVERYONE is open to feeling good. BINGO!!! Reiki makes you feel good, which then makes you want to do other things that make you feel good, work out, eat right, create a hobby, seek more interesting friends, improve your intimate relationships and so on and so on....

Reiki, I discovered, is a catalyst for introducing ALL other healthy habits into your life, which in turn makes you healthier by default. POW!!!

I ask my clients at the beginning of a session or before a demonstration, if they are willing to set an intention to feel good, and surrender to the process. Everyone is is usually OK with that request.

5. What else would you like readers to know about Reiki and about your work as a Reiki practitioner?

I'd like people to know that there are no silver bullets; Reiki can be an invaluable part of a consistent self-care regimen that has enormous health and spiritual benefits, but it's not everything. We have to be willing to love ourselves enough to make our wellness a top priority in our lives. No one can give that to a client, not your family, your lover, or your Reiki practitioner. We have to be brave enough to participate in your own rescue. The Reiki practitioner is not the healer; we are conduits, vessels, supporters, but we are not the healers. That comes from a higher source and within the individual. We all have the power to heal ourselves and bring our body into its healthiest state with self-healing, but sadly, many of us are not aware of this power.

Sharing Reiki continues to be a humbling experience to me on so many levels, and most importantly, it gives me tremendous joy to be a part of another person's journey. 

It takes one person to change your life, YOU!

Love Light & Healing,

Pauline

Thanks, Pauline!