I have always enjoyed listening to inspirational books during my commute to work. I never know when I am going to absorb and digest a bit of wisdom from this “self-help” genre.  Last month I listened to Lisa Oz’s book about relationships, called Us.  In her inspirational biography, Lisa described how as a certified Reiki Master, she is able to heal her children’s various minor ailments such as headaches, stomach aches, and temper tantrums, without having to give them any medicines which could have potential side effects. As a working mother who happens to also have many interests, I am intrigued by any therapies that cut down on the amount of painkillers that I need to ingest in order to sleep, work, run, teach, volunteer, prepare my lessons and maintain my living space. Chiropractic and massage therapies have greatly helped me over the years, and recently I have begun learning about Reiki therapy. I learned about a local business called, thehealinggate@yahoo.com, which provides an avenue for healing emotional and physical wounds from a work-out friend who happens to work in the State of Connecticut Technical High-schools’ Central Office. In additional to our both being educational employees, Barbara Saccardo and I balance out our lives with other activities, such as exercising at the gym at least five times per week. Barbara has been building her Reiki client-base in the Glastonbury area since 2008. We both subscribe to the mind-body-spirit philosophy, and recognize that our bodies are an outward expression of our feelings. For the past five years, Barbara has practiced Reiki near her home in Glastonbury, Connecticut at local hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices and in private homes. A Usui/Tibetan Karuna Reiki Master and Trainer, licensed by International Center Reiki Training, Barbara hopes to expand her client list to include more working parents, who might be under a great deal of stress this time of year with the expectations of the holidays. If you live in the Glastonbury, Connecticut area and are interested in learning how Reiki can benefit your mind-body-spirit connection, please contact Barbara Saccardo at 860-657-1587 or 860-212-0256. You may also email Barbara at  barbsbrneyes123@yahoo.com.