The Joy of Lifelong Learning

6–9 minutes

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Life would be so dull if we stopped learning, wouldn’t it? I often like to imagine this life as one big school. Each phase, each challenge, each success is a class designed to teach us something new—something we’re ready for in that moment. We don’t get to skip ahead until we’ve absorbed the lesson at hand. And if we don’t quite get it the first time, life kindly (or not so kindly) repeats the pattern until we do.

The beauty is, there’s no deadline. We have our whole lifetime to grow, to learn, and to expand.

Some of our greatest teachers are the people closest to us—our parents, family, partners, friends, and coworkers. They hold up mirrors that help us see ourselves more clearly and grow in ways we never imagined possible.

And isn’t it incredible that we get to learn?

I’ve been a lifelong learner. In my early adulthood, I enjoyed studying in college, eagerly learning about the medical field I had chosen. But as time passed, I noticed how stagnant I had become. I wasn’t interested in challenging my beliefs or exploring new ideas beyond the framework I had grown up with—years of family, religious, and cultural conditioning shaped how I viewed the world.

That started to shift in 1995 when I was introduced to Reiki by a Radiation Oncology Physician in Michigan. He believed that true healing (not just curing cancer) needed to happen on all levels: physical, emotional, mental, energetic, and spiritual. At the time, holistic medicine was foreign to me, but he planted a seed that my soul never forgot.

Thirteen years later, I finally pursued Reiki training and even tried to bring it into oncology departments where I worked. That first attempt didn’t succeed, but I didn’t give up. Eventually, I helped establish Oncology Massage programs in two hospitals where I could introduce patients to Reiki, along with massage and bodywork. I worked for eight wonderful years until my program was closed in 2021. I had the opportunity to introduce so many cancer patients to supportive care and the therapeutic value of relaxation. In return, I met wonderful people who inspired me as they faced difficult challenges in their health and life, and gained so much knowledge that has made me a better person, guide, and healer.

So, when was the last time you learned something new?

What have you been longing to explore?

I’m thrilled to have a beautiful office and access to a classroom again. Teaching and sharing knowledge is one of my greatest joys, and I have several classes ready to go—with more to come based on what youwant to learn.

As school season begins, consider giving yourself the gift of learning something new. It may just inspire you in ways you never expected—you might even fall in love with it.

Check out my class offerings and see what sparks your curiosity:

  • Spiritual Gifts and Connections- Learn that we all have Spiritual gifts, how to recognize them, and how to use them.
  • Introduction to Chakras- Learn basic information about the 7 major chakras, or energy centers in the body.
  • Introduction to Essential Oils- Learn what to look for when choosing and purchasing essential oils for therapeutic use. Also make an inhaler to take home.
  • Introduction to Oracle Cards- Learn the history of Oracle Cards as a Spiritual Communication tool, and how to clear, cleanse, charge, and read them.
  • Introduction to Pendulums- Learn the history of Pendulums as a Spiritual Communication tool, and how to clear, cleanse, charge, and use them.
  • Assistance for Empaths- Are you a healthcare worker, social worker, or have a job where you are caring for others? Do you feel drained, or stuck or exhausted? You may be someone who unknowingly takes on emotions and energies of others, causing distress to yourself. This class will define the traits of an empath, assist you in finding your level of empathic qualities, and suggest how to navigate life with this special gift.
  • Usui Reiki Levels 1, 2, and 3- Learn about this ancient healing modality for self care, for others, and as a business. The Usui system focuses more on the physical level of healing.
  • Karuna Reiki Levels 1, 2, and 3- Learn about this ancient healing modality for self care, for others, and as a business. The Karuna system focuses more on the emotional level of healing. Usui Reiki 1 and 2 training is a pre-requisite for this modality.
  • Reiki Drumming- Learn how to incorporate the vibrations of drumming and energy for deep healing. Usui Reiki 1 and 2 training is a pre-requisite for this course.
  • Guided Meditations- Experience group energetic healing sessions as I guide you with words and sound vibrations from a gong or drum.
  • Breathwork- Experience group healing through your breath. Learn new patterns of conscious breathing to promote relaxation, health, and well-being.

Contact me if you have questions, or are interested in any of the classes listed above, or if you’d like to suggest a class for me to teach.

With love and gratitude, Kathy


MANUAL LYMPH DRAINAGE & NEURO- LYMPH DRAINAGE
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Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD) is a specialized massage technique that uses gentle, rhythmic hand movements to stimulate the lymphatic system and promote the drainage of lymph fluid. It uses a light touch to improve the flow of lymph fluid which can help reduce swelling, improve circulation and support the body’s immune system. I refer to the Lymphatic system as the sewer system in the body. This fluid moves only through muscular contraction, gravity, or manual manipulation to clean up waste products such as protein, fat, dead blood cells, viruses and bacteria throughout the body.

Signs of poor lymph drainage can include: weak immune system, brain fog, fluid retention, itchy skin or rashes, difficulty sweating, feeling stiff-especially in your joints, or chronic fatigue.

MLD is often used to manage lymphedema, a condition characterized by swelling due to protein rich lymph fluid buildup, and may also be used to address other conditions, such as post-surgical swelling, certain types of chronic pain, and inflammation.

Neuro-lymphatic drainage refers to the process of encouraging the flow of lymphatic fluid within the brain and central nervous system, which is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and immune function. This process is thought to help clear waste, maintain fluid balance, and support immune responses in the brain. It uses techniques from MLD along with cranial holds to support overall well-being and potentially address neurological issues. Neuro-inflammation and glymphatic disruption
can occur following traumatic brain injury, concussion, stroke, virus or bacteria in brain (meningitis and encephalitis), subarachnoid hemorrhage (brain bleed), seizure, multiple sclerosis, brain tumor, Alzheimers, Parkinson’s disease, autism, Cerebral Palsy, migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, and long covid.

Utilizing this protocol that may:

  • reduce ocular fluid build up that accompanies glaucoma and macular degeneration
  • reduce symptoms of migraine headaches and ischemic stroke recovery
  • regulate the natural circadian rhythm and improve sleep patterns
  • reduce length and severity of autoimmune flareups such as chromic fatigue syndrome
  • improve tinnitus or clogged ears
  • slow down of the progress of neuro-degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease.

This protocol is a 30 minute service that can be added to a full body MLD session, done on it’s own, or added to any other service such as reiki, massage or acupressure.


The first of 5 podcasts…
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Talk about stepping out of my box– I was a guest on a podcast! I’ve really enjoyed making these podcasts and I hope you enjoy listening to them. You can access a video version here, or search for my name and podcast and listen to it on your favorite platform such as Spotify, I Heart Radio, etc. Check it out– you might even learn something new!
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Kathy’s Podcast
6-25-25


CLASSES AT ROCK VALLEY COLLEGE

LEARN SELF HYPNOSIS ALT-800-RV14
2 sessions: Thursdays 9/16 and 9/23 6pm-8:30pm
WTC Room 1308 $79

SPIRITUAL GIFTS & CONNECTIONS ALT-800-RV15
Wednesday 9/30 6pm-8pm
WTC Room 1308 $55

Register and Pay through Rock Valley College Community Education http://RVC Community Education

CLASSES AT CAYA MASSAGE & WELLNESS

Join us on the first Tuesday of the month for an evening Meditation 6:30-7:30. Bring a yoga mat, bolster, or anything you need to be comfortable for meditation. Registration is required and space is limited, so use the link below to register:


I am located at Caya Massage & Wellness located at 11415 Main Street Suite 104 Roscoe IL, in the XL Contracting Building. Enter in the main XL Contracting entrance, and take 4 stairs down on your right hand side into Suite 104. I’m the second room on the right.

I am one of seven massage therapists in this beautiful space, and I look forward to serving you in this location. I will be in this office Monday-Saturday, 8-5. Any of my hypnosis and coaching work can be done remotely through zoom any day.

Connect with me for a free consultation at (815) 623-1569, email me at kathybjerke@charter.net, or visit my website at: restoremindandbody7.com