Approach your wellness with an open mind

David and Helen Young are the husband and wife team that head Love and Light Enterprises Ltd, a company whose mission intersects directly with the couple’s life purpose: “to teach and to heal”.

Both “born into Catholicism” which they followed into their adult years, as the couple’s spiritual roots took firmer hold, they began their search for something outside the dogma of religion. “While living abroad, we found a ‘Healing Center’ very close to our home, which we both loved and adopted,” says Helen of the couple’s spiritual journey. With the Center’s focus on health in mind, body, and spirit, David and Helen were introduced to Reiki and Crystals.

“Our lifestyles made an abrupt and complete change in many aspects, including becoming vegetarian. With the passing of time, we were both educated and attuned as Reiki Practitioners following the Usui System. Through Reiki we were introduced to the healing vibrations and energies of Crystals, and now, in our practice, we incorporate both modalities.”

The couple shares that the practice of Reiki requires proper training and a lifestyle commitment on the part of the practitioner. It is a process of “teaching and attunements” administered by a certified Reiki Master.

“Reiki is spiritual in nature and it is the channeling of Universal Life Force Energy by the Practitioner to himself or herself, and to others,” explains David of the spiritual tenets behind Reiki. He adds, “Reiki can also be administered to plants, animals, and meals.

Similarly, Crystals – gifts to mankind from Mother Earth – are also charged with Universal Healing Energies, which can be applied to one’s body, mind, and spirit.”

A Japanese technique for stress reduction, relaxation, and healing, Reiki is administered by “laying on hands” and is based on the idea that an unseen Life Force Energy flows through us and this force is what gives us life. Crystals, being further conduits of this energy, can assist in centering energies and promoting healing.

“In her book ‘Love is in the Earth’, the author Melody defines Crystals as ‘the blossoms of the mineralogical portion of the Earth; the recognition of the beauty and loving energies of these forms can greatly enhance one’s personal development’,” Helen explains. She adds that Crystals have also been referenced in another widely read book: the Holy Bible, including the Books of Exodus and Revelation.

“In our practice, we have combined the Energies of Crystals and Reiki,” she says, adding that most of their clients have fully embraced the synergy of the two upon their spiritual enlightenment.

Love and Light Enterprises also supplies essential oils, extracts from plants and herbs that have been used from as early as Egyptian times to the present day. These oils have been used for medical, spiritual, and aromatic purposes throughout history. While they are not medical practitioners, David and Helen also suggest the use of various blends of oils to their clients depending on their needs.

While Love and Light Enterprises was only officially incorporated as a business in 2015, the couple has been practicing Reiki and importing raw Crystals as well as tumbled stones (processed, smoother crystals that many are familiar with as jewelry pieces) since 2006.

“We do not own or rent commercial premises in an attempt to control the selling prices of our products and so we limit ourselves to attending and vending at certain markets,” David says of their business’ many pop-up shops around the country, including the Santa Cruz Green Market, South Market, and Upmarket.

“There is, and has been, a mixed reception of what we do,” David says of both the acceptance and cautious interest persons have taken in their business, “but we focus on those who are genuinely interested. We have been blessed to see and hear the changes that have taken place in the lives of our clients and those experiences encourage us to pursue our mission.”

Helen explains that since Reiki is spiritual in its application, it can sometimes create an inner conflict in those who follow traditional religions or accept only a scientific approach to health and wellness. “Modern medical practices, aided by the growth and expansion of technology, can be used to analyse and determine dysfunctions in our bodies and minds. But, in our opinion, one should be free to explore and choose from various methods of treatment.”

She gives the example of past generations using “bush medicines” to cure ailments and assist in recovery, as opposed to the widespread culture of “popping pills” that we witness in modern society.

“Alternative methods can and do assist in healing and absolutely do not conflict with Western medication,” says Helen to those who hold the view that Western medical solutions are the only method of healing. She continues, “As a matter of fact, there are medical institutions in the United States where Reiki Practitioners are allowed to practice their Healing Methodology with patients.”

While many continue to doubt the validity of such “alternative” healing methods such as Reiki and Crystals, David and Helen are willing to educate and share with people who are open-minded to exploring alternative approaches to wellness and willing to listen.

Their recently updated Facebook page (“Love and Light Crystals, by David & Helen Young”) shows off their wide variety of Crystals, as well as the healing energies and significance of each. They also welcome interested persons to contact them via Facebook or approach their Love and Light booth at any of the markets they attend for a more intimate conversation.

Their advice to all is “Approach your wellness in mind, body, and spirit with an open mind. Be guided by your intuition. Learn how to accept and interpret ‘signals’ from within your Inner Self, and do not limit yourself in taking care of you.”