Rootsoflife.org

09/11/2025

Hello everyone, and happy Sunday!

I wanted to share an update on my first book:

Touching Silence: Energy, Stillness & The Power To Heal
is now available in print.

For those who have been waiting to hold a physical copy, you can now order it through the link below. I’m deeply grateful for the early reviews and for knowing that the book is already resonating with readers and supporting their practice.

I hope you enjoy it, and that it brings you a bit closer to stillness in your mind, your practice, and your daily life.

Thank you, and in gasshō to all.

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

19/10/2025

Touching Silence — Energy, Stillness & The Power To Heal
After four years in the making, my first book is finally here.

Touching Silence explores how stillness and energy shape the life we live. Drawing from Zen, Reiki, and reflections on physics and cosmology, it invites you to rest in the presence from which all form arises and dissolves — a space where awareness becomes transformation.

It’s my hope that this work serves as both a companion to your practice and a mirror for your life as a whole.

Available now for all e-readers with print and audio book coming very soon!

📖 https://rootsoflife.org/touching-silence

31/08/2025

✨ The 2026 Deep Roots Pilgrimage to Kyoto is now open for booking ✨
(March 28 – April 4, 2026)

Last year’s journey brought us into temple spaces rarely open to visitors:

👺 A sacred Goma fire ceremony on Mt. Hiei with a living god
👺 Walking Mt. Kurama with the head priest - walking the footsteps of Usui Sensei
👺 Private Zen training with Tosei Shinabe in Kyoto
👺 Shugendō teachings at Shogo-In temple with tue head priest
👺 Sitting Zazen with one of Mt. Hiei’s highest monks in the former Emperor's private quarters on the mountain

This is only a small sample of what we experienced last year and just a hint of what is coming in 2026!

This is not an ordinary tour. It is a direct encounter with the living traditions of Reiki Ryōhō, Zen, and Shugendō — a journey into the heart of Japan.

🌸 Booking is now open — link in bio.

29/05/2025

The 2025 Deep Roots Pilgrimage to Japan is in the books! It was an incredible journey to the heart of Reiki, Zen Buddhism, and Esoteric Spirituality in and around the Kyoto area.
I am deeply grateful to all the special guests, monks, priests, and teachers who joined us on this journey and the opportunities they provided for us to delve deeply into practice together.

It's impossible to summarize the full experience, but I'll give each day a shot -

Day One - We were honored to have a private audience and teaching in Kennin-ji Temple (the most significant Zen temple in Kyoto) with Zen Monk and teacher Tosei Shinabe. Once the grounds were closed to the public, our evening practice began within the temple grounds that we enjoyed in private!

Day Two - We ventured out to our first visit on Mt. Kurama, with time for both deep spiritual teaching and practice, both on and around the mountain.

Day Three - A transformative day on Mt. Hiei - the birthplace of Buddhism in Japan. We met with the vice head monk of the entire mountain to learn and practice Zen in a beautiful space that was once the Emperor's favorite retreat. From here, we toured a sacred pagoda that is rarely open to the public and then met with the Ajari (a monk revered as a living god who has lived in semi-isolation on the mountain for over 15 years). We had a private audience, a fire ceremony, and a blessing.

Day Four - Private tour of Shogo-In Temple and teachings from the head priest, where we were able to learn about the significance of the temple, the practice of Shugendo, and come together for a private prayer in the inner main hall! This was followed by a magical evening, the Full Moon Festival on Mt. Kurama.

Day Five - We ventured far beyond Kurama Mountain for very special ceremonies at a secluded mountain temple. Here, we were joined by many special guests, including monks and spiritual leaders, to come together in practice.

Day Six - We return to Mt. Kurama, this time joined by the head priest of Kurama-dera Temple for private prayer ceremonies in the main hall and other secluded temples. From here, we walked alongside the head priest as we toured the sacred sites of the mountain and learned firsthand the significance of the mountain and its secrets. Along the way, perhaps we could hear the echoes of Usui Sensei's journey on these very trails!

Day Seven - We had a brief respite and then enjoyed the Aoi Matsuri Festival, one of the three main festivals in Kyoto.

Day Eight - our final embrace and time together at Toji Temple in Kyoto. Here we had our final moment of practice and contemplation on all that we experienced together, the many monks, teachers, masters, and guides that walked with us, and the depth of connection we experienced in our practices.

This is now the third pilgrimage I've led to Japan, and I am already in the planning stages for #4 coming in 2026 (and potentially much more!)

If you have been considering joining us, next year is the time, as 2026 is shaping up to be an incredible journey indeed!

There is already an early bird interest list for 2026, and it is filling quickly! If you would like to be added to the list, please comment below or email me at (grow@rootsoflife.org).

I am grateful to everyone who answered the call and joined the pilgrimage, and equally grateful to all of my friends in Japan who helped to make this such a memorable and impactful experience for all.

See you in 2026 and I can't WAIT to share all that is coming!
If you are ready to walk with us, make sure to get on the early bird list!

Will you join us? Spring 2026 - Kyoto!

02/05/2025

It's been real 🇭🇰 - with every visit, some of the old becomes new. A city of impermanence indeed and always a great time.
Until the next round my old friend
Next stop - Japan

17/03/2025

✨ Two Exciting Update to the Deep Roots Pilgrimage this May! ✨

I’m honored to announce TWO very special additions to this year’s pilgrimage— a private Zen meditation experience & a special experience in the Kurama mountains!

👺 Private Zen Experience at Ryosokuin Temple – On our first evening, we will explore Kenninji Temple, Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, before transitioning into a private Zazen meditation session at Ryosokuin Temple. Once the temple grounds are closed to the public for the day, we will be joined by Tosei Shinabe

(https://www.instagram.com/tosei_shinabe) |

(toseishinabe.com)

for a conversation on the nature of the mind followed by a private Zen practice within the most significant Zen temple in Kyoto!

PLUS:

👺 A Special Surprise in the Mountains Behind Kurama! – We will come together in a secluded temple deep in the mountains beyond Kurama, where something truly historic is about to unfold. We will join together with many honored guests for a very special ceremony that will write the first page of a new chapter of the Kurama area! I can’t wait to experience it with you all!

These additions are on top of everything else we will experience in our 8 day/7 night journey together! For full pilgrimage details, itinerary, and to book, please head to the pilgrimage landing page (link in bio or below):

www.rootsoflife.org/kyoto

ONLY 3 SPOTS LEFT!

Last Call To Book! As we will be kicking off everything in Kyoto in just under two months time - this is your last call to join us!
May 9-16, 2025 -Kyoto, Japan

07/02/2025

My latest video is now live on youtube! I hope all enjoy and may it benefit your journey with Reiki!

How to protect yourself and your energy during Reiki sessions or your own self-practice. This is an aspect of the practice that I'm asked about a lot and I ...

24/01/2025

The Deep Roots of Reiki Pilgrimage: May 9-16, 2025
- Kyoto, Japan Only 5 Spots Left!
My next Deep Roots of Reiki Pilgrimage to Kyoto is coming this May, and if you are keen to join - now is the time to act!
Starting February 1st, bookings will no longer be payable in installments, meaning this is your last chance to secure your spot with the convenience of three monthly payments. PLUS - there are only 5 spots still open!!! Now is the time to lock in your spot!

This immersive 8-day, 7-night journey explores the sacred roots of Usui Reiki Ryoho and Japanese spirituality. Here are some highlights of what you’ll experience:

👺 Mt. Kurama: Join us as we walk with the head priest on a private tour of the sacred sites of Mt. Kurama and learn first hand the mysteries of this mountain. Walking in the footsteps of Usui Sensei, we will feel the transformative power of Mt. Kurama, and we will have privileged access to areas of the mountain closed to the public! Further, we will join the head priest for a private prayer ceremony in the main temple, have a private audience with the main priest, and have plenty of teaching and learning opportunities! We will also join you for the incredible Uesaka Full Moon Fire Ceremony! And there are some surprises in store as well!

👺 Mt. Hiei: Discover the birthplace of Buddhism in Japan as few are able! We will come together for a private audience, and Goma blessing with Ajari Sama revered as a living god and the incarnation of Fudo-Myoo. Plus, we will practice Zazen meditation with the Hieizan monks in a secluded mountain temple and a private tour of the Enryakuji Temple Complex. This will be a day that you won't soon forget - I can't wait!!

👺 Sacred Pagoda: Exclusive access to, arguably, Japan's most significant pagoda! Opened only four times in 1,200 years, this pagoda is deeply tied to Japanese spirituality and Reiki’s origins!

👺 Shogo-In Temple: Guided tour by the head priest of this former Imperial Palace and the center of Shugendo practice. Access areas rarely open to the public and learn, directly from the priest, the deep significance of these practices and their connection to your understanding of Usui Reiki Ryoho

👺 Plus MUCH more! This is just a sample of the pilgrimage, to see all that we will experience together, please check the link below for the full itinerary!
With only 5 spots remaining, if you are keen to join and would like to lock in the installment plan, please make sure to do so before the first of Feb! For full pilgrimage details, complete itinerary, and to secure your spot, please click the link below:

A pilgrimage of a lifetime is coming in May that will bring you to the very roots of Usui Reiki Ryoho and the heart of Japanese spirituality and culture. Exclusive access, honored special guests, and moments of deep personal transformation all await you in Kyoto!

23/01/2025

Back in Marrakech- it's been a minute

02/12/2024

The Deep Roots Pilgrimage to Kyoto, Japan - May 9-16, 2025

Join me this May on a truly extraordinary 8-day pilgrimage through Japan’s rich spiritual and cultural heritage.
Together, we’ll explore the sacred peaks of Mt. Kurama and Mt. Hiei, with unparalleled access to temples and areas of both mountains that are off limits to the public.

On Mt. Kurama, the home of the secretive Sonten sect, we will be joined by the head priest for a guided tour of the mountain as well as a private prayer ceremony in the main hall. We will be transformed by the energy and significance of the mountain once known as "The Mountain of Darkness, Mountain of Light"

On Mt. Hiei; the birthplace of Buddhism in Japan, a truly memorable day awaits as we will meet with a living god, practice Zazen meditation in a secluded temple with the Hieizan monks, and witness a private Goma fire ceremony in a temple of grand significance. Plus - we will have the immense privilege of a private visit to, arguably, the most significant pagoda in Japan - one that has only been open to the outside public 4 times in the past 1200 years!

You’ll also experience the awe of the Uesaku Full Moon Fire Festival on Mt. Kurama, spend time at Shogo-In Temple learning the ancient practices of Shugendo with its head priest, and gain rare insights into Japan's profound spiritual traditions.

And this is just a portion of what you will experience during these 8 days together in Kyoto! The pilgrimage has been carefully crafted and planned to allow you a fully immersive cultural, spiritual, and historical journey through the heart of Japan and it will be an opportunity for profound personal and spiritual evolution.
For full pilgrimage details, including the full and detailed itinerary and to book your spot, please head to the pilgrimage landing page:

www.rootsoflife.org/kyoto

26/11/2024

The past and the future - and our attachments to both.
I hope all enjoy!

Who Controls The Past - Controls The FutureWho Controls The Present - Controls The PastHistory, and therefore, the "past," is simply the story you tell yours...