By Marshel Couso
Fair Winds Reiki & Mindfulness, on South Gay Street, began as a place where owner Laureen Jordan could share the tools she has learned to help others improve their quality of life.
According to Jordan, Reiki (a Japanese healing art) can reduce the effects of stress, ease physical and emotional pain, and amplify the benefits of mainstream health treatments. It is available to everyone, and anyone can learn it. In her practice, mindfulness is explored through creative workshops, artwork for sale, and programs and writings based on Reiki wisdom.
“I did my first Reiki training as a cultural experience and a chance to learn about the benefits of meditation. I didn’t expect it to change my life! Being a Christian, I prayed my way through each step of the journey,” says Jordan. “Once I experienced the benefits of Reiki and mindfulness for myself and saw it transform the lives of my loved ones, I wanted to share it with everyone!”
Jordan credits her upbringing, curiosity, and travels for helping her develop the open mind and heart necessary to embrace holistic wellness practices. A connection with nature and artistic expression were vital to her growing up in Susanville. She went on to study Fine Art at UNR and spent a year studying abroad in Italy.
“I had seen Michaelangelo’s Pieta so many times in my textbooks, but I wanted to see it with my own eyes.”
For Jordan it was a dream come true, and during that year, she says that she fell in love with travel.
She taught English as a second language both abroad and at UNR. Eventually Jordan’s path led to a teepee in the foothills of Nevada, where she participated in Reiki training.
At the time, Jordan says that she had been struggling with insomnia and depression, and a family member was dealing with chronic pain – all issues she says were resolved through Reiki.
“It was like the sun coming out from behind the clouds! I was shocked by the results from Reiki, and I just kept wondering, why haven’t I heard of this before?”
From this question, Fair Winds Reiki & Mindfulness was born.
“It’s not that we’re healed and life becomes perfect. It’s that we learn tools, like Reiki and mindfulness, that help us switch out of fight-or-flight mode, better enjoy the good times, more effectively deal with the challenging times, and build healthier habits. Reiki is available to everyone and can be learned by anyone. It should not be considered a replacement for traditional medicine, but can support the healing journey begun there.”
Since returning home to Susanville to help family, Jordan happened upon the perfect studio and office space uptown. She reopened her Reiki and art studio and added a gift shop to provide herself and other local artists and artisans an opportunity to share their work. The gift shop has regular hours, while Reiki services are available by appointment.
“I want Fair Winds to be a place where people feel safe to be themselves. In a world of chronic stress, countless distractions, and unconscious behavior, we can choose a different way. We can prioritize regulating our nervous systems (managing stress) so we aren’t passing our pain on to others and learn to be present with those we love. We can choose to focus on supportive practices like mindfulness, peacefulness, faith, gratitude, compassion, and integrity. But every day, it’s a choice.”
Stop by 100 S. Gay Street or call 1.530.395.5550 to learn more. Gift Shop hours are Wednesday through Friday, noon to 6:00-p.m. and Saturdays noon to 4:00.
Reiki by appointment can be booked online at fairwindsreiki.com.
