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By Graciela

Welcome to By Graciela, a list of services by Body & Soul Ministries available in Murphy, North Carolina and the surrounding areas.  If you are looking to feel better in your body, mind and soul, you’ve come to the right place. Graciela is a multi-passionate professional with a series of modalities, events, workshops and retreats available to help you find your authentic voice, feel good in your body and live your best life. 

 

Whether you feel like you need tons of support or maybe you are simply ready to level up your already happy and healthy life, you are allowed to want to feel better and to experience more joy and relaxation in your life. It’s all possible! There are no limits to the life of your dreams!  

 

This is a safe space for all who enter.  It is my honor to serve.

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Reiki Master

What is Reiki?


Reiki is an ancient healing method that manipulates energy flow in the body to create conditions that allow for healing of the mind, body, and soul.

 

 

What does that look like?

 

You come in and we chat for a little bit about what you’d like to get out of your session and I explain the entire process in detail so there are no surprises while still leaving a little room for magic.

 

You will lay down on my massage table while fully clothed and just relax. You’ll get a nice blanket to cover yourself with.

 

As a practitioner, I simply hold my hands over the person’s body and channel energy while gentle music plays.  Sometimes certain essential oils, scents, or musical instruments are included in the experience. We discuss preferences in advance.

 

Sessions will last about 50 min, but please set aside 90 min total for welcome, intention setting, and closing.

 

 

Benefits of Reiki

 

Reiki intends to help reduce pain, anxiety, depression and generally enhance quality of life.  It tends to slow down your heart rate and bring feelings of peace, relaxation and centeredness.  Everyone’s experience is different and singular to them.

 

For more information or to book your session with Graciela in Murphy, North Carolina, reach out to Graciela directly at (305)310-8882.

Sound Ceremonies

What is a Sound Ceremony?

 

Sound, frequencies and vibrations are as old as the earth itself. Indeed, it is said that the Earth’s existence began with sound.   It is no doubt that so much physical, mental, and spiritual healing can be created through the experience of sound.

 

A Sound Ceremony is a curated, usually channeled, experience of different instruments such as crystal singing bowls, Himalayan bowls, a deep resonating gong, shamanic-style drumming, flutes, and many more.

 

You might also hear the terms Sound Bath or Sound Journey. While each has a slightly different connotation, the experiences are rooted in similar foundations.

 

 

What does that look like?

 

In a group setting, participants lay down arranged much like in a yoga class, but in a dimly lit room. To have an optimal experience, participants may want to bring a yoga mat, blankets, pillows, bolsters for under the knees and anything else needed to lay down on the floor for about an hour.  That’s it. You just come in, lay down comfortably, close your eyes and listen.  For those who aren’t physically able to lay down on the floor, let’s chat about an alternative.

 

Benefits of Sound Ceremony

 

The vibrations and harmonious tones aim to wash away stress and negativity, leaving you in a state of deep relaxation and renewal. I would encourage participants to investigate the myriad of benefits possible.

 

To attend a group class, check out our offerings at our Murphy Events by Graciela page. For more information or to book your session with Graciela in Murphy, North Carolina, reach out to Graciela directly at (305)310-8882.

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Certified Forest Therapy Guide

What is Forest Therapy?

 

Inspired by the Japanese science-art of Shinrin-Yoku (Forest Bathing), the modern practice of Forest Therapy encompasses spending mindful, guided time in nature leading to a boost in immunity, mood and holistic well-being, awakening creativity.

 

Private and Group walks available in the Western North Carolina and Northwestern Georgia areas. 

 

As a guide, I offer invitations through an easy-paced two-hour experience to help you become fully present and perhaps hear the forest’s secrets.

 

What does that look like?

 

We meet at a wooded location, usually a public park or a public or private forested area.   We will take a leisurely walk (no hiking!) and through a series of crafted invitations, we will open ourselves to the experience of the wilderness by focusing our senses and listen for the wisdom of the forest. We end with a lovely warm cup of tea.

 

 

Benefits of Forest Therapy

 

All things are possible!  Lowered heart rate, lower blood pressure, improved mental health, mood, reduce stress are all commonly reported.

 

Certain trees and plants release something called phytoncides which have been proven to increase our natural production of natural killer cells, boosting our immune system and overall wellbeing.

 

Increased feelings of connection in nature and interdependence with all living beings.

 

You might even find the answers you are looking for.

 

 

To attend a group class, check out our offerings at our Murphy Events by Graciela page. For more information or to book your session with Graciela in Murphy, North Carolina, reach out to Graciela directly at (305)310-8882.

Cacao Ceremonies

What is a Cacao Ceremony?

Immerse yourself in the rich and sacred tradition of cacao. Allow this ancient plant medicine to open your heart, expand your consciousness, and facilitate deep emotional healing.  Most Cacao Ceremonies are held monthly in beautiful community circles, but if you’d like your own private ceremony complete with oracle cards and a guided mediation, just ask! Either way, the experience is not one to be missed.

 

What does that look like?

 

The style of a Cacao Ceremony is as varied as the number of practitioners. As a Cacao Ceremonialist, I invite you into my space where we will sit in a circle a chair or on the floor (bring your own cushion and/or blanket).  I explain everything that will be happening that night and we open our circle with words and expressions of gratitude.  We may introduce ourselves and share our personal intentions for the evening.  One is never required to share out loud – there is always a choice which is respected.  We might expand the evening with a sound bath, breathwork, meditation or an oracle card experience and on an extra special night, a catered meal.  Be sure to check each separate event listing for all the details.

 

Benefits of a Cacao Ceremony

 

Cacao is literally a “heart opener.”  Not only does it sit warm in the body, but it is also a blood stimulant while simultaneously fostering feelings of creativity, focus and well-being. Folks report having beautiful meditative experiences, feelings of hope and happiness and most of all, the comfort of being in community, which is one of the keys to a happy and long life.

 

If you’d like to learn more about Cacao before partaking in a ceremony, look for my workshop class where I dive deep into the origins of this plant, the ingredients, how to make it, and event including a taste test.

 

 

To attend a group ceremony or workshop, check out our offerings at our Murphy Events by Graciela page. For more information or to book a private session or workshop with Graciela in Murphy, North Carolina, reach out to Graciela directly at (305)310-8882.

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Chakra Balancing

What is a Chakra Balancing?

 

Experience the transformative power of chakra balancing with crystals. Using a unique set of chakra-specific crystals and essential oils, you'll learn how to align and energize your energy centers for greater well-being and clarity. This hands-on class will guide you through the techniques to incorporate these powerful tools into your daily life, promoting balance and harmony within.

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What does that look like?

 

Upon entering our dimly-lit space, we will sit and chat while we learn all about Chakras – what they are, what they do, and how they affect us.  We will do some simple pendulum testing to see which Chakras are in need of balancing and then we will head into a simple meditative experience for about 25 minutes. In this group setting, participants lay down arranged much like in a yoga class. To have an optimal experience, participants may want to bring a yoga mat, blankets, pillows, bolsters for under the knees and anything else needed to lay down on the floor. Alternative seating is available.

 

Benefits of Chakra Balancing Class

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Keeping your chakras, or energy centers, aligned and balanced can bring feelings of calm, relaxation and happiness. Alignment has also been reported to promote healing in the body.

 

To attend a group class, check out our offerings at our Murphy Events by Graciela page. For more information or to book a private session with Graciela in Murphy, North Carolina, reach out to Graciela directly at (305)310-8882.

Tea with Me, Amongst the Trees

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I know a lot of the modalities above could have entire websites dedicated to education on their deep, beautiful healing properties. There’s sooo much to share. But, I’ll be honest, there’s nothing like simply talking. I’d love to chat on the phone, via zoom, or a nice cup of tea amongst the trees.

 

This is a safe, welcoming space for everyone. Your privacy, safety and good health are my top concerns.

 

Until we can personally connect, here’s a little about me.

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Graciela Laurent, a published, award-winning, and professionally certified portrait photographer, weaves a tapestry of spirituality, healing and visual artistry. As a Reiki Master, Certified Cacao Ceremonialist, Certified Sound Practitioner and Certified Forest Therapy Guide, Graciela infuses her photography with a profound spiritual dimension, creating more than just images—she captures the essence of a person.

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She is not only an artist behind the lens but also a community advocate, serving on non-profit boards and holding leadership roles in women's organizations. In 2020, the Graciela Valdes Community Advocate Award was established in her honor, a testament to her impactful contributions.

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As the co-founder of Body & Soul Ministries, Graciela extends her passion for authenticity and freedom beyond photography. In the Ministry, her roles as Reiki Master, Cacao Ceremonialist, Sound Practitioner and Forest Therapy Guide take center stage, providing a transformative and sacred space for individuals on their healing journey.

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 Nestled in the mountains of Murphy, North Carolina, Graciela shares her home with life partner Tim, and together they embrace a full life with four children and two grandchildren. Their adventuresome spirit and love for travel mirror the bold and authentic essence that Graciela brings to both her photography and her role within Body & Soul Ministries.

1 - Graciela Laurent
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