Author: Julie Heskins

Julie Heskins is a Reiki Master and mindfulness meditation teacher. For more than 15 years Julie has been teaching Traditional Japanese Reiki and mentoring students in spiritual development and wellbeing.

Raw Vegan Cooking Changed My Life — And Now I’m Teaching Others

by Julie Heskins, posted in Raw Vegan Food, Wellness
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I’m excited to share that I’ve just completed my Raw Vegan Chef Training Level 2 — which means I’m now formally qualified to teach a wide variety of raw vegan dishes to others. This is something I’ve already been demonstrating at my Rainforest Reiki Retreats Days, and now I can take it further. If you’re part of a group or retreat that would love to learn hands-on raw food preparation, I’m happy to travel and teach at your venue.

That said, my focus remains on teaching, not catering. I’m not looking to become a private chef for yoga retreats or events, but I am passionate about empowering others to create their own vibrant, nourishing meals.

raw vegan foods prepared by Julie Heskins

My Raw Vegan Training Journey

I discovered raw vegan foods by accident while on a meditation holiday in Bali back in 2023. I was looking for somewhere to have a nice meal and a friend recommended Sayuri’s. I’ve never looked back and have now completed:

🌿 Raw Vegan Dessert Chef – February 2023
🌿 Raw Vegan Chef Level 1 – November 2023
🌿 Raw Vegan Chef Level 2 – July 2025

Through these trainings at Sayuri Healing Food Academy in Bali—I’ve learned how to prepare delicious raw vegan dishes with flavours from all around the world.

Skills I’ve Gained Along the Way

Here are just some of the things I now teach in my classes and retreats:

  • Dehydration techniques for making coconut “bacon,” papaya “salmon,” flaxseed crackers, vegan wraps, and more—while preserving the full nutrient content of each ingredient by keeping temperatures below 46°C.
  • Global flavour profiles—how to balance sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in sauces and dressings using just a few core ingredients.
  • Simple kitchen tools—you don’t need fancy equipment to make amazing raw meals. Often, the blender or food processor you already have is enough.
  • Making your own vegan cheeses, granolas, and milks from scratch—so you know exactly what’s in your food.
  • Sprouting grains and seeds to add more life to your meals—literally! Sprouted foods are enzyme-rich and more digestible.
  • Seasonal eating—choosing fresh, local produce that’s better for your body, your wallet, and the earth.
  • Smart swaps—like replacing heavy carbs with lighter options like cauliflower rice or jicama.
  • Critical thinking about supermarket vegan food—not all vegan products are healthy. Some are highly processed and packed with preservatives. The food I prepare and teach is the real deal—nourishing, fresh, and full of energy.

How Raw Vegan Eating Has Changed My Life

Before I began this journey, I was like many people—buying granola and nut milks from the supermarket, never really thinking about what was inside. Most commercial nut milks contain as little as 2% nuts! Now I make my own at home with almonds, cashews, or seeds—and it tastes incredible.

Shopping has become a joy. I love exploring farmers’ markets, trying new fruits and vegetables, and thinking about which dressing or dip will bring it all together. I often follow themed weeks—like Japanese, Thai, or Middle Eastern recipes—so every meal feels like a new adventure.

I still enjoy balance. Lunch is usually raw, while dinner might be a warm vegan dish. I don’t force anything. If I’m out and someone offers me a cooked meal, I accept it with gratitude. I believe in being firm and flexible—and not letting food become another label or restriction.

Energy, Clarity, and Joy

This approach to food has transformed the way I feel. I have more energy, clearer focus, and my digestion is happier. I also sleep less and feel more alive in my body. Of course, I know this isn’t only about food—my daily Reiki meditation practice has played a big role too. But raw vegan eating has definitely deepened the way I connect with myself and the world around me.

Want to Learn With Me?

If you’re interested in raw vegan cooking and want to learn how to prepare meals that energise, inspire, and nourish you from the inside out, I’d love to share what I’ve learned. Whether it’s part of a retreat day at Rainforest Reiki or a private group session at your venue, my classes are hands-on, practical, and always full of flavour and heart.

Get in touch to learn more or book a session. Let’s make food that heals, together.

For more details, email julierainforestreiki@gmail.com or phone 0438 537365. Alternatively, check the Retreat Day page for upcoming group Reiki and Raw Food Retreat Days.

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Viva Mexicana! Raw Vegan and Reiki Retreat Day in Cairns

by Julie Heskins, posted in Raw Vegan Food, Wellness

Raw Vegan Foods Inspired by the Taste of Mexico

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Looking for a healthy and fun activity in Cairns? Why not join Julie’s Raw Vegan and Reiki Retreat Day in October 2025.

This unique combination of raw food preparation and reiki healing practices is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with yourself whilst learning new culinary skills.

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What is Raw Vegan Cuisine?

Raw vegan cuisine focuses on plant-based foods that are prepared without heating above 46°C (115°F).

This gentle approach to food preparation preserves the natural enzymes, vitamins, and minerals that can be diminished through conventional cooking methods.

Raw vegan dishes rely on creative techniques like sprouting, fermenting, dehydrating, and blending to create complex flavours and textures.

Mexican-Inspired Raw Vegan Delights

During the retreat day, you’ll be creating vibrant, Mexican-inspired vegan delights that showcase the versatility and flavour potential of raw plant foods.

Taco “Meat”

This protein-rich alternative to traditional taco filling typically uses nuts, seeds, or mushrooms as a base, seasoned with Mexican spices to create a satisfying texture and rich flavour. The raw preparation method maintains the nutritional integrity of the ingredients whilst delivering the familiar taste of tangy tacos.

Cacao Mole Sauce

A raw vegan interpretation of classic Mexican mole, this rich dip combines raw cacao with traditional Mexican flavours. Raw cacao is packed with antioxidants, magnesium, and natural compounds that can boost mood and energy. When blended with complementary spices and ingredients, it creates a super-yummy sauce that tastes amazing with fresh vegetables.

Fruit Salsas

Fresh fruit salsas bring natural sweetness and vibrant colours to the Mexican-inspired menu. These raw preparations showcase seasonal fruits and locally-grown herbs.

Cashew Sour Cream

This creamy, tangy alternative to dairy sour cream is made from raw cashews, which are naturally rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium and zinc. When blended with acidic ingredients, cashews create a remarkably similar texture and taste to traditional sour cream.

Classic Guacamole

The star of Mexican cuisine, guacamole showcases the nutritional powerhouse of the beloved avocado. Rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, fibre, potassium, and vitamins K, C, and E, avocados provide sustained energy and support heart health. When prepared raw with fresh herbs and vegetables, guacamole becomes a nutrient-dense addition to any meal.

What to Expect on Your Retreat Day

Morning: Culinary Demonstration and Hands-On Learning

The day begins with an interactive demonstration of simple raw vegan culinary methods that you can easily try at home. You’ll learn essential techniques for preparing raw vegan dishes, including proper soaking and preparation of nuts and seeds, flavour balancing, and texture creation.

After the demonstration, we’ll work together to create our Mexican-inspired luncheon. This hands-on approach ensures you’ll gain practical experience and confidence in raw food preparation. The collaborative cooking process is both educational and social, allowing you to make new friends while mastering new skills.

Some snaps from one of Julie’s raw vegan food demonstrations earlier in the year. The food is super-yummy and you get to eat everything you make.

Midday: Sharing the Feast

Together, we’ll enjoy the delicious foods we prepared. This communal meal is an opportunity to savour the fruits of your labour whilst experiencing how satisfying and flavourful raw vegan cuisine can be.

Afternoon: Meditation and Japanese Reiki

The afternoon transitions into healing and relaxation with meditation and Japanese Reiki practice. The combination of mindful eating and energy healing creates a holistic wellness experience that nourishes both body and spirit. The meditation practice is especially important because it helps integrate the day’s learning with our Being.

Relax in the Rainforest above Cairns in Julie’s gorgeous studio.

A Day of Connection and Learning

Beyond the culinary skills and healing practices, this retreat day offers something equally valuable: community connection. Participants often form lasting friendships through the shared experience of learning, creating, and eating together.

Whether you’re new to raw vegan cuisine or looking to expand your culinary repertoire, this day promises to be both educational and deeply relaxing. Book your spot today.

have fun learning reiki
Connect with like-minded people from the greater Cairns region.

BOOK YOUR SPOT

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students practising reiki in cairns, qld

Special Reiki Practice Day for Students

by Julie Heskins, posted in Reiki

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Practice Japanese Reiki with likeminded people in the greater Cairns region

This coming October, Julie is hosting a Reiki Practice Day for anyone who has ever taken a reiki course at Rainforest Reiki.

No matter where you are on your Japanese Reiki journey— Level 1 Shoden, Level 2 Okuden, or Level 3 Shinpiden — the Reiki Practice Day will enable you to go deeper into your practice, connect with like-minded people from Far-north Queensland, and enjoy a relaxing and healthy day in the rainforest above Cairns.

Why a Reiki Practice Day?

Learning traditional Japanese Reiki is a wonderful experience. Not only can you reclaim your health and wellbeing, you can realise your true nature and gain deep spiritual awareness. But for Reiki to be truly transformational, Reiki must be practised.

We come to our Reiki courses and training filled with enthusiasm and real intentions to meditate and do self-reiki every other day. And then life gets in the way.

Jobs. Kids. Family. Chores. Social outings. Holidays. Births. Deaths. Marriages.

Before we know it, weeks or even months have passed since we last sat quietly with our hands on our heart, connecting with that beautiful healing energy.

The Reiki Practice Day is an invitation back to you.

students practising reiki in cairns, qld

Renewing Your Practice – The Experiential Path

Reiki is fundamentally an experiential practice. While we learn the techniques, history, and philosophy in our courses, the true depth and transformation of Reiki can only be accessed through consistent, hands-on-healing and meditation practice. Each time we place our hands on ourselves or others, we’re not just applying a technique—we’re engaging in a living dialogue with the universal life force energy. Ki. Reiki.

Regular practice allows us to develop sensitivity to energy flow, deepen our intuitive abilities, and strengthen our connection to the healing power within. It’s through this repeated experience that we begin to understand Reiki not as something we do, but as something we become. The Practice Day offers a supportive environment to reignite this experiential learning, helping you move beyond intellectual understanding to embodied wisdom.

When we practice together, we create a powerful field of healing energy that amplifies individual practice. You’ll rediscover the subtle sensations you may have forgotten, refine your technique, and remember why you were drawn to this beautiful healing art in the first place.

Who Should Attend?

  • Level 1 Shoden (Graduate) — Perfect for strengthening your foundations and beginning a self-healing practice at home.
  • Level 2 Okuden (Graduate) — Ideal for deepening your understanding of the symbols and distant healing techniques while getting to know fellow practitioners in the greater Cairns region.
  • Level 3 Shinpiden (Graduate Teacher-in-Training) — Essential for building the confidence and experience needed to guide your own students. This day provides invaluable opportunities to practice giving reiju attunements in a supportive environment, refine your teaching presence, and discuss the challenges and rewards of sharing Reiki with others. You’ll gain practical experience that no amount of home study can provide, helping you step into your role as a teacher with greater assurance and skill.

Five Elements of Reiki

Over the course of the day, we’ll practice the five elements of the Japanese Reiki system:

  • Precepts (Gokai) — The foundation that underpins the Japanese Reiki system, the Reiki precepts are a call into the present moment and a pathway to spiritual growth and Awareness.
  • Meditations (Kokyû Hô) — Traditional breathing and meditation techniques that cultivate inner peace and energy flow.
  • Hands-on-Healing (Tenohira) — Support the flow of Reiki through the palms of the hands. We’ll engage in both self-treatment and partner work.
  • Reiki Mantras and Symbols (Jumon and Shirushi) — Deepen your connection to the sacred symbols and your understanding of their transformative power.
  • Attunement (Reiju) — A blessing and energy ritual from teacher to student. Teachers-in-Training will have the opportunity practice giving reiju and attunements, whilst students can receive a energetic ‘blessing’ from Julie or recent Shinpiden graduates.

Program Details

  • Cost: AUD$85 per person
  • What to bring: Lunch to share (healthy snacks and nibbles are provided)
  • How to book: Call or text Julie Heskins on +61 438 537365 or email julierainforestreiki@gmail.com

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group reiki practice in Cairns, FNQ
reiki 1 students in cairns with julie heskins

Why Learning Traditional Reiki is so beneficial

by Julie Heskins, posted in Meditation, Reiki, Wellness
Home » Archives for Julie Heskins

There are many varieties of Reiki that have come to the West since Mikeo Usui first introduced the system in the early 1920s.  He originally put the system together for his own use realising the benefits of simplifying Buddhist precepts, practicing various meditation techniques, and added hands on healing which was already widely used in Japan. 

After his death in 1926, his students continued his legacy. Depending on their individual experiences and interests, some focused more on hands on healing while others on the more spiritual teachings and meditation techniques.  

Hawayo Takata, who first brought the system to the West, was taught by Chirjiro Hayashi.  Her teacher Hayashi was a medical doctor in the Navy for many years and his clinics focused on group hands-on healing for students. 

Hawayo, who was Japanese but had been living in the USA (Hawaii), became very ill on a trip back to Japan.  She went to Hayashi’s clinic in Tokyo, received 4 months of reiki treatments and was completely healed from her illnesses.  Afterwards she wanted to learn his healing methods so she could teach Reiki when she returned to Hawaii.

Upon reflection, it is not surprising that when Takata bought the reiki system to America, her focus was mainly on hands-on healing and using the precepts.  She considered that the breathing techniques and meditations too ‘spiritual’ for westerners at that time.

In her diary, Hawayo Takata describes Reiki as an “unseen spiritual power that vibrates and all other powers fade into insignificance beside it.” This power or force is believed to be within all of us, but those who study and apply it correctly can use it to heal.1

Reiki and Meditation

Nowadays meditation has become widely accepted.  People in modern day life (especially those with anxiety, depression, or feeling disconnected to themselves) benefit from the various ‘meditations’ on offer.  Most people start with fully guided meditations, which are very relaxing, but don’t always facilitate real growth and awareness. 

Japanese reiki meditations are a much deeper experience. They take you to a place where you can observe the mind, let go of the many thoughts that arise, and keep returning to a safe place. A place that quietens the more we practice. The outcome is that you soften your attachments to worries and anger and rediscover your true nature.

It’s the place of real growth and real awakening.

Sitting in silence is tough for busy people 😀.  Our modern society often over-stimulates the mind with world news, music, and digital distractions.  How many friends do you have who can’t sleep at night? The mind can be a very busy place at night.

‘A peaceful mind is the great infinite’.  How true this is ❤️🙏.

The idea of a calm mind is very attractive, but it takes work and perseverance for most of us.  Many abandon their practice because focusing on the breath, something that seems incredibly easy, is hard.  However, if we are willing to commit to regular practice, the rewards are wonderful.

Meditation returns us time and again to the present moment. It is here that we find joy, genuine happiness and connection.

This is one of the reasons I love Reiki.  In a class we try out various techniques and focus the mind on deeper breathing.  Students are often surprised that the changes they notice happen relatively quickly.  It gives them incentive to keep practicing at home.

Are you interested in learning reiki and beginning a regular meditation practice? I look foward to meeting you in Cairns.

Julie xx

julie heskins teaching meditation in cairns

Learn Reiki in Cairns

Why not begin your own journey into healh and inner wellbeing. Julie teaches all three levels of Japanese reiki, beginning with Level 1 Reiki Shoden. Here are the latest course dates for Reiki beginners.

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References

Quote 1: Hawayo Takata Papers (Santa Barbara Library)

learning reiki with julie heskins cairns

Why choose traditional Reiki for self-care?

by Julie Heskins, posted in Reiki

With so many modalities of self-care out there, maybe your wondering, why choose reiki? Here’s a few thoughts.

Mikao Usui’s teachings encourage us to shift our focus to the present moment, embrace mindfulness and live each day with intention and gratitude.

Perhaps you have health issue or simply know that this material life we were told would deliver happiness, just isn’t working anymore.  When we start to look within as a way to to heal ourselves, what an exciting and inspired journey that can be.

Reiki is a system for us to become whole. Working with meditations, daily precepts, and hands-on healing techniques, we are able to heal on a mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual level. With sustained practice, we wake up to the pure potential within ourselves and bring balance and clarity into our lives.

BENEFITS OF REGULAR REIKI PRACTICE

As a daily reiki practitioner, for more than 20 years, I can affirm the following benefits of a regular practice:

  1. Maintain a clear state of mind.
  2. Heal ourselves and live ethically.
  3. Be calm, centred, and grounded.
  4. Realise change is inevitable. 
  5. See things as they truly are.
  6. Live in the present moment, the place where true happiness and joy is found.
  7. Develop patience, humility, and gratitude.
  8. Keep our own cup filled, so we have more to share.
  9. Be kinder and more compassionate to all living beings as well as the planet. 
julie heskins relaxing in her rainforest reiki studio

Nearly 20 years ago reiki changed my life, now I teach and mentor students along their own journey of self-healing and transformation.

WHO BENEFITS FROM REIKI

Whether you are practicing reiki on yourself, your family, your friends, or your pets — anyone who is open to receiving reiki will benefit.  Even skeptics can receive positive benefits!  

I had a recent experience where a friend’s husband had a terrible toothache.  After a short, 10 minute reiki session he was amazed at how effective it was. At that moment, he was open and the reiki worked a treat! 

EMPOWERING YOURSELF 

Everyone is different.  Some love receiving treatments whilst others love to learn.  After the initial course the meditations and self-reiki can be practiced regularly. In this busy world, where time and money are limited, what could be more empowering than having a reiki toolbox on hand (literally!) to treat yourself everyday.

GETTING STARTED WITH REIKI

If you live in Cairns (or the surrounds) and are wanting to bring positive change into your life by enacting more self-care and self-love, why not book into the Reiki 1 Shoden course, join me for a reiki retreat day, or come along to a reiki meditation class. I’d love to introduce you to the beautiful system of reiki and get you started on your own journey of healing and self-discovery.

Call me on +61 438 537365 or email julierainforestreiki@gmail.com for more details.

Learn traditional Japanese reiki in Cairns with like-minded people and an experienced Reiki Master, Julie Heskins.

Getting close to animals with reiki and meditation

Observations of a Pet Sitter

by Julie Heskins, posted in Pet Sitting, Reiki

Owning a pet carries responsibility. I love animals but I also travel for much of the year, so pet sitting allows me to do both. It’s a win-win-win situation for everyone — me, the owners, and the animals.

Pet sitting can be lots of fun but also has its challenges. Pets are unique and have distinct personalities and minds of their own — they certainly aren’t shy to show their true colours from the outset.

Involving ‘Blossom’ in my Reiki practice

One of my favourite pet sits was with a white feisty terrier called Blossom. On our first meeting Blossom growled and barked wildly at me. Her devoted mum and dad explained that she had a strong personality.

I find it’s always best to be direct with owners — to see whether you’re going to be the right fit for their beloved pet.

‘How did Blossom go with the previous pet sitter?’ I asked.

When they admitted that Blossom had barked aggressively at the poor woman for the entire first week, I wasn’t too concerned. Reiki has many benefits and I felt certain it would be a calming influence for a little dog who was missing her human parents.

Just as humans experience anxiety and stress when situations change, so do sensitive animals.

I agreed to the pet-sit, feeling confident that Blossom would respond positively to my presence, and my reiki practice.

The owners went off on their cruise and I moved in. As soon as I arrived Blossom complained, very noisily, that I was not her family. However I gently sat on the sofa in meditation, set an intent that the little dog would receive whatever healing she needed, and did a 20 minute meditation. Within a few minutes the barking abated, Blossom calmed down and peace was restored.

I continued to include Blossom in my meditation practice and, by the end of day two, Blossom had fully accepted me — wagging her tail enthusiastically whenever I arrived home. She is a special girl and on some days, when I was working with clients, I would her along to my  Rainforest Reiki studio. She greeted everyone with a few cheerful barks and then quietly settled under the reiki table — enjoying being in the energy that a reiki treatment creates.

blossom, one of my pet sitting clients in Cairns
After just a few days, Blossom became a loving and cheerful companion during Reiki practice.

The wisdom of Pappi

Do pets reflect their owners? I think they do. Another of my favourite pet-sits is Pappi. Pappi is a medium sized dog of mixed lineage who was very well trained and super intelligent. Just like her quiet, smart mum who also has a playful sense of humour :).

It’s always a gift to care for a well trained dog. Being able to walking her on the beach without a lead was an absolute joy. Trust is so important and, with Pappi, she would come to me to have her lead put on if she perceived a threat from another dog.

Intuition and wisdom is something, for most of us, that needs to be developed — whereas Pappi, just knew who she could trust. We can learn so much from our pets, even when they are in our care for a short time, if we take the time to observe them.

Pappi and I, during one of our beachwalks.

Spending time with Missy

Cats are also a favourite of mine — especially Missy who lives on property in the Atherton Tablelands. Missy was a bit stand offish initially but over time she has grown into a sweet and affectionate companion. However, even the sweetest cat will show their true nature.

One early morning during a recent cat-sit with Missy, I woke up early with plans to join an online retreat with my reiki teacher. In the dark I heard the crunch-crunch of a small animal being munched upon and soon discovered bits of it spread across the room. the gift that Missy (presumably) left for for  reminded me of the reasons I don’t need a pet of my own!! Needless to say, I watched a recording of the class later that morning..!

Missy quickly accepted me and began bringing me gifts of affection.

Learning from pets

Life is about learning and experience and as animals shine their light on us we can learn from them. A great example is Yin yoga — which founder, Paulie Zinks’ developed after observing and studying the way of animals move. Animals innately stretch, move and rest to conserve energy and remain flexible and strong. Yin yoga is just like that.

I’m grateful to all the pets and their owners who have trusted me to look after them.

Juliexx

Do you need a pet-sitter while you attend to work commitments or have a much needed vacation? Julie offers an oustanding service that includes pet companionship, basic grooming, and feeding — as well as updates and photos so you know your beloved fur-baby is safe and entertained.

Equipment for an Aspiring Raw Vegan Chef

by Julie Heskins, posted in Raw Vegan Food

When we start getting into tasty raw vegan food we we have to consider equipment.

When I was first experimenting with raw food recipes at home, I decided to use what I already had in the cupboard — a NutriBullet. For smoothies, sauces, and pesto, the NutriBullet is excellent. Plus you can use the second blade to grind flaxseed and spices.

Once I started making larger quantities I began using an Aldi Thermomix. This will cut up vegetables and make chunky and smooth sauces, bliss ball mixtures and lots more. It also makes cauliflower rice in seconds 😀!

You can also use a regular food processor. 

At Sayuri’s, where I did my raw vegan food training, they use a Vitamix blender and food processor.

Here I am at Sayuri’s in Bali, check out the equipment we are using.

You might also consider a spiralizer, which is great for making zucchini and carrot noodles. These are simply delicious in raw vegan Pad Thai and ‘spaghetti’ marinara.

Other equipment includes spatulas for scraping down your blender, teaspoons for tasting as you go, chopping boards, bowls and sharp knives, of course, for chopping your veggies.

Buying Secondhand

Now where to buy your raw vegan equipment? There is no need to spend a fortune.

I discovered many years ago that Australia has a great 2nd-hand market for lots of things. Unwanted gifts and items that have been replaced with more up-to-date gadgets (but are still perfectly fine) make their way onto Facebook marketplace and Gumtree all the time.

Nearly all the appliances I use, including the Aldi Thermomix, NutriBullet, spiralizer and glass bowls, have been sourced secondhand. 

A Win-Win

Buying secondhand is a win-win for everyone. It’s great for the consumer who gets a bargain, the seller who makes money and frees up space, and the environment benefits as well.

I often suggest that my reiki students look on these platforms to buy massage tables and yoga equipment. When I started the raw food journey I found an Aldi Thermomix for AUD$50. And more recently a set of glass bowls for $5 and a brand new Spiralizer (still in its box) for just AUD$10! 

If you’re keen to create ‘raw’ breads, crackers, and pizza bases you can use a dehydrator. I bought mine new but it’s not essential — you can also use a regular oven set below 48 degrees Celcius. Cooking at a low temperature ensures your food keeps its essential nutrients and enzymes.  

Eating light, energised food supports us to be more light, joyful and peaceful — and buying second-hand keeps the planet lighter too. ❤️

Want to taste and explore raw vegan foods? Julie hosts regular retreats as well as private classes at her rainforest reiki studio in Cairns. For more details, email julierainforestreiki@gmail.com or phone 0438 537365. Alternatively, check the Retreat Day page for upcoming group Reiki and Raw Food Retreat Days.

raw food prepared by Julie Heskins

Reiki and Raw Food go Together like a Bird and A Feather!

by Julie Heskins, posted in Raw Vegan Food

Reiki is a healing system to become whole.

Working with meditations, daily precepts, and hands-on healing techniques we heal on a mental, emotional and physical level. We wake up to the pure potential within ourselves and bring balance and clarity into our lives.

When I began my healing journey almost 20 years ago, the reiki treatments helped me to feel more interconnected with the world, supported me through recovery from trauma, and laid bare a path to wellness and self-discovery.

As I developed a daily meditation and reiki practice, I have delved deeper into this simple (yet powerful) system and simply allowed the next step in my spiritual journey to emerge.

For me that step has been raw vegan foods and a plant-based diet.

Discovering raw vegan food

In September 2022 I was recommended by a friend to Sayuri’s cafe in Ubud (Bali). I’m a regular to Bali and on that visit I’d booked a guest house and, on checking in, asked for a good local cafe. They suggested Sayuri’s — which was right next door!

I love the synchronicity that happens more and more as we practice reiki 😀.

The Sayuri menu is entirely vegan and I had a burger with salad. Everything was made from scratch including the ‘ketchup’, mustard and cheese. All vegan and all raw.

I felt like I must be in heaven — how could raw vegan food taste so amazing?

I had experimented with vegetarian and vegan meals in earlier years only to find my body wasn’t partial to chickpea curries and my stomach did somersaults if black beans came near. Bread just put me to sleep. I was so disappointed because my mind loved the idea of vegetarianism but my body rebelled! When my energy levels plummeted I returned to a normal diet with significantly less meat.

As soon as I tasted that incredible raw vegan burger I felt this could be the answer I had been asking for.

Learning to make raw vegan foods myself

During my 2022 holiday in Bali, I returned many times to Sayuri’s and experienced many more incredible meals before coming home. Back in Australia I followed Sayuri’s on Instagram and did a short raw food course. I loved it! Sure I had made nut milks before but I’d never thought about making the nut pulp into bread and cookies. I’d made carrot juice but now the pulp could be incorporated into a delicious carrot cake.

In our modern era, where there is so much waste, it was a joy to learn to incorporate everything and live on delicious wholesome food.

In February 2023 I returned to Sayuri’s but this time to complete training. I did Raw Chef Dessert Training and what fun we had. Working in groups and creating yummy sweets.

raw food prepared by Julie Heskins

Sayuri is a Japanese lady and her philosophy is totally in harmony with Reiki. When we eat natural raw food, we get the full benefits of the enzymes before the heating process destroys them. Balancing the yin and yang, we have more energy to rediscover our true selves and shine our light on the world.

Recently I completed the 13-day Raw FOOD Chef Training (LEVEL 1) creating more savoury recipes and learning foundational skills eg, dehydration, blending, soaking, and creating nut milks. Each day we focused on a different country and made a meal (including all the elements and garnishes) before eating it for lunch.

Sharing raw vegan food with you

Now I’m back in Australia, I’m inspired to start Raw Food and Reiki Days. Please check out my dedicated retreat day page for the latest dates. Everyone is welcome ❤️🙏.

julie heskins teaches reiki

5 things you don’t know about learning reiki

by Julie Heskins, posted in Reiki
Home » Archives for Julie Heskins

If you’ve ever wondered what happens during a Japanese reiki course, this blog will answer a few of your questions. Course structure varies slightly according to your instructor, but if you take a course with Julie Heskins in Cairns, this is what you can expect.

1. It’s fun

Reiki is spiritual practice that focuses on energy work, mediation, healing mantras — but it certainly isn’t boring. You’ll be amazed at how much you laugh, engage in conversation, and bathe in the positive energy of the rainforest.

have fun learning reiki

2. You’ll meet like-minded people

If you’re new to Cairns or seeking new directions with people who are positive and spiritually minded, a reiki course with Julie is a great way to make new friends.

group of ladies on retreat wtih julie heskins Cairns
Connecting with like-minded people is one of the best things about Julie’s events.

3. The food is great

Lunch is always memorable at Julie’s reiki courses. Everyone brings something light and delicious to share and Julie provides whole-food snacks during the breaks.

4. You’ll feel supported

Julie spends one-on-one time with each and every student. Whether you’re receiving a reiju or attunement or getting personalised instruction, Julie ensures you feel happy and confident during the entire course.

julie heskins with a reiki student

5. You’ll actually be performing reiki treatments

In the first few hours of the course you will be giving and receiving reiki treatments to your classmates and to yourself. By the end of the course you’ll feel confident to continue your practice at home.

performing reiki treatment during course
learning to do a reiki treatment

Learn reiki in Cairns

If you’d like to learn reiki with Julie Heskins in Cairns, check out our latest course dates, book a reiki holiday, or get in touch to learn more about the course offerings.

julie heskins with a reiki student

Building your spiritual practice with reiki mentoring

by Julie Heskins, posted in Reiki
Home » Archives for Julie Heskins

If you’ve ever done a reiki course and let your practice fall away due to life challenges or self-doubt, Julie is now offering a reiki mentoring service to support you along your spiritual journey.

This short blog outlines some of the possibilities for your mentoring sessions and may help you identify areas in your practice that need attention.

Julie has dedicated her life to the practice of reiki and mindfulness meditation. With Julie as your mentor you will have someone who genuinely cares about you and is on hand to provide the insight and wisdom you need to grow your practice.

1. New Students

Many new students finish their Reiki 1 Shoden course with enthusiasm, but struggle to introduce the meditations, teachings, and practices into their daily life. This is where a reiki mentor can really help as they can practice alongside you each week (or so) and act as an accountability partner until your reiki practice is established.

New students generally have a lot of questions about the things they’ve just learned. Your reiki mentor can help you:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of the reiki precepts.
  • Refine your technique for palm healing and hand placements.
  • Make adjustments to your posture and preparation before meditating.

2. Lapsed Practitioners

Reiki mentoring is also great for practitioners who have let their practice lapse and are looking for a way back. Sometimes this is due to an emotional block or life challenge and the wisdom guidance of a mentor like Julie can help you move forward with your practice.

reiki mentoring service with julie heskins in cairns

3. Reiki Graduates Turning Pro

Another group who greatly benefit from reiki mentoring are graduates of Reiki 2 Okuden or Reiki 3 Shinpiden, who are starting to provide professional reiki treatments and classes. Julie can help refine your technique, provide advice about reiki business best practices, and encourage you to keep up your personal practice outside of work.

Working with Julie

Reiki mentoring sessions with Julie are usually held at the Rainforest Reiki Studio in South Cairns, but they can also be conducted online. Contact Julie on julierainforestreiki@gmail.com or 0438 537365 to get started.

online reiki mentoring with julie heskins

Reiki mentoring can be easily built into your schedule with online sessions.