Ruth “Pebbles” Samson had some difficult challenges in her life, but rather than feel like a victim, she learned from those experiences, and her dream for years has been to help other people overcome emotional trauma and stress.
After a successful career as a hair stylist for more than three decades, Samson finally fulfilled that ambition recently when she opened “Journeys in Love and Light,” a holistic healing practice at 116 Baldwin St. in Elmira.
Samson, who said her nickname stems from a childhood resemblance to the “Flintstones” character, said the business focuses on Reiki — a Japanese technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing.
Samson’s space provides a peaceful environment for clients seeking healing energy work, intuitive guidance, and personalized sessions to support mental, emotional and spiritual well-being, she said, and is an alternative to traditional methods of dealing with emotional struggles.
“I am a certified Reiki practitioner. I’m intuitive,” Samson said. “I am not a doctor, I’m not a psychologist and I’m not a psychiatrist. I am a friend who has the ability to look you in the eye and share with you what you wish to know.
“I don’t administer drugs,” she added. “I administer love, peace, joy and harmony.”
Stress can cause people to become physically ill, Samson said, and pain is the body’s way of saying “fix me.”
Barbara Whitman, of Elmira, is a big believer in Samson’s ability to put people at ease and help them deal with their issues, both physical and emotional.
Whitman is a longtime friend of Samson’s and she’s also a client. She came to Samson with pain and stiffness in her hands caused by a lot of computer work.
After just one session, Whitman said her pain was gone.
“She has the gift of helping people through grief or anxiety, depression,” Whitman said. “It’s like talking to a friend. She gave me all the tools.”
Samson said the mind and body are connected and without a proper connection, people can’t be whole.
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She also is driven by a belief in a higher power, and that we are all here for a reason.
“I take my work very seriously,” Samson said. “I believe we’re all guided on our journey every day of our lives. You’re here for a purpose, to love Mankind. We’re here to bring joy.”
To learn more about Journeys in Love and Light, contact Samson at pebsmail82@gmail.com, or 607-857-9203.
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This article originally appeared on Elmira Star-Gazette: ‘Here to bring joy’: New business in downtown Elmira offers Reiki, intuitive healing
Reporting by Jeff Murray, Elmira Star-Gazette / Elmira Star-Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
