I have been working with reiki for many years, that is, working with energy, with awareness and kind intent. The work Reiki means Universal Life Force Energy, which, strictly speaking, refers to the energy and not only a hands-on healing technique. Working with reiki is being aware of how we use our energy and share it with others from the way we think to the way we talk and behave.

Even though I only occasionally give hands-on reiki treatments, I practice reiki principles in all projects I undertake. The five spiritual principles of Reiki are to daily: not worry, not be angry, work honestly, give thanks to life’s blessings and be kind to neighbours and all living things.

We all share something in common, the energy that flows through us, individually as well as universally. This energy is almost indescribable since it is not as clear as our other senses, but it is real. It is as difficult to explain as trying to describe colour to a blind person. In fact, colour is hard enough to describe to anyone, as colour exists ONLY through us.

As defined by the Illuminating Engineering Society, colour vision is an illusion created by the interactions of billions of neurons in our brain. There is no colour in the external world; it is created by neural programs and projected onto the outer world we see. Colour is created by utilizing two properties of light, energy and frequency of vibration or wavelength.

As with light is energy; both invisible on their own, they touch us in all aspects of our lives - indoors or outdoors, home or work, day or night. It is hard to imagine what our lives would be like without these invisible concepts, and powerful to know how to work with them.

“Each person must find their path; as a reiki practitioner
I am a humble vessel for the Universal Life Force Energy.

My contribution to healing is in discovering, clarifying, and releasing the mind toward ultimate changes in consciousness: learning to master one’s mind where hidden agendas are minimized, solve problems at the material level, use creative intuition, and be present to work with cosmic power.
This is a humbling and ongoing educational process.”

After studying art and psychology at Ottawa University, I graduated from the French Algonquin College Interior Design Program in 1985. The week after I started working as an architectural lighting designer, a career that lasted three decades and brought wonderful, varied experiences. I founded coCreations lighting design inc. in 1995, completing numerous commissions and partnering with other professionals on many award-winning projects.

SUCCESSFUL LIGHTING DESIGN PRACTICES
Design is way of thinking and doing. For design success, one must incorporate both the creative and practical.
Costs, safety, energy and maintenance are critical, but if technical issues alone are considered, the human experience is greatly diminished. The eye and the perception of space works as no lighting meter can measure. For this reason, lighting must be planned to be inclusive of multiple design considerations holistically. My approach incorporated things ranging from design concepts to post installation: development of strategies; drawing up blueprints; systems integration; budget and report preparation; customized luminaire design; on-site supervision; focusing of equipment, and maintenance and operation instructions.
Most importantly, one has to be organized and possess good communication skills. Lighting demands liaisons between multiple stakeholders: owners, architects, engineers, construction personnel, material providers, designers, and those displaced or inconvenienced by it.
Getting involved in the development of a new type of design profession was also important to me. I was a long time active member and instructor for the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and the International Association of Lighting Designers.


AN ARRAY OF WONDERFUL PROJECTS
Some of the Major installations and renovations I was lucky to be involved with were Parliament Hill, the National Defence Command Centre, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, the National Gallery, the Aviation Museum, The Supreme Court of Canada, the Canada Post Control Centre and the National War Memorial.
I also created designs for restaurants, hospitals, major universities, museums, and banks, private residences ranging from single family homes to condominium complexes as well as the interiors and exteriors of famous luxury estates.


LIGHTING THE HEARTS OF PEOPLE AND PLACES
I understand light as an integral part of how we see and, more importantly, how we perceive our world. Darkness is much more than the absence of light: it’s an entire universe of concealed form. So when light emerges, it brings form out of that darkness, having meaning in relationship to its backdrop.
When we look at landscapes and buildings at night, a framework of shapes and textures lights up. Nocturnal landmarks come to life and are able to give a place character and create impressions. In order to construct evocative spaces it is imperative to organize light for optimal visual balance and tension. Properly done, engaging architectural lighting can capture people’s spirits. It is an opportunity to bring beauty and lightheartedness into the world.

“The key is light and light illuminates shapes and shapes have emotional power.”
- Le Corbusier, famous modern architect (1887–1965)

“The very beholding of the light is a fairer thing than all the uses of it.”
- Francis Bacon