MysticMag meets with Jessica Neideffer from Agada Energy Healing. Jessica is a remarkable healer and wellness advocate who embarked on a transformative journey at a young age when health issues nearly took her life. After years of conventional medical treatments, Jessica’s profound experience at 31 led her to explore alternative paths to healing. Since 2007, she has delved into the realms of energy work and sound healing, gaining deeper insights into her own body’s needs. Jessica has collaborated with Naturopaths, Nutritionists, and other mentors to nurture her healing process, ultimately discovering that a holistic approach encompassing diet, exercise, and emotional healing practices holds the key to well-being and vitality.
Can you share more about your personal journey and how you transitioned from experiencing health issues to becoming an energy healer and sound practitioner?
When I was around 14 years old, I began experiencing significant health issues that landed me in and out of hospitals. It was during this time that I received a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease and colitis, which marked the beginning of a challenging journey. I found myself at Stanford Children’s Hospital frequently, taking up to 30 pills a day, and still, I felt terrible. Despite this, I had a growing sense that I could take control of my health. As I got older, I explored alternative options, delving into herbal remedies and holistic healing. I sought ways to support my well-being through dietary choices and shifted my mindset towards a perspective of mind over matter. This rebellious teenage spirit pushed me to move forward and not let my condition dominate my life. However, there were periods involving drugs and alcohol. It wasn’t until I was around 31 that I had a transformative out-of-body experience that revealed the power of energy and our ability to shape our reality. This pivotal moment led me to explore Reiki, forever changing the course of my life. In that profound experience, I recognized that I had often sought relief from pain through prayer during moments of discomfort. This experience made me realize that the healing I wished for could be real. I heard an inner voice telling me that it was possible, marking the beginning of my Reiki journey. I initially practiced Reiki on myself and later with friends who also practiced it. I continued working in the corporate world while simultaneously studying and pursuing activities that resonated with me, paying little attention to outside opinions during this phase of self-discovery.
You mentioned the importance of addressing not just the physical but also emotional healing. Could you elaborate on how energy work and sound healing contribute to emotional well-being?
I firmly believe that our experiences start with emotional responses, and everything we encounter in the physical realm has its origins in our emotional state. Two books that played a significant role in shaping my journey, dating back to 2007, were “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz and Louise Hay’s “You Can Heal Your Life.” Louise Hay’s book, in particular, provided a comprehensive guide connecting physical symptoms to emotional causes and offered mantras and positive thought patterns to replace those beliefs. It emphasized the power of self-talk and shifting our thoughts to maintain a healed and whole mindset. “The Four Agreements” introduced principles such as being impeccable with your word, not taking things personally, never assuming, and always doing your best. These principles helped shift my state of being, which has a direct impact on our physical well-being. Our thoughts, feelings, and emotions shape our reality, and the energy we project into the world influences what we attract. When we wake up with a negative mindset, we tend to draw similar energies and experiences, creating a self-fulfilling prophecy. The universe responds not to our words, but to our emotions and vibrations. As vibrational beings, we constantly emit frequencies, and the universe mirrors back the energy we put out. If we’re radiating sadness, we’re likely to attract situations and people resonating with that frequency. However, embracing joy, worthiness, and love can lead to a more centered, calm, and parasympathetic state, allowing us to navigate life’s experiences while managing our energy and attitude. Our vibrational awareness is crucial; each of our 50 trillion cells vibrates, and sound can be a powerful tool for balancing our physical and mental states. By using sound and intention, we create space for our nervous system to reset, redirect our minds, and release stored stress and trauma from the body. This morning, I encountered a challenging situation with a hostile dog in my driveway, which left me feeling scared. This emotional response lingers, as it often does for humans, unlike animals who quickly shake off such experiences and move forward. Humans sometimes hold onto these memories, which, in the long run, can lead to physical ailments because we cling to things that no longer serve us. Consider individuals who have endured sexual abuse, combat, or the horrors of war; these traumatic experiences can haunt them for a lifetime and contribute to physical illness.
For those who may be unfamiliar, could you explain what Reiki and sound healing are and how they work to bring the body back into balance and alignment?
Reiki and sound healing share similarities with traditional Chinese acupuncture, as they all involve working with the body’s energy pathways. Reiki encompasses touch, but it can also be practiced remotely because the effectiveness of these energy healing modalities is rooted in intention. The focus is on directing energy with love and mindfulness. It’s essential to quiet the inner turmoil and move from the heart space, embracing unconditional love for the present moment. Both Reiki and sound healing operate with seven primary energy centers, often referred to as chakras or various points within the body. These modalities aim to detect and address emotional blockages or imbalances in the body. Trauma can become stored in our body and mind, a phenomenon explored in “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk. Reiki practitioners attune to the client’s energy and, through intuition and touch, work on specific areas where imbalances are sensed, sometimes offering guidance or questions to help the client explore their sensations. During a Reiki session, clients may enter an altered state of consciousness, allowing them to delve into their own healing process. Sound healing, on the other hand, operates by aligning specific musical notes with the body’s energy centers. These frequencies resonate with different chakras, starting from the base of the spine (key of C) to the crown (key of B). The goal is to connect with one’s unique frequency and remain self-aware in each moment. Meditation shares a similar principle of awareness, not necessarily about silencing thoughts but understanding and altering them to create a more harmonious internal and external environment. Sound healing’s physical touch and vibrational qualities can activate sensations and emotions in the body, prompting physical and emotional releases, such as laughter, crying, or even shouting. Both Reiki and sound healing offer paths to explore and balance the body’s energy, fostering self-awareness and facilitating healing on various levels.
You’ve mentioned the impact of sound on our behavior and well-being. Could you provide an example of how sound healing has made a significant difference in someone’s life or health?
My personal journey with sound healing has been profoundly transformative. The first time I experienced it, I found myself crying uncontrollably, releasing emotions I couldn’t consciously connect to anything specific. Music has always been a significant part of my life, and I’ve been deeply moved by it, often getting goosebumps or tears when I listen. This emotional intensity has been both a blessing and a guiding force for me. When I want to work through something, I turn to songs I know will evoke certain emotions, helping me release sadness, find joy, or experience love. Sound healing has heightened my body awareness and helped me recognize how I might be avoiding emotions or clinging to old stories. Sound therapy and Reiki have enabled me to locate tightness and tension in my body, directing my focus and intention to release these blockages. It’s a powerful tool for shifting my energy and attitude, which can profoundly affect how I approach situations or interact with others. My work extends beyond my personal healing journey, as I also collaborate with incarcerated communities and at-risk youth. The impact on these individuals has been remarkable. Many express a newfound sense of freedom and self-awareness during sessions, which allows them to consider new perspectives and emotions. While sound healing sessions can sometimes stir uncomfortable emotions, the experience of feeling calm, safe, and free within a prison environment or high-stress context is invaluable. It empowers individuals to make positive changes, fostering safer communities and second chances. Creating a secure and nurturing space is vital during these sessions, offering participants an opportunity to find calmness and ease they may have never experienced before. This newfound calmness can be a revelation for those who have never felt at ease or free from the relentless chatter in their minds. Sound healing has the power to transform lives and create profound shifts in one’s emotional and mental state.
As an energy healer, what advice or practices would you recommend for individuals looking to incorporate more balance and harmony into their lives, especially in today’s fast-paced world filled with stress and distractions?
Meditation is a practice that everyone engages in throughout the day, whether they realize it or not. It’s about being aware of your thoughts and feelings, and it doesn’t have to be a complex or time-consuming activity. Starting with just 5 minutes in the morning can be incredibly beneficial. Creating a designated meditation space can help signal to your brain that it’s time to meditate and make the practice more accessible. It’s important to remove distractions, like putting your phone in another room on airplane mode, to truly connect with yourself. Many people are missing a deep connection with themselves in their daily routines, so taking even a few minutes to sit in silence and be present can be transformative.
There are various meditation practices and energy work modalities available, such as massage, acupressure, acupuncture, sound healing, Reiki, light activation, and breathwork. Finding what resonates with you is key, just as you wouldn’t listen to music you dislike all day. Breathwork, in particular, has gained popularity, and it can offer profound experiences similar to those with substances like ayahuasca or DMT when practiced deeply. The key is to make time for these practices, even if it’s just a few minutes a day, as they can lead to increased self-awareness and overall well-being.
If you would like to find out more about Jessica Neideffer, please visit https://www.agadaenergyhealing.com/
