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My Story

A few years ago, while on vacation, I asked myself, "How can I achieve peace-of-mind?" This contemplation was really a surrender to the universe at a time when I had reached one of my lowest points, unable to break free from a downward spiral of thinking which had impacted my general well-being. My internal exploration of this question led me in the direction of mindfulness and Reiki which has positively transformed my life and set me on a path of helping others reach their wellness goals. 
 

In 2021, during the pandemic, I reached another inflection point, this time with my career as a customer support leader. After taking a short leave-of-absence, I initiated a plan to leave the tech industry after more than 20 years to start my own mindfulness and Reiki practice called Resting Bell Wellness Inc. - now branded under the name of my podcast, The Stumbling Spirit.

Image of Fabio da Silva Fernandes.

 

Over the years, I have achieved the following mindfulness certifications:

 

  • Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

  • Mindful Self Compassion (MSC)

  • Compassion Cultivation Training (CCT)

  • Foundations of Applied Mindfulness Meditation (University of Toronto)

  • Applied Specialization in Mindfulness Meditation (University of Toronto)

  • Mindfulness Informed End of Life Care (University of Toronto)

 

And, I am certified to teach the following mindfulness programs:

 

  • Mindfulness Ambassador Program (The Global Minds Collective - formerly Mindfulness Without Borders)

  • Mindful@Work (​The Global Minds Collective - formerly Mindfulness Without Borders)

  • The Mindful Edge for Teens (Mindfulness Everyday)

  • SHSM Mindfulness Facilitator Training (Mindfulness Everyday)

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Additionally, I have developed my own Mindful Leadership Workshop geared towards professionals from all walks of life.

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I am a Volunteer Mindfulness Practitioner at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital (Sinai Health System) in Toronto, where I lead mindfulness practices with both patients and caregivers.

 

From a Reiki perspective, I am a trained Reiki Master (level 3) in the Usui and Tibetan methods (through Sunstone Centre), and I am a Reiki Grand Master (level 9) in the DivineYu lineage (through DivineYu Academy). I am a certified Reiki Master Teacher which allows me to train and attune those interested in becoming practitioners themselves in Reiki levels 1, 2 and 3, and I am also a certified Holy Fire III Reiki Master Teacher.

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In 2023, I started a podcast called The Stumbling Spirit - contemplations on the path of resilienceI am really passionate about this topic, and my show is an exploration of how we can grow our capacity of resilience through the stories, experiences and expertise of my guests. As humans, I believe we are all stumbling spirits trying to find our way through this beautifully abundant and painfully turbulent existence.  My intention is to help others on their journey towards cultivating greater wellness and resilience through my services and podcast.

 

I dedicate the merit of my practice to all of my mentors and teachers, both past and present. I would not have arrived here without you. I am eternally grateful. 

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My Identity

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According to Oxford Languages, Identity is defined as: the characteristics determining who or what a person or thing is.

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There are many dimensions to identity, and I believe that identity is something that evolves over time based on how well we know ourselves. There can be moments of confusion along the way when it comes to uncovering and reclaiming ancestral history, and de-colonizing oneself. Accessing grace during this process of truth-seeking is so important because it can bring up uncomfortable emotions and challenge long-held beliefs.

So, who am I today? I am a cis-gender gay man. I am a first-generation Canadian. My cultural background is Brazllian. I have a mixed ancestry of European, African and Indigenous South American descent.

That said, I believe that lived experience is important - I do not know what it's like to be a Black or Indigenous person, but I acknowledge and honour all of my ancestors as a truth-seeker and someone who sees value in becoming a fully integrated human being and spiritual being.

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Image of Fabio smudging with feather and abalone shell.
My Approach

As a Reiki Master, I work with ki or chi energy to help clear away blockages within the body's energy system (also known as chakras). Reiki is a complementary therapy shown to relieve physical and emotional tension, as well as mental stress over time. Developed in Japan, this gentle hands-on and distance treatment technique has been utilized for more than a century to help promote relaxation and wellness.

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As a Mindfulness Coach, I listen and introduce a toolkit of meditation practices to guide others towards achieving wellness goals which include: building resilience to navigate through life's challenges; grounding in the present moment from a place of compassion and non-judgment. Regular mindfulness practices help with detaching from unhealthy thought-patterns and allowing a shift towards peace-of-mind and greater wellness.

Collective Benefits of Reiki and Mindfulness

 

  • Minimizes anxiety and stress

  • Invites relaxation and well-being

  • Connects to the body

  • Grounds in the present moment

  • Increases compassion for oneself and others

  • Releases physical and emotional tension 

  • Promotes peace-of-mind

  • Improves attention and focus

  • Restores a greater sense of balance and equanimity

  • Shifts oneself from a reactive state to a reflective state

  • Allows for curiosity in noticing thoughts and body sensations

  • Enhances interactions and communications with others

 

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