Essays fuelled by curiosity and inspired by truth.

Karmic Rebelle

Disrupt Karma. Restore Dharma.

Author: hajnalkacecilia@icloud.com

  • When Saying Yes Means Losing Myself: A Journey to Boundaries and Consent

    Every day, I confront a personal challenge that many can relate to: the difficulty of saying ‘no.’ This issue, often labelled as people-pleasing, may surprise those who sometimes find my demeanour less than agreeable. The reality is that I find it incredibly hard to refuse requests, fearing that saying no will make me appear less likeable and acceptable.

    I’ve conditioned myself to say yes when I should stand firm in my no. When something clashes with my values, I recognise that I often receive superficial tokens of friendship, loyalty, and recognition by putting others first. It’s time for me to prioritise my own needs.

    I tend to fawn in challenging situations—a survival response in which I go to great lengths to please others, often at my own expense. I’ve learned to silence the inner voice that shouts, “This is not right for me!” in favour of being agreeable, nodding along, and remaining overly accommodating.

    I will allow anyone to take all of my shine.

    My service dog, Radha, is essential in helping me establish and maintain boundaries. I have a self-regulation problem. It’s because of the way my brain works. When you get hungry, your brain sends signals to your body that you can easily pick up and take action on long before you get too hungry. The brain tells you you’re hungry. You get up, walk to the kitchen and make a sandwich. My brain sends the signals, but I ignore them. I do not recognise the message. I ignore all the early signs. I don’t go to the kitchen to make a sandwich. I realise I’m hungry when it’s too late during a hunger-induced panic attack. You walk into a dangerous situation, you walk right back out. I walk into a dangerous situation. I consider walking out only after it’s too late!

    Radha plays a vital role in boundary-setting. She guards my space fiercely, barking to signal, ‘Stranger Danger!’ While some think this is disruptive, her alertness is a necessary boundary for me. Her actions remind me that asserting my boundaries is perfectly acceptable, regardless of how it might appear to others. Her presence represents the potential for real change and growth, and I hope it inspires you to embrace your own boundaries.

    Strangers often want to pet Radha because she’s adorable. I’m learning to navigate this situation assertively. I should refuse to sacrifice my comfort to avoid disappointing anyone. There’s an ingrained narrative suggesting that if a dog dislikes someone, there’s something wrong with either the dog or the person, which complicates my ability to assert myself. However, I’ve understood I am not responsible for anyone else’s discomfort with my boundaries.

    It’s crucial to recognise that only some we encounter have good intentions. Radha isn’t here to theatre someone’s character. We don’t need to be best friends; mutual interactions must be based on courtesy, kindness, respect, and, most importantly, consent. If any of these elements are missing, it’s a clear sign that respect is lacking, which can lead to trouble.

    We all have the right to demand respect and consent in our interactions. I encourage you to stand firm in your own life.

    Radha and I both value our personal space and well-being. We’re not fans of intrusive staring, unsolicited conversations, or non-consensual touch. Respect and consent are fundamental for healthy interactions, and it’s essential for everyone to feel safe and valued.

    Please reflect on your boundaries and the importance of upholding them. Together, we can foster a respectful environment where everyone feels empowered to say ‘no’ when needed.

    What about you? How do you protect your boundaries?

    With love.

    Karmic Rebelle

  • The Power of the Vagus Nerve: How to Soothe Your Body and Mind

    In our fast-paced, often stressful lives, finding ways to calm the mind and body can be essential for mental and physical well-being. One of the most potent ways to do this is by stimulating the vagus nerve, a vital part of the body’s parasympathetic nervous system. This nerve helps regulate critical functions like heart rate, digestion, and mood. Resetting or stimulating the vagus nerve can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being.

    What is the Vagus Nerve?

    The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve, running from the brainstem through the neck, chest, and abdomen. It’s like a communication superhighway between the brain and various organs, including the heart and digestive system. When the vagus nerve is activated, it helps shift the body from the “fight or flight” state into the “rest and digest” mode, which promotes relaxation and healing.

    How to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve

    Several techniques can help activate the vagus nerve, many of which are simple and can be incorporated into your daily routine. These techniques help reset your nervous system, providing immediate and long-term benefits for your mental and physical health.

    1. Neck Massage

    Massaging the sides of your neck where the vagus nerve runs can help stimulate relaxation. Use your fingers to apply light circular motions from below the ear down the neck. This promotes calm by activating the parasympathetic nervous system.

    2. Ear Massage

    The vagus nerve has connections in your ear, especially the tragus (the small cartilage bump near the ear canal). You can gently massage this area for a minute or two to stimulate the nerve and ease tension. You can incorporate this into your morning or evening routine for regular relief.

    3. Suboccipital Massage

    The vagus nerve exits the brainstem at the base of the skull. Massaging this area with gentle pressure can help relax the muscles and improve nerve flow. This technique can be particularly helpful if you have tension in your neck or suffer from headaches.

    4. Diaphragm Release

    Deep breathing is a well-known way to stimulate the vagus nerve, but you can take it further with a diaphragm release massage. Applying gentle pressure under your ribcage while you breathe deeply can activate the nerve and promote a sense of calm throughout the body.

    5. Jaw and Throat Massage

    The vagus nerve also passes through muscles around the jaw and throat. A gentle massage here can relieve tension and support the nerve’s calming functions. Use circular motions along your jawline and throat to stimulate the nerve and ease tightness.

    Conclusion

    Stimulating the vagus nerve is a natural and effective way to support mental health and reduce anxiety. Techniques like neck, ear, and diaphragm massages are simple yet powerful ways to reset your nervous system. Integrating these practices into your daily routine creates space for healing, calm, and restoration.

    Remember to approach these massages with mindfulness, breathing slowly and deeply as you practice. Your body and mind will thank you!

    With love.

    Karmic Rebelle

  • The Power of No: Reclaiming Boundaries and Self-Worth

    Many of us have been conditioned to say “yes” when we really want to say “no.” In psychology, this behaviour is often called people-pleasing—a survival mechanism where we prioritise others’ comfort at the expense of our own values and needs. For me, saying “no” is not just difficult; it’s a daily battle rooted in a deep desire for acceptance and approval.

    This struggle with boundaries isn’t always visible from the outside.

    Sometimes, it feels safer to agree, nod, and smile, even when everything inside me screams otherwise. The compulsion to please others, or to avoid confrontation, can lead us into situations that chip away at our sense of self. Over time, we lose sight of what we truly want or need.

    One of the ways I work on maintaining healthy boundaries is through the help of my psychiatric service dog, Radha. Her presence reminds me of the importance of setting limits and protecting myself from people and situations that don’t align with my well-being. Radha plays a pivotal role in helping me recognise when someone is getting too close—physically and emotionally—and she reminds me that it’s okay to say “no.”

    Saying no may seem small, but it’s a powerful act of self-preservation. It’s about reclaiming our worth and prioritising what feels right for us. And sometimes, we need a little help to get there.

    With love.

    Karmic Rebelle

  • The Rogue and the Charlatan: My Story of Sikh Spiritual Abuse

    The Giver of Siddhis

    Siddhidatri is the 9th manifestation of the fierce Goddess Durga. Durga is the alter ego of Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. Shiva dissolves, destroys, or renews.

    “Siddhi” means superpower or meditative ability. “Dathri” means giver.

    One of Shiva’s names is Ardhanarishwar, which means “half-female-lord.” Many believe that Siddhidatri comprises half of his body. In the Vedic scriptures, Lord Shiva attained all the siddhis by worshipping Siddhidatri.

    Eclipse Season and the Shattering of Denial

    The eclipse season leading up to Navratri in 2025 sobered me to the reality of what had happened over the past three years.

    I have many names for this phase: magic men, goblins and gurus, the devil.

    I began to write about my first “devil” in 2022. I had prolific panic attacks, and my physical symptoms exacerbated to such an extreme that I had to stop writing about it altogether.

    Somewhere between then and now, the truth hit me like Monday morning: I had been in denial. For three years, I had avoided the seriousness of it all.

    The Rogue Sikh

    The Rogue Sikh — my Hackney landlord — raped me on Guru Nanak’s birthday in 2022.The 8th of November. A Blood Moon. A total Lunar Eclipse.

    He raped me. I should have reported it immediately. I didn’t. I went into denial and self-gaslighting — a defence mechanism that has been with me since I was five.

    It was the year of the goddess, and that night was powerful. It was time to reclaim my power after years of strife.

    It made no sense to ordain a theft of power under such a dreadfully dark sky.

    The Police Let Me Down

    In the end, I reported the abuse, but the police had no genuine interest in the matter. I was profiled and let down.

    It turned out that there were numerous prior allegations and reports against me. Some people misunderstood the situation, while others fabricated stories.

    I never harmed anyone. I never made up false rumours. I never involved myself in situations that could cause harm. I always tried to help others, showed compassion and understanding.

    My life has a repetitive theme of facing consequences for being authentic.

    The courts, judges and juries aren’t ready for Marvel comics in real life.

    Desperation and the Charlatan Sikh

    Months later, desperate for help, I met another predator healer. An older Sikh, trusted and respected in his community—an elder with a title.

    He confirmed what I knew: the police could not be trusted. He promised to help me. I believed him.

    We spoke as equals about the unseen. I was desperate, gullible. The Charlatan Sikh began “healing” me.

    But when someone tells you, “Even your Higher Self can’t reach you — only I can,” that is not healing.

    When someone asks you to xxxx on command “to check your entities,” that is not healing.

    That is abuse.

    Energy Exchange, Boundaries and Consent

    Sex — whether physical or energetic — is one of the most potent forms of energy exchange.

    With consent and boundaries, the exchange is equal. Without them, it becomes theft.

    He told me he needed to “imprint himself onto me” to cancel the imprint of the Rogue Sikh. He framed this as healing.

    I consented. But consent requires truth. And when you’re traumatised, drugged, desperate, or misled, it is not valid consent.

    It dawned on me how easy I had made it for them, even if it was unintentional. I hadn’t done much to honour, protect or preserve myself.

    My boundaries were non-existent. Riddled with complex PTSD, I fawned and people pleased in exchange for validation, attention, and attachment.

    What happened to me in the past and my present lifestyle choices left me dissociated and wide open for the taking.

    Vampires & Inter-Dimensional Villains

    I was an easy target—the perfect victim. I let them consume me, hoping they would save me; instead, they drained me.

    What these men did was use me as a filling station, not only during the events but for years after.

    Energy vampires may experience a boost—whether through sexual, solar, or creative energy—that gives them temporary vitality, sexual potency, or charisma. They may also feel an illusion of power, as if they are more “psychic,” because they are drawing energy from someone else, much like plugging into another person’s battery. For them, the act of domination itself becomes a source of high.

    The truth is that nobody can steal superpowers and life force; what they received was merely a stimulant, resulting in increased karmic debt.

    Low Vibrations and Abuse

    The irony lies in the fact that they both succumbed to their animalistic natures. Sex and ego seem to be the overall downfall of men.

    Both men exhibited an inability to control their sexual desires truly. They seemed overly attached to external validation and the need to be desired.

    Perhaps they felt depleted and irrelevant on a physical level. Perhaps they needed the energetic supply to remain virile, youthful, and relevant.

    Whatever it was, they both exhibited traits of narcissism and entitlement, attributes that lower the energy field and are closer to abuse.

    Fried chicken had a detrimental impact on both.

    Rituals and Loopholes

    They both had it all figured out.

    The Rogue Sikh would lie, deny and deflect when it came to the authorities. The Charlatan Sikh would tell the truth, but have no paper trails, witnesses, or means for any authoritarian figure or body to hold him accountable—and he’d get the public to fund his “work”.

    When it came to karma and the evolution of their souls, being of service, meditating, intergalactic accountability hopping, and fire rituals would help purify and balance out the harm.

    It’s like committing murder for six days of the week and thinking you’re off free because on the seventh day you go to church and confess your sins.

    Misuse of Siddhis

    These two men had acquired, after decades of meditation and spiritual practice, siddhis of their own, whether you believe me or not.

    I experienced their gifts and witnessed them for myself. Others have too.

    However, the superpowers are merely a byproduct of the practice, not its ultimate goal. In fact, they are more of a burden than a gift, because they can easily become distractions and be misused.

    These men sorely misused their powers in some ferocious and unjust assault on my being.

    They were envious of my gifts.

    They thought, because of my sex, the colour of my skin, and the life I was living, I had no right to what God had given me.

    They ordained themselves as demigods and thought that they could take what they wanted through distorted consent and barren boundaries.

    They fed off me for as long as they wished, regardless of the consequences.

    After all, I was just a dog to them.

    Siddhis Through Worship, Not Theft

    Shiva attained his powers through worship of Siddhidatri — through reverence, not manipulation.

    The true siddhis he gained were qualities of being, not tricks of theft:

    • Anima – humility (ability to shrink to the size of an atom)
    • Mahima – expansion of consciousness (becoming vast)
    • Garima – groundedness (infinite heaviness)
    • Laghima – lightness of mind and heart (weightlessness)
    • Prapti – manifestation through alignment (attaining anything)
    • Prakāmya – fulfilment of desires via inner clarity (realising whatever one wills)
    • Ishitva – mastery of self (supreme lordship, creation)
    • Vashitva – harmony with the cosmos (dominion over beings, living and non-living)

    Siddhis are attained through tapas, devotion, and grace — not through violation.

    What Cannot Be Stolen

    What they did was theft. What they sought was power.

    But real siddhis cannot be stolen.

    They only borrowed shadows of my energy.

    And as I write this, I retract it.

    My power was never truly lost.

    With love.

    Karmic Rebelle

  • Turmeric for Mind and Soul

    My daily use of Turmeric as part of a Vedic remedy, a traditional healing practice rooted in ancient Indian scriptures, has been nothing short of transformative. The fast-working effects I’ve experienced in just a few days are astonishing. Whether applied on my skin or ingested, Turmeric consistently delivers incredible results. A recent instance of using it on my skin for a few days resulted in a cheerful temperament and a bright smile, a stark contrast to my previous struggles with anxiety, depression and emotional instability. This transformation instils a sense of hope and optimism about the potential benefits of Turmeric.

    Turmeric in Spirituality

    In the context of spirituality, Turmeric holds significant symbolism. In India, it is associated with the life-giving and positive aspects of the sun. In Hinduism, it symbolises prosperity, fertility, and purity. Its use in auspicious rituals such as ‘Haldi’ weddings, where turmeric paste is applied to the bride and groom for blessing and protection, further underscores its deep-rooted spiritual significance. This connection to India’s profound cultural and spiritual heritage can make us feel more connected and rooted.

    Turmeric in Ayurveda, an ancient and scientific system of natural healing, is believed to contain many medical properties and is called “Jayanti,” one that is victorious over diseases.

    Haldi ka doodh (turmeric milk) is an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for sleeplessness, digestion issues, congestion, headaches, body aches, and more. Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory that is full of antioxidants that are beneficial to the body and brain.

    Turmeric is associated with Jupiter, the guru planet in Vedic philosophy, and includes yoga, Ayurveda, and Vedic astrology. Vedic astrology says Jupiter is the planet of wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity. Applying turmeric paste to the centre of the forehead can bring beneficial effects and blessings from the guru. The effect can amplify when combined with ritual and specific times and dates, bringing even more healing, benefit, and prosperity.

    Turmeric is believed to attract wealth and dispel negativity. For its auspicious effects, it has been used traditionally in ceremonies, healing, and home remedies.

    Vastu Shastra is the Vedic version of Feng Shui. One vastu remedy suggests tying a lump of turmeric in yellow or red cloth and placing it in a safe place to relieve financial difficulties. Combining Turmeric with sacred symbols like the swastika is believed to invoke the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. Another belief in Vedic astrology is that adding Turmeric to water will bring good luck and prosperity.

    Turmeric for Mental Health

    The active ingredient in this golden spice is curcumin, which is used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, antimicrobial, and cardioprotective effects. Research suggests that curcumin can be a beacon of hope for conditions associated with anxiety and depression, offering a potential path to improved mental health.

    Turmeric, with its adaptogenic properties, is a holistic powerhouse. It can cater to the body’s needs, providing cooling and warming effects. Its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties make it a versatile remedy for various health issues, from stomach complaints to skin conditions. This comprehensive understanding of Turmeric’s benefits empowers us to holistically take charge of our health, instilling a sense of empowerment and control.

    Although there isn’t enough scientific research to back the fact that Turmeric can benefit mental health, studies of curcumin in animals suggest that curcumin affects serotonin and dopamine, changes the parts of the brain that respond to stress and protects against damaging mitochondria. Curcumin also helps to improve brain health and reduces degeneration in Alzheimer’s. It increases DHA (an omega-3 fatty acid) in the brain and liver and helps to reduce anxiety.

    Whether used as a warm drink mixed with milk, in bath water, directly on the skin, or as a supplement, it’s essential always to consult your GP when combining natural remedies with prescribed medication. This practical step ensures you’re making informed decisions about your health and safety.

    The use of Turmeric can be traced back 4000 years. It continues to offer incredible physical and mental health benefits. It is believed to provide powerful esoteric benefits to spiritual seekers.

    May you find health and happiness on your turmeric journey!

    With love.

    Karmic Rebelle

  • Lessons From 21 Years of Love and Loss

    The Marriage: Experience & Breakdown

    I was with my husband for 21 years. We experienced everything—from incredible passion, deep love, and higher consciousness to betrayal, jealousy, and loss. There was support and compassion, but also manipulation, mistrust, and control. Even God was part of our marriage.

    The loss was unbearable, but in the end the marriage became clearly irretrievable. Ego and an unwillingness to face the shadow sides of ourselves stood in the way. I could sit here and write all day about covert manipulation and abuse tactics. I could blame him, call him names, or dissect our attachment styles—my disorganised, his anxious-avoidant. I could write a play on the dynamic between a narcissist and a borderline. I could make excuses about childhood trauma and neurodivergence. I could do the work—or not.

    For years I emphasised the need for growth, to change patterns of behaviour and align with something far greater. I used to get so frustrated because no matter how much I argued, protested, or tried to exert control, it still wasn’t working.

    It frightened me to lose him. I became jealous and bitter about other women. I resented his different work ethic. No matter what I did, nothing worked. We both hurt, and we stopped growing.

    Still, I would rather have stayed in a stagnant relationship than face the truth. And here it is: if you don’t like something, you must accept it, change it, or leave it.

    My Struggle: Self-Hate, Punishment & Decay

    There were parts of us that were never going to change, and I couldn’t accept them. I wasted years trying to force change. In the end, others had to intervene to keep me from returning. I went numb, I lied to him and myself that I no longer wanted it.

    I hated myself. I punished myself and destroyed everything I had built. I cut myself off and became a version of myself I never dreamed I’d be. For years, I couldn’t let go or forgive myself. I kept attracting people and situations that mirrored my decay and regret. I had given my whole heart, body, mind, and soul to my husband, and when he left, fragments of me stayed behind.

    I hurt him in profound and destructive ways. I was selfish. I wanted more because I couldn’t give him what he needed, and because I was trying to preserve myself. I couldn’t allow myself to have a good life, to feel love again, to be happy or fulfilled.

    Our relationship spanned 21 years. For the last seven, we were separated, living on different continents. We still spoke all the time, until the very end. Slowly, I began piecing things together, realising the person I thought I knew was never truly there.

    The Realisation: Acceptance & Letting Go

    I don’t know what the truth is, and I guess I never will. All I can offer is my experience, observations, and the logic I’ve wrestled with. I forced myself to stop loving him, to let go of dreams, because the stark truth of his actions and inactions stared me in the face. I tried to ignore it, just as I had for years, but I no longer could. I wish I had respected myself and him sooner.

    I wish I had acknowledged earlier that I couldn’t accept what was happening, that I had no power to change it, and that leaving was the healthiest thing to do. I once thought jealousy was love, that control was natural, and that fighting meant passion.

    But now I see that jealousy, anger, control, manipulation, and deceit have no place in love. These things may be common, even expected, but they do not belong in a loving environment.

    The truth is this: our marriage was built on flimsy foundations of illusion and lies. We tried to build a tower to the sky on top of them, and inevitably it collapsed. When we tried to explore what love truly meant—unbounded, unconditional, out of our control—we were taken to the darkest places within ourselves. But instead of meeting that journey with honesty and trust, we got stuck in ego. That’s why it all came tumbling down.

    The Teaching: Love, Karma & Purpose

    I’m writing this to console myself, to forgive, to understand. But also to say this: what society often calls love is not love. We are conditioned to believe jealousy, control, and manipulation are normal, even romantic. They are not.

    Some might say my views now are shaped by trauma. Perhaps. Or perhaps they are the fruit of maturity and hard-won wisdom. I’m a yogini, a tantrika, a healer. I take what I experience, study it, feel it, and transmute it. I must—otherwise what is the purpose of this life? The purpose of love, of marriage, cannot be simply comfort, happiness, or security. We’ve come here to do deeper work. To burn through generations of karmic imprints. To shine light in truth and self-realisation.

    So no, I don’t subscribe to social norms and constructs. I know this threatens the establishment, offends families, and unsettles almost everyone. But this is the life I’ve chosen. It’s been painfully difficult, but it’s also brought tremendous joy, fulfilment, and knowledge I could never live without.

    The first 40 years of my life have been an initiation, preparing me for what’s to come. As I forgive myself and others, as I accept what is and what cannot be changed, I look ahead with hope and wonder. With honour, integrity, and deep love, I now call in what—and who—is aligned with my purpose, for the highest good of all beings and for the evolution of my soul.

    This is the work. This is the path. And so it is.

  • What is a Psychiatric Service Dog?

    More Than a Companion

    You’ve probably heard about guide dogs for people with visual impairments, but did you know that service dogs can also be trained to help people with psychiatric disabilities? A psychiatric service dog (PSD) isn’t just a pet or an emotional support animal. It’s a highly trained working dog with a purpose: to help someone manage and live with their mental health condition.

    A psychiatric service dog can assist with a wide range of tasks, depending on the specific needs of their handler. Personally, my PSD, Radha, has been life-changing.

    She helps me navigate the world in ways I never could before. Living with complex PTSD, anxiety, and other mental health conditions makes daily life challenging, sometimes even dangerous. But with Radha by my side, I’ve regained independence, stability, and a renewed sense of hope. Her impact on my life is truly inspiring.

    Who Might Benefit from a Psychiatric Service Dog?

    Psychiatric service dogs are trained to assist people living with severe psychiatric conditions that significantly impair daily life. Some examples of conditions or disabilities that might warrant the use of a PSD include:

    • 🌿 Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & Complex PTSD (CPTSD) are particularly common in survivors of trauma (combat veterans, abuse survivors, etc.), where symptoms like flashbacks, hypervigilance, and dissociation can be disabling.
    • 🌿 Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) – In cases where ADHD symptoms (severe impulsivity, difficulty with focus, or emotional dysregulation) significantly disrupt daily life, a PSD can help with task reminders, emotional regulation, and grounding during overwhelming moments.
    • 🌿 Anxiety Disorders – Severe anxiety, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, or agoraphobia, where overwhelming anxiety prevents someone from functioning in public or at home.
    • 🌿 Depression – In cases of major depressive disorder, especially when it leads to self-neglect, lack of motivation, or suicidal ideation, a PSD can provide vital prompts and grounding.
    • 🌿 Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – People with BPD often experience intense emotional dysregulation, frequent distress, and impulsive behaviours. A PSD can provide emotional grounding, reduce self-harm risks, and help the handler maintain stability.
    • 🌿 Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – When compulsions or intrusive thoughts disrupt daily life, a PSD can help interrupt obsessive behaviours or assist in maintaining routines.
    • 🌿 Bipolar Disorder – For individuals with extreme mood swings, PSDs can help provide stability, emotional regulation, and reminders for medication management.
    • 🌿 Schizophrenia or Psychotic Disorders – A PSD can help ground someone experiencing hallucinations or delusions and guide them to safety.
    • 🌿 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) – While autism isn’t always a psychiatric condition, individuals with autism who experience severe anxiety or meltdowns may benefit from a PSD trained in sensory calming techniques.

    These are just a few examples, but the key is that the condition must significantly impact daily functioning, and the dog must be trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate those symptoms.

    What Can a Psychiatric Service Dog Do?

    Here are a few examples of tasks PSDs can perform:

    • 🌿 Grounding during anxiety or panic attacks – The dog can use physical contact to interrupt distressing episodes and help the handler regulate their breathing. Radha does this by gently nudging me or lying across my chest when my breathing becomes shallow or erratic.
    • 🌿 Guiding during dissociative episodes – Dissociation can make familiar environments feel surreal or overwhelming. A PSD can guide the handler to safety or bring them back to focus through touch and presence.
    • 🌿 Preventing harmful behaviours – Psychiatric conditions can sometimes lead to self-harming behaviours. A service dog can intervene, offering comfort and redirecting attention.
    • 🌿 Providing a sense of safety in social situations – For those of us who struggle with social anxiety, being in public can feel overwhelming. Radha is a buffer, helping me feel safe to engage with the world.

    Psychiatric Service Dogs, Emotional Support Animals and Therapy Dogs

    These three terms are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same.

    A psychiatric service dog is individually trained to perform specific tasks that directly mitigate the effects of a person’s disability. These tasks might include grounding during panic attacks, interrupting self-harming behaviours, guiding someone during dissociation, or helping them reach safety. Because they perform disability-related tasks, psychiatric service dogs are recognised as assistance dogs and are legally permitted to accompany their handler in public places where pets are normally not allowed.

    An emotional support animal (ESA) provides comfort through companionship but is not trained to perform specific disability-related tasks. While emotional support animals can be incredibly beneficial, they do not have the same legal access rights as psychiatric service dogs in the UK.

    A therapy dog is trained to provide comfort and emotional support to many different people in places such as hospitals, schools, hospices and care homes. Therapy dogs work with their handler to support others and are not assistance dogs for one individual.

    Understanding these distinctions is important because they help protect the rights of people who genuinely rely on highly trained psychiatric service dogs to live independently and safely.

    Why Psychiatric Service Dogs Matter

    Mental health disabilities are often invisible, making them misunderstood or minimised. People see me walking with Radha and might think, “Oh, she just loves her dog,” without realising that without her, I might not have made it out of my home that day. Radha isn’t here for fun or companionship. She’s here because my world becomes smaller and more challenging to navigate without her.

    The presence of a psychiatric service dog isn’t about “all dogs being wonderful.” Sure, dogs are amazing creatures, but a PSD’s role goes far beyond that. It’s about survival, safety, and enabling a life that mental illness would otherwise restrict.

    The Heart of the Partnership

    The bond between a person and their psychiatric service dog runs deep. It’s built on trust, training, and the understanding that this isn’t a typical dog-owner relationship. It’s a partnership.

    Radha and I are a team. She often knows when I’m struggling before I do, and she helps keep me grounded, safe and connected to the world around me.

    For those of us living with severe mental health conditions, our service dogs offer more than support.

    They offer freedom.

    They offer dignity.

    They offer the ability to live a fuller, more independent life.

    A Final Thought

    I hope this article sheds some light on psychiatric service dogs and why they are so important.

    If you know someone with a PSD, or you see someone with one in public, please be mindful. These dogs aren’t pets.

    They’re working.

    Their focus is on keeping their handler safe.

    A little understanding, respect and consideration can make a significant difference to someone living with an invisible disability.

    With love . . .

    Karmic Rebelle ©

    Disrupt Karma. Restore Dharma.

  • Emotional Intelligence, Not Perfection

    A Helpful Reminder

    “Be careful about having relationships with people with no emotional intelligence. They will never understand you, they will personalise everything, and you will never be seen and heard. Be careful about having relationships with people who can’t regulate their emotions you will always be at the mercy of their rages, and bad moods. Be careful about having relationships with people with no self awareness, they have no idea how their behaviour affects the people around them, so it’s a matter of time before you get hurt. Be careful about having relationships with people without empathy, they will never see or care about how you feel. If no one has ever told you, I am telling you now. Look for people in your life with emotional intelligence, self awareness, empathy and the ability to regulate their emotions or you will be at the mercy of their dysfunction and pay the price for their immaturity and lack of growth.”
    — Maria Consiglio

    I like this quote because it’s helpful and truthful.

    I was recently triggered by a female influencer from the conscious relating sector. Varying levels of upset reared their heads.

    I generally work with the concept that things only have impact because it’s relevant to me.

    The post described certain types of women to be “low value”.

    That term is still a trigger because it’s a truth that I hold about myself, that I am of no worth and can’t be loved. This distortion of the absolute truth, “I am That”, is part of my mental health disability. I often have to check in on myself and the actual reality to ensure I’m living truthfully, safely and healthily. This takes great effort on my part and even greater effort on the part of my therapists and the very few friends and family members I hold close.

    Seeing a “conscious spiritual entrepreneur” present content that derails this hard work is upsetting. Even more upsetting is the feedback from the influencer and her male supporters that my response is based on hate, jealousy and projection.

    Low Self-Worth Is Not Low Value

    It still baffles me how the female body can be exploited for fame and wealth with a violent psychological assault on those who struggle with neurodivergent and trauma response behaviours.

    No really qualified professional relationship, sex or mental health practitioner would say those things.

    Be careful of the content consumed and influencers followed because I am aware of people misrepresenting themselves in order to get a larger following and this is ethically corrupt.

    So, much of the “low value” behaviour described by this influencer are also clear trauma responses and indicative of emotional or personality disorders etc. More often than not, these individuals carry feelings of low self-worth and this lends to the concept of “low value”. It better describes the individual’s feelings of low self-value and how that plays out in the world, as opposed to indicating the potential, value or worth of the human.

    Influencers need to be careful about this content, especially where it is targeted at men in a sneaky marketing way that we understand now to be dishonest and manipulative.

    Discernment Without Dehumanising

    The idea that we should avoid individuals who are different to us is also something that needs doing away with.

    How do all of y’all intend on being in the world?

    Planning on relocating to another planetary system altogether?

    Because to date I have not met one person who is perfect.

    Not one.

    I like this quote because it highlights important aspects of unstable and difficult relationships that we have with romantic interests, spouses, parents, siblings, children, colleagues etc.

    Be aware of unstable connections. Be cautious when engaging with individuals who struggle with emotional regulation and self-awareness, especially where it concerns taking accountability.

    Commitment Matters

    Nobody is perfect.

    We all fail to see ourselves and one another at times.

    We all have wobbles.

    I usually have a wobble for about a week every couple of months around my period. Does that make me worthless? Low value? Toxic? Someone to stay clear of?

    Of course not.

    What matters isn’t whether we struggle. What matters is whether we are willing to recognise our struggles, take responsibility where we can, and remain committed to our recovery, our relationships and our personal growth.

    There is a world of difference between someone who occasionally loses their footing and someone who has no interest in reflecting, growing or taking accountability.

    I value honesty. Openness. Willingness. Accountability. Compassion. A sincere desire to become better. These qualities matter far more to me than the impossible pursuit of perfection.

    Perhaps we all need to stop chasing perfection.

    Perfection is a human invention.

    Growth, humility and grace feel far closer to God.

    With love . . .

    Karmic Rebelle ©

    (Disrupt Karma. Restore Dharma)

  • A Valentine’s Day Reflection on Love

    Today is Valentine’s Day. For some, it is joyful, bursting with potential, and for others, perhaps a bitter reminder of what once was. Beyond the chocolates, flowers and bedsheets, how do we find peace, meaning and happiness in our relationships?

    Relationships are complex and require attention and willingness to make them work. The success of any relationship depends on factors like intention, awareness, curiosity, acceptance, and commitment.

    To find gold in our relationships, we should start by considering our intentions. Why are we in this partnership? What is the purpose of this relationship? Do we want to support each other’s growth, encourage individuality, and learn from each other?

    It’s okay to desire something from someone else in a relationship. We can uphold the highest standards in some relationships. However, it’s important to always approach relationships honestly and clearly, even if our intentions are not entirely pure. We should also aim to live up to higher values, even if we cannot consistently achieve them.

    Once we know why we are in a relationship, we automatically increase our awareness of ourselves and our partner. We can identify what works and what doesn’t work in the relationship with purpose and awareness.

    At times, we find ourselves in a state of confusion and uncertainty. We become aware of something within ourselves, others, or our connections that we cannot comprehend. Our initial response is to step back or remove it altogether. We tend to think that if something makes us feel uneasy, it must be avoided at any cost. If we don’t like someone’s behaviour, we automatically end the relationship, which leads to no happiness. It only brings complications, difficulties, and hard work.

    As a result, we tend to form opinions about ourselves and others, and we miss out on the opportunity to be curious and understand better.

    We should approach obstacles with an inquisitive mind to find a solution that works for everyone.

    Acceptance is vital to finding joy in our relationships. When we can accept our limitations, the imperfections of others, and situations for what they are, we move closer to surrender, a compassionate mind, and heart.

    With all these in place, we can make an informed decision about where we stand with ourselves, the others and the relationship and/or situation. We can make a commitment, or we can walk out.

    It’s easy to label relationships as toxic, unstable, or low-value and move on. Still, we can find peace, joy, and meaning in every relationship we have with everyone and everything.

    May you be purposeful and filled with curiosity, awareness, and acceptance. May you be committed to a higher love. Happy Valentine’s Day!

    With love.

    Karmic Rebelle

  • The Price We Place on Ourselves

    When Work Comes Before Ourselves

    We live in a society that quietly but persistently encourages us to put work before our own well-being. It is woven into the fabric of modern life—the glorification of exhaustion, the badge of honour that comes with being “too busy,” and the underlying belief that our worth is inextricably linked to our productivity.

    For many of us, especially those conditioned to prioritize the needs of others, it becomes almost second nature to say yes to projects, clients, or responsibilities that drain us. We justify the exhaustion, telling ourselves it will pay off eventually, or that turning down work is a luxury we simply cannot afford.

    But what happens when the work we do begins to cost us our peace? When the energy we pour into earning a living leaves us with nothing left for our own lives, relationships, and healing? Over time, this imbalance does more than just cause burnout—it creates a deep, resonant disconnect from our truest selves.

    The Price We Place on Ourselves

    The way we approach our work and the compensation we accept for it is often a direct reflection of the price we place on ourselves. If we deeply believe, consciously or unconsciously, that our energy, time, and presence hold profound value, we naturally begin to set boundaries that protect them.

    Conversely, when we continually undercharge for our services, over-deliver to the point of resentment, or stay in environments where our contributions are undervalued, we are silently agreeing to a narrative that diminishes our worth. We are telling the world—and more importantly, telling ourselves—that what we offer is cheap, negotiable, and secondary.

    Reclaiming our value is an inside job. It demands that we look closely at where we are leaking energy and ask ourselves the uncomfortable question: *Why am I willing to accept less than what my time and soul are worth?*

    A Different Way of Valuing Your Work

    We are taught to measure the value of work solely in financial terms, but true value is far more holistic. The energy we exchange in our daily labour includes our creativity, our emotional bandwidth, our life experience, and our physical health.

    What if we began to value our work by the quality of the exchange rather than just the number on an invoice? A fair exchange means that when you give your energy, you receive compensation that allows you to rest, replenish, and thrive. It means engaging in work that respects your humanity, acknowledges your boundaries, and honors your unique gifts.

    When we shift our perspective from pure economics to energetic reciprocity, it becomes much clearer which opportunities align with our highest good and which ones merely drain our reserves.

    Earning with Integrity

    Earning with integrity is about more than just honesty in business; it is about alignment. It means refusing to contort yourself to fit into spaces that require you to compromise your core values, your mental health, or your spiritual boundaries.

    It takes immense courage to walk away from money that feels heavy or toxic. It takes courage to say no to a client who demands access to your energy at all hours. But every time you draw that line, you are practicing self-respect. You are affirming that your integrity cannot be bought, and that the energy you bring into the world deserves to be met with respect and fairness.

    Earning with integrity allows the work you do to become a natural extension of your soul’s purpose—your dharma—rather than a desperate scramble for survival.

    You Can’t Put a Price on Fulfilment

    At the end of the day, no amount of money can compensate for a life lived out of alignment. Financial security is undeniably important, but when it is acquired at the cost of our health, our joy, and our authentic expression, it ultimately feels hollow.

    Fulfilment comes when we honor the sacredness of our own energy. It arrives when we trust that by valuing ourselves deeply, we open the door to opportunities that match that value. When we stop bartering our well-being for a paycheck, we make room for abundance that feels light, reciprocal, and profoundly true.

    The truest wealth we can ever accumulate is a life where we do not have to abandon ourselves in order to survive.

    Karmic Rebelle © Disrupt Karma. Restore Dharma.