INSIDE

“I love Sedona, but it became too full of fakes and frauds,” Merendino says.  “Where there is light, darkness will also be attracted. Yin and yang. I began meeting too many dark and creepy people. And it’s gotten really touristy.  Sedona is on sacred ground. It’s a universal energy center. It isn’t supposed to be like that.”

One heart

So what happens during a Reiki, chakra or clairvoyant healing session? 

“Well, some people visit with dead relatives. Some meet Jesus or Buddha. Some people pass out and start snoring. Everybody is different, has different needs,” Merendino says. 

But does it work? 

There is plenty of empirical evidence about people who use psychics or alternative healers experiencing positive health benefits. Scientists say this is due to a placebo effect, or a type of “mind over matter.”  Because of this, the medical community is becoming more open to alternative therapies as a way of enhancing traditional medical care.

Without openly discussing the placebo effect, Merendino seems to understand that it exists. 

“I can’t work on someone who is not open to believing in this. They need to believe for it to work. Of course, I love to get the ‘stump the psychic’ people – like my father was – because I always surprise them by revealing things I couldn’t possibly know if I didn’t have these abilities.”

But Merendino knows that no matter what, there will always be those who roll their eyes when she discusses her work. So she likes to explain her thoughts in a way that nearly everyone can relate to. 

“There are miracles and possibilities available to all of us. We have power to heal ourselves. You can manifest your own destiny with positive thinking and action and by being thankful, gracious, and respectfully asking the universe – however you define that, maybe as God – for what you need.”

She gives me another warm smile and a hug, “We are all connected to the one heart.”

And who does not want to believe that?

For more, visit Move 2 Wellness at 635 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, or online at Move2Wellness.com. (203) 403-2522.