Professional Life

Manuela Rainha Ferreira life’s experiences and interests have made her grow in awareness and compassion. She is a Portuguese doctor specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, now retired. Manuela has been married for over forty years and is the mother of two adult children and the grandmother of a little girl and a boy. 

Throughout her professional life, she has dedicated herself to caring for severely disabled individuals. Early in her career, she developed an interest in alternative medicines such as hypnosis, reflexology, and reiki. She complemented her traditional clinical approach with this knowledge in behalf of her patients. Moreover, she learned alternative communication techniques, which proved particularly beneficial in connecting with her daughter who has ASD (Autism Spectum Disorder).

After many years in her hometown of Porto, Portugal, Manuela relocated to France to join her husband, who had been working there for some years. There, she continued her work with individuals with severe disabilities, including those with autism; she integrated alternative techniques in her clinical approach.

The Writing Adventure

Inspired by her daughter’s challenges, Manuela felt a profound yearning long ago to write about their shared journey. Despite her early appeal for writing, the demands of her medical career and family life delayed her literary pursuits for many years.

As she approached retirement, the desire to write about her and her daughter’s experiences resurfaced with renewed intensity. Manuela found in herself the right method for conveying the depth and nuances of her experiences.  So her writing process became an extraordinary journey guided by what she describes as “connection to Spirit”.

With her first book, “In Ana’s Light – A Journey Through the Rich Tapestry of Autism”, Manuela aims to help readers see beyond the physical limitations of individuals with severe disabilities. She aims to help readers recognize their inner greatness and the profound beauty of their souls.

It is Manuela’s deep intention to become a best-selling author and see her books sold in multiple countries and translated in several languages. In this way she intends to help people discover the profound being there is in each one of us, regardless of one’s capabilities.

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Other Interests and Hobbies

Manuela’s interests extend far beyond her professional and writing endeavors. They embrace a wide array of creative and personal pursuits.

Her passion for creativity began early in her childhood, where she found joy in working with her hands. As a little girl, she used to create small objects, like little tissue dolls. Over the years, she honed her skills in various crafts, including embroidery and knitting.

She also loves cooking for her family, inventing new combinations and variations for traditional courses.

Recently, she has discovered a deep pleasure in ceramics, creating beautiful objects that reflect her artistic spirit.

Travelling

Her love for travelling has taken her on some incredible adventures. Two of them that stand out above the rest.

Exploring China was a journey through time. She stood in awe at the Great Wall and wandered the beautiful gardens and the amazing artificial lake of the Summer Palace. The incredible atmosphere of the Forbidden City in Beijing left her speechless. Most of all, the misticism of a very secret small garden, reserved to the Emperor and his family, reinforced her certainty on the existence of something greater than us.

In Canada, she marveled at the natural beauty of Quebec’s natural landscapes. She felt the mist of the powerful Niagara Falls, and watched majestic whales and seals along the coast. The breathtaking beauty of parks and shimmering lakes filled her with awe and wonder.

Each destination left her with unforgettable memories and a greater appreciation for the world’s diverse cultures and amazing beauty.

A Passion for Learning

Manuela’s love for crafting is matched by her avid interest in reading and studying. She has a lifelong dedication to learning. She is constantly seeking to expand her knowledge and understanding of the world around her.

This intellectual curiosity has fueled her professional development and her personal growth, particularly in the realm of spirituality. For over two decades, Manuela has been committed to her spiritual development. This journey has been integral to her holistic approach to life, blending her medical knowledge with a profound sense of spiritual awareness.

Her dedication led her to become a certified “Happy for No Reason” trainer. This role allows her to embody the principles of lasting happiness and share them with others. This certification underscores her belief in the power of positive psychology and personal transformation.

 

 

 

 

The Tango Connection

In addition to her spiritual and creative pursuits, Manuela has a passion for dance, particularly tango.

She is an enthusiastic amateur tango dancer, finding joy and expression in the elegant movements and rhythms of the dance, which is, in its essence, communication in movement.

As a music lover, she also prepares music for the “milongas”, the traditional tango balls.

Tango offers her a unique form of physical and emotional release, complementing her other interests and adding to her multifaceted identity.

 

Through her diverse interests and creative endeavors, Manuela embodies a life of balance, integrating her professional, creative, and spiritual pursuits into a harmonious whole. Her varied activities not only enrich her own life but also enhance her ability to connect with and inspire others.

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