Favorite feedback: “I kind of had an out of body experience.”

We loved hearing that CPS was hosting a Healing-Centered Conference for their social workers and Social Emotional Learning specialists. We also loved being invited to offer Reiki to the attendees. We provided 61 sessions over three days to those new to Reiki, and to those familiar and thrilled to see it offered at this event.

Favorite feedback: “I love this experience. It always helps.”
Reiki helps regulate the nervous system, moving people from sympathetic, to parasympathetic states, aka “fight or flight,” to “rest and digest.”

The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago works to prevent crimes, and to help individuals heal from crimes that have been committed to break the chain of violence. We worked with the Victim Services staff to familiarize them with Reiki. Next goal: working with victims themselves.

Favorite feedback:
“I wanna take your hands home with me!”

Now that we’ve been to the Academy several times, a common, post-session question is: “When are you coming back?”

Favorite feedback:
“I needed that more than I thought I did.”

Unfortunately, we tend to habituate to stress. Wellness isn’t just reduction of dis-ease, it’s an abundance of peace and joy. Everyone could use more of that, and Reiki can help provide it.

Favorite feedback: “Like energy leaving me, pulled from me—in a good way.”
We store trauma in our bodies energetically, and Reiki can help move it out.

The Institute for Nonviolence Chicago is an incredible organization promoting peace by intervening when street violence seems imminent. This model has been effective, and is serving as an example nation-wide. Last month, over 30 attorneys general from all over the US, including Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, visited INVC’s Austin office to learn about their outreach work with READI Chicago and how they teach cognitive behavioral interventions (CBI) to staff and participants to build peace in our communities. Love them, and love supporting them with Reiki!

Favorite feedback: “Wow!”

We had a new addition to our crew this past Friday—our new intern, Mimi! Suzanne and I were so glad to have her managing sign-in and survey feedback so we could focus on giving Reiki to veterans.

SOS Children’s Villages is a global organization with a brilliant solution for families in crisis. They’ve created foster communities with all kinds of supportive resources so the children are integrated into and cared for by a village. We spent our lunch hour introducing them to Reiki. Looking forward to fostering this relationship.

“I feel wonderful! I’m so glad I came!” We were, too.

We gave Reiki to 26 mothers who’ve lost children to gun violence in Chicago at the Purpose Over Pain Mother’s Day spa event. We all experienced a lot of feelings—overall, tremendous gratitude for the opportunity to be there and support these women.

We gave Reiki to 24 CPS teachers, and one principal yesterday.

Favorite feedback: ”My pain is gone!” (x3)

This is the center of the CPD Universe, and they soaked up the Reiki!

Favorite feedback:
”I have never been so still in my body before. Thank you. Wow.”

We were invited to our first Officer Appreciation Day and were able to show our appreciation by offering Reiki to 25 attendees.

Favorite feedback:
"Officers need this.”

Another incredible visit to the CPD’s Academy to offer Reiki to recruits and instructors.

Favorite feedback:
"I really needed that. Amazing. My stress is WAY down!”

We were invited to offer Reiki at CFD Family Wellness Day at the brand new training facility. Thirty-seven attendees hit us up for a Reiki session. We loved the enthusiasm and the wonderful feedback!

Favorite feedback:
"I saw so many colors: blue, green, red, yellow—that was something else!”

This was a first, to offer Reiki while Clara Takarabe was playing CDIM (Clinically Designed Improvisational Music) with her viola.

Favorite feedback:
"I saw the flier and it said this will help pain. I didn’t believe it. I do now. My back has no pain. When are you coming back? I won’t miss this again.”

Favorite feedback: “I can breathe better.”

The CPD supports those recovering from violent crimes, and asked us to help.

Favorite feedback: [big hug]

We loved connecting with the youth at Lost Boyz. Thanks to this organization for the invitation, and thanks to guardians with open minds.

Favorite feedback: “Want more!”

With so many participants and such great feedback during our first visit to the CPD’s Academy, we had to come back! This time we were able to give reiki to 47 recruits and instructors—and had a wonderful time.

Favorite feedback: “When are you coming back?”

We reconnected with our old friend Nikki at the 16th District. With the holidays coming up and the second officer suicide in one month, she knew reiki would be a big help to the officers. We are always happy to help the CPD when invited.

Favorite feedback: “If they could give us this once a shift, that would be great!”

We received a call from the Chicago Fire Dept., who heard about the Reiki Brigade from the CPD. “Can you help us?” they asked. We’d love to!