We gave Reiki to 147 attendees of this amazing, two-day convention for first responders throughout Illinois (and beyond). Last year attendance was 450; this year it was 675. We love what this means for first responders doing incredibly difficult work to keep us safe: Their wellbeing is finally being prioritized. It also means they will be able to do their jobs and outside relationships better. Everybody wins.

Favorite feedback: "So calming! I was like, ‘what’s she doing to me?’”

During a Reiki session we’re not doing anything ‘to’ you. We’re just creating an environment where your system—your energy field—can access what it needs to heal itself. Our process is the same each time, and the results vary widely. That’s because we’re not in charge.

Favorite feedback: "Beautiful! It felt like emotions were pouring out.”

In a world where keeping emotions pent up is considered a sign of strength, it can be such a relief to let go of energetically stored grief, anger, etc. that is no longer serving us. Reiki sometimes helps facilitate that process quickly and easily.

Favorite feedback: "Super surprisingly calm afterwards. Weirdly nice.”

The 20th District is bustling, so we were glad a few folks were able to take a short break to join us for some Reiki.

Investigating perceived stress and pain reduction following brief Reiki sessions in high-stress communities: an exploratory study

“Results: Reiki sessions were provided to 1,724 members of high-stress communities throughout Chicago. The majority of participants reported significant change in stress (72.62% reduction overall) and pain (63.34% reduction overall) following a single ten-minute session. Quantitative results were statistically significant, with a p-value of <0.01 in all categories. Most participants felt very relaxed and reported feeling less pain and profound surprise at the positive outcome post-session.”

Favorite feedback: "This is one of the best ideas OEMC has had—bringing you all here to help us. Thank you!”

Reiki is a familiar sight now at Chicago’s Office Emergency of Management Communications, and we are beginning to recognize some ‘regulars’ who take advantage of our services given the opportunity.

Favorite feedback: "I feel like a barrier over my head is lifted.”

Chicago PD’s Alternate Response Section is made up of officers on desk duty for medical and other restrictions keeping them from their regular duties. They work alongside the 3-1-1 Call Center responding to Chicago residents seeking information and support in a wide variety of situations. We thank them for helping to keep our city running smoothly, and hope they heal fast so they can return to their regular police work.

Favorite feedback: "Wow! I feel amazing.”

That’s the level of comfort you hope to offer someone who’s lost a loved one to homicide. We’re so grateful for the gift of Reiki and invitations into spaces where people are receiving support.

Favorite feedback: "I feel like I’m floating on a cloud—Wonderful!”

INVC has been credited in the news recently as a force helping to bring down violent crime in Chicago’s streets. Their civilian infrastructure of violence interruption is working. We are honored to support their inner peace as they conduct this challenging and dangerous work to keep us safe.

Favorite feedback: "This is one of the best ideas OEMC has had—bringing you all here to help us. Thank you!”

We love helping the helpers, and the OEMC is chock full of them. A great day of Reiki for us and all who participated!

Favorite feedback: "Incredible—OMG. I have no words. Exceptional!!”

We love helping the helpers, and the OEMC is chock full of them. A great day of Reiki for us and all who participated!

Favorite feedback: "Loved the experience!”

With suburban police departments just starting to incorporate wellness programs, we were thrilled to be invited out to Schaumburg to offer Reiki to officers and staff.

Favorite feedback: "Amazing and much needed.”

It was a stressful day in this suburb 40 mins north of Chicago, and based on survey feedback, the 19 folks we worked on were very happy to receive a Reiki break in their workday.

Favorite feedback: "Free, amazing, cleansed. Very great experience. Will be back.”

We have wanted to support Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management & Communications (OEMC, or 9-1-1 Call Center) with Reiki for years. Thanks to our contact, Gwen, and support from the Rivers Gives Foundation, we were able to offer Reiki sessions to 26 of these folks who answer the call in times of crisis.

Favorite feedback: "Very relaxed and calm. I went to sleep, but now I feel more awakened.”

We were able to connect with the 6th District Community Policing group and offer our support as part of their Wellness Wednesday schedule. We love that officers are given wellness opportunities as part of their regular schedule and were happy to see so many officers take advantage of our services.

Student Feedback: "The way the course is taught with notes, stories, analogies, and humor make it very approachable and enjoyable.”

The Reiki Brigade offers a Level 1 Reiki class every few months. It can be taken in person or remotely via Zoom. Upon successful completion of the class, attendees embark on a journey of self discovery and healing, and are able to offer Reiki sessions to others and to themselves as an invaluable form of self care.