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.

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.

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.

More than 450 first responders from around the state—and beyond—gathered to explore ways to support the mental health of their departments. It was a fantastic event and we were thrilled to be invited. We kept hearing that people were hoping to return with more colleagues next year.

U of C’s prestigious Booth School of Business invited us out to take the edge off Recruitment interviews. It’s a stressful time for these accomplished grad students—their careers hinge on this first selection. Reiki was tremendously helpful for so many grateful participants.

Favorite feedback: “I wish I could feel this once per day.”

Reiki can be learned in a two-day class and practiced on the self as a form of self care, and those initiated into Reiki energy are encouraged to maintain a daily practice. So this wish is highly attainable.

Favorite feedback: “Amazing experience. Please come back.”

There was a lot going on at HQ Friday, as the Department prepared to memorialize Enrique Martinez, a 25 year old officer who was gunned down during a traffic stop. Also, adjacent to the room we were using for our Reiki sessions, dozens of detectives were being attending a three-day training in how to identify and handle hate crimes. All in all, a very rough time for the CPD.

Favorite feedback: “You Jesus? I feel anointed.”

Reiki is available to anyone of any faith, and some equate it to the laying on of hands Jesus was known for. This comment was made in jest, but the participant definitely felt better after his session.

Favorite feedback: “I feel like I released something.”

We store trauma in our bodies energetically, and Reiki can help move it out. People sometimes have a tangible sensation of movement and/or release as that happens, and feel much better afterwards.

Favorite feedback: “That was so great. I can’t stop smiling. Everything feels lighter and brighter.”

Who doesn’t want that?

It was a pleasure to return to Arrupe College, Loyola University’s sister institution, offering 2-year degrees. It was our sixth year sharing Reiki with students, faculty and staff, and some of them came to us with a lot of stress.

Favorite feedback: “Feel as if negative energy has been lifted. Where does it go?”

A favorite analogy for 'heavy' or 'dark' feeling energy is manure. It's very helpful when used in fields to help fertilize our crops and support our food supply, but we don't want it on our plates. If you're carrying around energy that is not serving you, Reiki can help get it off your plate and back to where it can do some good.

Favorite feedback: “That was crazy!”

People who experience Reiki for the first time can be amazed at how wonderful it can be. But it's not crazy. You know what's crazy? That more people don't know about the benefits of Reiki and have access to them. That's why I founded the Reiki Brigade, for maximum sanity all around.

This is a reboot of a program we did several years ago at the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, and it was great to be back. The staff was incredible, and we fielded several good questions from the youth while offering them Reiki sessions.

Favorite feedback: “When are you coming back? Can you come Friday?”

Our quarterly visit to the Police Academy was switched to the PSTC, where first responders receive their continuing education. We were stationed right outside the stairwell that had a sign directing people to the Taser Class. Talk about a study in contrasts!

Favorite feedback: “Whoo—I feel good!”

We love bringing Reiki to this annual event put on by Boxing Out Negativity. The warm welcome and enthusiastic feedback brings us back time after time.

Favorite feedback: “Amazing. I felt something leave my head!”

People are often carrying around energetic shrapnel that doesn’t belong to them. Reiki can help move this dissonant energy out, which can be a tangible experience, leaving the individual feeling more calm, centered, and at peace. Let’s have more of that!

Favorite feedback: “Amazing. Can I get back in line?”

Our quarterly Reiki event at the Chicago Police Academy was a huge success, as always, thanks to our inside woman, Michelle. We love helping new recruits start out their law enforcement journey with knowledge about how stress works, and comfort that the department has prioritized their wellbeing.

Favorite feedback: “I love what you all have done for me today—no stress!”

We offered Reiki to 47 officers and staff at Chicago Police HQ on Friday, and it was powerful. Check out the short video as our contact, Sally, gets emotional conveying what she witnessed as people emerged from their 10-minute sessions.

Favorite feedback: “I felt like someone was holding/comforting my heart!”

This was the second annual First Responder Family Wellness Day, and it was great! Last year we were right next to the bouncy house, but this year, the food trucks, music, and kids’ activities were outside, and we were inside where it was quieter—and cooler. We were able to work with 50 first responders.

Favorite feedback: “That was weird as sh*t! I feel… softer.”
We could all use a little more soft in a world that seems increasingly hard.

We have supported Boxing Out Negativity with Reiki at their peace-promoting biking events for years.