E-Newsletter:
Three Simple Games to Improve Your Energywork (9/11)

Usually I share activities anyone can do right away. This month's games are a little different. Anyone can do them, but it may take some practice and be frustrating at first. You'll definitely have an advantage if you've already studied Reiki, tai chi, qigong, or other healing or martial arts energywork.

Palm Push-Back
This game helps you sense and direct your energy.

1. Put your hands in front of you with your palms facing each other, like you're preparing to clap.
2. Push energy out of each palm and toward the other hand. If you're new to energywork, try visualizing this, either while looking at your hands or with your eyes closed. Work on sensing the energy as it leaves one hand and reaches the other.
3. Push more energy out until you can sense it reaching your other hand. If necessary, move your hands closer together.
4. Once you can feel the energy, slowly move your hands together. You should feel more and more resistance.
5. Slowly try to move your hands all the way together. As you practice this, eventually you'll feel your hands stop - or even bounce back from the energy - before you can bring them all the way together.

Energy Sensing
This game requires a partner, builds on the first game, and teaches you to detect energy differences like chakras and blockages.

1. Complete steps 1 through 3 above.
2. Ask your partner to slowly move his or her hand into the space between your hands.
3. Tell your partner when you think his or her hand is directly between your hands. Ask your partner whether or not you're correct.
4. Keep practicing until you're getting it right!

Energy Ball
Making an energy ball is a fun way to practice energywork. If you put off practicing a formal energywork system because of all the steps and rules, try this instead.

1. Complete steps 1 through 3 of Palm Push-Back.
2. Turn your hands so one is above the other, keeping the energy in between them.
3. Move your top hand in a small circle to begin forming the energy into a ball. This is just like shaping a piece of clay or dough into a sphere. Turn the energy ball and pat it if you feel that will help you shape it. If you're not sure what this looks like, watch this video.
4. Once you have your ball, play with it. Pass it from one hand to the other. Play catch with a partner or a group. Squeeze it tight so it's dense. Stretch it out again so it's light and lofty.

Once you've mastered these games, try out energyworker Yancey Grantham's energy yo-yo and energy hula hoop.

Don't worry if you're not feeling anything right away. Keep practicing. If you're impatient, email erik@chicagohealingstudio.com or call Erik LaBelle, Reiki Master/Teacher, at 312-504-7693 to join an upcoming Reiki I class. Western-style Reiki's attunement and step-by-step system give beginners a jump-start in practical healing energywork.

Anna Schibrowsky
Chicago Healing Studio