I know I’m not alone in feeling ill at ease and vulnerable these days, not knowing which way the world is heading, unable to confidently foresee even the short-term future. Things just feel out of whack and it’s a pervasive, unsettling feeling. The outside world is affecting our inner well-being and many of us feel unbalanced.

We all have different ways of responding to these uncertain times. Some of us protest and some of us counter-protest. Some of us post regularly on social media and some of us cancel our social media subscriptions. Some of us lobby, strategically donate resources, or write letters, articles, and books. Some of us have a hard time getting out of bed, socializing, or allowing ourselves to feel joy. Some of us share our thoughts with others and some of us get very quiet, scared to say the wrong thing, unsure how our views will be received within our own families, neighborhoods, and greater communities. Some of us seek to surround ourselves by like-minded souls and some of us seek out connections with people who they are trying to understand. Some of us devour the news and some of us spend as much time away from the news as possible. Some of us vote and some of us avoid the current choices. I don’t know anyone who actually feels comfortable or relaxed when thinking about the future of our country and globe. And this in turn can wreak havoc on our physical and emotional health, which only gets in the way of processing the emotions we are experiencing.

Helping myself and others recoup inner balance, even in the midst of the very real discomfort and pain, is how I know to respond. As a reiki practitioner and master, I have witnessed and experienced the healing and realignment that channeling the energy of the universe can have. Do I know how it works scientifically? I do not. Have I seen the physical and emotional healing after reiki sessions? I have.

Using a series of strategically placed hand positions in a non-invasive, fully clothed session, I become a conduit, facilitating the flow of energy through each chakra, or energy point, in one’s body. Each chakra corresponds to specific organs, nerves, and bodily functions as well as to emotional well-being, productivity, spirituality, intuitive thinking, sexual health, and financial abundance. When these energy centers are open and aligned, the positive energy flows freely and the body and mind feel whole, healthy, and capable. When one or more of the chakras is out of alignment, a person experiences physical or mental distress. It is amazing to witness the transformation to inner peace and physical strength that can occur after reiki sessions. I have performed daily reiki upon myself, as I awaken, for the past 7 years. One morning at breakfast I was feeling (and clearly acting) a bit out of sorts, or, call it like it is: cranky. My husband simply turned to me, and asked in a gentle way, “Did you by any chance forget to do reiki this morning?” As it dawned on me that he was right, since on this vacation I was out of my typical routine, I just started giggling, amazed at how positively the reiki obviously affects me.

Reiki, an ancient Japanese energy healing technique, works in a delightfully flexible way as it activates the body’s natural healing abilities. Most of my sessions are offered in my serene reiki space. I also travel to people’s homes, sick beds, or reiki places of choice. A favorite past experience for me was giving the gift of reiki while overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Finally, for those who are not local or have a tight schedule, distance reiki sessions are a great option. In those sessions the person doesn’t even need to stop what they’re doing – the reiki still balances what it needs to balance. That being said, it’s always nice to give yourself a few minutes to relax while basking in the knowledge that the positive energy of the universe is being channeled through you by someone who cares and is thinking only of you.

I wish I knew how to create the change that will allow all of humanity to feel global synchronicity, seeing ourselves in every other person, sending and receiving only love. Until then, I seek to bring as much balance and harmony as I can, one person at a time. If you’d like to become part of this endeavor, spreading serenity and peace throughout our globe, starting with your own, please let me know.