Stolen Power

During my most demanding year of graduate school, I was invited to take a Reiki Level 1 course. Overwhelmed, yet intrigued, I said yes. I quickly completed my Reiki training all the way to master level, experiencing a profound shift in how I understood our inherent energetic power.

As a queer and BIPOC woman, I’m deeply interested and passionate about people who endure the wounds of oppression. During this process, I’ve noticed a core sense of self can be lost, making us feel powerless in the face of forces like colonization, gentrification, racism, homophobia and transphobia. The impacts cascade across generations, harming our bodies, minds, and spirits. But we must remember the power stolen from us is a power we have a divine right to reclaim, right now.

What is Energy Healing?

Accessing Universal Qi brings me a deep reverence for the potential of healing energy. We all have an energy field, and when I provide Reiki, I feel intense vibrations and sensations flowing through my hands. I often move into a dream-like, intuitive space where profound healing takes place. I end sessions sharing insights and messages, helping clients address blockages and the ways they manifest as dysregulation, or dis-ease.

Energy healing recognizes we are more than just physical bodies. Subtle energy systems like chakras influence us mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Reiki, touch-based therapies, sound healing, and other modalities seek to balance our energy flows, leading to deeper healing and self-knowledge. As a psychotherapist, merging energy healing with therapy yields incredible results.

Energy, Oppression, and Resilience

Discrimination, microaggressions, and violence wound more than our psyche. They lodge in our bodies and energy fields, leading to anxiety, depression, chronic illness, and disconnection – all tactics designed to keep us feeling powerless. In 2023, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia and battled an enduring year of chronic pain, uncontrollable weight loss and severe depression. After experiencing several traumatic experiences, my body quite simply shut down and I had to work to heal my body in a holistic way to address the root of the physical, mental and emotional manifestation of my pain.

Energy healing is a declaration: “My body holds my story, and it also holds the key to my liberation.” It’s about trusting our inner wisdom, our intuition, and transforming pain into fuel for resilience.

More than Self-Care

True resilience isn’t just bouncing back; it’s building strength to challenge the systems causing harm. Energy work creates space to process, grieve, and envision a different world. It reminds us we’re not alone – our healing connects to the healing of our communities and the planet.

Finding Your Way

If this resonates, explore energy healing! Find practitioners who understand the intersection of identity and healing. Look for accessible resources, even self-practice. Here’s a simple exercise:

1. Rub your hands together to generate energy, then slowly separate them. Notice the sensations.
2. Repeat, placing your hands over your heart. With eyes closed say, “I receive love.”
3. What do you notice? Do this as often as you need, and even try placing your hand on other parts of your body, especially if you are experiencing any physical discomfort.

The Revolution Starts Within

We won’t dismantle oppression overnight, but every time we center our healing, regulate our nervous systems, and connect with our vital force…we reclaim another piece of our power. This collective power is how we create real change.

With love and resilience,

Darryn

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