Energy Alchemy

Two very powerful words, and when put together, an even more powerful concept.

Energy has been studied, quantified, and named in many different cultures.

Particularly referring to the “life force energy” that moves through all of us. In Yoga we call it Prana, in the far east it is called Ki/Chi/Qi. In Greek it is called Pneuma. Philosophically this translates to “the vital spirit, soul, or creative force of a person.” However modern science uses the root form of this word to refer to the breath or the lungs. In Sanskrit, Pranayama is what they call the practice of controlling the breath, or harnessing that life force energy. In fact, many healing practices include a strong focus on the breath.

Alchemy is a (seemingly) magical process of transforming or combining elements into something new.

Historically it was the precursor to modern chemistry. Integrating both spiritual and philosophical pursuits with experimental practice. Famously, some alchemists aimed to transmute more basic metals into gold, or create powerful “elixirs of life”. It was practiced across various cultures, including China, India, and the Middle East, contributing to the development of metallurgy, glassmaking, and also modern medicine.

Metaphorically, the term is applicable to any mysterious and/or wildly impressive transformation process.

Given the examples and understanding of both the above definitions, we can now address the term “Energy Alchemy”.

First let me say that I am a BIG fan of words and languages, as I believe they are a form of magic too! Without the vast and beautiful array of words that I have access to, it would be quite difficult to explain what it is exactly that I do. People ask me quite often what I “do” for work, and they usually are not ready for the slew of titles that I dump on them. I say “I’m a yoga instructor, a retreat host, and a doula.”

That’s actually the short and sweet version… because in my mind, I am more. I’m an energetic alchemist.

When I enter a room (or when my clients/students enter into the room that I’m in) they are already carrying a certain energy with them. They may be feeling stressed, tired, scared, excited, angry, whatever. All of these feelings are reflected in their energy. The emotional state absolutely affects the physical state. Your nervous system, your immune system, your brain function, your heart rhythms, your posture, and so much more. Whether I am supporting a family through the birth of a child, or simply leading a yoga class, the approach that I take may appear to be extremely different, but the goal is pretty much the same. I’m there to help them transform their energy; from exhausted to revitalized, from stressed to calm, from nervous to empowered, from intimidated to confident. Through supported practices of movement, mindfulness, and intentional breath, my goal is to help them transform that energy in their body.

Now from the outside looking in, I know that might sound crazy, but I’ve seen it… and felt it.

I’ve watched people silently cry, physically collapse, or tremble in fear, and then move through what could’ve been their moment of defeat, and come out the other side bolder, brighter, and more alive. So if you ever feel like you are stuck in your own negative energy, I invite you to find your breath and use it as a tool to alchemize your own energy! (Or seek out the support of someone who is practiced in this work.)

I promise you, that it really is possible.