April 9, 2011

LaGuardia Community College, in Long Island City, Queens will be holding a Green Week from April 12 to14 for members of the College. LaGuardia’s Sustainability Council, in conjunction with local businesses, nonprofit organizations and College departments and programs, will be showcasing sustainable projects, promoting eco-friendly products and offering green workshops and outreach opportunities to the College community.

Free reiki relaxation sessions in chairs and on massage tables will be available to students for all three days. Reiki is a form of energy work that helps balance body, mind and spirit, and is increasingly being provided for stress relief on college campuses and in medical facilities to reduce fatigue, anxiety, nausea and pain related to cancer treatment.

To help LaGuardia’s students relax, SPirited Action, Release and Kindness, Inc. (SPARK®) will be providing free reiki sessions on Tuesday, April 12 from 11:00am to 4:00pm in the Building E Atrium. Reiki will again be available from independent practitioners on Wednesday, April 13 in the Atrium, and on Thursday, April 14 from 3:30pm to 4:00pm at the Poolside Café during SPARK’s “De-Stress, Sustain Yourself” presentation, which offers simple relaxation techniques in conjunction with energy work demonstrations.

“This event is special to us because the students are very positive and really enjoy the few moments of peace and quiet while they’re on the table.” said Jae Schapp, SPARK board member and practitioner, “College can be stressful.”

2011 marks the third year that SPARK will provide free reiki services at LaGuardia.

Dave Gorczynski is president of SPARK, a non-profit organization that has provided free energy work sessions and workshops across New York City since 2002. He writes a regular column about energy work and meditation for the Compact News in New York City's Chinatown. E-mail him at dave@sparkenergy.org.