By Erin Smith

Hi there! I’m hoping to shine a light on energy work through asking questions and sharing a brief explanation of it. Recent media, church publications and online chatter lead me to believe that there are some misunderstandings.

It was just a few short years ago that I learned about energy work, and it has made a huge difference in my life. If we are to judge whether something is good or bad by the fruit, it is truly Heaven sent. Since I began my journey with energy work I’ve developed a closer relationship with God and an increased ability to feel love and extend that to others. Energy work has opened my heart and mind to the limitless power God has to heal each of us physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and beyond. I could write pages about my experiences in all of these categories. For these things and more I am eternally grateful! Positive changes I have observed in myself and others make me want to shout from the rooftops that energy work is amazing!! It can be life changing and even lifesaving.

“But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.

Wherefore, take heed, my beloved brethren, that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.”

(Moroni 7: 13-14)

Don’t worry, I’ll get to what the heck energy work is! I think a few thoughts and questions set the stage for discussing any new or alternative medical practice. I believe questions help us find our own stance on topics so that we can make informed decisions when it comes to healthcare or any matter.

We praise God for modern miracles like the invention of devices that allow things like open heart surgeries to occur. These incredible discoveries have been inspired and do save many lives. I believe the Lord’s hand has been involved in much of what we currently call “modern medicine,” as it has led humanity to some degree of healing and hope. We have all benefited from medication or medical procedures. However, would it be too much of a miracle to believe that we can be healed before “modern” devices or physical interventions need to be used?         

Perhaps the point I am trying to make of all these questions might actually boil down to these two questions:

1. What are our beliefs when it comes to healing? 
2. Do we limit our beliefs? 

I believe that as a society we do limit our beliefs. In Matthew 12, the Pharisees accuse Jesus of casting out devils and healing in ways not approved by them. His response to them was: “But if I cast out devils by the spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you” (Matthew 12:28). Christ teaches us in that same chapter that “the tree is known by his fruit” (v 33).

In John 14, Jesus said: “Verily verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father (v 12). This scripture also comes to mind when pondering healthcare and our cultural beliefs:

And who shall say that Jesus Christ did not do many mighty miracles? And there were many mighty miracles wrought by the hands of the apostles. And if there were miracles wrought then, why has God ceased to be a God of miracles and yet be an unchangeable Being? And behold, I say unto you he changeth not; if so he would cease to be God, and he ceaseth not to be God; and is a God of miracles. And the reason why he ceaseth to do miracles among the children of men is because that they dwindle in unbelief, and depart from the right way, and know not the God in whom they should trust. (Mormon 9:18-20).

Basically, my point in sharing these scriptures is that I believe scripture teaches us to keep an open mind when it comes to healing. Western medicine is great when used appropriately. Priesthood blessings are wonderful. We can add energy work to these. One doesn’t cancel the other out. I believe all forms of healing can work together to form a more complete picture of what is available to us.

Okay, so what the heck is energy work?

The simplest explanation or definition I have come up with is this: Energy work in its pure form is replacing any kind of darkness within us or around us with light. This work results in healing.All light ultimately comes from Jesus Christ, no matter what method is used for true healing to occur (John 8:12, D&C 11:28, 88:13).

We experience darkness on planet earth from the adversary for our learning and growth.

On an emotional level, darkness includes any negative emotion: Sadness, sorrow, forlorn, love unreceived, effort unreceived, peeved, heartbreak, etc.

On a physical level, darkness is anything preventing us from feeling our best physically! Illness, disease, physical ailments of any and all kinds. 

On a mental level? False beliefs and traditions, mental illness of all kinds, negative thought patterns, just to name some.

What is spiritual darkness? Feeling separated from God or the love of God. When we are dealing with darkness on any level of our being, it affects our ability to feel this love even when it surrounds us. 

All aspects of our body, whether physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, and beyond, are intimately connected. Each aspect affects all the others for better or worse. With energy work, we figure out the root cause of a health problem, on whatever level that is. For example, most physical pain is due to negative emotion that has been trapped in the body. Once the trapped emotion is cleared, often the physical pain leaves. 

What does energy work look like?

Most of us already incorporate energy work into our lives and don’t even realize it. Exercise to relieve stress? That’s energy work. Change up your diet and feel better? Energy work. Do you dance and notice negative emotions leave you? Energy work. Have a favorite thought or song that helps you chase out the bad thoughts creeping into your mind? Energy work. Repenting? Energy work. There are many methods used to clear dark energy. Infinite possibilities. In energy classes we learn about these.

Where does energy work happen?

An energy session with a practitioner can happen in person, while talking over the phone, or by proxy. Some practitioners have offices or spaces in alternative medical facilities and some work from home. Energy work can happen any place and any time. You don’t need an energy practitioner or classes to do energy work. However, it can be helpful in learning tools and techniques and for added perspective.  

What’s going on in the world?

Sometimes in energy classes and sessions we talk about current events and what we see coming. We clear negative emotions that we feel regarding these topics. I guess you could say we learn how to better face the craziness of the world with a more positive perspective.

Energy work involves family?

Healing as individuals helps our ancestors and posterity with their healing. We are tied to our family spiritually and physically through our DNA, traditions, beliefs, and culture. 

“And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse” (Malachi 4:6).

Many of us believe this scripture applies to ordinances performed on earth for our ancestors. Perhaps we can open our hearts to the idea that covenants and ordinances are intended to bring greater degrees of healing. As we heal and progress on every level, our ancestors have the opportunity to grow in their degree of happiness and light. We can identify and break negative patterns passed down in family lines and replace them with light and love. What a relief for all of us and our ancestors who may have played a part in starting any negative family cycle! These cycles can be physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. They affect every aspect of our well-being. Family is also involved on the other side of the veil in assisting us with our healing. Through both temple work and energy work I have learned that we have more access to this help when we ask for it.

Spiritual Warfare?

I think we all realize that there is a war going on on this planet between good and evil, not always visible to the natural eye. We talk about it in religion all the time. We learn at church that spiritual protection involves making and keeping covenants, obeying God’s laws, serving others, repenting and doing our best to follow the Savior. These things do offer protection. However, we can learn about more tools available to us in combating darkness. In energy work classes and sessions we discuss these. What we don’t know is available, we don’t think to ask for or utilize. These tools can make a huge difference in how we feel in body, mind and spirit.

Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection. And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come.

(D& C 130 18-19)

Scripture teaches us that there is opposition in all things (2 Nephi 2:11, D&C 29:39). Where we have something good on this planet, there will be a dark version of it. There are people out there participating in dark or counterfeit energy work. However, when used in the way the Lord intended, energy work is good! I could list examples of physicians who have intentionally harmed patients. Just because this happens doesn’t mean that there are not physicians who bless the world as they combine their knowledge and skills with pure intent. Energy work used with pure intent also comes from God. 

Is it wrong to pay for something where spirituality is involved?

In Doctrine and Covenants 29 it says:

Wherefore, verily I say unto you that all things unto me are spiritual, and not at any time have I given unto you a law which was temporal; neither any man, nor the children of men; neither Adam, your father, whom I created.

(v34)

I don’t believe we can separate spiritual and physical. Especially when it comes to health and the human body. Some would say that an individual charging for energy work is practicing priestcraft or is out to deceive. The scriptures define priestcraft in 2 Nephi 26:29.

He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion.

Only the Lord knows our motives in using the gifts that He gives us. If our motives are pure, and our talents or gifts can help others, and we are using our time and effort to develop those, who is to determine what any individual can and cannot do to make a living? Some sing, some paint, some construct buildings, some are interested in healthcare. In a perfect world we would give our skills and labor to benefit the whole at no monetary cost. I guess that would be Zion. Unfortunately for now, we live in a telestial world with bills to be paid and we have limited time.

I have to admit that not that long ago I may have written off energy work as a kooky or weird thing without ever looking into it. So, I get it if that’s where your thoughts are right now. Hopefully by the time you finish reading this, the term “energy work” will be slightly less weird to you than it was when you started reading. Hopefully you’ll have a better idea of what the heck it is. If not, at least I feel better knowing that I tried to explain my view. I just know that I can never deny what energy work has done for me and others. 

As a society we don’t seem to link the spiritual and physical surrounding us or within us. I believe that we can grow as we combine them! I believe energy work is opening doors of understanding in how various aspects and layers of ourselves are connected, how we are connected to deity, to each other, the earth, the universe, and beyond. I have come to better understand how God has made it possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ for each of His children to be fully healed, no matter what needs healing. No matter what method is used.

I have noticed a few groups of people that typically become involved in this work or decide to attend an energy class or session. 

1. Those who have come to earth with spiritual gifts or have developed spiritual gifts of seeing, hearing, feeling, and understanding beyond what most mortals typically see with physical senses. They see, hear, smell and/or feel what happens when people let go of negative energy at a level that most in a telestial world do not. They are typically drawn to alternative medicine of all kinds and love helping people. It all makes sense to them and they feel a great deal of accomplishment and satisfaction knowing that they are making a difference in this world.
2. Those who do not really know why they are signing up for that first energy class or session. They just know they have been led to it by the Spirit, perhaps prompted over and over again to sign up but for a reason they don’t understand. They follow this guidance and go for it! 
3. Those with health issues. Some have tried every option in western medicine and beyond and are just willing to take a chance on something new. Their physical bodies are in pain or they suffer with mental, emotional or spiritual illness. They notice energy work is a significantly less expensive alternative to western medicine and think they may as well try it. Many of these come back for more as they feel the benefits that energy work gives them.
4. Those who want to come and see what weird stuff their friend or family member is involved in. It’s Saturday and they’ve got nothing going on. If anything, it’s something to do! They figure they can at least go get some ice cream after class if it’s a flop. If you find yourself in this category someday, kudos to you for being open-minded enough to show up.

Thanks for reading to the end. Last but not least, a small note to all the husbands, wives, family members, and friends of those interested or involved in energy work:

Thanks for your support, whether you believe in, agree with, or understand energy work or not! So many people have benefited greatly from it but feel like they cannot discuss it or need to hide it, all due to fear of what a spouse, family member, or friend will think, say, or do. I’ve been there. So, if you don’t see eye to eye on this, just know that your loved one is simply trying to heal, become a better person and help others do the same.

-Erin