A US healer believes you can live a better life by altering your energy flow, writes Sylvia Thompson
Walter Makichen says he became aware of his clairvoyant powers when, as a creative-writing teacher, he found himself counselling a student who had been raped. "I talked to her about the damage which was done to her and the things she could do to repair her energy and become more whole again," he says. "Then she asked me to help her find the rapist. I could see this man in a particular bar in San Francisco. She recognised him from my description and called the police, who went to the bar and picked him up."
The story is one of many Makichen could tell. Instead, he talks a lot about how he teaches people to understand their energy systems, using the chakras as his guide. Chakras are the seven energy centres along the midline of the body. According to Ayurveda, the traditional Hindu system of medicine, each chakra is associated with a physical or emotional function, such as mental stamina, sexuality, wisdom or love. "Each of us carry energy in our auras and our chakras. What I do is help people identify their energy flow and patterns and how it affects them in their personal lives, so that they can see they have a choice about who they are," says Makichen.
However esoteric all this may sound, Makichen believes we are particularly responsive. "Irish people are open to energy work and are willing to explore something," he says. "For instance, Irish people will say, 'Let's see where this will go,' whereas, in America, often the reaction is: 'Why would I want to do that?' "
Makichen started to lead workshops here after meeting Áine Tubridy, a psychotherapist, and Michael Corry, a psychiatrist. He has contributed to Going Mad? Understanding Mental Illness, their book, which provides advice on mental health problems from Tubridy, Corry, a homeopath, a spiritual healer and an energy therapist.
"I have never come across anyone with as large a vision," says Tubridy. "I've spoken to a great many psychics in my work as a psychotherapist . . . Many who work with energy are woolly, but Walter's gift is that he is articulate and a good speaker."
A Journey Into The Chakra System: The Hidden Dimensions Of Healing, a workshop led by Walter Makichen, is at the Gresham Royal Marine Hotel in Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin, this weekend. Tickets (€200) from 086-8182825
