Reiki, Philly Style: 21 Years of Reflection with Stephanie Palmer

In 2020, The Reiki School is celebrating 21 years with a new sweet spot, and a new website, with the same Philly flavor. As part of this celebration, we are kicking off a blog series called “Reiki, Philly Style: 21 Years of Reflection.” We invite any member of our vibrant community to submit their stories, transformations, memories, and pictures to be featured.

This installment features Stephanie Palmer, Reiki teacher and practitioner, shiatsu practitioner and Licensed massage therapist, podcaster and musician.

My introduction to Reiki was in 1999. A friend had taken a class and learned a modality that allowed her to put her hands on attractive men at the bar as a flirty ice breaker. At least that’s what I thought of it because that is all I’d seen her do with it. I was in a band and spent lots of time in and around the local music scene. One night I was sick and had to perform. This friend offered to give me a Reiki session and I agreed. I would have done anything to feel better and get through the show. She did the session and I felt well enough to get through it. Not long after my band left the stage, I kind of fell apart again but that Reiki session did the trick and it was enough to spark some intrigue. For the next 10 or 11 years, I looked into classes sporadically and just never found the time.   Eventually, the band split up and I got a grown up job.  I felt completely lost and spiraled into a dark depression. I googled Reiki like I had a million times and came across The Reiki School and Clinic.  I was finally able to find the time to take a class. From the first day I set foot in the Reiki School, I felt this familiar feeling like I was home. I remember getting my manual and thinking “is this really it?”  It seemed so simple.  As I continued with my self practice, all of the expectations of put on myself fell away like shackles. I began to experience joy and find myself. I know this is common with most mindfulness practices but yoga and meditation never brought me to the space that Reiki did. I Continued through teacher training and began teaching at The Reiki School in 2014.  This was the same year that the School director and founder decided she was moving out west and wanted to sell the school. All I knew is that this place couldn’t close down. Whatever it took, that’s what I would do to keep it open. I quit my job and bought the school with 2 of my Reiki cohorts. What I’ve learned over the past 9 years is that community is everything. So many people have melted into the school and left their essence and took with them a part of the school. We are a large thriving community of teachers, practitioners, artists, musicians, doctors, nurses, professors, construction workers, entrepreneurs etc... What I love the most about the Reiki school is our diverse community. I love watching people who might never cross paths in “real life” come together like a family and keep in touch for years after class ends. This place is truly magical. I think in the end, our humanity and supporting our community with one another is what will save us from ourselves and I have so much hope, because I’ve seen it over and over at The Reiki School.