Aussie expats seem to move in small circles. I feel like wherever I’ve lived (I mean outside of Australia of course), I seem to gravitate towards fellow Australians, and then through them, I meet more crazy Aussies! This is a good thing, oh, except then we all reminisce and make each other feel homesick about how vegemite doesn’t taste quite the same from Waitrose and English biscuits just don’t cut it compared to Arnotts. Also, people you meet just get up and leave you all alone in a strange country (ok, so I still haven’t got over people leaving me – yes, you know who you are)! But, this is how I met Steph Edwards. Through a fellow Aussie who’s also lived in Singapore before relocating to the UK. Steph likes coffee, I like coffee, we’re totally going to be besties.
Then I discovered, during one of our many coffee sessions, that Steph is a Reiki Master. Huh? That was so far off my little black, white and a bit of grey world (incidentally, that’s the colours in my wardrobe also) that I had to ask about Reiki! So this is how I came to attend a Steph Edwards Reiki Session, and write about it! I truly felt relaxed and energised for the day after the hour and a bit session – until I went to my netball training session and ran around with 20-year-olds …but really, I just need to remember that I am not 25 anymore, despite an energising Reiki session. I know there are others that are curious, like me and truthfully, I may not be a true convert just yet… however, this has brought me to my first interview. So here goes!
Thank you, Steph for taking the time to answer questions from a newbie like me.
Can you explain to us – actually me, in particular (as alternative therapy is a very strange concept to me) – what is Reiki in layman terms?
Reiki is an alternative therapy that complements other therapies, treatments and modern medicine. It is a beautiful, natural and gentle energy that helps your body self-heal, be it emotional, physical or spiritual. A few of the many benefits include a positive boost, reduced stress and pain, and helps your life to be more productive, creative and helps you connect better to those around you.
How does Reiki work?
Reiki works by helping the body release stress and tension by creating deep relaxation. This deeply relaxed state promotes healing in the body, mind and soul.
I have to ask, how did you become interested in Reiki, it is something that would never have crossed my mind!
Well, it may sound bizarre to you, but I have always been interested in the “alternative” – like horoscopes, clairvoyants and the supernatural. My mum has always said to me, “we all have a guardian angel that helps and guides us”. I love that thought.
I can’t really recall the exact moment Reiki came into my life; I believe it was a gradual awakening. When I first moved to London from Australia in my early twenties, I discovered these small holistic festivals in tiny rooms and halls that really attracted me. I believe that piqued my curiosity and woke the inner spiritual side of me. Perhaps, it was my time as an expat in Singapore when I rediscovered Reiki. I’d woken up one day and realised that I was not in a happy place. Somehow I knew Reiki was the key to helping me. I sought out a talented Reiki Master to have a treatment and never looked back since. I saw him only a few times and it was he who planted the seed in me, saying that I could become a Reiki Master also.
I believe in Reiki. I can feel the energy and see how it has transformed my own life and my clients’ lives for the better.
What led to forming Steph Edwards Reiki.
I wanted to do something with my life but use my passion at the same time. I also didn’t want to go back to working in the city or in an office environment. I had always wanted to do something holistic and after becoming a Reiki Master, I thought to myself, why not give this a go and see where it leads! I feel it’s already the beginning of something, I can learn new modalities that compliment Reiki and incorporate this into my growing business and my passion.
I currently practice in 3 locations – Kingston Upon Thames, Surbiton and in London, where I can offer the following treatments: Chakra balancing, Teen, Children, Mum and Bub sessions, Animal Reiki, Stress Release, Energy Renewal and Distant Reiki sessions. I also hold Reiki Teaching classes (Levels 1, 2 and Master) and have just completed a Meditation teacher course and will be introducing meditation courses as well early next year.
So, I’ve had a session with you. What would you say to expect from a Reiki session?
At my practice, an initial consultation will usually last about 90 mins and follow up sessions are 60 mins. We chat about your needs, why you have come, the best approach to suit you and a brief explanation of what Reiki is and what to expect during and after the session.
During the session, my client will lie on a massage bed fully clothed. I start my session with a 5 min relaxation meditation before starting with the Reiki healing. Depending on the client’s preferences, I either lay my hands very gently on them or have my hands hovering above. During a session, I’ll move their hands to different areas of the body in order to promote healing.
If we can’t readily book ourselves into a session, how could we Incorporate Reiki into our lives>
If you are attuned to Reiki energy, then it is very easy.
- Self-practice for 10 minutes a day
- Meditate
- Reiki your food and beverages (oh here’s a freebie if you want to try a reiki complementary diet – Steph Edwards Reiki Cookbook) )
- Follow the 5 Reiki principles which are:
Just for today:
Let go of anger.
Let go of worry.
Accept my blessings.
I will live my life honestly.
I love and respect all forms of life.
If you’re not attuned to Reiki it is still very easy to adopt the 5 Reiki principles into your life. You could learn to meditate, be kinder to all people and forms of life every day and be kinder to yourself.
Thank you, Steph for the interview. I find myself falling into the category of not being attuned to Reiki. However, the 5 Reiki Principles really sits well with me. Let’s face it, it is a great way to approach life every day, regardless. I could definitely learn to meditate and let go of my worries and everyone use a little bit of kindness. There is everything so right about this.
Where can we find Steph
- Reiki Teaching classes (Levels 1, 2 and Master)in South West London – do check out https://steph-edwards.com
- Steph is also holding talks about Reiki at Yogarise, London. http://www.yogarise.london
