Life has a way of leading us toward healing when we need it most. For Maria Appelbe, the path to self-discovery, resilience, and purpose unfolded through the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA). Now a graduate, Maria is dedicated to using yoga and mindfulness to support others in their journeys, just as it transformed hers.
The Road to SWIHA: A Journey of Healing
Before SWIHA, Maria was facing an unimaginable challenge—her daughter developed sudden, severe symptoms that left her unable to walk or read for over a year. Witnessing her child's struggle was overwhelming, yet amidst the uncertainty, yoga became a guiding light. As her daughter found balance through movement, Maria found inner strength, grounding, and spirituality. Today, her daughter is a State and World Karate Champion with a 4.7 GPA, and Maria continues to return to yoga and meditation as a source of stability and empowerment.
A Defining Moment: A Community Like No Other
Maria knew she was on the right path the moment she stepped into her first Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) class at SWIHA/Spirit of Yoga. Surrounded by classmates with unique backgrounds and stories, they quickly became a family. Over four months, she discovered the mechanics of yoga and the power of shared transformation.
Transformation Beyond the Mat
Maria’s journey through SWIHA was nothing short of life-changing. Her personal growth radiated outward—her husband noticed her newfound vitality, her daughter saw her mother’s spirit reignited, and her friends witnessed her joy return. Yoga was not just an exercise; it was a rebirth, a reconnection to her spiritual journey.
Empowering Others Through Yoga and Writing
Professionally, Maria has worked as an academic advisor at Arizona State University and Maricopa Community Colleges. However, she recently made a bold decision to step away and focus on making a difference through yoga, writing, and her entrepreneurial venture, Keys to Success.
Currently, she is developing a platform to assist insomniacs through guided Shavasana meditations and is in the process of building her website. She dreams of working with private clients, hosting corporate chair yoga sessions, introducing mindfulness tools to children in schools, collaborating with treatment facilities, and even incorporating Tarot and Astrology into her practice. She is also considering enrolling in SWIHA’s Hypnotherapy program to deepen her offerings.
Lessons from SWIHA: More Than Just Yoga
Maria describes her time at SWIHA as invaluable. From understanding chakras to mastering the Tree Pose, from learning the therapeutic benefits of sequencing to guiding others through Yoga Nidra, every lesson was a stepping stone to deeper wisdom. Through the meaning behind “OM” and the transformative power of breath, she learned that everything is truly okay.
A Mission to Heal and Connect
Maria’s purpose is clear—she wants to support individuals struggling with anxiety and PTSD, offering them the same connection and healing she found on the mat. Whether through private sessions, corporate wellness programs, or retreats, she believes in the magic of yoga, the power of the teacher-student bond, and the deep connection to one’s Higher Power.
Her journey is a testament to the life-changing impact of SWIHA’s programs and the boundless possibilities that unfold when one follows their passion for healing and transformation.
Are you ready to embark on your own journey of growth and discovery?