How Ashlynn Finley Follows Her Heart’s Calling to Hold Space for Others on Their Healing Journey

Ashlynn-Finley-SWIHA-blog

“Your brain understands facts. Your heart understands emotions. Your intuition understands truth. Above all, follow your intuition. It will never fail you.” - RKL

Living up to other people’s expectations is always difficult. It is hard enough to even live up to your own expectations. When we change how we seek validation and choose to pursue it within ourselves compared to outwardly things or beings, we start to live our life for ourselves and nobody else. Once we can grasp this concept of trusting our own intuition, and letting go of outside influences, we truly start to live our life’s true purpose. Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, Great Graduate Ashlynn Finley, went through just that. She was living a life based on what her family wanted for her, until she made the decision to completely change her life, and chose to follow her passions and live the life she always dreamed of.

Ashlynn Finley graduated from the 100-hour Intuitive Guidance program in 2020 and the 100-hour Traditional Reiki program in 2021. Ashlynn is still growing her portfolio of modalities, as she is currently enrolled in the 120-hour Reflexology program here at SWIHA.

“Before SWIHA, I was studying at NAU in Flagstaff and after only a semester of traditional schooling, I knew my soul had a higher calling and vision for my life. Every day for months, I worked on finding a job and a place to live in Phoenix, so I could attend school at SWIHA instead of a traditional university.” She continues, “The majority of my family did not agree with my decision to completely change my life to follow my passions, yet I am forever grateful I took the chance on myself.”

Ashlynn explains that the reason why she was so drawn to intuitive guidance was because of the power it holds to reconnect people to their heart and spirit, “allowing for divinely guided messages to channel through them.” As for her journey with Reiki, Ashlynn was drawn to Reiki because it is the most gentle form of energy healing she has ever experienced. Ashlynn asserts, “People deserve to feel the love it (reiki) brings.” Ashlynn decided to further her education even more and dove into the study of Reflexology here at SWIHA. Ashlynn expounds on her desire for Reflexology, stating, “I am passionate about Reflexology because it allows for the body to speak and shows people the wellspring of wisdom within their physical vessel.”

“My defining moment was sitting in a Reiki class crying after an attunement with all of my classmates holding me as I processed my experience. I have never felt so much love, care, and support from like-minded individuals in my life. I have been blessed with the opportunity to hold space for my peers during their triggers as well. Such a beautiful feeling to give and receive genuine support. SWIHA has an amazing way of bringing you in contact with your soul tribe.”

While reflecting back on her time at SWIHA so far, Ashlynn explains how she is now a completely different person than she was when she first joined the SWIHA CommUNITY. “My spirit has grown and evolved so much more than I ever imagined possible. I have healed major wounds and traumas with the love and support of my teachers and classmates. I am living the life I have always dreamed of. I wake up and do what I love each and every day simply because I believed in myself and allowed my heart's desires to be heard.”

Taking that leap and following your dreams is not always easy. It is a very brave thing to do, especially if you are going against what is expected of you. Ashlynn elaborates, “It has not always been easy and there have been plenty of painful moments along my journey, however, I am so thankful I never gave up on myself because the life I live now is truly incredible. I hope my story inspires those who have a higher calling, to take aligned action towards their dreams. It is possible to live a life full of love, joy, and abundance.” It IS possible! And everyone deserves to live the life they want.

While studying Reflexology at SWIHA, Ashlynn is working as a therapist for children with disabilities. In her downtime, she enjoys creating vision boards and making more space for connections with friends, family, and clients!

Ashlynn owns her own business, as an Intuitive Guide, Reiki Master, and Reflexologist serving the Phoenix area. She offers in-person and virtual zoom sessions for all her modalities, as well as a Reiki Certification course. “I powerfully impact clients by holding space for the individual to reconnect to their own inner guidance system and innate ability to heal themselves. I act as a guiding light throughout their healing journey and process.” She continues, “SWIHA has taught me to be a successful and powerful businesswoman, as well as remain in my integrity as I serve my community.”

The greatest lesson Ashlynn learned during her time at SWIHA was that she is capable of so much more than she ever thought possible. Ashlynn elucidates, “I have grown to love the woman I am today because of my growth over the last few years, and SWIHA has absolutely been a part of that journey.”

Throughout her time at SWIHA, many instructors have impacted her experience. Ashlynn would like to highlight the contribution of Scott Taylor, Joel Hamilton, Mary Ritter, Belle Hernandez, and Cheryl Speen for making such a positive impact on her learning experience. “My absolute favorite classes I have taken include Auriculotherapy, Reiki Master Teacher Training, Reiki for Prosperity, Intuitive Guidance practice readings, Reiki 1-2-3 attunements, Reiki sound and vibration, and Reflexology emotional balancing.”

Ashlynn’s advice for any future and/or potential SWIHA students is, “Sit in the front of the class and allow yourself to be seen. Be as authentic as possible and know SWIHA is a safe space to fully be yourself. Cry when you need to and don't hold back on any releases. Get uncomfortable! Practice a session with a partner you've never worked with before. Practice your modalities on the teachers. Be kind to new students and make the space as inclusive as possible.”