SWIHA Blog

The Definition of Emotional Intelligence
Everyone seems to agree that your intelligence quotient, your IQ, is an important measure of cognitive ability. It is often used as a way to measure your potential for success on job applications, college applications, and in social settings. This leaves me wondering what emotional intelligence is and why it isn’t held in our society with the same level of relevance and validity as IQ. According to a survey done by the World Economic Forum, called The Future of Jobs Report, only 35% of respondents reported that they knew about emotional intelligence (referred to as EQ).

Have you ever thought about where traditions come from, and what makes an event a tradition? Have you thought about changes you have experienced, and how those changes transform from tradition into ritual? These are important markers on the road called life. We all have traditions, whether they are carried from generation to generation or are self-created, and we have all experienced life-transforming changes that we choose to highlight with tradition and ritual.

Many of us will reach certain points in our lives where we feel “stuck.” Whether it's uncertainty about the future, difficulty overcoming obstacles, or a longing for deeper fulfillment, navigating life’s challenges alone can feel overwhelming. That’s where Life Coaches come in.

At the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we offer a comprehensive 100-hour Certificate of Excellence in Life Coaching, designed to equip you with the skills, tools, and knowledge to guide others through transformation. Rooted in the 12 Guiding Principles of Transformation, our program empowers aspiring coaches to support clients in clarifying their goals, overcoming barriers, and taking meaningful steps toward the life they desire. This certificate is offered both in person and online, providing flexibility for students.

The Role of an End-of-Life Doula

The role of an end-of-life doula or death doula is one that many people might not fully understand. It’s a relatively new modern profession yet one that is deeply rooted in ancient practices of caring for the dying. A death doula provides nonmedical support and comfort to individuals who are nearing the end of their lives. This support can be emotional, spiritual, and practical, helping both the dying person and their loved ones navigate the complex and often overwhelming process of dying.

Understanding Women’s Experience of Trauma

Many women face trauma in their lives. Whether it’s from past experiences, relationships, or difficult situations, trauma can leave deep emotional scars. However, it’s important to know that healing is possible. By transforming pain into power, women can reclaim their lives and find joy again.

Massage therapy is a rewarding career that allows you to help others while also cultivating a meaningful and fulfilling profession. Whether you are drawn to the healing arts as a new career path or are seeking to deepen your expertise, the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) provides a comprehensive and flexible approach to massage therapy education.

How do you define abundance? Most people define abundance along the lines of “a whole lot of money.” What if I were to tell you that abundance is more than the balance in your checking account? To me, abundance is anything that causes your heart to swell with happiness. Sometimes, that is having a solid amount in your bank account; sometimes, it is the laugh of your children running through the house, and sometimes, abundance shows up in the form of feeling the sunshine on your face after sitting in a cold office all day.

What was your life like before SWIHA? What led you to SWIHA and to your particular program of study? Why are you passionate about this modality?

Before attending SWIHA, I felt like I was living in survival mode 24/7, just trying to get through each day. The difficult experiences I faced in childhood, coupled with the lingering effects they left behind, made navigating adulthood feel overwhelming and impossible. From a tough and often abusive childhood to the lifelong impact of trauma, I was constantly juggling my roles as a human being, friend, daughter, sister, mother, and community member. At the same time, I was trying to manage the internal chaos that trauma left in its wake. Most importantly, I was learning how to genuinely care for myself and how to love myself. SWIHA was one of many baby steps I started implementing into my life.

In a world that increasingly values whole-person healing, holistic wellness education is more than just a path to personal transformation—it’s an opportunity to build a fulfilling and profitable career. At the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we believe that everyone has unique gifts and graces to share with the world, and our mission is to support individuals in turning their passion for healing into a meaningful profession. Whether you’re seeking a new career, expanding your current wellness practice, or beginning your journey of personal growth, holistic wellness education opens doors you may never have imagined.

At the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we celebrate the journeys of our students and graduates—each unique, powerful, and transformative. Annmarie Lieto, a recent graduate of the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner (IHAP) program, shares her inspiring story of self-discovery, passion, and purpose.