SWIHA Blog

In the depths of our minds, there are beliefs that shape the way we see ourselves and the world around us. These limiting beliefs can hold us back from reaching the life of our dreams because we can’t seem to let go and break free. Hypnotherapy is a way to unlock these chains, allowing us to rewrite our stories in a way that provides empowerment and positive transformation. Through this amazing healing modality, I was able to discover the strength inside of me and could finally move forward.

Before enrolling at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Laura Blazak spent over a decade working as a nurse in western medicine, starting her career in 2009. Over the years, she witnessed countless people struggling with chronic illness, often resigned to the belief that “this is just the way it is for me.” She also listened to many friends and acquaintances, particularly women, sharing their struggles with hormonal imbalances and difficulty maintaining healthy eating habits.

I've learned as an entrepreneur that battling the inner critic is a tough challenge that many of us face every day. The voice in our heads that questions our abilities, compares us to others, and fills us with fear of failure can be paralyzing and hold us back from reaching our goals. Conquering this inner critic requires resilience, determination, and a strong mindset.

For years, she had been both a practitioner and a teacher of yoga, experiencing firsthand the profound benefits that yoga brought to her body and life. She had seen how this ancient practice transformed her own well-being, as well as, the lives of her students. Yoga, for her, was more than a series of postures—it was a tool for healing and self-discovery. This deep appreciation for yoga’s ability to foster transformation led her to pursue the next step in her journey: enrolling in the Yoga Therapy Program at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA).

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 SWIHA I was working in Western Medicine and always felt something was missing. Something deeper than just "the illness". It was stressful, and in my last five years, my calling to find the answers grew stronger. I was always drawn to Holistic Medicine and was gifted, however, I had a fear of acceptance in the community due to childhood trauma.

Before attending Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), Annalissa found herself feeling lost and unsure about her future. She describes a time when she was simply living day by day, without a clear plan or vision for what was ahead. Life lacked direction, however, everything changed when she discovered the chance to help others through nutrition and holistic wellness with SWIHA’s Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching program.

Charles LaPac’s life underwent a remarkable transformation after enrolling in SWIHA’s Integrative Yoga Therapy program. His path began with an interest in Reiki, a spiritual healing technique that opened his eyes to the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit. This initial curiosity eventually guided him to pursue Yoga Teacher Training, where he discovered the powerful practices and philosophies that define yoga. Now, he is on an inspiring journey to becoming a Certified Yoga Therapist, dedicating his time and energy to mastering the art of yoga and teaching others how to harness its benefits for their own healing journeys.

"Meditation is not reserved for saints and sages; it is a practice for everyday people seeking peace and clarity in their lives." - Ram Dass

Have you ever felt like meditation is this elusive secret club reserved for the Zen masters of the world? You're not alone. The idea of sitting in silence, attempting to silence the endless chatter of the mind, can feel daunting, if not downright impossible. What if I told you that meditation isn't about achieving perfection or silencing your thoughts completely? What if I told you that you, yes you, can meditate too? Let's dive into this transformative practice together and discover its myriad benefits, debunking myths along the way.

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?

In 2021, I reached my eleven year anniversary at an insurance company I had been working at since I was 20 years old. I grew up with a passion for art, always painting and drawing, however, like most young adults, I was encouraged to take a job that paid well and had “great benefits”. I always knew that I loved to help others, and I tried to incorporate that in the corporate world by training and assisting coworkers who needed additional help. Yet eventually I began to burn out, and my soul just knew this wasn’t what I was meant to be doing.

“This Joy that I have, the world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away.” - Shirley Caesar

Wellness doesn’t mean we’re happy and joyous every day.  What it means is when the hard days come, when your emotions are all over the place, when your anger gets the best of you, you have the tools to get through it a little easier. Many of us struggle with mental well-being issues at one point or another. When you are diagnosed with mental illness, it’s imperative that you receive help from an expert in the field. There are things we can do daily to work on our mental well-being.