SWIHA Blog

“I’ve been interested and involved in holistic health since the 80s. I lived overseas for several decades, was a practicing Licensed Massage Therapist, and started my own holistic health clinic before returning to the US. I attended SWIHA so the AZ board would recognize my European qualifications and medical massage experience. I firmly believe in helping others as naturally as possible so they may live pain-free.”

We all feel the same way when we are told to eat better by our physicians. “It's too expensive” and “I don’t have time for that” are two of the most common responses when I have asked people about their barriers to eating better. These two answers are some of the most discouraging to our journey and our self-esteem because when we fail we tend to take it out on ourselves, the cost at the store, or even the people who are succeeding at what we are trying to do. So here I am as a mom of two, a wife, a caregiver who works out of the house, and family members in my home with specific dietary restrictions to tell you, it's OK. You can do it.  In the last 10 years of trying to meal prep (sometimes unsuccessfully) and in the 5 years of consistent meal prepping (minus a day or week where I’m just not feeling into it) I’ve learned these 6 tips.

“My life was very depressing, painful, and boring before SWIHA. After being discouraged by doctors and being told that there was nothing they could do for me outside of praying, I got fed up and felt I needed to take matters into my own hands. I scrolled on Facebook, saw the SWIHA ad, and did some research! Shortly after, I decided to switch schools and majors. I started going to school for business and management yet I wasn't happy - I just felt I needed it. So after signing up for SWIHA, I had in my mind that I would use what I was being taught to heal myself. However, as I progressed throughout my studies, I began to get all types of ideas on ways I could help others heal.”

“My life before SWIHA was…. A LOT of daily crippling anxiety and waves of depression. Not to sound dramatic, because that’s really how it was. During COVID salons shut down, so I couldn’t do hair which had been my main source of income for the 6 years prior. I started making soaps and learning about essential oils I could include for depression and anxiety. This led me to research what else plants could do for my mental health.”

Most of us who work in the healing arts have had an experience of spiritual insight or a spiritual crisis, and we are drawn to assist others in navigating the uncertain and whimsical mystery of the healing journey of awakening to the question, “Who am I really and why am I here?”. Some people have awakened to the healer within them when faced with a health challenge or in the adversity of loss and physical or mental trauma. The awakening of the healer within us all is non-linear in timing, and it is an unfolding that is explored and integrated over and over again, as a practice in life of mindfulness and being in the present moment. There are many pathways to strengthen the connection to the healer within, and comparing ourselves to another on their path, will only be a distraction and prevent progress or a deeper connection to self-awareness.

“Before SWIHA, I just worked all the time, and I was never sure what my actual purpose was. I did not have a lot of self-compassion, and I did not really love myself. Through my program, I have learned to grow and love myself and I want to help others around me. I’m very excited and compassionate to help others.”

The common phrase “you must help yourself before you help others” rang true for SWIHA Great Graduate Crystal Stemple. Life before SWIHA was confusing and robotic, which left Crystal feeling unsure about her future. Once Crystal learned to love herself more, people on the outside started to notice it too! Come along as we dive into Crystal’s journey of self-love, compassion, confidence, and passion for helping others!

What is mindfulness? Where can you apply mindfulness in your life?

Mindfulness is to be present with what you are focusing on, in that moment. There are many different ways you can apply it within aspects of your life. We can start by creating a mindful habit that will help with being more present at the moment. This helps with the ability to be able to have non-reactive moments when fear or anxiety takes hold.

“Before SWIHA, I had been studying psychology and sociology and had been looking at a career in clinical psychology. At the same time, I started going through a spiritual, awakening and Covid all at the same time and realized that I did not want to deliver traditional clinical psychology. I wanted to work more with people, mind, body, and spirit, and help them live fulfilling wonderful lives.”

“Before SWIHA, I knew that I wanted to change careers and use my gifts to help others--however, I wanted some formal education to help with my transition. I found my course of study while completing a research assignment given to me by my vocational rehabilitation counselor. I am passionate about health and wellness coaching because I see a need in my community, as a black woman, for an encouraging, educated intermediary between medical professionals and clients.”

There is a famous proverb that goes like this, “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” What does that mean? How do we help others to help themselves? Do we tell people how to do that? Do we teach them or show them? Maybe we just do it for them and save everyone the hassle of learning or can we just give them a Field & Stream subscription?