SWIHA Blog

My journey with Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) started as a licensed nurse who was on the verge of burnout. At the time in 2009, I was working full-time and did not have the ability to go part-time. I was looking for a more holistic way to assist people on their healing journey. To assist people in a deeper way towards real healing, to be a part of something I could feel good about within my heart and soul.

It’s a new year and a perfect time to reflect on our journeys, achievements, and the intentional paths we're on. I am thrilled to share a bit of my story with the SWIHA community, especially what led me to its Intuitive Guide/Intuitive Coach certificate.

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

My life before SWIHA, when it came to professional work, was working 12-hour shifts at a local Level 1 Trauma Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. All my life since I was young, I had this desire to help people so I decided to go into the medical field. I worked alongside great people and carers for 13 years. Working in the hospital, I had this innate feeling that I would one day be working on my own, I would say "One day, I'll have my own business, I'm going to be my 'own boss', just you watch". That was my favorite line to say to people when someone asked me how I wanted to "grow" in the company. I didn't envision myself retiring as a healthcare worker.

"I was seeking something that was the right fit for me, a school that had purpose, supportive staff and instructors, where I felt like I was a part of something great and SWIHA embodied all those things and more for me. I had a client that provided me great reviews about the school and from her testimony, I knew SWIHA was the place for me.”

“I grew up using herbs and had wanted to become an herbal pharmacist. The training I was looking into was in China, and then life happened, and going was discouraged. Then in my second half of revolving around the Sun, I walked by SWIHA and noticed the sign that I never paid attention to, it said ‘Herbalism and Reiki’. I had just started a new chapter in life and finally saw what I needed to do to get on the path to my original plan A.”

We believe that everyone has a calling, a purpose, and a path that their soul longs to take. Many people spend their entire life waiting for the "right time" to embark on the journey that they've been longing to take. Here's the secret: You can begin at any time! In the words of Eckhart Tolle, spiritual teacher and best-selling author: "Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life."

Dr. Bibih Ero is a University professor with a background in Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing and experience as a Health Coach/Naturopathic Nutritionist. “I have always been very passionate about the relationship between the subconscious-mind and human behavior,” she tells us.

"I am blessed that I have been able to successfully integrate so many aspects of my life’s personal journey and career into my business model," Brenda Bentley, Life Coach and SWIHA graduate.

As a former international banker, teacher, career consultant, hypnotherapist and facilitator, Brenda has, in her words, "wove various aspects into the tapestry of my coaching business."

"I believe that it's through our own life experiences and challenges that we are able to dig deeper, unearth those hidden treasures so we can step out, make a valuable contribution and be of service to the world during this precious time we have on earth," she affirms.

You are standing in line at the grocery store and look over to see a fitness magazine. The front cover dons a woman in the latest workout clothing, smiling, with dew kissed skin, shiny hair, toned muscles and exuding a strong sense of self. You look down to consider your basket of grocery items and realize your selections aren’t going to get you to that place of wellness you are reaching for and this woman smiling at you from the cover of the fitness magazine is not helping.That woman, however, is a model, touched up and made-up and dressed up to give a certain vibe. You are feeling that vibe as you gaze at the picture. It makes you want more for yourself, yet how do you get there and do the recommendations within the pages work? Will they work for you? Are you considering every aspect of health and wellness when you look at this magazine? What we can’t see is what’s on the inside of a person.

Maybe you dream of giving your own Ted Talk, motivating others to follow their dreams, or speaking at a professional convention about your area of expertise. There’s one inevitable piece of the puzzle for those with a message to share: public speaking.

The thought strikes fear in to many, and it’s understandable! However, once you become comfortable talking in front of larger groups, you will more easily connect to smaller groups and within your personal relationships. Public speaking will help uncover a deeper part of yourself, making you more authentic and interesting on and off stage.

If you make a point to center yourself before stepping on stage, you may just have the time of your life!