SWIHA Blog

Before discovering SWIHA, Tanya had already achieved an impressive academic milestone—a Master’s Degree in Health and Human Performance. However, something vital was missing. Despite her knowledge of research methods, metabolic pathways, and academic writing, she longed for practical tools to genuinely help people transform their lives. “SWIHA provides this,” Tanya explains, emphasizing SWIHA’s unique, hands-on approach to holistic health education. Tanya’s journey is a shining example of how passion, education, and a deep commitment to helping others can converge into a meaningful career.

Natalie DeVaney, a graduate of the Health and Wellness Coaching program at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), has dedicated her career to empowering individuals on their journey toward health and personal transformation. Her story is one of passion, compassion, and a deep desire to help others reconnect with their paths after life’s challenges.

In the world of holistic health and wellness, few stories resonate as deeply as that of Keisha Peele, the inspiring founder of Healing InnerG - Holistic Health and Wellness Center. With a background that weaves together years of experience and a passion for helping others, Keisha has crafted a unique coaching style that empowers individuals to achieve holistic balance in their lives.

Hey there, beautiful souls! Today, let's explore a topic that resonates deeply with me – the postpartum journey. After the whirlwind of emotions that comes with welcoming your little one into the world, the postpartum period can feel like a rollercoaster ride. Fear not, with some thoughtful planning and self-care, it can also be a time of incredible growth and connection with your new mini-me.

In the deepening quest for a whole, more active lifestyle; the dichotomy between movement and exercise often takes center stage. While both terms are frequently used interchangeably, they embody distinct approaches to physical activity, each offering unique benefits. In the pursuit of well-being, understanding the nuanced relationship between movement and exercise becomes a key guide to creating a balance in lifestyle. From your everyday motor skills to deep HIIT workouts, there’s a lot to unpack.

In our daily lives, there are often demands from work, home, relationships, and other requirements that may take priority. We oftentimes place our well-being on the back burner and are made to feel that any time we set aside for ourselves is selfish. Society will have you believe that you are to give all you have and are to others, even if that means you are left completely depleted. I urge you to change your view and prioritize yourself today! Just think about it…without proper self-care, how will you be of use to anything or anyone else? If your cup is empty how and what do you continue to pour into others?

All people, regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexuality, or whatever of the innumerable differences that exist, need to have a space, an environment where they feel comfortable and can truly be their authentic selves. If people who make poor, destructive choices in their lives had a space where they could talk or get help, then maybe their path would have been able to diverge in a positive way.

“Before I decided to become a practitioner, I had suffered from severe health issues for most of my life. The doctors told me I had lupus and that it was very severe, so I probably wouldn't live to see my 40th birthday. That took me down a road of exploration, where I used myself as a guinea pig, trying out different holistic practices. My goal was to heal my body naturally and I did succeed! Once I got to a place of feeling like a new person, healthwise, I wanted to expand my knowledge, so I could help others. That is when I enrolled in SWIHA. My greatest passion is to educate others on the root causes of sickness and disease, so they can heal themselves!”

“Life should not be a journey to the grave to arrive safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, rather, to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!” ~ Hunter S. Thompson

The above is one of my favorite quotes of all time.  If you know me, I mean really know me, you know that I am all about making memories and enjoying experiences. I do plan to slide in yelling “What a helluva ride!”  However, if you know me, you also know that I am all about taking care of this temple of a body that God gracefully blessed me with.  So, for me, it is all about balance, and that means staying healthy and creating joy all at the same time. It can happen, I promise.

“My life before SWIHA included working at a hospital in downtown Seattle as a Medical Assistant, 4 years of service in the military, volunteering, and hiking my way around the mountains of Washington. The Holistic Nutrition course specifically caught my eye because of the passion I have for nutrition and how it impacts deep within our cellular health. SWIHA offered the 755-hour Health & Wellness Coaching path with the added concentration in Holistic Nutrition and since finishing all of the courses, I can firmly say the instructors and material you dive into are well worth it! It has been one of the biggest highlights of my time here so far.”