This time of year, it’s easy to begin to recite unconscious, redundant holiday greetings such as Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, or Happy New Year. While a sincere sentiment might be your intention, could we just stop a minute and acknowledge those who aren’t feeling so merry and bright this season?
Holidays can be an emotional time of year for some, especially those who mark the holidays with anniversaries such as “This is the first holiday without (insert loved one’s name)!” Or, “I cannot believe it’s been so many years that (loved one) hasn’t been here for the holidays.” Remembering and reminiscing are part of the grieving process.
Rather than skirt around the grief or try to act as if it’s not there, consider these thoughtful and compassionate HAPPY options:
Read More
Topics:
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts,
SWIHA,
Mindfulness,
Holistic Healing,
KC Miller,
Arizona,
Tempe,
integrative healing arts practitioner,
Holding Space,
Christmas,
Holidays,
IHAP,
winter solstice,
Connection,
Solstice,
Healing Procress,
Healing Process,
Space Holder,
Grief Stages,
Grief
Have you ever been told that you are too sensitive, too touchy, that you take things too personally, or even that you are too nice to people? I hear these things on a daily basis and if you have been told these things, chances are you could be a Highly Sensitive Person too. We are all sensitive to some degree; however, some of us are HSP (Highly Sensitive Persons). I am HSP. What is HSP and how do you get it? This is what I have learned about HSP. First, let me clarify that HSP is not a disorder, condition, or diagnosis, it’s a personality trait also known as sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) and approximately 15% to 20% of the population are HSP. Highly Sensitive People process all information more deeply including all types of stimuli such as emotions, what they see, hear, feel, and touch and are aware of subtleties that other people miss.
Read More
Topics:
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts,
holistic entrepreneur,
SWIHA,
eft,
Mindfulness,
journaling,
Self-care,
Spiritual Coaching,
Meditation,
Hypnotherapy,
aromatherapy,
Arizona,
Tempe,
Empath,
integrative healing arts practitioner,
highly sensitive person,
Online Education,
SWIHA Student Blog Series,
Introvert,
Breath Work
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 a Chef who worked long hours at a fine dining farm-to-table restaurant & was a hairstylist on the side. I love to cook and especially loved embracing the sustainability aspect of sourcing our ingredients and how everything connected full circle. Although I loved cooking, as many people know kitchens can be quite a challenging and sometimes toxic environment to be submerged in. At that point in my life, I was deeply depressed and longed to do something that felt more fulfilling to my soul. For me, this "cycle of depression" triggered an awakening of sorts. I began venturing my journey of "internal" personal development (outside my physical fitness) and sought out schools that spoke to my soul path. After studying myself and creating a boatload of interests, everything on my list pointed to holistic health and wellness. I discovered SWIHA at the beginning of my journey and finally answered the call to enroll 10 years later!
Read More
Topics:
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts,
Holistic Nutrition,
holistic entrepreneur,
SWIHA,
Mindfulness,
Intuition,
Spirit,
Holistic wellness,
Arizona,
Tempe,
community,
Holistic Education,
conscious community,
GRIT,
Divine Timing,
Holistic Health and Wellness Coaching,
Holistic Health and Wellness Coach,
Spiritual Wellbeing,
Microbiome
Have you ever wondered why things seem like they’re always stagnant? Like you can’t seem to get your life together, and you’re always thinking negatively about life? Could it be possible you’ve lost yourself, and don’t know where to begin? The importance of getting to know yourself is very important for the simple fact; you’ll become someone you don’t know as someone who was created by those around you. Once you’ve lost yourself you will go through trials and tribulations trying to figure out what’s going on with you. You’ll have experiences mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and sometimes physically. Even though a lot of people go through this, there are some who don’t make it through this.
Read More
Topics:
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts,
SWIHA,
Mindfulness,
Self-care,
Meditation,
Arizona,
Tempe,
integrative healing arts practitioner,
Comfort Zones,
Learning Zone,
Budget
“Holding Space for myself means permission to feel what I need to feel, space to just be here, exactly who and how I am, and to find my way forward - gently.” - Unknown
Before coming to SWIHA, Great Graduate of the 200 hour Yoga Teacher Training program, Mario Jiannino, was swept up in the whirlwind of life. Always go, go, going, and not really breathing through life. Mario explains, “I was really reactive to everything around me. I really thought that what I was reacting to before was so important. I realized that while taking Yoga, I have the ability to slow down and analyze things before I create my reaction.” Rather than experiencing and witnessing things, Mario found himself in a place of reaction. Having known and worked with KC Miller, Founder of Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, for several years, she finally approached Mario about the Yoga Program. Mario’s reflection was, “KC is insightful - she saw something in me that I didn't see in myself. Somebody out there believed that I was capable of doing something beyond myself, and she was right. I am passionate about this specific modality because Yoga taught me to breathe. I thought I knew so many things about life, until Yoga. Then, I woke up and witnessed so much beauty that was always with me.”
Read More
Topics:
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts,
transformational,
SWIHA,
Mindfulness,
200 Hour Yoga Training,
KC Miller,
Yoga Teacher Training,
yoga,
Arizona,
Breath,
YTT,
spirit of yoga,
Tempe,
Yoga studio,
yoga teacher,
Holding Space,
Holistic Modalities,
breathing,
Personal Development
Journaling is about creating clarity, prioritizing your energy, and provides an opportunity for positive self-talk. It is also an amazing way to see how much you’ve grown, changes in mindset, and your progress toward your goals.
Through documenting our thoughts and feelings, we advance our self-awareness and self-control. It gives us the ability to analyze how we are currently showing up in the world and provides us the opportunity to feel empowered in our decisions.
Consider these 10 ways below on how to utilize journaling as Svadhyaya, or self-reflection, either through life, or especially during your experience of going through Yoga Teacher Training. Ultimately, your journal is a place to practice vulnerability and honesty, and bring that in to the world to truly live yoga!
Read More
Topics:
Gratitude,
yoga,
Mindfulness,
journaling,
Yoga Teacher Training,
Yoga Sutras,
Arizona,
YTT,
Tempe,
Yogi,
yoga teacher,
Sacred Space,
Holistic Education,
Ahimsa,
Self-Awareness,
Gratitude Journal,
My Spirit of Yoga,
Svadhyaya,
Self-Control,
Principles of Yoga,
Alter,
Satya,
Self-Reflection
“The power of intention is the power to manifest, to create, to live a life of unlimited abundance, and to attract into your life the right people at the right moments.” - Wayne Dyer
Great Graduate Kami Pollvogt, of the Life Coaching Program here at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, worked in corporate America for over twenty years. When her company downsized and eliminated her department, she was left wondering what she wanted to do with her life. For the first time in a long time, the possibilities were endless. Kami knew she had a passion for human psychology. Kami states, “I found I loved it and realized that all my life I was curious about human behavior and really liked helping others with achieving greater awareness of who they are”. This life revelation in 2016 brought Kami life lessons of self-awareness, living life with intention, and her journey to SWIHA.
Read More
Topics:
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts,
Life Coaching,
SWIHA,
Mindfulness,
Holistic Healing,
life coach,
Holistic wellness,
Arizona,
coaching,
Tempe,
Holistic Education,
Group Coaching,
Intention,
Self-Awareness,
Art Therapy,
Holistic Coach
Anxiety is a primal human experience to anticipate and prepare for threats, which can serve as a good thing. However, too much anxiety can quickly turn into mental health issues and can disrupt your daily life, relationships, work, and more. Anxiety can feel different for everyone, luckily, there are some very effective and scientifically proven ways to help us become more grounded, balanced, and in tune with our bodies. Here are 5 Grounding Techniques you can utilize to self-regulate when life is feeling out of place:
Read More
Topics:
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts,
Massage Therapy,
SWIHA,
Mindfulness,
massage,
Holistic wellness,
exercise,
Holistic health,
Breathing Techniques,
Arizona,
LMT,
Mindfulness Exerise,
Grounding Techniques,
Earthing,
Stretching,
Massage Therapy Program,
Grounding
Many people think they can’t meditate. Maybe it’s not that they can’t meditate, rather the way they have been instructed to meditate doesn’t resonate with their Soul!
In the past, much of what was taught about meditation came from a restrictive mindset, often couched in needing to be more disciplined or committed to be a good yogi or person.
Restrictive meditation is a form of meditation where concentration is emphasized and epitomized. One is to focus on a singular object to the exclusion of all other thoughts. It can almost be described as the “sit down-shut up-suck up” approach to meditation. Clearing the mind of all thoughts is the guiding edict. And while the goal is to really experience whatever you are focusing on, whether it's your breath, a specific word, or a mantra in order to reach a higher state of being, the result is often a feeling of defeat because total concentration is almost impossible for most of us.
Read More
Topics:
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts,
SWIHA,
Mindfulness,
Self-care,
Guided meditation,
Holistic Healing,
Meditation,
Yoga Teacher Training,
yoga,
Arizona,
YTT,
Yogi,
Holistic Education,
Mindset,
Soul-care,
Invitational Meditation,
Soul
“To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness, and maintain an interest in life.” – William Londen
The Holiday season is all about recharging our batteries for the New Year, spending time with friends and family, and eating good food! Making food can be such a great pass time to bond with friends and family. You can work together in the kitchen, make some yummy foods and create lifelong memories while you’re at it too! Chef and SWIHA Online Advisor, Janet Lee, proclaims, “Life is balancing the sweet with the savory. A great recipe for the holiday season is a pinch of patience, a teaspoon of creativity, a tablespoon of joy, a handful of fresh herbs, cups of vegetables, and a pitcher of laughter. Blend them all well and serve with a sense of humor, remembering the reason for the season and sharing it all with those around you. Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy holiday season!”
Read More
Topics:
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts,
Holistic Nutrition,
SWIHA,
Whole Foods,
Mindfulness,
Arizona,
Healthy Eating,
health coach,
Nutrition Coach,
Facebook Live,
Wellness Coach,
Holistic Education,
Holiday Season,
Webinars,
Holistic Healh and Wellness Coach,
Health and Wellness Coach,
NBHWC,
ZOOM,
Dessert Recipes,
Mindful Meditation Facilitator,
Whole Foods Culinary Specialist,
Culinary,
Culinary Specialist,
Holiday Recipes
