SWIHA Blog

“I had it in my head that spirituality was against science,” admits Mitra Malaekeh, who has 19 years of experience as a Microbiologist, “I came to understand that they are hand-in-hand for personal development and growth.”

Mitra felt called to expand her understanding of the human experience beyond the physical and biological, and let her curiosity lead her to enroll in both the Life Coaching program and Yoga Teacher Training program at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts.

"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.

“I have grown in more ways than one, I have a new appreciation for my life and my experiences. I am forever grateful for the SWIHA community,” Rocio Castellanos, a graduate of the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner diploma, program tells us, “Even though I was an online student I felt I was always ‘there’.”

Prior to her journey at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, Rocio had worked in the healthcare field for twelve years as a Respiratory Therapist. “I have to say that I wish I had had this training when I was working in the medical field because it would have helped me be of better service to my patients,” she discloses, “Not that I wasn't, however, I know the skills I now have would have benefitted my patients even more.”

At SWIHA, SWINA & SOY, we know that entrepreneurship is about the journey. It's often visualized as a path, though it often ends up being more like a roller coaster! Kiamesha Guy, a Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics graduate, has had her fair share of ups, downs and curves.

After tours in Iraq and the Persian Gulf where she served in the United States Navy, raising her four children, earning degrees in Psychology and Behavioral Science and becoming licensed in both Massage and Aesthetics, she has re-opened the doors to Quiet Waters Maternity and Wellness Center in Chandler, Arizona!

The dominant culture would not just separate us from ourselves, it also separates us from each other. This is a way to keep us from being able to realize our collective power. But how do we balance acknowledging our individual lived experiences, with the need to come together to create the necessary shift? We must eventually move beyond our identities to see our cosmic connection to each other, and the Divine Source, and work together to create a world that reflects this cosmic union.

Do you dream of pursuing your passion for mind-body-spirit wellness and turning it into a profitable opportunity? At Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, we not only teach holistic modalities such as yoga, life coaching, herbalism and hypnotherapy -- we graduate entrepreneurs! We are ready to help you define what your success looks like, and provide you with the building blocks to reach it.

I started my yoga practice at home, when my grandmother gave me Richard Hittleman’s 28-day Exercise Plan. The cover depicted a thin, blonde woman in what looked to me like a contorted shape; an image that has many variations and has become the dominant depiction of what a yogi looks like. I’ve also spent most of my professional, academic and athletic life as one of few (or the only) BIPOC people in the room. So it wasn’t all that surprising that I found myself surrounded by bendy white women in my first studio yoga class. Since this was a normal experience for me — being or perceiving myself as the only BIPOC person surrounded by white people — I didn’t think twice about showing up again.

A mudra (Sanskrit for “mark”, “seal” or “gesture”) is a sacred and symbolic gesture found in yogic, Jainist and Buddhist traditions. Hasta mudras, meaning hand gestures, are performed with varying intentions and believed to impact and direct the flow of prana (vital energy) throughout the body.

JoAnn Sanchez is trained in social work, forestry, natural resource development, botany and describes herself as a “primarily self-taught Herbalist” with experience spanning four decades.

“A natural attraction and affinity to plants began in childhood,” says JoAnn, program director of the Western Herbalism program at Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, “as it is with many Herbalists.”

“I loved her energy.” or “The vibes were just off.” are now a part of common vernacular – however, is there more to it than simply ‘feeling’ that way? Modern science has begun to confirm what ancient wisdom already knew: We are more connected and can communicate more than we think on both a subconscious and intentional level! Today we have some fascinating facts about the flow of energy within us and our surrounding environments, as well as the application for healing mind, body and spirit.