After 21 years of active duty in the United States Air Force, Gennie Ruffin retired in 2012 and began a new chapter of her life. “I was living the retired grandparent life,” she shares warmly. Yet even as she embraced the calm rhythm of retirement, a quiet calling stirred within her — one she had felt since childhood.
“I have always been attracted to the metaphysical, spiritual aspects of life,” Gennie reflects. “I’ve always wanted to help heal people without being a doctor.”
That lifelong curiosity about energy, spirit, and healing led her to Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), where she enrolled in the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner (IHAP) program. Through this journey, she found her true purpose — and a new way to serve others beyond the uniform.
A Path That Simply “Felt Right”
Before moving to Arizona, Gennie searched for schools in her hometown of Akron, Ohio, yet found limited options for metaphysical or Reiki training. Once she arrived in Arizona, however, the universe opened its doors. “When I searched for metaphysical schools and Reiki certifications here, there was so much information,” she recalls. “I just had to figure out who or where I wanted to go. I know I’m on the right path because it feels right.”
That intuitive knowing guided her toward SWIHA — a community where healing, spirituality, and education come together in a powerful way. Gennie soon earned her Reiki Level I and Level II certifications through Angel’s Touch Reiki and began blending energy work with the new modalities she discovered through her SWIHA studies.
A Life Transformed by Energy and Intention
As Gennie prepared to graduate, she reflected on just how much her life has changed — both personally and professionally. “Personally, I’ve learned different tools to help myself remain grounded and present,” she says. “My self-esteem has gotten better. Professionally, I love what I do. When you love what you do, it’s not work!”
Through SWIHA’s curriculum, Gennie discovered how deeply interconnected energy, thought, and intention truly are. “I learned that ‘energy follows thought,’” she explains. “Being positive and having an intention is how we keep balance. Be mindful of your thoughts because they can manifest into reality. Belly of the Whale is real!”
Creating a Space for Healing: Meadow Breeze Wellness, LLC
Inspired by her entrepreneurial classes at SWIHA, Gennie founded her own practice, Meadow Breeze Wellness, LLC. Her business is built on a simple yet profound mission: “We provide a nurturing environment that fosters healing, growth, and self-discovery through holistic practices and spiritual guidance.”
Through in-person and remote Reiki sessions, Gennie helps clients reconnect with their inner peace and balance. As an Ordained Minister with the Universal Life Church, she also officiates weddings — sacred ceremonies that celebrate love and spiritual connection.
Looking ahead, she plans to expand her offerings by adding End-of-Life Doula services, continuing her commitment to helping others find peace in every stage of life.
Lessons in Magic and Mindfulness
When asked about her favorite classes, Gennie lights up. “IAm Yoga Nidra, Foundations of Intuitive Coaching, Energetic Healing, End of Life Doula, and Healing Botanicals and Earth Ceremonies,” she lists. Each course deepened her understanding of energy, intuition, and sacred connection.
For future SWIHA students, Gennie offers wisdom from experience: “If you get frustrated, step back, check the SUDs scale, and breathe. Better to get your work done early in the week — then you’ll have time to post on Yellowdig. Most of all, enjoy learning about being magical.”
Continuing the Journey
From Air Force retiree to Reiki practitioner, Gennie’s journey is a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to follow your calling — especially one that comes from the heart. With courage, compassion, and a belief that healing begins with intention, she’s creating ripples of light in the world around her.
If Gennie’s story inspires you to explore a career in holistic healing, learn more about SWIHA’s Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner program.
