For Alejandra Hernandez, life before Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) was a search for deeper meaning. She had already begun a personal healing journey, longing for something that honored presence, spirituality, and connection to the earth. In a world that often demands speed, productivity, and distraction, Alejandra felt the call to slow down, listen inward, and live in alignment with her soul.
That calling led her to SWIHA, where she enrolled in the Integrative Healing Arts Practitioner program, focusing on Modern Spirituality and specializing in Earth Ceremonies and Healing Botanicals. It was here that Alejandra began weaving together the wisdom of presence, ceremony, and earth-based practices into a life of purpose.
Discovering Her True Path
One defining moment for Alejandra came during a guided visualization. She was invited to imagine her future self living in alignment with her purpose. In her vision, she saw herself leading quiet yet powerful ceremonies—helping others slow down, reconnect, and return to themselves.
“That moment confirmed what I had always felt,” she shares. “This is the work I came here to do.”
Life After SWIHA: Rooted and Aligned
Since completing her program, Alejandra’s life has shifted in meaningful ways. She no longer feels the pressure to rush or prove herself in the same ways she once did. Instead, she embraces slow living, honoring her own rhythms, moving with intention, and trusting her inner guidance.
Professionally, Alejandra describes herself as being in a sacred “cocoon phase.” She is gathering tools, embodying her teachings, and preparing to step into a new season of sharing her message more publicly. Soon, she will begin offering her wisdom through YouTube and Instagram, focusing on themes of presence, soul truth, and conscious living.
A Vision for Her Work
Alejandra’s emerging business will center on creating spaces where others can slow down, reconnect, and live more fully in alignment with their own natural rhythms. Her offerings will include:
- - Spiritual support sessions
- Earth-based ceremonies
- Seasonal guidance rooted in cyclical wisdom
The modalities she gained at SWIHA—intuitive coaching, guided imagery, and sacred space holding—have given her the confidence and structure to begin sharing her gifts with others in grounded, intentional ways.
Lessons from SWIHA
The greatest lesson Alejandra carries forward from SWIHA is the importance of honoring her own unique journey and timing. Healing and growth, she learned, are not linear and cannot be rushed.
“The program taught me patience, self-compassion, and authenticity,” she reflects. “I learned to trust the quiet internal shifts as much as the visible milestones.”
Among her most impactful teachers was Jodi Johnson, whose wisdom and comforting energy left a lasting impression. Her favorite classes included Angels, Guides & Ancestors (SC 201-OL) and Yoga Nidra (YO-415-OL)—both of which she sees herself leaning into as she builds her practice.
Advice for Future Students
Alejandra encourages future SWIHA students to be patient with themselves and the process.
“Don’t compare your journey to others. Healing unfolds in its own time,” she advises. “Stay curious, gentle, and open-hearted. And remember, the relationships you build with teachers and peers can be powerful sources of support.”
Stepping Into Her Purpose
For Alejandra Hernandez, what began as a search for healing has become a calling to guide others back to themselves. Through earth-based spirituality, sacred ceremonies, and gentle presence, she is creating pathways for others to remember their inner rhythm and reconnect with the wisdom of the earth.
“I’m currently in a phase of deep transformation,” she says. “I’m cultivating new ways of being that align with my values and intuition. My work is about helping others find presence, peace, and empowerment through gentle, intentional practices. I’m grateful to share this journey with a community that values authenticity and depth as much as I do.”
✨ Alejandra’s story is a reminder that sometimes the most profound transformations happen quietly, in moments of slowing down and listening within. From this place of rootedness, true healing and purpose can emerge. ✨
