The Rise of Urban Farming: Why It’s More Than a Trend
Urban farming is no longer just a buzzword—it’s a movement. As more people seek sustainable ways to nourish themselves and their communities, growing food in backyards, balconies, rooftops, and vacant lots is becoming both a necessity and a joy. Yet it’s not just about growing tomatoes or keeping a few chickens. Urban farming is a powerful way to reconnect with the Earth, reduce food waste, improve nutrition, and create a sense of purpose and community.
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Topics:
Urban Farming,
conscious living,
Holistic Education
In today’s fast-paced, high-stress world, something is shifting. More and more people are waking up to the reality that true wellness goes far beyond prescriptions and symptom management. They're seeking deeper healing—healing that touches the body, mind, and spirit. That’s where holistic practitioners come in. And the truth is: we need them now more than ever.
Whether it’s the rise in chronic illness, the growing awareness around mental health, or a collective desire to return to ancient, earth-centered practices, the call for holistic healers is getting louder—and more urgent.
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Topics:
Holistic health,
Holistic Education,
Holistic Entrepreneurship,
Holistic Wellness Education
At Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA), we know that each healing journey is as unique as the individual walking it. That’s why we offer flexible learning options designed to meet students exactly where they are—whether that’s in a classroom or in the comfort of their own home.
Why Flexibility Matters
Life can be beautifully full—whether you're raising a family, managing a job, or navigating personal growth. Our online and on-campus learning formats give you the freedom to choose a path that aligns with your lifestyle, learning style, and professional goals. We believe that education should support your transformation, not stress it.
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Topics:
Online Education,
Holistic Education,
Holistic Entrepreneurship,
on campus education,
Flexible Learning
When reflecting on the season of Spring, thoughts of a fresh start, the world waking up after a long winter, and fresh breezes with blooming flowers flash into mind. Everything feels fresh and new, and the urge to declutter your life from the past year comes to fruition. This can sometimes feel overwhelming. Where do I start? Do I even have the time? Life certainly does not stop for you to take the time to clean through everything you may want to - however - it’s freeing to think about it and to begin anew. We often hear, “A clean space is a clean mind”. Springtime is a great opportunity to declutter your physical space and your soul as well. Here are five ways to cleanse your mind, body, and soul.
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Topics:
SWIHA,
Self-care,
Forgiveness,
Holistic Education,
Self-Reflection,
Self-worth,
mind body soul,
Spring Cleaning,
Clean Diet
In this age of transparency and vulnerability, when questioned as to whether you believe in Santa or not, you might experience some consternation or dissidence. What do you say without lying or compromising the trust little ones place in you?
Recently my youngest granddaughter confessed she was very concerned that “the Bigs” (meaning the older kids) were telling “the Littles” (the younger kids) that Santa wasn’t real.
Me, the Granny, “Oh, tell me what you believe?”
Granddaughter, “Granny, I don’t have it all figured out yet …. I just think if we keep believin’ then Santa will keep showing up!”
My heart melted. She went on to plead, “Let’s let the Littles believe a little longer!”
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Topics:
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts,
SWIHA,
KC Miller,
Christmas,
Holistic Education,
Holiday Season,
Blessings,
Christmas 2022,
Santa
“If you give thanks every day, every day is then Thanksgiving!”
Many scientific studies have been done documenting the benefits of gratitude and the practice of giving thanks including a study conducted by the Association of Psychological Science. Their findings showed those who had deeper, vulnerable conversations and made the effort to socialize more frequently with others were significantly and statistically happier and healthier.
Let’s look at six easy steps to ensure your health and happiness using the acronym THANKS.
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Topics:
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts,
Gratitude,
SWIHA,
Self-care,
Psychology,
Arizona,
Tempe,
Brene Brown,
chakras,
Holistic Education,
Thanksgiving,
Holiday Season,
Honor,
Giving Thanks,
Chakra System
30 years ago this year, with a prayer and a small loan from my husband, Southwest Institute of Healing Arts, came into existence. Starting with two classrooms and 6 students, the college has grown to 16 classrooms, in three buildings, serving nearly 600 on-campus students, and nearly as many online students across the country.
As a longtime student of A Course In Miracles, one day long ago I prayed in earnest what is known as the ‘miracle prayer’: “What would you have me do? Where would you have me go? What would you have me say, and to whom?” From that prayer came the vision of creating a place where individuals could come to discover their gifts, where education would not be a “cookie cutter” experience and where individual expression and diversity was encouraged and honored. Starting as a massage college, SWIHA is striving 30 years later by offering 16 Certificates of Excellences, 10 different diplomas, Associates in Healing Arts, and over 300 individual continuing education classes.
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Topics:
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts,
SWIHA,
KC Miller,
Massage School,
Southwest Institute of Natural Aesthetics,
Arizona,
spirit of yoga,
Tempe,
Yoga studio,
Holistic Education,
Arizona Yoga Studio,
Arizona Massage School,
Thirty Years,
ACCET,
Massage Clinic,
Thirty Year Anniversary,
Thirty and Thriving
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!
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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
It is easy to feel self-doubt when you are an aspiring entrepreneur. Imposter syndrome starts to creep into your mind and you begin to feel like you aren’t up to the challenge that a once “eager you” was so excited about. You may even feel the need to protect yourself, stay where you are comfortable, and not really put yourself or your business out there. When this happens, you start holding yourself back from your most true and highest potential. What can you do now? There are many ways to push yourself forward even when it feels uncomfortable! Learn how to ditch your self-doubts with the power of mantras.
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Topics:
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts,
holistic entrepreneur,
SWIHA,
Meditation,
Arizona,
mantra,
Tempe,
Om,
mantras,
Holistic Education,
Perspective,
mantra meditation,
Leap of Faith
“Don’t downgrade your dream just to fit your reality. Upgrade your conviction to match your destiny.” - Unknown
Sometimes, dreams can seem too big or scary to achieve. That the road and work will be long and hard, and sometimes even unachievable. Well, what if I told you the only thing standing in your way is you? Rebecca Merrill, Southwest Institute of Healing Arts Great Graduate of the Holistic Nutrition Wellness Practitioner Diploma program, didn’t let that stop her. Although the thoughts of not accomplishing her dreams and goals crossed her mind, she didn’t let that get in her way of living her true purpose of serving others in a meaningful way. Rebecca asserts, “Three years ago, I didn't think where I'm at now was possible. I'm proud of how far I've come and can't wait to see where this journey takes me next.”
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Topics:
Southwest Institute of Healing Arts,
Holistic Nutrition,
Great Graduate,
SWIHA,
Holistic wellness,
balance,
Arizona,
Tempe,
Nutrition Coach,
Holistic Education,
Holistic Nutrition Wellness Practitioner,
Health and Wellness,
Health and Wellness Coach
