SWIHA Blog

What was your life like before SWIHA? What led you to SWIHA and to your particular program of study?

I was working a high-level corporate job as a global leader. As my daughter was approaching completing her Bachelor's Degree, I was planning on life after corporate. I have a BS in Psychology and Kinesiology, obtained my yoga teacher certification, and trained in Qigong, I loved helping people, so I decided a hypnotherapy certification would allow me to start a business as an Alternative Therapy Practitioner (as I later also became certified in EFT). I feel the state of society today is in crisis, however, the power of nature and their mind can heal them, and all they need is guidance. I have always been passionate about empowering others, even in my corporate role.

The past few years for Adeum Rivera have been filled with hardship, loss, and physical pain. However, they have also been filled with transformation as well. Let’s rewind to a time before Adeum attended SWIHA for Reflexology. Beginning in 2019, Adeum started experiencing a lot of health issues with his knees that eventually got to the point where he could not walk it was so painful. On top of that, Adeum dealt with the hardship of losing brother and father within 2 months of each other. Dealing with such physical and emotional pain, Adeum knew he wanted a change in his life. Adeum sought out more naturopathic doctors and solutions and eventually wound up getting a massage from a SWIHA Graduate, who told him of how special a place SWIHA really was.

My journey with Southwest Institute of Healing Arts (SWIHA) started as a licensed nurse who was on the verge of burnout. At the time in 2009, I was working full-time and did not have the ability to go part-time. I was looking for a more holistic way to assist people on their healing journey. To assist people in a deeper way towards real healing, to be a part of something I could feel good about within my heart and soul.

It’s a new year and a perfect time to reflect on our journeys, achievements, and the intentional paths we're on. I am thrilled to share a bit of my story with the SWIHA community, especially what led me to its Intuitive Guide/Intuitive Coach certificate.

What was your life like before SWIHA? What led you to SWIHA and your particular program of study? Why are you passionate about this modality?

My life before SWIHA, when it came to professional work, was working 12-hour shifts at a local Level 1 Trauma Hospital in Tucson, Arizona. All my life since I was young, I had this desire to help people so I decided to go into the medical field. I worked alongside great people and carers for 13 years. Working in the hospital, I had this innate feeling that I would one day be working on my own, I would say "One day, I'll have my own business, I'm going to be my 'own boss', just you watch". That was my favorite line to say to people when someone asked me how I wanted to "grow" in the company. I didn't envision myself retiring as a healthcare worker.

"I was seeking something that was the right fit for me, a school that had purpose, supportive staff and instructors, where I felt like I was a part of something great and SWIHA embodied all those things and more for me. I had a client that provided me great reviews about the school and from her testimony, I knew SWIHA was the place for me.”

“I grew up using herbs and had wanted to become an herbal pharmacist. The training I was looking into was in China, and then life happened, and going was discouraged. Then in my second half of revolving around the Sun, I walked by SWIHA and noticed the sign that I never paid attention to, it said ‘Herbalism and Reiki’. I had just started a new chapter in life and finally saw what I needed to do to get on the path to my original plan A.”

We believe that everyone has a calling, a purpose, and a path that their soul longs to take. Many people spend their entire life waiting for the "right time" to embark on the journey that they've been longing to take. Here's the secret: You can begin at any time! In the words of Eckhart Tolle, spiritual teacher and best-selling author: "Realize deeply that the present moment is all you have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life."

Dr. Bibih Ero is a University professor with a background in Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing and experience as a Health Coach/Naturopathic Nutritionist. “I have always been very passionate about the relationship between the subconscious-mind and human behavior,” she tells us.

"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.