SWIHA Blog

Life Coach and SWIHA graduate, Anjana Nambissan, is passionate about helping others heal. It was a turning point in her life when she realized that self-love is the supreme quality one can aim for. Being kind, gentle, and giving tender care to the self is so important in leading a happy, peaceful life. From that moment on, she knew she had to take that message forward and help others who were struggling. She enrolled in a life coaching program and became certified. Now, she dedicates her time to helping others find the same peace and happiness that she found through self-love.

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In honor of our intention to ‘Be on Purpose’ in the month of January, SWIHA staff member and Yoga Teacher, Joan Lloyd Collins, shares her story of discovering the power of holistic modalities.

What brought you to SWIHA?

My spirit guides and divine intervention. I called the Bay Area home for 25 years. Because I was driven by the teachings of western medicine, I pursued my Master’s in Public Health and my Bachelor’s in Nursing. However, things changed in 2010 when I developed a health issue. I went to my regular doctors—had scans, and tests of all kinds—and in the end the advice I received was that I had to live with it. That there was nothing that can be done.

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Jessica Chapman is a recent graduate from Southwest Institute of Healing Arts’ Massage Therapy program, with a focus in Polarity and Cranial therapy. Prior to that, she completed the Reiki Master Teacher program. Today, she tells us about her journey, and offers inspiration to those seeking to step fully into their purpose!

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?

I'm aware, it's the on-going giggle: "SWIHA finds you".

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Addiction is a neuropsychological disorder characterized by a persistent and intense urge to use a drug or engage in certain behaviors, despite substantial harm and other negative consequences. Repetitive drug use often alters brain functions in ways that perpetuate cravings and weakens self-control. According to hhs.gov, in 2017, the US department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency calling it the US opioid Epidemic. As American Addiction Center states “according to the national survey on drug use and health (NSDUH), 19.7 million American adults (12 and older) battle a substance use disorder in 2017.” Addiction touches so many lives directly, or indirectly through loved ones. My hope is to share my strength and the tools I have found to combat addiction.

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Stories have been used in every culture, every language, to connect us to a larger self and universal truths. Whether they are myths, songs, paintings, or traditions, storytelling helps form a common goal, honor sacrifices, and pass down knowledge. They also have the ability to transport us to another time, place, or body and allow us to empathize with an experience we’ve never had.

There are two pretty amazing women who are leaving quite a legacy by capturing the stories of hundreds of women of all ages in a series of books. Living Brave...Finishing Strong is the fourth book of the Living Brave series by Dr. Hilda Villaverde and Mary Beth Stern.

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Jonathan Sorrell found himself meandering through mundane days in the traditional job force after his time serving our country in the military. Until one day, when he looked around and realized that he was not touching or affecting lives to his full capacity.

“I went online looking for programs,” he tells us, “I had heard about SWIHA and decided to check it out.”

The decision was an easy one for him to make. Jonathan says: “When I touched the handle and walked through the main door, a feeling of calmness came over me, and said ’you’re home!’”

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