We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Al Snow. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Al below.
Al , appreciate you joining us today. Can you recount a time when the advice you provided to a client was really spot on? (Please note this response is for education/entertainment purposes only and shouldn’t be construed as advice for the reader)
The best advice I have ever given a client is to remember that anytime we experience the belief or feeling of separation, it causes depression. For example, as soon as we think we are better than someone or a group of people, or when we believe there are individuals or groups more important than ourselves, we are going to fall into a state of depression, whether we realize that consciously or hold the belief subconsciously. This particular client believed that I was the person healing her, and I reminded her every time I saw her that any healing taking place was all about her and her efforts into healing; I was simply there to hold space for her journey. Helping individuals step into their own power is vital in my line of work. Ultimately, this woman learned to step into her own power, which led to deep healing for her and her family.
Al , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Chronic Wellness was born in 2019 after I experienced over a decade of chronic illness; I was very ill and disabled, starting at age 19, in 2006. In addition to physical ailments and abilities, I also suffered with severe post traumatic stress disorder during those years.
Then, in 2017, I was introduced to a Reiki healer; he and I worked together virtually for two years, and my physical and mental health improved so much, I became a Reiki practitioner two years later. Since then, my physical health and mental well-being continue to improve and strengthen. Thankfully, I have learned how to build my life based on daily wellness principles, which is why I named my business Chronic Wellness.
After becoming a Reiki practitioner in 2019 and practicing for a year, I became a Reiki Master and then Reiki Master Teacher, each in 2020. Since then, I have also become a certified Theta Healer, Trauma-Informed Life Coach, and Trauma Support Specialist. In addition to being a practitioner, I also teach Reiki courses, run trauma-informed healing groups, and teach wellness seminars to businesses seeking to promote the health of their employees.
My mission statement for Chronic Wellness centers on personal empowerment, building community, and increasing belonging; these are all fundamental human needs. Again, a person receives healing from the work they put in, I am simply there holding space with love and a calm, non judgmental demeanor. Personal empowerment, learning to trust your own intuition and follow it, is absolutely essential for wellness. Moreover, I place a high emphasis on building wellness communities. Lastly, I support individuals and communities I serve to increase their sense of belonging, rather than seeking to fit in. Inherent belonging means we belong to ourselves and with our Higher Power; knowing we belong moves us from a place of perceived lack (will others like me?) into a place of power and abundance.
Honestly, I’m most proud of the healing communities I have participated in building over the last six years. I have connected students and clients to each other all over the United States, Mexico, Canada, Germany, and Italy.
Diversity is essential; I recently facilitated a Reiki course with 10 students between the ages of 29 and 68, from a wide variety of racial, socioeconomic, political, spiritual, and/or religious backgrounds. This healing work is for everyone and as we focus on community over collaboration, we remember that there is abundance for all people. Moreover, quantum physics, discovered in 1925, there’s no such thing as time or space; therefore we know that no matter our perceived differences, we are all one. Anyone is welcome in my classes or as a private client so long as they are respectful to themselves, their classmates, and me.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A major lesson I have been learning the last eight years for myself is the utmost importance of shedding cultural conditioning and shifting into authentic living. Cultural conditioning is indicative of what we believe we are “supposed” to do. These beliefs often come from family systems, religious or spiritual paths, and/or general societal expectations.
I grew up in what I’ll refer to as a high demand high control religion; I was born into it and this path required much more than church on Sundays. Every aspect of my family life, the vast majority of my friend circle, where I went to college, the occupations I chose, and daily expectations were instilled deeply into every aspect of my existence. I knew no other life.
The thing is, I’m queer, and that religion teaches that the worst thing that a person can be outside of taking someone’s life is to be queer. The college I graduated from in 2008 would have kicked me out of the institution simply for being queer, even though I wasn’t so much as going on dates or holding anyone’s hand.
When I was 29, I finally found the courage to leave this faith and culture, and began to create a whole new life for myself, based on wellness principles, spirituality, and authentic living. Working regularly with my Reiki provider right at the time I was leaving this religion was absolutely vital for my transformative experiences.
Reiki and Theta healing, Reiki instruction, and working as a trauma support specialist and coach all go hand in hand. My motto is to help individuals relax deeply, release what is no longer serving them, and receive their new truth. This can happen on a core, genetic, historic, and soul level. I’ve held space for many, many individuals and groups of people in this line of work; my privilege is to watch them soar.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
Over the years, I have come to find that I’m most successful and fulfilled in my career as I choose to live my life with an open heart, get my own energy work done regularly, and prioritize setting healthy boundaries. For me, I’m able to channel Reiki and Theta energy and hold sacred space for clients recovering from trauma when I focus on both self-care and self-regulation. This involves me eating healthy, staying hydrated, meditating daily, and using high vibration tools in my home, including palo santo, crystals, and essential oils. I also regularly participate in activities that will strengthen my own life force energy, for example, I play the piano, I sing, I write in my journal, and take nature walks with my pups. The more I take care of my own energy field, the healthier I am in body, mind, and spirit.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chronicwellness.info
- Instagram: @chronicwellness2023
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/chronic-wellness-tempe
Image Credits
Mandy Case and Hannah Van