Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michelle Swist. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Michelle, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Was there a moment in your career that meaningfully altered your trajectory? If so, we’d love to hear the backstory.
A defining moment in my professional career came during the first three months of 2021, when I decided to invest in myself by joining the “Create the Life You Love” (CLYL) program by Dr. Joanna Crowder, Ph.D., founder of Quantum Entanglement. This decision was truly life-changing. Although I was both excited and scared when the program started, my desire to Level Up was stronger than my fear.
I remember feeling a mix of eagerness and apprehension, but I didn’t let fear stop me. I’m immensely grateful that I took the leap and committed to doing the work. The process was all about taking baby steps, which eventually turned into giant strides for me. The tools I learned in the program helped me peel back layers of my being and become aware of my thoughts and feelings. I learned to identify my programmed (ego) self versus my authentic self, and I discovered effective ways to release and let go of the baggage that no longer served me. This transformation allowed me to Level Up in ways I hadn’t imagined.
After completing the program, I realized that while I love being an intuitive energy practitioner and teacher, I am especially passionate about sharing, guiding, and teaching the younger generation about empaths, energy work, and the Clairsenses. Many young people are open to their gifts but may not know whom to talk to about them. They might turn to drugs and alcohol to escape or numb their gifts because they don’t understand them. I want to be there for them—to discuss, guide, support, and let them know they’re not alone. These gifts are real and can be used with light and love. By learning to protect themselves and create boundaries, they can thrive.
This realization led to an incredible opportunity: Joanna invited me to collaborate with her unbelievably gifted team. Our purpose is to positively change the world with every interaction, creating a ripple effect of change. By sharing our gifts and talents with like-minded individuals, we can co-create a world where everyone strives to reach their full potential and enjoys every moment. We want to help you learn how to love your life.
That was just the beginning of what has become an amazing collaboration, leading to the birth of a new business: Escape Within Retreats and The Escape Within Academy. Our retreats offer transformative wellness experiences that reconnect individuals with their true essence. Our mission is to guide people on a journey of self-discovery and healing, fostering profound connections within themselves, with the natural world, and with their passions. For ongoing learning and support, we created The Escape Within Academy, a digital sanctuary for impactful learning. Here, our esteemed hosts lead live sessions, workshops, and self-paced courses, guiding you on a journey of self-discovery and growth from the comfort of your own space.
To sum up, the defining moment in my life was joining the CLYL program, which set me on a path of self-discovery and led to the creation of a business dedicated to helping others thrive. This journey has been about embracing opportunities, overcoming fears, and being of service to others, which has brought me immense fulfillment and joy.
Michelle, 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?
At the age of 40, my life took an unexpected and significant turn when I was diagnosed with a serious illness. Trigeminal Neuralgia, a condition so excruciatingly painful that it’s often referred to as the “suicide disease.” The usual medical options, including surgery, weren’t available to me. The idea of living in a medicated haze was unbearable, especially with young children depending on me. I knew I had to find another way to manage the pain and regain control of my life.
This diagnosis became the catalyst for a profound personal journey. Determined to find relief, I dove into the world of holistic wellness. I began practicing yoga and meditation, and I explored the healing properties of crystals and energy work. It was during this exploration that I discovered my gift of clairaudience—the ability to hear messages from the spiritual realm. This newfound ability ignited a deep passion for spirituality and opened up a whole new world for me.
My curiosity led me to immerse myself in various studies. I learned about Reiki, a form of energy healing, and became a certified Usui and Karuna Ki Reiki Master. I studied intuitive development, crystal healing, and the art of connecting with angels. I also delved into plant-based healing, incorporating essential oils and tinctures into my daily routine. Embracing my ability to receive and interpret spiritual messages, I found my true calling: to use my gifts to help others on their spiritual and wellness journeys.
Today, I wear many hats. I am an Energy Practitioner, Teacher, Spiritual Mentor, Mindfulness Podcaster, and Meditation Facilitator. My mission is to support spiritually open-minded individuals in achieving balance and harmony across their mind, body, and spirit. As an empath, I have a natural ability to connect with the emotions and energy of others. My certifications as a Crystal Reader and Reiki Master enable me to employ various techniques to foster healing and mind, body spirit balance.
My intuitive gifts, aligned with my Clair Senses, allow me to provide profound insights and guidance. In my practice, I seamlessly integrate Reiki, crystals, sound healing, essential oils, and the support of angels and guides. By combining these powerful tools, I help individuals restore balance and nurture holistic healing in their mind, body, and heart.
One of my greatest joys is sharing my knowledge and insights with a broader audience through my podcast, “Mindful Minutes with Michelle.” Each episode is an opportunity to promote mindfulness, self-awareness, and personal growth, empowering listeners to lead more fulfilling and balanced lives. You can enjoy my podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
I am thrilled to announce that, along with my individual practice, I have co-founded Escape Within Retreats LLC and The Escape Within Academy with an amazing team of healers, teachers, coaches, and philosophers. Our retreats offer life-changing wellness experiences that help individuals reconnect with their true selves. Our mission is to lead people on a journey of self-discovery and healing, nurturing deep connections within themselves, with nature, and with their passions. For ongoing support and learning before or after our retreats, we have established The Escape Within Academy. This digital platform serves as a sanctuary for impactful learning. You can immerse yourself in an active online community where our esteemed hosts conduct live sessions, workshops, and self-paced courses. We will help you embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth from the comfort of your own space.
My personal business, Mindfulness with Michelle, has been rebranded to better reflect my holistic approach. I offer remote Reiki sessions, intuitive guidance, and Reiki classes, reaching individuals near and far. My goal is to empower others on their healing journeys, helping them embrace their inherent potential and align with their true selves.
This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the depths of despair brought on by my diagnosis, I have emerged with a renewed sense of purpose and passion. I am dedicated to serving as a channel for healing love and light, creating a ripple effect that inspires others to spread their own love and light to the world. Through compassionate guidance and holistic practices, I am committed to helping individuals navigate their unique paths to wholeness and well-being.
Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?
In addition to training and knowledge, I believe one of the most critical factors for succeeding in my field is patience. It’s essential to understand that those who are ready to put in the work on themselves will come when the time is right for them. The journey of self-discovery and healing is often uncomfortable and challenging. Peeling back the layers and addressing emotions and past traumas that we’ve pushed down requires significant courage and effort. However, this is necessary work for true healing and transformation.
As an intuitive energy practitioner and teacher, I have seen firsthand how important it is to give people the space and time they need to embark on their healing journeys. Rushing this process can be counterproductive. Instead, creating a supportive and compassionate environment where individuals feel safe to explore and grow at their own pace is crucial.
Building a community of like-minded individuals who support and uplift each other is also incredibly helpful. Having a network of peers who understand the challenges and triumphs of this work can provide invaluable encouragement and motivation. Sharing experiences, insights, and strategies helps us all grow and succeed together.
Maintaining a sincere passion for helping others and remaining dedicated to personal growth is crucial. This role demands a strong commitment to ongoing learning and self-improvement. By embodying the principles we advocate, we can inspire and guide others more effectively.
To succeed in this field, it’s important to have patience, create a supportive community, and maintain a commitment to personal growth. These elements, along with the necessary training and knowledge, form a strong foundation for helping others heal and transform their lives.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
If I could go back, I would absolutely and most definitely choose to be an intuitive energy healer. As an intuitive energy practitioner, teacher, spiritual mentor, and mindfulness podcaster, I have found immense fulfillment in my work.
There was a time when I felt down on myself for not having a college degree, but I wouldn’t change any of my life experiences. Every challenge and triumph has led me to where I am today, and I am deeply grateful for that journey. Driven by an unwavering life’s purpose and passion, I see myself as a conduit of healing love and light.
My dedication lies in supporting spiritually open-minded individuals in achieving balance and harmony across their mind, body, and spirit. Through compassionate guidance, I empower others on their personal transformation and wellness journeys. I strive to help individuals embrace their inherent healing potential, navigate their unique paths to wholeness, and align with their true selves. I am committed to serving as a channel for healing love and light, creating a ripple effect that inspires others to spread their own love and light to the world.
Being able to guide and support others as they uncover their strengths, heal from past traumas, and step into their authentic selves is a gift I cherish every day. The unique path I’ve walked has equipped me with the empathy, understanding, and resilience needed to connect with and support others authentically.
I would wholeheartedly choose this profession again. The fulfillment and purpose I find in being an intuitive energy healer affirm that I am exactly where I am meant to be, doing exactly what I am meant to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mindfulnesswithmichelle.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/mindful_michelle_
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/Michelleswist
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/michelleswist
- Other: Mindful Minutes with Michelle Podcast
Apple podcast- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mindful-minutes-with-michelle/id1692656956
Spotify podcast- https://open.spotify.com/show/0EfQV0s2PX6z3YfGDz9six?si=_OyQWewkSFKby5OLxoPuxQ
Escape Within Retreats- https://escapewithin.love
The Escape Within Academy- https://ew-academy.circle.so/c/welcome/
Image Credits
Anne Kamansky