About Walela…
Long, long ago, in a galaxy far, far away (called Walnut Creek, CA) I dreamed of opening a healing center where magical things happened. That was in 2001. I put the vision to paper as a homework assignment given to me by a clairvoyant healer/teacher I was working with. I still have a copy of that assignment, called “My Dream Job”, and I am happy to say the dream has come true.
Since it’s inception in July 2002, Walela Institute of Imaginal Healing has morphed and changed many times. First opened at it’s current location, it was simply a spare downstairs bedroom with one window, converted into a massage studio. From 2004-2006, Walela was relocated to a storefront on Stockton Road in downtown Sonora. When the owner of the building decided to sell, Walela was moved back to it’s rightful place, 20556 Flora Lane. The single window in the massage studio became french doors, establishing a private entrance for clients, along with an adjoining bathroom. In 2008, the single Pyracantha bush surrounded by lava rock became the site for the current inground saline pool and spa, surrounded by sanctuary gardens of primarily native and medicinal plants. Currently, Walela occupies the entire ground level of my home complete with a classroom, two guest rooms, and the massage studio/office.
Walela (pronounced Waah-lay-luh) came to me as I was studying and experimenting with making my own flower essences. In Cherokee it is the word for hummingbird. They are ever present on the grounds, buzzing and chattering about. Their specialty is the ability to extract nectar, the very “life force” of flowers. As a spirit animal, they represent finding joy in life despite the circumstances. The name still holds true. In 2011, Walela Healing Center became Walela Institute of Imaginal Healing. Hence the logo for the Institute has now evolved to a butterfly…the symbol of transformation.