Today we’d like to introduce you to Nina Impala.
Hi Nina, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
In 1997 I made the choice to become a massage Therapist. I loved it and was told by my clients that my massages had a very healing touch, sometimes in ways that would surprise me. I also became a Reiki Master
Practitioner. I combined these 2 modalities and then decided to volunteer for hospice patients. I loved the feeling (hard to explain here) to be so close to those that were passing. I went back to college because I wanted to do more and help people with this part of life. I truly became an End-of-Life specialist. I had a small practice and a job at a hospice in San Diego. I wrote a book in 2012 about all the patients I volunteered for called Dearly Departed, what I learned about living from the dying. It’s on Amazon. I also used this book to train volunteers for the hospice I was working for. I was writing for other websites on the subject. I was approached to do a podcast as well. My last podcast was called Inspiring End of Life Conversations, which helped thousands across the world.
I became very sick in 2020 and I was forced to retire, but it did not stop the compassion in my heart, nor could it stop a good hug, thoughtful words and inspiration to what can happen during such sad time in our lives. I bring light to a subject that we as humans are never prepared for.
To this day at 65 Years young, 30 years later, I am still working, on a much smaller scale, I have a ministry at my church that I facilitate and teach about End of Life issues, how to help themselves and how to help others.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
All in all I would say it has been pretty smooth. One thing I always knew was that I found my purpose in life. Some people never know what their purpose is and I feel very grateful that it came to me at a young age. I was never really focused on making a lot of money. My clients would some times pay me more than what I charged because they felt so much better after seeing me! I was humble and loved helping people. I still do, it is like my heart proceeds me; I have a gift of reading hearts.
I will say if there was anything that didn’t go smooth was when I knew someone was struggling and I could help yet they weren’t ready for it. Very frustrating to watch people struggle when I knew I could help; especially with the dying. In my opinion when reaching the end of life the resistance I witnessed and/or lack of wisdom was such a tragedy, a missed opportunity so-to-speak. When we open to these mysteries of life, even though difficult we can have a sense of peace. Learning how to accept, know God’s in control and not me was what brought me peace in these situations.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My business started out in my 30’s when I had “Massage by Nina”. I loved all 17 years of it. I also combined my Reiki practice with massage and hospice. Reiki is a practice of laying on of hands, it is a beautiful thing to experience and brings much peace. That combined with massage was very powerful. During this time I began my work with hospice as a volunteer. I volunteered for over 10 years and it changed my life. People always said to me that is so sad! How can you be with people that are dying? My response, how could I not, I am on holy ground. It would lift me so high and I know in those moments I was on the right path. I went back to college so that I could work as a hospice counsellor. I facilitated grief groups over the years and trained volunteers.
When my own Mother died of Breast Cancer things really were turned up for me, I completed my book, and wanted to help families and people with loss. even more.
To this day, people tell me things I said and did that changed their lives forever. People remembered profound things I said. That’s what set me a part, it is a light that comes from my heart that is invisible yet people feel it. I have the gift of reading hearts, a person can stand in front of me and I can “read” their energy and know what’s going on. It didn’t just happen with my patients that I saw or my clients from my private practice it happened in restaurants, church or anywhere else that some stranger needed help. Call them angel messages or light from above it has always been there. This gift was and is present pretty much all the time.
I am mostly retired now except for some repeat clients I have had over the years, I don’t think I will ever truly retire. I volunteer for Mission Hospice in San Diego seeing patients and calling patients to check on them. I will do this as long as I am able.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Slow Down. Be present in your own life. People that serve and give their time to others who are in trauma or sad it is very important to take care of ourselves. I never wanted to be burned out and I think our society pushes. No time for rest, no time for quiet and reflection,
People don’t like to talk about death, it is scary. Through my ministry and daily conversations if there is an opportunity or a message I will do it. I feel if people were more prepared for the end of their life (which we know neither the day or time) they wouldn’t be so scared of it. For example, when most ladies get pregnant we educate ourselves, read books, talk to other moms, ask questions and curious about this new life that’s coming. Why isn’t our society knowledgable about death?
These conversations should not just come when you hear “get your affairs in order” or better yet, one dies in n accident.
Contact Info:
- Email: tutoringforthespirit@gmail.com
- Other: Spotify Nina Impala or Inspiring End of Life Conversations
