Moms and Dads

Sarah Salcedo: The Importance of Wellness in Parenting

by Alexa Villano
January 31, 2025

SparkSoul Coach and Reiki teacher Sarah Salcedo’s journey in the wellness industry has taught her not only about herself but also about raising her children

Parenting has its ups and downs, especially when you are a single parent. For wellness practitioner Sarah Salcedo, her foray into the industry came about from the challenges she faced.

“I feel like I almost didn’t have a choice but to find other ways,” Sarah told Modern Parenting about her path to wellness. “I was a single mom working not just in the corporate world, but in the pharmaceutical industry. I was feeling increasingly stressed and physically sick, and I was running up against the limits of what conventional medicine could do. I just wasn’t getting better.“

Looking for a direction

She researched for “emotional healing,” leading her to Reiki. It would be the start of her journey to becoming a wellness instructor.

“It’s important to point out that it was one part of a holistic approach to wellness that included conventional medicine, exercise, nutrition, sleep, and other practices that all complement each other. I decided to pursue Reiki deeply, which led me to obtain certifications and become a master-teacher. As you know, though, Reiki is now just one of the more spiritual or intuitive practices I use to help my clients.”

Aside from Reiki, Sarah is also a yoga teacher and practices what some call the “Seraphim Blueprint.” It’s all about understanding angels, connecting with their realm, and receiving the help they stand ready to give, she explains.

“Among my practices, it’s perhaps the one with the most obvious connections and harmonies with many of my clients’ religious faith, but I feel all my practices align with and complement my clients’ connections with the Divine. Everything can be a path leading us back to unconditional love.”

How wellness helped her in parenting

As a wellness teacher, Sarah said there are similarities to parenting. “It reminds me to take care of myself first, and to give from a filled cup. My profession has changed me in so many ways that affect my parenting, especially in casting a wider net when looking for ways to interpret behavior and approach decisions.”

“I think my work helps me realize there are a lot of ways to see situations and approach challenges and gives me confidence that things will work out for the best.”

As a parent of two teenagers, Sarah will be the first to say she doesn’t have “magic answers” in raising them.

“I just show up with unconditional love and acceptance, ready to support them in whatever way is best for them at the moment. I navigate those challenges every day, some days better than others. I try to help them find activities and interests that don’t involve staring at a screen, then support them as they develop, grow, and change their interests,” she said.

With help from family members and friends, Sarah explained she tries to expose her two children to important social skills amidst the distractions around them.

“I try to expose them to different paths and different ways of thinking so they’ll get some idea of the wide range of opportunities life holds. So much of parenting is about letting go of the visions we presume to define for our children so we can learn to respect and celebrate the lives they choose for themselves.”

“Ultimately, I want them to be happy and healthy. I want them to have lives full of joy and meaning. I hope I’m modeling those concepts for them. That’s more powerful than anything I could tell them.”

The power of wellness among parents and would-be-parents

Among Sarah’s clients are parents themselves and some of the stories of their healing have actually helped them in their journey.

“Some of the most touching stories I’ve heard from clients were about the earliest parts of the parenting experience and how Reiki helped them overcome fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum challenges,” Sarah shared. “Parents have told me that the self-healing and meditation practices in particular helped them focus, align their sense of purpose, and welcome new lives into their families when they had been unable to conceive and had undergone multiple attempts at IVF. There is power when the best of science gets a boost from the best of our intentions.”

She also recalled how Reiki has helped moms in their breastfeeding and fur parents. “Mothers of babies have told me how practicing reiki while breastfeeding has strengthened those important mother-child bonds. Pet owners have told me how their dogs and cats feel particularly drawn to them in those moments when they’re practicing their self-healing and meditation.”

Sarah said that when she talks to clients, there are already clear intentions on their part but some also don’t. Hence, Reiki comes in.

“My [repeat] clients already have some idea of what our time together will be like, and I encourage them to prepare by setting intentions on what they want to receive and get clear on, so that we make the most of each session. But distractions are just a reality for everyone at one time or another. I always try to meet my clients where they are at that moment.”

Wellness continues to teach her both as an instructor and a parent

Like many industries, wellness continues to evolve. For Sarah, she continues to relearn even if she knows the theory by heart and credits her Reiki community, whom she calls the “Gratitude Spiral.”

“ We learn the same lessons over and over again, with deeper integration each time,” she mused. “And the best answer to any concern, challenge, or next step is always love and gratitude. Love will always show the path forward. Also, harmony and balance are so important. I still struggle with these. I’m bringing my best self to my kids when I’m bringing my best self to all the other parts of my life and practicing moderation in all of them. I’ve learned several different wellness and energy practices because no single approach holds all the keys. Balance and flowing with life are key.”

The path to finding calmness she shared is not an overnight sensation. Unfortunately, it’s something people want instantly.

“Spiritual practices and energy work require repetition and consistency, just like exercise and athletic skills with our physical beings. It’s about shifting your focus and your habits. Many clients genuinely do feel something different right from the beginning, but meaningful change and improvement takes sustained effort over time.”

As 2025 begins, what is Sarah’s advice for people to embrace their wellness journey? Sarah said, “Take a holistic approach to your wellness. Find the combination of approaches that works for you. [And more of all], choose joy.”