Conversations with Dot Borja

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dot Borja.

Dot, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story as a wellness practitioner started five years ago.When the pandemic first pressed pause on life as we knew it, this prolonged uncertainty became an opportunity to delve into what I thought was just my own personal growth. Being an empath, I was experiencing panic, anxiety, fear, grief at what was happening (and still is happening) all at once. I’m thankful to have had the practice of guided meditation and yoga to keep me sane. It was at this time, that I started experiencing sensations in my body and images of crystals would come to me in meditation. I leaned into learning more about generational trauma, crystal and reiki healing. At some point, it became clear to me, that this time I spent on my spiritual growth, was preparing me for a new role outside of motherhood.

Once I stepped into this calling, I started out by offering mini reiki sessions and high vibration crystals at Topanga Vintage Market. I met beautiful souls, made meaningful friendships, and witnessed beautiful dynamics among community. It was also rewarding to see people light up when they found a crystal that spoke to them. I was honored to witness their energy shift in a positive way when they resonated with a crystal. Similarly, it was validating to see a visible shift and sense of peace in people after just a few minutes of reiki.

Now, I’m in service through not only private reiki energy healing sessions. I also offer workplace breath and sound workshops, community sound immersions, Mother’s Blessings, and crystal meditation experiences. I offer these ceremonies and experiences with the intention of holding space for coming back to wholeness. Coming back home to oneself. And remembering our interconnectedness to one another, Mama Earth, all her creatures, and the greater universe.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a small business owner, and in my case a soulpreneuer, the challenges that I’ve encountered range. There’s no existing guidebook to how to start and what direction to go. Really, you learn as you go. You are the CEO, the CFO, CTO, the head of marketing and so on. You wear all the hats. So the network you surround yourself with and great mentors are going to be a lifeline.

There’s also personal challenges. And more than anything, for me, it’s been self-doubt. I’ve found that ultimately, when I choose to get out of my own way and really honor my inner compass, if I’m trusting my own gut, my own heart, and following what lights me up, I’m able to surrender to what’s beyond my own plans and beautiful things unfold.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a healing arts practitioner certified as an Usui Holy Fire Reiki Master and Crystal Energy Guide. I’m a trained Oracle Sound Healer and trained Oracle Breathwork Facilitator. I offer a homecoming to oneself through stillness. A returning to a balance of our physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies. I see my clients as healers themselves. They are moms and providers. They are teachers. They are health care professionals. They are professionals in service industries. And I’m honored to nourish and care for this special group that gives so much of themselves.

What sets me apart from other practitioners? Probably a level of mindfulness and intention that goes into how I setup and hold space. I try to be as eco-conscious and earth-friendly as possible. For instance, a private in-person healing session ends with a cup of loose leaf tea or water, depending on what the client prefers. I avoid the use of disposable cups and plates. The water I serve is charged with sacred geometry, usually the flower of life. The tea flowers and leaves get composted. For crystal sales, I package with cloth or paper. Any plastic that gets to the customer is in its second life. The crystals in my care are cleansed, programmed with the intention to support the wellness journey of their keeper, and charged under the light of the full moon and/or reiki. I would say another detail that sets me apart is my pride in my heritage and love for artisan hand-crafted textiles. At pop-ups, I would always bring an artisan-made Ikat-print blanket from indigenous peoples of the Northern Philippines. Sometimes I’ll bring my prized tnalak textile made by T’boli culture bearer Nanay Myrna of Lake Cebu. Including these special details brings me joy as well as a sense of connection to my motherland and my ancestors. The presence of these special pieces and the level of intention that goes into any of my offerings, these are small intentional choices that, respectively, honor those who came before me and are a nod to my reverence for Mama Earth.

As for what I’m known for…based on what clients have said, whether receiving a 1:1 reiki session, a Mother’s Blessing, or a couples soundbath, they associate my offerings with softness, a calm presence, and they feel genuinely cared for. I consider my sessions sacred self-care. You get to relax, reset, revitalize from everyday life busyness, you can count on a safe space to process emotions, but also through these offerings, you have an opportunity to find clarity, peace, and spiritual connection. Same goes for group offerings. Group offerings are a beautiful testament to our strength in community. My hope is that people leave my events feeling empowered after connecting to one’s inner world but also uplifted by collective healing.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
After having lived with chronic pain for many years, my acupuncturist/friend/mentor Linda Gross got me a book by Matt Kahn called “Everything is Here to Help You”. The author also has a book called “Whatever Arises, Love that”. These books offered a jumping point for me to reframe things as neither good or bad. I’ve learned to embrace challenges as a learning opportunity and see disappointments as stepping stones.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.mayariwhispers.com
• Instagram: @mayari.whispers