Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Mary Welp, CH

We recently had the chance to connect with Mary Welp, CH and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Mary, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
Yes! Several times. I have often in the past had an idea or goal and went all in to push my agenda. Often I was found with disappointment but more importantly these decisions made me feel like I was in charge. I know what is best for me and others. This is an illusion and dare I say a lie.

Through these disappointments, I have learned to ride the waves a time a bit better. I realize now that life has its own rhythm and timing. If I can stay flexible and relax somewhat with my goals, their timing comes forward and begins to guide me. For example, when I was looking for a publisher for my book, there were many good candidates but the one that was right for me became clear because it was the ‘easy’ choice. I didn’t have to convince anyone of anything. The price was what I had in mind and the editor I was matched with was perfect for me and RISE Hypnotic Meditation. I was upset that the process took longer, but in the end, the timing was perfect and actually better than what I had envisioned.

I have also pushed others that work with me to move at my pace. How silly, as the team work never succeeds at one persons pace. Teamwork makes the dream work, so of course all teammates, their gifts and abilities must be able to flow in the projects time. Everyone is a part. When the timing is right, all things slide into place as if divinely timed. And who is to say, maybe it is.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello, my name is Mary Welp. I have been a hypnotherapist, meditation coach and craniosacral therapist for over 20 years. After my office closed during the pandemic, I decided to teach in community some of the things I had been teaching my clients one on one, namely RISE Hypnotic Meditation, a practice that marries meditation and self hypnosis.

After developing the technique and publishing the RISE book, I started teaching classes and workshops on RISE. Many people are confused on how to focus their minds, or not, during meditation. RISE is an acronym, so people can follow the 4 step process to drop in, relax deeply and shift something for the better.

Over the past 4 years I have enjoyed teaching RISE in yoga studios, meditation classes, community centers, libraries and to corporate groups. Everyone needs help focusing as well as keeping our thoughts and patterns positive and productive. RISE is a great tool for just that. Specifically RISE can help with imprints, fears, habits and also strengthening positive thoughts in order to stay positive during trying times.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My father saw me clearly before I saw myself. We were very close and had a special bond. I remember him telling me when I was about 16 or 17 that he not only loved me, but he liked me. Of course he loved me, he was my Dad, I guess he almost had to love me. But to say he liked me too meant a lot. It meant I was on the right track. No matter how shy or insecure I may have felt he saw the other stronger parts of myself too. I think of him saying this to me now even though he passed in 1993, Whenever I feel low, unseen or unloved I remember.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain and started using it as power when I realized everyone has pain they are hiding and hiding that pain is the true wound, as it keeps us separate .When we recognize ourselves and our pain is also in others, it humanizes us all. We all go through painful times in order to grow and evolve. Accepting my pain to evolve and recognize our common humanness, is what helps us feel not alone or separate from others. There is power in not thinking our pain is unique. This is also the bases for compassion and empathy.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my closest friends would say that people matter to me. I love to get in conversations with strangers. Airports, restaurants, events, standing in line at Starbucks, I so love just checking in with them. “How are you today?”, “I love your shoes’, “Do you think I should get a latte or a cappuccino?”.

Now don’t get me wrong, I can tell when someone wants their space, but more often than not, just a short comment or smile can make people feel seen and heard…..validated. Which is what I think people want most of all.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people will talk about how all though I have done many things in my life, I did them all with gusto and my best effort. Whether as a pastry chef, a mother, a therapist, a horse trainer or a grandmother, I hope they say I tried my best and did all with love. Not all days were good, but I do believe trying has always been important to me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.risehypnoticmeditation.com
• Instagram: rise4meditation
• Linkedin: MaryWelp
• Facebook: RISE Hypnotic Meditation