Meet Yan Ling Weng | Reiki Master | Yoga Instructor | Investor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yan Ling Weng and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yan Ling, what role has risk played in your life or career?
What is so attractive about Los Angeles that I quit a high paying finance executive position in New York City 11 years ago, and moved to LA without any prospect for work, nor a circle of friends and family who I can count on? Before this decision, I had such mixed emotions when my boyfriend had asked me to move out to LA with him. Shall I stay or shall I go? I was excited and scared at the same time. Oh Yan, do you know what you are doing? Is this the right move? I love my work and the financial stability. On the other hand, I thought to myself: what am I doing in this world, do I just work, get busy with life without a purpose, doing the same thing over and over again until I die? Since at a young age after seeing my dad going through surgery, I was drawn to tools and practices that help us feel better and healthier. As part of this journey, one of my goals is to be certified as a yoga instructor. However I was too busy working in the finance sector, and it’s challenging to take two weeks off, let alone 200 hours!

I took the leap of faith, if it is not now, then when? I decided to quit my job, packed my suitcase and headed to Costa Mesa, CA to take on an intensive 200-hour Yoga Teacher training course! That leap of faith is one of the best actions I’ve taken! I’ve learned early in life that taking risks is part of me living life. It is nerve racking at times, but it also moves me out of my comfort zone, and that has helped me grow and experience life to its fullest without regrets. For instance, if I had not taken an International Finance exchange program in London when I was 16 years old, I would not have known how much I love the field of international trade and finance which I am still very passionate about. There is no coincidence in life! It is then through my yoga association that I met one of my Reiki Masters, who had trained me the amazing holistic and non invasive technique called Reiki that helps restore balance to our whole system. During the pandemic, I got certified as a Reiki practitioner and later as a Reiki Master. I felt blessed that I can share this tool with so many who were in need of it, to reduce their stress, grief, depression, pain while guide and empower them. My mission in life is to offer stressed, busy professionals and caregivers gentle, practical and effective tools to relax, feel calmer and happier, so they have the energy and drive to grow and master all aspects of life. Take some risks, feel alive, and let your gift sparkle!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
When I was eleven years old seeing my dad coughing out blood had impressed horror on my mind. Since then I knew that although health is not everything, but we have nothing without health. In addition, with certain childhood traumas that prevented me having healthy relationships well into my twenties, I realized that it is equally precious to have a fit mental and emotional state. What a life transforming experience when I was healed from past traumas among other chronic health issues by a qigong grand master! Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to master my mind and body through holistic and integrative health modalities including 20 years of qigong practice, breath work, meditation, tapping technique and over a decade of yoga practice.

I stumbled upon Reiki practice after I fell from a scooter which strained my neck and shoulders. Surprisingly with only one Reiki treatment my pain was greatly reduced. Subsequently the strain went away after I received two more treatments remotely. I was amazed by the quick healing result from Reiki session even in a distant, and I wanted to learn it so I can share this treasure with the world! Over a period of 18 months I had signed up, trained and got certified as Reiki Level 1 and level 2 practitioner, and advanced to certified Reiki Master and Reiki Master Teacher subsequently.

Many individuals were affected during the COVID-19 pandemic. They felt stressed, overwhelmed, depressed, experienced grief…Through Reiki practice and the other forms of healing techniques I’ve learned throughout the last 20 years, I have guided many busy people and caregivers in high stressed positions to not only feel relaxed, but also feeling hopeful, rejuvenated, and inspired to lead their lives with renewed focus and purpose. People from New Zealand to France to Spain to the United States working in various sectors including healthcare, technology, finance, entertainment, education, wellness and fitness, non-profit, manufacturing, tourism have benefitted from my Reiki sessions and training. This aligns with my life mission to empower people to realize their full potential, and grow rich in all aspects of their life through Reiki practice and other useful integrative health tools. During this challenging time, the healthcare workers have given so much for our well-being. I’m honored to be part of the Online Reiki Clinic with a team of Reiki Masters for giving Reiki sessions to Huntington Memorial Hospital staff in Pasadena.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my friends and family are to visit me, I’d take them for a three day road trip to Paso Robles, located in the coastal mountain range of central California. It is close to mountains, beaches and deserts. We would have a nice lunch at Tognazzini’s Dockside Too in Morro Bay, known for Morro Rock, an ancient volcanic mound at the end of the Morro Rock Beach. While having the delicious grilled oysters, grilled fish, or grilled shrimp tacos at the dock, you could enjoy the beautiful view of the bay, and the sea otters with their heads out of the water. Paso Robles is well known for some of the country’s top wineries. Some of my favorites include DAOU with breathtaking views, Niner Wine Estates- a beautiful estate with Heart Hill and delicious food accompanying the wine tastings, and the delightful Allegretto Vineyard Resort. We will also take advantage of the thermal hot springs there, which are said to have healing powers. My favorite is Franklin Hot Springs, it is not fancy, but the owner is very friendly, price is reasonable, and it has a large natural hot spring pool where we can soak and swim in it. In the evenings we can choose from a number of restaurants in and near the cute town. If you love Italian food, you must try Buona Tavola! After we head back to LA, we will spend a day strolling in The Huntington Library in San Marino, one of the world’s great independent research libraries, with an impressive art collection, and 130 acres of a dozen spectacular theme botanical gardens with plants around the globe. Then take a yoga class or aromatherapy class at Curative Yoga Studio in Pasadena. If you are in LA and love diverse cuisine including Asian food, this is a place for many treats! If you are vegetarian, then you must try the Vietnamese pho noodle soups at Thien Tam Vegetarian Restaurant in El Monte. Capital Seafood in Arcadia serves tasty dim sum, small plates similar to the way Spanish eat tapas; for Korean then Chomak in Koreantown; for Peruvian Bodegon No 69 in Pasadena, for Japanese Shinkai Sushi in Alhambra, the list goes on… A must see is the Getty Villa in Malibu; the trick is to book the online tickets early – it is for free- they only charge a parking fee. As you step into the villa, it brings you back to Ancient Italian times with Greek and Roman art, while enjoying the tranquil gardens and ocean breezes. One of the darlings is the herbs garden! How does it sound to complete the trip with an ocean view of Zuma Beach in Malibu, immersing in awe the glittering lights of the sun setting at the ocean’s horizon!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There are so many people and organizations that I want to shoutout! First of all many thanks to my Reiki sister, healer and choreographer Carrie Mikuls for introducing me to Voyage LA! What a great forum Voyage LA is for us to share meaningful conversations and empower our community! I’m grateful for my family, friends and colleagues who are always my cheerleaders despite life’s ups and downs, my Reiki Masters Carolina Goldberg and William Rand for passing me the precious Reiki healing technique, my qigong grand master who lifted me out of physical and emotional suffering, and qigong friends of more than 20 years for their support, my mentor Chris Kai, CEO of The Mathem Group, a Beverly Hills-based leadership training firm, and my colleagues and partners in the global trade finance arena. I am also eternally thankful for the great and inspiring master teacher Naaderji, and other amazing teachers including Carolina, Antonella, Liz, Art, Maria, Gina, Alicia at Curative Yoga Studio in Pasadena for their tireless, dedicated service and expertise in yoga, meditation, aromatherapy and ancient wisdom teachings from the East and the West. I’m forever inspired by Angy Chin, CEO of BIC Group and Vicky Story, author and COO of The Story Company.  Special shoutout also goes to Chancee Martorell, Founder of Thai Community Development Center – a recipient of the Presidential Award for Extraordinary Efforts to Combat Trafficking in Persons – for advancing social justice for individuals and economic development and stability for small businesses. The books Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda and Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill have transformed my life with a spark of the Divine. Last but not least, all of you who have looked death and fear in the eyes, picked yourself up again and again despite difficulties and heartaches, taking care and serving others despite challenging circumstances, you have the innate power to overcome any obstacle – because after all, we are made of the image of the Divine! Our soul is forever powerful, knowing and present. I feel so blessed, immersing in the light of gratitude, love and friendships.

Website: https://www.masterngrowrich.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weng_yan_ling/

Image Credits
Girl Squad Media