By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
MENTAL health and wellness coach Asia Camacho Hilario, who returned from California last summer, has been helping many people who are stressed by austerity measures in the CNMI — especially employees of the Public School System — through sound healing sessions she launched in September.
The program is made possible through her non-profit organization, Sagan Flores, whose mission is to support the community’s mental wellness.
Hilario offers free sound baths for all PSS employees, including teachers, every “Austerity Monday” at 5 p.m. at Aqua Resort Club. The sessions are open to people of all ages, she said, and will continue for as long as the austerity measure remains in effect, Hilario added in an interview on Wednesday.
Sound healing is a therapeutic practice that uses sound frequencies to promote mental and emotional well-being.
She has also conducted sound baths for children with special needs at Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, for elementary and middle school students, and for CNMI judges. She was on Tinian recently providing the same service for free.
Born on Saipan, the 34-year-old self-love mentor has been a mental health coach for six years. Her mental health podcast is ranked internationally, and she has served as an international keynote speaker on mental health and wellness.
Hilario said she began this work after struggling with her own mental health, including complex PTSD. Her journey toward healing her depression and anxiety led to the creation of her nonprofit, Sagan Flores.
Hilario said when the implementation of austerity measures was announced, she knew it would add more stress and place more burden not only on teachers and PSS employees but also on students. “There would be more anxiety and a feeling of uncertainty. With Saipan Sound Healing, these sessions help people feel more relaxed and less anxious. It helps you sleep better and improves your overall mental wellness,” she said, adding that she hopes to continue offering free sound healing sessions to the community, especially PSS staff.
Hilario said she understands that sound healing alone will not solve larger problems, but it can help people cope with stress and build mental capacity and resilience as the CNMI navigates ongoing economic challenges.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
