We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristen Schneider and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kristen, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I think a major factor to consider when deciding if one should persevere or surrender and move on is to consider the WHY. When i’m at an intersection where I can either keep going or move on, I ask myself, “Why am I doing this?” Personally, everything I do needs to have meaning and a purpose. If capital is my primary incentive, I know I’m out of balance and I I need to shift my focus. I shift focus by examining my values and taking time to tune inward. Monetary benefits are a nice bonus, but that can never be my driving force. On the other hand, if my motivation is to make an impact in the world, to create something that benefits the welfare of others, or even complete a project that amplifies my sense of fulfillment then I tend to push through and keep going irrespective of the challenges that face me. I have found that when I commit to projects that are congruent with my values, there’s less resistance, and I enter more of a “flow state”.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am a board certified Ayurveda Practitioner. I have had the honor of sitting humbly with over 1,500 clients helping them amplify their awareness, and discover ways to modify their food and lifestyle to optimize their health. Ayurveda is a form of mind-body medicine, meaning the mind and body are interconnected and what affects one affects the others. When we change the way we treat our bodies, that change influences the way we think and feel. Along the same lines–when we change the way we think and feel, our bodies respond. Everything is intrinsically connected. With an emphasis on the mind, I am now in graduate school earning my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. I am so excited to blend some of the evidence based practices and skills of mental health counseling with the ancient and spiritual wisdom of Ayurveda. My practice is a true East meets West love affair. Right now I am most excited to launch a new virtual platform–Ayurvedic Group Counseling. This platform will provide an intimate community setting where participants will discuss themes such as: overcoming fear, eating well, daily routines, mental hygiene, and women’s health. The difference between the personal consultations that I’ve been offering for the last eight years and this, is that this is a community based collaborative experience where each participant is their own best expert. This is not an advice giving forum; rather it’s a place to come together and allow our inner wisdom to come forth through structured sharing and activities.

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 a dear friend were coming to St.Petersburg, Florida to visit me I would first take them out on the boat, then we’d grab lunch at Fresh Kitchen. We’d eat outside. We’d drive over to the Don Cesar for a mojito or glass of wine, then take a soul stroll on the beach. We’d grab dinner at Hooks, a Japanese restaurant, then head down to North Straub Park along the water’s edge watch the sunset. Sounds romantic!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So many people have inspired me and supported me throughout the process of learning, starting businesses, and evolving as a human being. I would like to give a shout out to Emily Ghosh Harris, creator of Soul Media, an organization dedicated to the evolution of women’s wisdom through authentic work. Initially, Emily was a client. She came to see me for Ayurvedic counseling. Our relationship quickly evolved into a collaborative friendship. Emily is a bright, compassionate woman who embodies soft, feminine wisdom. Emily is currently creating virtual and in-person platforms where she curates expert workshops, seminars, and discussion panels. She coaches entrepreneurs on how to orient their business to make not only gains for their career, but gains for their soul.

Website: www.ayurveda-orlando.com
Instagram: @_Kristenschneider
Youtube: yoginiK
Other: WellBlends, Ayurvedic Products for Self-Care: www.wellblends.com

Image Credits
Image: Kristina Maness