Meet Adriana Buenaventura, career-changing yoga and meditation teacher who has found her happiness and her niche in mindful practice. – Sarah

What attracted you to the field of health and wellness? I believe in developing our maximum potential for us to live happy lives. Being a whole individual starts with being healthy. As a yoga and meditation teacher, I am passionate about the multiple benefits of a yoga practice at the physical, emotional and metal levels. By a consistent yoga practice we can bring our bodies back to balance and experience an overall sense of vitality and wellbeing. By opening the doorway to balance we open ourselves to the infinite possibilities for a deeper sense of purpose and happiness.

Your Job Title: Yoga Therapy Practitioner and Meditation Teacher Company you are with now: Ananda Yoga Center, Palo Alto, CA Beresford Community Center, San Mateo, CA East West Bookstore, Mountain View, CA Senior Court, San Mateo, CA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Adri.... A typical (or not so typical) day-in-the-work-life for you: An early morning meditation and energizing exercises set the tone for my daily yoga practice. Afterwards, I go to the various classes I teach in the Peninsula, including beginners, restorative, chair yoga and private clients. I constantly educate myself on therapeutic uses of yoga which I combine with my part-time job as an online marketing consultant. Finishing my day with a period of silence and meditation is a key role in maintaining a sense of inner balance.

How did you get your current job in health and wellness? After years of working as a Marketing professional in Health Insurance, I realized a couple of years ago that I was not happy doing so. I decided to pursue a career in Yoga, which is not only what I am passionate about, but for me is a way of life.

Once I received my teacher training certification, I started reaching out to potential clients/venues. I have also been offered the opportunity to participate in wellness fairs where by word of mouth which has expanded my clientele. I have also been approached about teaching retreats in Mexico, Colombia, and India. I hope to someday be an inspiration to other women to pursue their passion and make a career doing something they love. What skills were you born with and what skills have you learned along the way? I was born with a strong analytical mind which has helped me to be effective in what I set myself to do. Being organized, methodical and having an ability for attention to detail has come really effective as I continue to expand my yoga business and my yoga therapy studies.

The skill of being non-judgmental. This is an important skill that being a yoga teacher has taught me. As I teach in front of groups of people I learned that we are all in different paths and that theirs is as valuable as mine. We all have different challenges and I am instrument to guide my students in the path of self-discovery through yoga. I focus on what I can offer regardless of their condition.   We are all the same deep inside our hearts. What advice do you have for others wanting to be just as successful and fulfilled as you? Connect with what truly talks to your heart and do it. Regardless of what it is, if you have a ceaseless flame of passion for something in your life that is a sign that needs to be answered. Follow the signs and the doors will start opening up as people feel your passion and want to be around you. If you could be paid for your job with something other than a paycheck, what would it be? Seeing my students take their yoga practice to their next level. It is different for everyone, but for the most part their outlook changes at some level. It shows in the glow of their eyes, in the strength of their bodies. Knowing that they are connecting to something greater than what they have experienced before. That is the greatest reward.

Sarah Koszyk, MA, RDN, is a Registered Dietitian and Sports Nutritionist specializing in Weight Management and Sports Nutrition for youth and adults. She writes articles for multiple publications, provides customized nutrition coaching, and is a brand spokesperson. She is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta.Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, or LinkedIn.