Life & Work with Hannah Kinderlehrer

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Hannah Kinderlehrer.

Hi Hannah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
My journey began with a profound quest for belonging – to myself, to others, and the natural world.

This quest has been intricately woven into the tapestry of my life, shaping my childhood, influencing my decisions, and guiding my educational, geographical, and career paths. It is this fundamental pursuit that has propelled me toward a life dedicated to seeking, fostering, and flourishing within communities and nature.

From orchestrating dance productions with my cousins and siblings to exploring abroad in search of a life philosophy aligned with my own, the concept of belonging has remained central. Following a personal setback where I sustained a back injury and had to relinquish teaching SoulSweat, I channeled my energies into creating Awaken the Dance – a mindfulness-based ecstatic dance form. Through this, I’ve had the privilege of training over 20 teachers and fostering inclusive spaces for expression across diverse bodies, abilities, and identities.

My journey of seeking belonging has led me on a rich tapestry of experiences, encompassing 25 years of Buddhist study, immersion in Shamanic practices, active involvement in the Dance for Parkinson’s Community, exploration of Nonviolent Communication, and training in Hakomi Somatic Psychotherapy, among others. Today, I share my insights and experiences through workshops like Dancing on the Earth – a nature-based movement immersion, and Homecoming: Belonging to Ourselves, Each Other, and Mama Earth – a transformative 12-week women’s circle. These endeavors also inform my holistic coaching practice.

Furthermore, my quest for belonging has manifested in forming a supportive peer group. For over five years, we’ve gathered monthly, celebrating life’s milestones, such as marriages and births, while navigating the complexities of loss and grief together. Through these diverse modalities and connections, I’ve discovered deeper layers of belonging in every aspect of my life.

Let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
I often wonder if anyone’s life journey is completely smooth and free of challenges. Everyone I’ve admired has faced their fair share of struggles and triumphs. For me, the greatest challenges have been health-related. I live with chronic illnesses, including Lyme disease, mold toxicity, MAST cell issues, and other related conditions. These have sometimes made it difficult to create the life I want for my family and contribute meaningfully to the world.

There have been periods where I’ve been completely sidelined by insomnia, broken bones, hospitalizations, exhaustion, pain, and other symptoms. But I’ve come to realize that life doesn’t hand us challenges according to our schedule—life just happens.

In response, I’ve strived to create work environments where I can show up as I am and use my personal experiences of dealing with suffering to support others with greater compassion and understanding. I’ve learned communication and healing skills to help myself, and others get off the struggle bus and feel empowered to move through whatever has a hold on us.

Over the years, I’ve developed a comprehensive set of somatic and emotional resources to navigate life with a greater sense of safety, nervous system resilience, support, and love. No matter the cause of suffering or challenge, I’ve found ways to work with what arises, helping both myself and others manage and overcome life’s hurdles.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar with what you do, what can you tell them about what you do?
As a holistic coach, my work encompasses a variety of modalities, including Hakomi Depth Psychology, Shamanic journey work, embodiment practices, and nervous system resilience. I also focus on overall health and well-being. My offerings are diverse and include one-on-one coaching, dance and nature workshops, 12-week women’s circles, and guest teaching at workshops and events nationally and internationally.

My specialty lies in creating safe environments where individuals can deeply connect with themselves. I empower people to embrace their embodiment, creativity, and joy within their bodies. Additionally, I provide spaces for exploring our connections to ourselves, the Earth, and others. Rather than ignoring past wounds or ingrained messages, I use tools to help rewrite old stories and uncover how much belonging is possible for each of us.

I’m often recognized as someone who makes people WANT to be in their bodies. I go deep with my work but always strive to create a sacred, playful environment. A fun anecdote: when I walk around town, people often open their mouths and say “ahhhh” because I’m always reminding participants to open their mouths and soften their bellies—simple yet powerful practices for relaxation and presence.

This approach helps individuals reconnect with their bodies and fosters a sense of community and shared healing, which I believe is essential for personal and collective growth.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I don’t think I believe in luck. Instead, I believe in causes and conditions arising and falling, and I strive for more and more trust that however things work out is how they are supposed to.

I see our lives crossing paths for a reason, with each encounter and experience contributing to our greatest learning. Sometimes, this journey feels wonderful and meant to be, while other times, it feels challenging and heartbreaking, leaving me shaking my fists at the sky, asking, “Why?!”

In my coaching practice, this philosophy translates into helping people navigate their own experiences with a sense of trust and openness. I encourage clients to see both the joys and the challenges as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. By embracing this perspective, we can find meaning and purpose in every moment, even the difficult ones.

Pricing:

• Individual Coaching 115
• Dancing on the Earth 33

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.riseandthrive.care
• Instagram: @riseandthrivecoaching
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riseandthrivecoaching/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@awakenthedance1301

Image Credits
Jewel Afflerbaugh