We were lucky to catch up with Maria Schaedler-Luera recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Maria thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Five years ago, I took a life-changing risk by leaving my secure full-time job as an arts administrator at a school district to start my own consultancy, Atomica Arts. Driven by a deep passion for theater, meditation, and Ayurveda, I felt compelled to create a platform that integrated these disciplines and offered transformative experiences. Thus, Atomica Arts was born with the mission of bridging the gap between knowledge and experience, helping individuals unlock their infinite potential through various workshops and classes.

The transition was daunting; leaving a stable job for the uncertainties of entrepreneurship required a leap of faith. I dedicated myself to developing Atomica Arts, focusing on arts integration, applied theater, mindfulness, meditation, and Ayurvedic practices. I offer classes, private coaching, and group sessions for both individuals and collectives, teaching online and in person, nationally and internationally. My vision was to foster personal growth, sustainability, and self-care, guiding people to become the protagonists of their own lives.

Today, I am grateful to engage in meaningful and transformative work every day. The risk I took has paid off in unimaginable ways, allowing me to witness the profound impact of my efforts on countless individuals. Atomica Arts continues to thrive, promoting the pure potential of every person and nurturing a deeper understanding of the self and the world.

Maria, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello, I’m Maria Schaedler-Luera, the co-founder and owner of Atomica Arts. I’m excited to share my journey and the unique offerings of my business with you. Born in Brazil, I am an educator and artist with a rich background in theater, music, arts literacy, and cross-cultural engagement. My path in this field began with a deep-rooted passion for the arts and education, leading me to work extensively as an Arts Integration Consultant for Focus 5 Inc. and as a Drama and Mindfulness Teaching Artist for several organizations.

At Atomica Arts, I bridge the gap between knowledge and experience, offering a diverse range of services that include arts integration consulting, applied theater workshops, mindfulness and meditation classes, and Ayurvedic health assessments. My mission is to empower individuals by helping them understand their relationship with themselves and the world, fostering personal growth and sustainable living. I also address culturally relevant teaching, bilingual education, and mental health, offering transformative experiences that inspire change from within.

What sets Atomica Arts apart is the holistic approach, combining creative arts with mindfulness and wellness practices. This integration helps clients develop intentional thinking, embrace diverse ideas, and cultivate a profound mind-body connection. I am particularly proud of my work in culturally relevant teaching, Theater of the Oppressed techniques and social justice.

The core values of Atomica Arts center on promoting the pure potential of every individual, encouraging self-care, and supporting peer collaboration. I believe that nurturing the infinite potential within each person can inspire a ripple effect of positive change in the world.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

The driving mission behind my creative journey is deeply inspired by my book, “Be the Protagonist: How Ayurveda, Meditation, and Theater Can Transform Your Life”. From a young age, I embraced the idea of being the protagonist of my own life, sparked by an early childhood experience on a beach in Brazil, dreaming of exploring distant lands. This sense of purpose has guided me through decades of travel, study, and cultural immersion, ultimately shaping my belief in the transformative power of awareness and self-discovery.

My book encapsulates this journey and my goal to help others become the protagonists of their own lives. Through the lens of Ayurveda, Meditation, and Theater, I explore how these disciplines can foster self-awareness and intentional living. Ayurveda teaches us to observe life holistically, meditation cultivates awareness of our inner selves, and theater encourages us to be mindful of our roles and actions in the world.

At Atomica Arts, my mission is to bridge the gap between knowledge and experience, offering a unique blend of experiences designed to empower individuals to understand and enhance their relationships with themselves and the world around them. Through these efforts, I hope to inspire others to become the protagonists of their own stories, taking control of their narratives and navigating their lives with purpose and intention. By integrating the principles of Ayurveda, Meditation, and Theater, we can all embark on a journey of self-discovery and transformation, lightening our loads and enriching our experiences.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the profound impact you can have on others and the world around you. As an artist, you have the unique ability to inspire, provoke thought, and foster connection through your work. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how your creative expressions can evoke emotions, spark conversations, and lead to personal and collective transformation. Additionally, the creative process itself is deeply enriching, offering endless opportunities for exploration, self-discovery, and growth. Knowing that your creativity can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life fills my own life with purpose and joy. My life is full of purpose because of this ability to touch and transform lives through my art. Whether it’s through a piece of art, a performance, or a workshop, the knowledge that I can contribute positively to the lives of others makes my journey as an artist immensely gratifying.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://atomica-arts.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atomica_arts
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atomica.arts
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schaedlerluera/
• Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/atomica_arts