We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Hermine Kraft a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Hermine, thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
My most pivotal defining moment in my career was when I started skydiving at 16. It wasn’t just about overcoming fear and learning a new skill; it marked the beginning of my spiritual journey. Little did I know that this passion would lead me to an incredible 18-year journey in skydiving, where I became part of the best women’s team in the world, achieved two world records, and traveled globally. This is also where I started teaching for the first time, becoming a skydiving coach and teaching others how to fly and unlock their true potential up there in the multiple-dimensional space. I think that was truly where my first learnings of holding space for other people began, and it enriched my understanding of life and strengthened my spiritual connection with God. It truly transformed my perspective and appreciation for life.
Hermine, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I was born and raised on a large farm in Sweden, where I got my first pony at three years old, and horses have always been a significant part of my life. At 16, I started skydiving, which opened up a world of travel, connection, and personal growth. This journey led me to California, where I felt an immediate soul connection. Now, I live on a horse ranch in Carmel Valley, California, a beautiful rustic cowboy community where rustic cowboy life meets deep spiritual practices. Here, I discovered my passion for wellness and health, becoming an Ayurvedic practitioner and completing yoga teacher training in Costa Rica. Now, with over a decade of experience, I teach yoga and hold spiritual retreats on our ranch. I’m also a mother of two sons and enjoy competing with my husband in different western styles of horsemanship. My other passion including liberty training and soulful trail rides.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
I believe my success in yoga and space holding comes from balancing opposite energies. In space holding, I work with grounding and the element of earth, but my skydiving experience brings in the opposite energy of air and ether. This allows me to intuitively know when to balance the two during a session. I also align my practices with the seasons—during summer, I focus on cooling, slower, more conscious practices, and in winter, I emphasize warming practices to maintain flow and prevent stagnation. I think it’s essential to balance spiritual practices with grounded, practical activities like horseback riding or gardening. These dualities keep me connected and balanced as a teacher.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I moved to California, I initially wanted to become a winemaker. After spending a couple of seasons in the industry, both as a winemaker assistant and working in the tasting room, I realized how toxic it was. While I had a deep appreciation for the earth, soil, and farming, I knew that wasn’t the path for me. Then I discovered Ayurveda, which shares a similar respect for the land, plants, and living with the seasons. This holistic approach to wellness resonated with me deeply, and that’s when I truly found my calling. I then made the shift to become a full-time yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.buckmountain.org
- Instagram: @buckmountainyoga
- Youtube: @herminekraft4123