Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kate Odonnell. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kate, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

My parents had both walked monastic paths before they met, and raised me to be free of any religious dogma. Of course I was always looking for a religion! I was never spoon fed anything about what to believe, or how to live my life. So it’s no surprise I continue to make my own way, and have chosen a profession where I am self-employed and creative.

Dad and I used to talk about “the track” that many were on in life. School to job to kids to retirement. He encouraged me to ask the question “what else is there?” and I sure have lived a life of finding out. From Maui to India to everywhere in between I have put my training and experiential learning above all else, and because of this I have specialized knowledge and an embodied sense of the fields I practice and teach. This is priceless and I am so glad I was free to live this way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a nationally certified Ayurvedic Practitioner, senior yoga teacher, and the author of four best-selling Ayurveda books including The Everyday Ayurveda Cookbook. I studied in India since 1998 and continue to travel there annually for study. I contribute to many publications including Yoga Journal, Women’s Health Magazine, and NPR. She teaches trainings, cooking classes, seasonal cleanses, retreats, and online programs when she isn’t practicing yoga or having a chai. In 2019 I founded The Ayurvedic Living Institute, an online space for the transmission of Ayurveda in ways both traditional and modern.

Through individual learning, group work, and teacher student relationship, we make classical Ayurvedic lifestyle and diet principles accessible to people in all stages of life and all geographies. It is our belief that the knowledge must be embodied consistently, and integrated into daily life for the best results, therefore we offer programming that is practical and supportive. We are committed to continuing to evolve with our students as our collective journey with Ayurveda cultivates optimal quality of life, and a clear view of reality.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Being a people person is helpful in the clinical work, as well as my work as a wellness influencer. People need to trust and feel authenticity from a person who might lead them in life choices. The ability to meet each person where they are at and share freely about my own journey, with humor, is a tremendous connector.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

For many years I struggled with making money through wellness offerings. I felt I should work for free or on donation. After 20 years when I had my first business coaching session, I realized that of the 5 things I was doing professionally, 5 were labors of love. And I was tired.

Thes lesson I had to unlearn is that selfless service means don’t think about money. A service business must also ensure the health and integrity of the one(s) who offer the service. Or the whole thing goes bust and no one feels good.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://ayurvedicliving.institute/
• Instagram: @kateodonnell.ayurveda
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa_7q5okagCbDMuGFKVBzBQ
• Other: Podcast Everyday Ayurveda with Kate

  https://healwithkate.org/podcast

Image Credits

Cara Brostrom
John Mowat
Mary Arnold