We had the good fortune of connecting with Kristy Gungler and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Kristy Gungler is a seeker, teacher and connector. She is a mama, wife, daughter, sister and friend. She holds certifications in Ayurvedic Health Counseling, Forest Therapy, yoga + clinical aromatherapy. She has a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science and an associates degree in Veterinary Technology. Kristy is a nature-worshiper whose deep desire and calling is to re-connect humans to nature for the betterment of themselves, their communities, and our beautiful planet, Earth. Through her Earth Bird Wholebeing practice, she offers Ayurvedic Health counseling, guided Forest Therapy walks, seasonal online workshops + courses, teaches a weekly yoga class and is a small-batch distiller of aromatic and therapeutic hydrosols.

Hi Kristy, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
The principle that keeps me grounded and aligned with my intention for my business, is the principle of authenticity. The definition of authenticity is ‘of being genuine or real. authenticity is the quality of being genuine or real.’ When I first started out creating offerings and sharing my vision and mission for Earth Bird Wholebeing, I often wondered if others would find benefit or even be slightly interested in what I was doing. Being in the “wellness” space, it can often times feel overwhelming that there are so many other options or businesses sharing ways to cultivate a healthy lifestyle. When those thoughts would come into mind, I would seek stillness and my inner voice would say “just be you, be authentically you.” I most definitely find inspiration from others but creating offerings and sharing them from a place that is from my heart is what keeps me connected to this path. Showing up in this business and sharing nature-based wellbeing practices that I have studied, practiced and implement in my own life is at the utmost importance. There is no way I could be consulting with a client or leading a workshop sharing these practices, if I myself do not practice them. Authenticity is a key pillar when you are asking others to come under your wing and learn lifestyle practices that can bring incredible transformations, mind, body and spirit. I take this role as a Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Forest Therapy Guide, yoga teacher and aromatherapist with deep reverence to the lineages, my teachers and to my clients. Living and practicing what I share and recommend to others creates a solid foundation for my business and allows me to show up wholeheartedly, without worrying how others in this space are sharing various wellness practices. The quality of authenticity can come through in many ways. Through words but also through feeling. When seeking out counsel for your mind, body and/or spiritual wellbeing; take time to listen and feel if that is the right person or path for you.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
When someone asks me what I do or inquires about the vision + mission I hold for my business, Earth Bird Wholebeing; I first respond with, “I am in the business of guiding and supporting women who are seeking to deepen their connections with the Earth and with the spirit of their true nature.”

Earth Bird Wholebeing incorporates nature as the core of my multifaceted offerings. Whether it be guided Forest Therapy walks, Ayurvedic group lifestyle counseling, one-on-one Ayurvedic health consultations, informative workshops and/or the therapeutic hydrosols that I distill in a copper, alembic still.
The name Earth Bird came to me while sitting in meditation. I was calling in a name that embodied the essence of this path and of my offerings. While going through my own healing journey, it was the Earth that kept me grounded and held. It was the bird’s eye view in which these holistic, nature-based practices gifted me while on my path towards wholeness.

My intention is to simply be a guide for women who are looking to (re)connect with and understand the rhythms, cycles + elemental expressions found in nature and how this connection lends itself to a deeper understanding of our own unique nature. Connecting women to the Earth so they can feel supported and held, just as they offer that same energetic offering to others. Women are the caretakers, the householders, the mothers, sisters, daughters, guardians, grandmothers, aunts, the peacekeepers and change-makers. Oftentimes we expend our energies caring for others, we forget how to care for ourselves.

There are many stages, paths and ways to find wellness, health and vitality. My deep desire is to share Ayurveda and other nature-based wellbeing practices. Forest Therapy is a practice I feel deeply aligned with and called to share. Spending intentional time with nature helps us cultivate a genuine relationship with Mother Earth. This form of mindful connection is also a touchstone in my Ayurvedic offerings. Ayurveda is based with the understanding that we are a microcosm in the macrocosm. Sharing Ayurveda in a feminine form, where our intuition rekindles and is our steady guide, just as we witness in nature.

The vision and mission for Earth Bird Wholebeing is to be a guide and a space-holder for you to find your way back home. Find your way to your instinctive and intuitive self; reconnecting to your inner-guide. Offering ways for you to learn and experience Ayurvedic wisdom in a slow, steady and supported way. Incorporating Forest Therapy, yoga, aromatherapy and other mindfulness + nature-based practices to fully understand + embody our truest nature.

I believe when we heal, the Earth heals and when the Earth heals, we heal. This knowing is what calls me to do this work.

My business is still in its infancy stage. There are a lot of growing pains and learning hurdles but the passion I hold and the desire I have to share these nature-based wellbeing modalities, keeps me taking one step forward at a time; even and especially when I fumble. It is hard to put into words the joy and excitement I feel when I share this path and continue to create ways in which I can bring these practices into our busy, modern-day lives.

I would want the world to know that Earth Bird Wholebeing is a business built on passion and run on authenticity. That life and the weight of the world can pull us off center, but that getting back to nature and finding our true nature is a path that will bring benefits to you, those around you and to our Earth. To come back into harmony, by practicing daily rituals for our wellbeing. And ultimately, for the wellbeing of our Earth. To become empowered into wholeness; mind, body + spirit and one with nature.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my best friend comes into town for a visit, planning our adventure is quite easy! I live up near Red Feather Lakes so we definitely spend time hiking the nearby trails, we enjoy time spent amongst the trees, breathing in the fresh air as we appreciate the slower-paced vibe of being out of the city. Then there are days we will plan a trip to Fort Collins to grab some delicious eats and shop the local small-businesses. We would enjoy freshed baked goods and a chai tea at Retreat Bakery Bar, we would head to Tasty Harmony for a scrumptious lunch and then we would grab fried avocado tacos from Vatos Tacos for dinner. In between our feeding frenzy, we would head to Source Point acupuncture for some blissful mind/body care. We would then head to Makerfolk for a handmade treasure, and stop by Golden Poppy Herbal Apothecary for a workshop and some lovely hand-made herbal products. Living outside of town but within driving distance to Fort Collins is a great balance. I love sharing both places when my best friend comes to town!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
What a lovely opportunity to shoutout to those that support you along the way. Thank you for asking! First and foremost my parents are at the top of my shoutout list. As a child they always encouraged me to find my bliss, They gave me the freedom to explore and find what activity or adventure brought me joy! To this day they tell me how proud they are of me and my accomplishments. As a seeker, my path has taken me down many avenues with various opportunities. My Mom and Dad have cheered me on to this day. That is something I will always be grateful for and cherish.

My husband, whom I met in college and whom has been my best friend for 28 years, is an unbelievable support system. He is always encouraging me and also giving me the space to figure out how to turn this passion into my dream business. He never questions my curiosity and my interest in taking another certification endeavor. He sees my vision and supports my path to achieve it. I am so grateful to have my support system by my side day in and day out.

To my kids, for all the times they have written me encouraging notes, giving me a hug and shared “you’ve got this” as I walk out the door to teach, for their support and for truly being the reason why I landed on this path in the first place. For seeing me as I am, imperfections and all, cheering me on as I following my passions. My kids are my why, and they keep me going when I doubt myself. They are forever my North star.

I have deep gratitude for friends, clients and even strangers that have inspired me, encouraged me and supported me from near and or far. To my clients that share their positive experience or tell me how grateful they are for our time together. I tuck those sentiments into my heart and carry them with me.

Website: https://www.earthbirdwholebeing.com/

Instagram: @earthbird_wholebeing

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