Meet Linnea Bjorkman | Teacher, Coach, and Consultant

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

Hi Linnea, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind the success of Whole Root Wonder is the fact that I’m offering the world the things that bring me the most joy. When I can support people in creating delight, harmony, and well-being in their lives…my work is successful. It’s about me being fully ME in the world! My greatest passions in life have become the three pillars of my business. What is so interesting, is that these three things are fundamental to my values in life: self-care/living mindfully, care for the planet/healthy food, and community/shared-leadership. I get to support individuals and communities in cultivating a healthier inner experience, and more vibrant shared experience.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a curious life-long learner. My professional journey started in non-profit family resource centers, where I found my passion for learning/speaking Spanish, and merged that with my personal interest in yoga by starting a Spanish yoga program (Alas de Yoga). As a yoga teacher, I provide a variety of private and group yoga classes; and wellness sessions (even chair yoga with residents in assisted living and memory care!). I also went from gardening in a community garden, to helping various non-profits start their own community gardens. That passion lead me to studying permaculture, and implementing it in placed-based projects with local foundations, communities, and anchor institutions. I offer group and one-on-one opportunities to learn the art of tending food-gardens and permaculture gardens. I have worked in family health centers and health-related community organizing, so my passion for health and mindful living were a huge part of that. I’ve worked with various small and large institutions…so I’ve learned to work within various “systems,” and have a focus on amplifying the voices that often go un-heard. That is why The Circle Way has become such a big part of the coaching/consulting pillar of my business. The group process model believes that there is “a leader in every chair,” and seeks to insure that all voices/gifts/talents/abilities of people can be utilized to their full potential.

Whole Root Wonder is the culmination of these three main passions in my life. It is my way of offering the joy of these practices to other individuals and communities. I even had a Patreon page so that I can support people with yoga, food-gardening and permaculture content…and Patrons get to help sustain the work that I do with non-profits!
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take them on a hike on Lookout Mountain, and then head to lunch at El Callejon – both in Golden. The next day we would stroll the Tenneson shops, grab lunch at Vital Root, and then get a cocktail at The Tartarian. The next day, I would take them to the murals in RINO, and then visit the Denver Art Museum…and hope to catch the food truck day by the capitol.|

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Michael Green is one of my mentors, and has had an immense impact on my career. He supported me in my previous work in community-based work and transformed the way that I approach my work. He taught me to see the assets that people and communities possess (as opposed to some approaches that start their work from the deficits). I find myself often saying to myself, “What would Mike Green do?” We also just have a lot in common around meditation, food-gardening, and cherishing time with loved-ones. He has become a dear friend. Additionally, I owe immense gratitude to my whole family (members of whom are both chosen, and birth-given).

Website: www.wholerootwonder.com

Instagram: @wholerootwonder

Linkedin: Linnea Bjorkman

Facebook: @wholerootwonder

Youtube: Whole Root Wonder

Other: www.patreon.com/wholerootwonder