Meet Prema Shakti | Ayurvedic Practitioner, Yoga Instructor, Licensed Massage Therapist, Registered Psychotherapist

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

Hi Prema, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Before starting my career as a self-employed Ayurvedic Doctor I worked in the financial industry. At the time I had a very stable job and steady income, and I was also half-way through a Masters of Science in Accounting degree. My path was far from where I sit today. I am so thankful that I did not up end with what I thought I needed and what society told me I wanted. My risk came in the form of becoming more present and aware of my dharma, and that was not the path I was taking. I very randomly and abruptly quit my job and dropped out of the masters program, not even knowing what would come of it at the time, or having a plan, but I trusted in Gaia. I never foresaw where my life would be today. I had never heard of Ayurveda, which is now my full-time profession and devotion. The fruits of my risk have far exceeded any expectations I could dream up at the time, and continue to do so on a daily basis. My risk was also being willing to fail, and the possibility of having to return to the normal western way of life. But I dove in fully with my sprit and passion and through each small decision I made along the way led me to where I currently and joyously exist. I still love the idea that I do not know what is to come next, and I trust in the process. I know that I have a solid foundation to fall back on should I need it, but I have never started any of my days with that mindset. I am all in.

What should our readers know about your business?
My company is called HibisKISS Ayurveda. I began with this while living in Florida and eventually migrating to Boulder, CO. I specialize in Ayurvedic medicine, panchakarma, vedic counseling, energy healing, yoga and meditation. Working for yourself means that you wear a lot of different hats, which is not an easy task, but I appreciate being hands-on in every aspect of what I do. One thing that I have learned along the way, is that self-employment can be isolating. I value community and connection. I view my career path as being of service to humanity in the best way that I am capable of in this incarnation. My job is to help people reach their own goals, path or dharma and to enable the tools for achieving them. I believe everyone has the right to autonomy and joy, and I simply help them find it. I am an educator and a healer. I also run a website called Ayurveda for Addiction, where I specifically work with people who have dealt with substance abuse and trauma. My offerings have expanded over the years and continue to do so exponentially as I am always looking to add to my toolbox to better serve my community. You can learn more about my offerings here: https://www.hibiskissayurveda.com/ & http://www.ayurvedaforaddiction.com/

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Colorado has so much to offer. I am constantly discovering new hikes, camping spots and music venues. While in Boulder visiting the Boulder Creek is a must during the summer months, strolling along until you meet the statue of Chief Niwot and the “Curse of Boulder Valley” or “Niwot’s Curse” (ask a local). Some of my current favorite hiking spots are around the Eldorado Canyon State Park in South Boulder. Denver is the scene for great restaurants such as Sushi Den in the Washington Park area. I definitely recommend catching a show at Red Rocks Amphitheater, which is unlike any other music venue in the country. I also wouldn’t leave Colorado without hitting up some hot springs; Steamboat Springs is a popular choice. If you like to snowboard or ski, don’t forget to check out the Breckenridge Troll after hitting the slopes. Paddle-boarding is a great summer activity, and there are surprisingly lots of spots to rents boards in Colorado for an afternoon. Road trips allow for stunning views of the mountains during a drive and are frequent in my life. If you are a nature lover, throw your tent in the back and enjoy the journey, you really can’t go wrong.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My path has led me to continue my work in Ayurveda with the guidance of my guru, colleague, friend, and spiritual mother Alakananda Ma. Her wisdom, love and encouragement has been a highlight of my journey. There have been many other teachers along the way, too many to list, but big shoutouts to Sadanandaji, Denise and Kevin O’Dunn, Val Spies, Dr. Vasant Lad, and of course all of my beloved family members for their unconditional support.

Website: https://www.hibiskissayurveda.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hibiskiss.ayurveda/ & https://www.instagram.com/prema.shakti.guru/ & https://www.instagram.com/ayurvedaforaddiction/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hibisKISSayurveda

Other: http://www.ayurvedaforaddiction.com/ http://premashakti.guru/