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

Hi Karina, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk! A game I never played. But when it comes to thriving in my life and career, I can honestly say I wouldn’t be alive (or working at a job I love) without it. I think about risk the way I think about breath – as foundational, inherent and indispensable. Life is defined by it, and doesn’t happen without risk. From the moment of birth, including the birthing process itself (imagine a chick pecking its way out of an egg – if it doesn’t do it just at the right time and completely, it dies), we are facing one risk after another in pursuit of fulfilling our life purpose. Pushing beyond the confines of the comfort zone is not only essential to healthy development – it means the difference between death, mere existence, and living life fully. And that’s not an invitation to extreme risk-taking that recklessly puts me or others in danger. It’s a softer, subtler version of the concept that looks more like integrity, authenticity and love. In risking the pain of looking at my shadows, I find my gold. In risking the heartache of losing a relationship that stifles me, I gain one that uplifts me. In risking other’s disapproval in speaking my truth, I gain my authentic voice. In risking vulnerability in times of weakness, I find my strength. Because of my willingness to risk following my heart’s highest joy, I find myself living a conscious life full of purpose, passion and wholeness. And that includes releasing worn out patterns of behavior, self-limiting beliefs and relationships that no longer serve my mission to be a beneficial presence on the planet and live each moment fully. I find that when guided by my heart – the risks I take yield tremendous rewards to me and those around me.

What should our readers know about your business?
The “kai” in Kai Wellness came in a meditation. I looked up the term and found that it has many meanings in several different languages. The Chinese character that most resonated roughly defines “kai” as a quality of character of having great capacity to undergo transformation and come out victorious. This is exciting because it speaks to the heart of my work. People know they can come to Kai Wellness, as they are, and be greatly supported and held in a powerful container of sacred space as they navigate transitions, health matters and personal and spiritual development.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I wouldn’t let them miss a sunrise walk on the beach; lunch at any of the farm-to-table California cuisine restaurants (Tar & Roses is a favorite); afternoon visit to a Korean spa and dinner with live jazz at the Culver Hotel. And since I’m a nature gal and this is California, depending on the season a trip to alpine lakes in the Sierras, beach getaway on the Central Coast, or star gazing in Anza Borrego would be on the docket for sure!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are countless people, organizations, books and groups that deserve my sincere gratitude and a heaping dose of credit for their contributions: the Universe, my family, friends, the Jungian Institute of LA for their incredible soul-revealing classes and groups, Woman Within International for its’ nurturing and leadership, my many teachers and mentors in the fields of spiritual, emotional and professional development, all the animals and natural world for being such inspirational guides and intermediaries. Thank you.

Website: www.kaiwellness.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-karina-klimtchuk-l-ac-dacm-dipl-om-ciayt-59769833/
Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/kai-wellness-los-angeles
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiZCX3x4ZbA

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