We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lena Kunz. Check out our conversation below.
Lena, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
Acceptance. Self acceptance, life events, people, life path. It’s easier said than done
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m an artist, yoga instructor, into energy healing work, music, and always will be life’s student. The art I make dives into topics of the self, spirituality, psychological, or nature. My art journeys and records my thoughts, curiosity, or the waves of emotions I experience.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child I always struggled to keep up with my age group, social skill/ learning. I had to “catch up” a lot with my age group. Due to being adopted from another country, Russia, and not knowing how to speak at all, I had a hard time communicating. Along with understanding what was going on. I always felt like I was an inconvenient and felt ashamed I had learning disabilities. Especially when teachers seemed flustered I needed extra help in school. Going to my college and yoga school, I learned a lot about myself and how there are people who faced similar challenges. People who have learning disabilities or are too sensitive were/are looked down on and now I know it shouldn’t be that way. We all have something to teach others in this world and to embrace our uniqueness. I feel my background has allowed me to hold space for myself and whatever gifts I have to offer in this world. I hope others can hold space for themselves too. Embrace the uniqueness and gifts you share during this lifetime!
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
It’s not art related, but something people can relate to. I really thought I wasn’t going to be able to move to Chicago. There was always something new popping up. Whether it was dealing with my old unit, booking with a moving company, plane tickets, airline pet policies. Days were passing and it seemed like nothing couldn’t go smoothly. Also, going there alone with barely anything seemed uncertain and scary. My sister wanted to go with me to help me settle into my new place, but couldn’t. So it was a journey I had to do on my own and I see can the lessons I had to learn. Informing me to have more confidence in myself and embrace the unknown. I’m also grateful for the family member and friend I know here. I didn’t think I would hear from them or even see them once I moved.
I guess my advice is to remember everyone’s journey is different and not to compare it or assume it needs to go a certain way. Especially the moving process. We’re all trying our best and figuring out how to live life.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Is the public version of you the real you?
No, I feel like what people see doesn’t do justice when getting to know the real me. Kind of like photos. There’s a lot more to uncover.
It depends how I’m feeling or what I’m doing that day. Sometimes if I’m too worried about something I feel may not be as present. Maybe I’ll stumble on my words or the conversation with the barista goes by fast, where I question if I was actually there.
I guess the question for me is, and if anyone else can relate, is how present am I in public? Am I in a rush or do feel comfortable wherever I am. Those can impact how I am in public.
People who do know me see another side. Funny, quirky, understanding, caring, and a deep thinker.
This is a good question and I’ll probably keep thinking about this a few days after.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
I feel one is exploring your emotions. Understanding it can lead to discover and uncover things about yourself. Some may say it’s not productive or may feel uncomfortable. It may be intimidating or some fear of being weak. Emotions are there for a reason. To help you become aware what needs attention. Also the body holds onto our emotions. Which is what I learned through energy healing work.
If you break down the word: emotion
Energy in motion
We can learn how to process and honor our emotions if we aren’t afraid of them. You don’t have to fully understand all of them and or the why’s at the moment. However, just to acknowledge them and know it will pass.
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