Today we’d like to introduce you to Hana Klinger.
Hana, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I am originally from Tel Aviv, Israel, and moved to the States almost 20 years ago (wow! it’s been that long?). Since a young age, I have always participated in many different art forms: from drawing to dancing, singing to acting. That was the main reason why I moved to the States: to continue my dance journey. But once I came to the States, I decided that dance wasn’t for me and my passion and focus shifted into acting. At the time, I was living in Las Vegas, so I decided it was time to move back to LA and I fully pursued an acting career. It was great. I really enjoyed that time of my life– traveling from acting classes to photoshoots, going to daily auditions. It was so awesome and fun. It wasn’t always easy, but definitely always dynamic. I met great people in the industry who were super talented.
A few years prior to moving back to LA, I joined Tony Robbins’ popular self-improvement seminar “Unleash the Power Within”. I loved it so much that I decided to volunteer as a crew member to help others in their journey. About two years after that, I was invited by my friends to an introduction lecture about Kabbalah in one of the Vegas hotels. Even though it originated over 3400 years ago in my homeland, Israel, while I lived there I had no interest in spirituality at that time. And that evening, in that Vegas hotel conference room, suddenly everything made sense to me. Kabbalah felt so real and so truthful to my soul. I started taking Kabbalah classes and delved more into spirituality.
In 2017, after I had moved back to LA, life presented me with a health challenge that shook my boat. I was also dealing with a difficult breakup and I didn’t feel as fulfilled with my acting career as I once had. I remember sitting in my car outside of the Kabbalah Center on Robertson Blvd., feeling lost about what to do with my life. Once again, I knew that something had to change but I didn’t know what the next chapter was going to be. And then, my inner voice spoke to me, “You should look into energy healing and wellness.” A few months later, I signed up for yoga teacher training at Liberation Yoga here in LA. Following the teacher training, I did a one-year apprenticeship with an Iyengar teacher, Pagan George.
My apprenticeship was an amazing year. I learned to see “who is in front of me.” I learned my students’ unique needs according to their different levels. I learned how to do hands-on adjustments and how to break down the poses so I could teach it systematically. Soon after, I started teaching an Iyengar-style yoga class combined with Kabbalah. In this class, we use kabbalistic tools to deepen our yoga practice. Both my yoga students and I go through a spiritual journey of mind, body and soul while we are on the mat. In addition to that, my goal is to also provide my students with practical tools “off the mat” so they can use it in their lives.
And I’m singing again. And so grateful to do so! This past year, I performed live on different occasions and recently released my first single back in March, called “Tell Me Why”. My music career has recently taken an enlightened turn as I am now combining English, Hebrew and the ancient language of Aramaic into my songwriting and performing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Of course, I dealt with many struggles along the way: homesickness, financial difficulties, family drama. I basically started my life from scratch when I first came to live in the States. I was fortunate enough to speak good English prior to coming here but, other than one distant relative who lived in LA, I didn’t really know anyone. I had to find a job, get a driver’s license, and build my life. I remember when I first came here, I had to deal with culture shock. Driving big cars on big wide roads and drinking big cups of soda. Life is just different here than how life was like back home.
I also experienced the typical difficulties career-wise. Especially in a career like acting. For example, you hear “no” much more than “yes”. But that was what made it exciting and challenging at the same time. Looking back at the 20 years that have passed since I moved here, I have realized that all of my struggles, in my personal and professional life were all a part of my growth. It made me stronger and shaped me into who I am today. Only through choosing to live a spiritual life I am able to realize that and really live by it. And it’s a life process, and it’s not always easy. I try to learn something new everyday about myself, my strengths and weaknesses, what I need to work on and transform so I can live a more fulfilled and joyful life. Spirituality helps me heal myself. So, as I go through my own struggles and healing process, I can then help others in their own healing process. I have learned that I can share my light through anything I experience — good or bad. It’s just a matter of my consciousness.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a certified yoga teacher. I teach private lessons, groups and corporate classes (all currently online). I also teach guided meditation and facilitate healing circles for high schools, hospitals and other private groups. And I host and teach wellness retreats. In addition, I am in the process of becoming a certified energy healer, so I will be able to provide reiki services soon. I am known for my Yoga & Kabbalah class, where I share kabbalistic wisdom and tools while practicing yoga. The combination of these two ancient wisdoms allow the participants to deepen their practice, not only on a physical level but also on a spiritual level. And of course, music. Writing, singing and hopefully back to performing soon.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
On one hand, I would like to have chosen to walk a spiritual path much earlier in my life. Yet, on the other hand, I can now look back and see how every piece of my life’s journey was perfect. Everything happened as it was supposed to happen, in the exact time it did. And still is.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.hanaklinger.com
- Phone: (323) 872-9209
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/hana_klinger
- Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/hana.klinger.5
Image Credit:
Ray Reich
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