These testimonials reflect the experiences of participants across Maria’s workshops in meditation, applied theater, Ayurveda, and healing practices. They highlight the safety, compassion, and creativity she brings to every session, as well as the lasting impact of her teaching. From trauma survivors finding hope, to students discovering new tools for balance and self-awareness, to professionals inspired by her clarity and passion—these voices affirm the depth and breadth of Maria’s work as a facilitator, speaker, guide, and teacher.
“Maria—you are an exceptional facilitator! I have been a therapist and facilitator for years, and I have never felt safer than when you are the one guiding these workshops. Please continue to celebrate, affirm, and share your gifts. The world is filled with Light because of you! ❤️ Your humility and warmth shine through.”
— Workshop Participant
“This is new to me. I have been stuck since my major trauma six years ago, now with terrible back pain that keeps me home or going from doctor to doctor without clear answers. This workshop is so helpful. I am learning that I must change, or I will decline more. Thank you for Free Your Mind, Maria—I deeply appreciate your knowledge and support.”
— Workshop Participant
“Maria—I am sure you are an inspiration to all in the variety of healings you offer! Thank you for helping me to heal and for creating such a safe space.”
— Workshop Participant
“I knew next to nothing about Ayurveda when I started this workshop. Maria is a natural teacher and through her lessons I gained a new perspective on myself and the world. I highly recommend this for anyone looking for insight and balance in their relationship to the world and their loved ones.”
— Lauren H.
“I found Maria’s Ayurveda workshop very beneficial. Not only was the time spent with her enjoyable and informative, but my self-care practice has improved. These days we are busy running from ‘pillar to post’ without taking time to check in with ourselves. Her suggestions have helped me ease into the day with more focus, and as a result I feel more centered. I am intrigued with Ayurveda practice and look forward to learning more.”
— Kathryn S.
“I learned some new techniques for improving self-awareness in the Applied Theatre workshops. Maria is a calm and patient instructor who creates a safe space to explore. I greatly enjoyed these workshops even though I’m not an actor.”
— Sue L.
“Each of Maria’s meditation workshops has been a life-changing opportunity for me. She generously shares her wide knowledge and carefully selects tools that have helped me find my own path for meditation. She crafts her lessons so that ancient knowledge blends with the present moment, allowing the meditation experience to unfold in a conscious and truthful way. Beyond words, I am forever grateful for her teachings.”
— Connie C.
“Thank you, Maria, for the meditation sessions I attended. You conducted these perfectly—your approach was both amicable and responsive to the needs one may have. I could see in you a sincere purpose to bring wellness to others. Meditation is new to me, and this has been a great introduction. If I’m able to put into practice consistently what we covered, it could be a life changer. I only see positives in the sessions’ content and delivery. I truly think that many could benefit from meditation—it seems to be a true spiritual journey. I hope you keep working with groups as an agent of positive change in their lives.”
— Camilo T.
“I took Maria’s workshop because I knew I needed more balance and a better understanding of how my emotions and food choices contributed to my overall health. Maria’s Ayurveda and meditation workshops were a perfect combination of theory and practice and helped lay the foundation for a new meditative practice. I’m so thankful for her step-by-step approach that has improved so much in both my personal and professional worlds.”
— Stevie M.
“Maria’s class on Primordial Sound Meditation was such a beautiful experience for the novice to the advanced meditator. I learned so much history and information that really made this course more than I expected. I felt privileged to meditate with other wonderful women and to share this experience with like-minded seekers. The setting of the love-filled Om Shoppe could not have been a better place for this journey, and when we actually received our very own mantra—all I can say is it touched my soul. Thank you, thank you, and Namaste.”
— Sarah C.
“The workshop was beautiful and very helpful.”
— Aga Z.
“I absolutely love, love, love Maria’s beautiful inspiring spirit! She was so pleasant to listen to—I could have listened to her all night. Every time I had any concern, it was answered in class, even if I was not the one to bring it up! Thank you, Maria, for putting the flame back in my meditation practice. It feels good to be back!”
— Donna M.
“The best lesson I learned is that I am not doing it wrong if I drift off and drift back in. Meditation doesn’t have to be work. I don’t have to be perfect at it. Even though I may not have ‘magic’ moments, I am building the magic within, and that alone is encouragement to keep going. Thank you for breaking it down and giving us the history, the science, and the possibilities of who we can be if we keep up our meditation practice. I am seeing the results already and can’t wait to reach that higher consciousness I desire! You are an inspiration.”
— Ruth P.
“It was such a pleasure to meet you and to learn more about Primordial Sound. I had no idea what it was about and had never heard of it before. What an exciting discovery to learn the sound of the Universe as it was at the time I was born! Through your kindness and acceptance, I learned that to feel frustrated or angry during meditation is part of the process—nothing to worry about. I was simply releasing stress and anxiety as part of healing.”
— Jocelyne D.
“I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to participate in your Primordial Sound Meditation workshop at The Om Shoppe. I was truly moved and inspired to have received my own personal mantra. It was phenomenal to share meditation stories and learn together as a group for a month. You were an amazing and compassionate teacher, and I thank you so much for sharing your knowledge with such an open heart.”
— Lin L.
“This workshop was amazing—deep level healing. It created a very safe and gentle environment to explore ourselves. The approach was so unique, and I think every participant gained a lot.”
— Workshop Participant
“It was absolutely wonderful. I had no idea movement could be so helpful in getting in touch with emotions.”
— Workshop Participant
“Maria Schaedler-Luera recently visited my Hutton Honors College Applied Improvisation class at Indiana University Bloomington as a guest speaker to share the powerful work of Augusto Boal. Her session highlighted how Boal’s methods—especially Theater of the Oppressed—invite both deep introspection and genuine collaboration. I first met Maria this summer at a conference where she delivered a keynote on becoming the ‘Resilient Protagonist’ of your own life, and her visit with my students carried that same clarity, passion, and generosity. Maria is a true gift as a facilitator and speaker, and I am grateful for the insight she brought into the classroom.”
— Dawn Wisher, M.A., General Mills Distinguished Teaching Professor | Communication & Professional Skills, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University Bloomington