Laura Adrian shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Laura, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
I love spending time in nature—whether it’s hiking barefoot, meditating under a tree, or spending a few nights in the wilderness. These practices, and the presence I bring to them, are some of my favorite ways to reset and rejuvenate. I recently returned from a few days of backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail, and the experience gave me a renewed sense of clarity about my next steps. I came back with a fresh perspective and a wellspring of energy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am the founder of Whole Life Elevation, where I create supportive spaces for women to experience adventures in nature, primarily in the Upper Midwest. As a certified yoga and meditation teacher, I often weave these practices into my offerings to create meaningful, transformative experiences. I believe that time in nature helps people reconnect with themselves in powerful ways.
In addition to leading retreats, I host the Good Hike Club—a free, Twin Cities–based hiking group for women. I am also writing my first book, which shares simple practices people can do in nature to reset and rejuvenate.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I was a kid, nature was my sanctuary. I grew up on 15 acres just outside the Twin Cities in Minnesota. I remember one time, after getting upset with my siblings over a board game, I wandered off into the woods. I climbed a tree and sat there, looking out over the forest around me. I didn’t realize it then, but that’s where I could truly be myself—a place to process life and decompress. Moments like this planted the seeds of a deep love for nature, one that I would later explore in high school, college, and beyond. For me, nature has always been a place that holds me exactly as I am.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
This is deep but true: over the past few years, I’ve completely changed my relationship with discomfort. I used to fear it—the discomfort of not being liked, of getting it wrong, of putting myself out there. I believed that if I were truly on the right path, things would feel smooth and effortless. Discomfort, I thought, meant I was doing something wrong.
What I’ve learned is that life will always bring uncomfortable moments, and many of them are actually powerful opportunities to grow and relate to ourselves in new ways. Through mindfulness and other practices, I’ve expanded my capacity to be with discomfort, and the results have been transformative. It feels like I’ve broken out of an invisible cage into a world filled with flow, ease, and possibility.
I feel freer in my daily life—more grounded in setting boundaries and more confident in my work. I feel freer to be my true self and skillfully navigating relationships. It’s not that I no longer need to put in effort; I do. But I no longer carry the heavy burden of avoiding discomfort, and that has changed everything.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
I’m on the slow and steady path of growing Whole Life Elevation, where I create unique nature experiences that empower people and help them reconnect with their true selves. I began this journey in 2014, and it’s been beautifully winding. Along the way, I’ve often wondered what the best path forward might be—building a retreat center, offering trainings, or hiring guides and teaching them what I do.
Each year I take a step or two toward making a bigger impact in the community. Last year I launched the Good Hike Club, and in 2026 (fingers crossed) my book will be released. As for what the future holds, I don’t yet know—but I trust the path will reveal itself one step at a time.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
What’s wild is that I wouldn’t change much about my life right now. I’m doing work that feels deeply meaningful and truly sustainable. I also have time for the things that matter most—making healthy meals, meditating, spending time with the people I love, and being in nature.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wholelifeelevation.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wholelifeelevation/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WholeLifeElevation/
