Hi, I'm Liza Kindred. 👋 Buddhist meditation teacher, reiki master, healer, author, spiritual friend, and creator of practical tools for everyday transformation.

Welcome! I'm Liza (she/her), and I have dedicated my work to making spiritual transformation accessible, practical, and—dare I say—enjoyable.

As the founder of Holy Shift (a self-directed learning platform) and Reiki for Badass Women (where I provide one-on-one healing)), I bring ancient wisdom into modern life without losing the depth that makes these practices transformative.

You might know me from my books Eff This! Meditation and Calm Your Anxiety Journal, or perhaps from one of my keynote talks across five continents. But credentials aside (we'll get to those later), what matters most is that I'm here to be your kalyana-mittata—your spiritual friend on this journey.

My approach combines more than a decade of Buddhist study (I took my vows in 2017) with over 2,000 hours of wellness teacher training across meditation, somatic trauma therapy, sound healing, and energy work. But don't let all that serious-sounding training fool you—I believe spiritual practice should be both profound and accessible.

Before diving into this work, I was a serial entrepreneur in NYC's fashion and tech world. After a successful exit during Web 2.0, my work on "disruptive" technologies led me to seek something different: a life with less disruption and more connection—to myself, to others, and to our beautiful planet.

Want to learn more about me and what I stand for? Let's begin.

My Approach

At the heart of everything I do is a simple truth: you are already whole. My work isn't about fixing what's broken—it's about helping you recognize and connect with the wholeness that's already there.

My Core Philosophy

I approach spirituality as a practical pathway to reconnecting with our innate wisdom and compassion. The ancient traditions I've studied weren't meant to be separate from everyday life—they were created to help us navigate the messy, beautiful challenge of being human.

I am trauma-informed, an LGBTQIA+ ally, sex-worker friendly, and am comfortable with expressions of deep suffering. I aim to create a safe space, particularly for those from exploited communities or backgrounds.

My Guiding Principles:

  • You are whole. A whole person, a fully-fledged human, a complete entity. There is nothing missing from you: no inherent lack, no emotional holes to be filled by anything or anyone outside of yourself.

    Spiritual work is about finding and connecting to that wholeness; to that beauty that is in you–whether you feel it right now or not.

    There is work to be done; there are teachings to grow from–but our work together starts from this place of wholeness.

  • The teacher's role is to help you learn to clean some of the dirt off of the mirror so that you can see yourself reflected as you truly are: brilliant, imperfect, full of primordial goodness and love.

    If someone implies that you need to be "more," "better," or "fixed," then they are probably not connected to their own innate truth, and will likely not do a good job of helping you to connect with yours. We don't want to "fix" you–we want to help you see and feel your own wholeness.

  • The only way to love ourselves is to love ourselves as we already are–right now, today. We can't change ourselves into someone more lovable, or more worthy of love. We are already deserving.

    I teach precise practices that allow us to begin to make friends with ourselves, because it's the most important relationship we will ever have–and it enriches every other relationship in our life, too.

  • The Pali word kalyāna-mittatā describes the Buddhist concept of spiritual friendship. I believe strongly that a teacher is a spiritual friend first and foremost; someone who has been down a certain path and can share from their own lived experiences.

    In a world of self-styled gurus, self-appointed shamans, and prophets seeking profits, it is vital that a spiritual teacher always embodies the twin spirits of learning and friendship.

  • There is a vast ocean of fundamental truths out there for us to learn from, and I've spent many years studying with renowned spiritual leaders. By respecting our past, we can more thoughtfully meet the present moment.

  • While many ancient teachings are full of wisdom, they also come from eras of rampant racism, sexism, and classism.

    I certainly don't do things perfectly, but I do take great care to study and avoid whitewashing and spiritual bypassing. I'm always working to dismantle my own privilege and to hold a safe space for others to do the same, and to amplify the voices of people from marginalized communities. I do everything I can–and am always learning to do better.

Why I Focus on the Practical

In my own life, I discovered that the most profound shifts happened not when I was trying to escape my life, but when I found ways to transform within it. The practical approach I teach isn't about spiritual bypassing or toxic positivity—it's about developing real tools that work in real life.

When we make spiritual practice accessible and practical, we remove the barriers that keep people from experiencing the benefits. You don't need special clothes, perfect circumstances, or hours of free time to begin transforming your relationship with yourself and the world.

What Makes My Approach Different

My unique perspective comes from bridging seemingly different worlds—business and spirituality, ancient wisdom and modern science, deep transformation and lighthearted accessibility. Having walked the path from traumatized child to ambitious entrepreneur to dedicated spiritual practitioner, I understand the challenges of integrating these practices into a busy, full life.

I don't believe in one-size-fits-all spirituality. Instead, I help people discover and develop personal practices that resonate with their unique circumstances, challenges, and strengths. Whether you're a CEO with five minutes to spare or a caregiver looking for moments of peace, there's a way to make these practices work for you.

Most importantly, I believe in meeting people exactly where they are—without judgment, without prerequisites, and without the need to look or act or speak a certain way. True spiritual practice isn't about becoming someone else; it's about becoming more fully yourself.

Professional Background & Credentials

I take my training very seriously. I believe strongly that a spiritual teacher should not make sh*t up. Performative spirituality is a tool of the wellness industrial complex,

My journey as a teacher, healer, and spiritual friend is built on a foundation of dedicated study and practice. I believe that to effectively guide others, I must continually deepen my own understanding and experience—which is why I've invested thousands of hours in training across multiple disciplines.

Advanced Buddhist Studies

In 2011, I began Shambhala Buddhism’s multi-year Warrior In the World intensive study program, which I completed in 2017. That same year, I took my Buddhist vows.

Reiki Master, practicing since 2016

I am certified in Reiki levels I and II of the Usui reiki lineage through Reiki Master Brian Brunius. I completed my Reiki Master training through Cynthia Santiago-Borbon. I practice a decolonized, non-Westernized version of energy healing, with deep respect to our ancestors.

Certification in Integrative Somatic Trauma Therapy

This training, attained through The Embody Lab, integrates somatic healing, attachment theory, and nervous system regulation to support deep, embodied transformation. This approach focuses on reconnect with wholeness by addressing body-based patterns, trauma, and emotional support.

Trauma-Informed Trainings

I have studied in person with Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score, and completed a masterclass in Somatic Experiencing with Peter Levine, author of Waking the Tiger and myriad other bestselling books on trauma. I’ve completed additional trainings on decolonized-trauma sensitivity, based on ancient and indigenous wisdom.

Direct Study with Top Spiritual Leaders

I have studied and practiced with renowned modern spiritual leaders including Pema Chödrön, Marianne Williamson, and Eckhart Tolle. I was blessed to attend the final retreat of Ram Dass, held in Hawaii, before his passing.

Meditation Teacher Training (500+ hours)

Liza completed a 300-hour meditation teacher certification with MNDFL teacher training in 2017. Since then, she has completed another 200+ hours of ongoing teacher training.

Direct Reiki transmission from Usui lineage-holder

In 2017, I was blessed to receive training and direct transmissions from the late Phyllis Furumoto, the renowned lineage-holder of the global Usui reiki tradition.

Additional Somatic Trainings

My somatic (body-based) training is ongoing, and includes EMDR for healing, posture for meditators / Alexander Technique with Hope Martin, yoga asana for meditators with Cyndi Lee, and somatic meditation.

Sound Healing, Chakra Healing, Sacred Breath Work, Plant Medicine

If I want to integrate something into my healing sessions or spiritual teachings, I always complete a training first. These are some of the many other training I have done.

Licensed Minister since 2002

I have been an ordained minister with the Universal Life Church, performing marriages and other legal ceremonies, since 2002.