For this edition of The AP Journal, we sit down with Vera Schneider – yoga teacher, psychological counsellor, and passionate advocate for mindful living. Between movement, nature, and meaningful connections, Vera shares what inspires her most, how jewelry reflects personal growth, and why the pieces we wear often become quiet companions through life's most transformative moments.
WHO ARE YOU, AND WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT IN YOUR DAILY LIFE OR PROFESSION?
Hi, I'm Vera – and I love movement. To me, movement means growth and transformation. That's what truly inspires me.
In my daily life, I move between body and mind, between inner experience and the desire to better understand life. I feel most at home in nature, where peace, beauty, and authenticity can truly be felt.
As a yoga teacher and psychological counsellor, I support people in finding their way back into movement: becoming more aware of their bodies, cultivating inner strength, and reconnecting with themselves. For me, it's never about being faster, better, or achieving more. It's about truly experiencing life again and recognising its beauty.
WHAT DOES JEWELRY MEAN TO YOU – IN EVERYDAY LIFE OR DURING SPECIAL MOMENTS?
To me, jewelry is much more than something beautiful to wear. It carries memories – of a person, a moment, a decision, or an emotion. Often, it's the smallest pieces that connect us to something much deeper in our everyday lives.
That's why I wear jewelry intentionally: as an expression of my mood, my femininity, and my personality, but also as a quiet symbol of personal growth and meaningful chapters in life. Some pieces simply make you feel connected, strong, or beautiful – without needing any explanation.
In everyday life, I love jewelry that feels understated, authentic, and naturally moves with me. On special occasions, however, jewelry can become something ceremonial—a small ritual that brings awareness and meaning to a particular moment.
IS THERE A PIECE OF JEWELRY THAT ACCOMPANIES YOU CLOSELY OR TELLS A SPECIAL STORY?
Rings, in particular, hold a very special meaning for me. They often accompany me through different chapters of my life, carrying memories, changes, and personal stories.
Throughout my life, there have been different phases that I associate with certain rings. Some had to be lost so that something new could begin. Others were gifts or family heirlooms, giving them a deeply personal emotional value.
Some time ago, I started buying rings for myself. That marked the beginning of a new chapter of independence and freedom. The ring that represents this journey is a gold ring with a citrine at its centre – warm, clear, and full of light.
WHAT IS CURRENTLY INSPIRING YOU OR GIVING YOU STRENGTH?
I love everything that makes life feel vibrant and beautiful: aesthetics, stillness, depth, genuine human connection, and the feeling of freedom.
Right now, it's the beauty found in everyday life and authentic moments that give me strength. Nature inspires me the most – the sunlight filtering through trees, warm summer evenings, movement, the feeling of water on my skin, beautiful music, or simply being fully present in the moment.
My work is also a constant source of inspiration. Witnessing people reconnect with themselves moves me every time. I'm especially fascinated by the connection between body and mind, and by the question of how much wisdom already lives within us – if we simply learn to listen and truly feel again.
IF SOMEONE WERE LOOKING FOR YOU IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD – AT WHICH FAVORITE SPOT WOULD THEY MOST LIKELY FIND YOU?
Most likely at the Frauenbadi Enge, with an iced coffee in one hand, a good book in the other, and as much sunshine on my skin as possible;)