Marc Grüninger | Co-Founder
Marc grew up with a love of music and a keen interest in spiritual studies. It was in his youth, when the musical soundscapes of his favorite artists created something like a safe haven for him — to an extent that he subsequently chose his first career to be the one of a music specialist at a record store. He started immersing himself in metaphysical and spiritual literature at a young age, as he always felt there was ‘something more’ than the three-dimensional reality humans are accustomed to. Recurring encounters in his adolescent years with Himalayan hermit Swami Yogeshwaranda Giri were fortunate occurrences that made him dive deeper in his quest for universal wisdom.
Marc left Switzerland for California in his mid-twenties where he was working as Music & People Photographer and created numerous photojournalistic and personal projects along the way. Learning from the experience while seeking his true purpose, it was at the age of 32, when Marc had his first profound experience through the infinite wisdom of master plants in combination with Sound Healing. He has since been working genuinely and respectfully in the field metaphysics, assisting in cathartic Sound & Medicine ceremonies since 2017.
While living in California, Marc took part in a variety of recurring workshops and trainings in the Human Potential Movement field — particularly Breathwork and Shamanism — at Esalen Institute in Big Sur. The valuable teachings and experiences acquired over the years — Sound Healing, Breathwork, Transpersonal Psychology & Wisdom Work — are all woven into the essence of Sacred Ways.
Marc firmly believes that physical and emotional health are coherent, and that our mental well-being is a natural state of the soul. Ultimately, we are all part of a vast vibrational network, a cosmic symphony. Healing through sound and breath has the potential to reconnect us with the origin of our being and at the same time, paves the way for present moment awareness.
Marc is a father, Breathwork Teacher, Transformational Guide, certified Sound Therapist, certified Esalen®Bodyworker, and facilitator of Breathwork & Sound Healing Ceremonies & Retreats. He has worked as a graduate social educator with troubled youth and refugees, and most recently, as a trained family counsellor. The combination of Marc’s knowledge and experience in the Healing Arts has birthed a method of wellness that elevates mind, body, and soul.
Valérie Grüninger | Co-Founder
Valérie was born and raised in Switzerland as the youngest of three children. After college she moved to Berlin where she worked and lived for several years.
Her interest in Yoga and the ancient vedic traditions emerged at a time where she was struggling to find balance in life. Trying to find her unique voice, she tried out different teachings and practices; after exploring Bikram Yoga she then found joy in the practices of Vinyasa, traditional Hatha and Restorative Yoga. In 2018 she studied under Serge Bandura and Gloria Baraquio from Shivakali Yoga in Hawaii where she eventually completed the RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Training.
Valérie always strives for living a life of purpose. Over the years, she has done various workshops in the field of analytical psychology (in particular inner child and shadow work). After her time abroad and spending years travelling, creating, and exploring, Valérie has skillfully weaved together her many traits and learnings from various traditions and teachers which all come to life through Sacred Ways.
Valérie's main intention is to offer a safe space where everyone feels welcomed and at home, so wellbeing and connection may be generated on a universal level, in a beautiful and accessible way. She's the creative force behind Sacred Way's collaborative women & mother's circles and scent-alchemist of Sacred Ways Essential Oils.
Valérie is a mother, yogi, producer, and creator. Above all, she's a friend.