Dieter F. Kindermann, Consul, Businessman and Manager of the Year 1992, is a regular guest at the Maharishi Ayurveda Health Clinic in Bad Ems.

We spoke with him about the stress of a businessman's life and effective relaxation for mind and body.

Herr Kindermann you are in charge of a successful group of companies with more than 1,000 employees. You are an author, Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan, Honorary Doctorate from the Abai State University in Almaty, Guest Professor for Business at Breslau University, accept mandates from various organisations such as “Johanniter und Welthungerhilfe” (German Agro Action – Freedom from Hunger) and in addition have a family. Isn't that a bit too much activity for one person?

I managed before but now I can manage everything more easily. There were times when I did much more. 16 – 18 hours a day six days a week, and then Sunday mornings as well. When you are successful and things are running well, you do such things. However, experience shows that the bill comes later. That was no different for me. As well as the high pressure of work, there was also the irregular daily routine. With so many journeys in different time zones – in my busiest years I travelled more than 450,000 miles – there was no question of a “normal” daily routine.

That all left its mark. I do not want to relate my whole story, only so much – at one point I had done too much and realised that I had to do something different. I began to look for a way to deal with the daily stress in the shortest possible time. It was Dieter Thomas Heck, a good friend of mine, who said to me, “Go to Bad Ems. There is a large hotel with an Ayurvedic clinic.” He had a good experience there, so I followed his advice.

And how was it?

Well, Maharishi Ayurveda sounded a bit unusual but the recommendation was one I had to follow. When I arrived in Bad Ems my scepticism soon disappeared. Dr. Karin Pirc and her husband, Managing Director Lothar Pirc, were initially responsible for this. They were very competent, friendly and inspired confidence. Dr. Pirc first gave me a check-up and came to the same conclusion that I had – it was high time for a rest. That is what I did and it was a good thing I did.

Sounds like you had a good experience. Did you stay with Maharishi Ayurveda?

Oh yes, of course. I have become a great fan. Since then I have taken many Panchakarma treatments in Bad Ems. It is hard to believe, I know, but the rest, extra sleep, the wonderful treatments, good food and interesting lectures worked like a fountain of youth on my body. I am a completely changed person and totally convinced of the benefits of Ayurveda.

And what have the effects been on your work and family life?

Very positive. You know, over time the repercussions of daily stress create their own dynamic. I have always been full of energy and over time kept doing more and more. My expectations for myself and those around me were continually increasing. I was pernickety and always critical of others. Over time I became unbearable. I wasn't bad but terribly nervous. Today, thank God, it has changed. Within my family, as well as my business, we all get on much better. I have become a “Team Player”.

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