An Interview with Peter Schneider
Peter Schneider consented to an interview after a bit of hesitation, which some have also felt
when asked. I’ve participated in several classes with Peter and perceived him as a spiritual
seeker. It was great to hear his story about spiritual evolution as well as learn more about his
life.
What would you like to share with the community about your life?
“I grew up in Monona and attended Monona Grove High School. My parents are divorced, so my childhood was split between city and country life. I have one brother who lives in west Madison and has two children, ages two and five years old. I’m very much enjoying my niece and nephew. My mom is still in Monona, and Dad is in Reedsburg.”
Peter’s interests strongly favor the outdoors. “I obtained a bachelor degree in Forest Science from UW-Madison. I ran a business for a decade involved with forest and prairie restoration. It was good, hard work, although I wasn’t able to get ahead as much as I desired.”
“I also have multiple wildland fire certifications with a title of Type 3-Burn Boss. Once I stopped operating my business I began volunteering with prairie enthusiasts during burn season and occasionally still contract a fire on my own.”
Peter enjoys gardening and has multiple Wicky Gardens located as public gardens where anyone can pick produce. He also is a member of a couple of community gardens.
“I had a great idea for a self-watering, raised garden system and built a prototype. After a year of success; I started ‘The Wicky Garden’ business, but it hasn’t taken off just yet. In the process, I obtained my Master gardener’s certification. I have a belief that the low maintenance that the Wicky Garden provides makes it an ideal garden for public areas.”
“I work for a water company where I maintain deionized water systems. That involves a lot of driving around.”
Peter’s dog co-journeys with him. “Vince, or if you prefer his full title, Prince Vince the Magnificent. I usually tell people that he can be addressed formally as His Majesty, His Excellency, etc. He’s a German Shepherd and smart, jovial, and surely my best bud. He wants to play fetch all the time, which is probably the world’s largest understatement.”
“Going forward, I’m really trying to save money and work towards financial stability as well as living the Unity principles. I’m working on my words, thoughts, and actions, making sure I’m doing my best.” Peter is also hoping to find time for vacations, hiking, camping, outdoors, and dog parks.
What brought you to Unity?
“I started my spiritual journey about ten years ago. I had been a church goer in my younger life but had not been going to church as an adult much. I was definitely caught in an egoic state which was working until suddenly it wasn’t, and my life turned into a bit of chaos. I thought I knew who I was and what I was about until it all seemed to collapse and I didn’t even like that guy. I didn’t realize how far identified with the ego I had become, and I didn’t recognize that it
was such a huge problem.”
During this trial, Peter met a Unity minister from Colorado who shared some of his life experience. He feels it was a stroke of synchronistic circumstances, a miracle.
“He helped me on a spiritual journey that involved different books and classes. It turned out what he was teaching are the foundations of Unity teachings, such as the power of words, intentions, recognizing internal programs, belief systems, how to comprehend the ego, and of course affirmations and denials. I began studying different religions and attended some Buddhist temples where I learned about meditation. My studies, ego comprehension, and lessons learned have led me to believe in Love, Faith, and Accepting/welcoming principles. This friend and teacher recommended I try Unity. I am grateful to have found a spiritual community that closely aligns with my understanding. Unity principles helped me a great deal coming back from the edge and into my own mental health awareness. My friend showed me the movements of energy in my body and how to become a stable energetic force instead of an empath getting tossed on the waves of life.”
What are your favorite activities at Unity?
“I am grateful for Unity’s’ vibrant community and activities. I enjoy the various book studies, men’s breakfast, garden team activities (mulching), and am especially grateful for coming up on a year as a prayer chaplain. Affirmative prayer and affirmative speech as a whole has helped me a great deal with expanding consciousness. It feels good to be a member of the community. My favorite books are The Four Agreements and Your God Given Potential, a book about the twelve powers.”