We had the good fortune of connecting with MaryAnngeline Medenas and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi MaryAnngeline, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

​Balance is something that I talk about a lot! It is a wild concept because I am always striving towards balance in my body, breath, family, romantic relationship, friendships and so much more.

My work life balance has been the hardest for me to regulate but it is one of the most important. I love what I do and I always want to offer more and expand into other projects. I also tend to offer a helping hand in any way I can when it comes to my loved ones.

My balance has changed over time because I now know how to prioritize my well being over the stress of my work. Putting it simply I have learned when to take breaks. Another way I have evolved my work life balance is by minimizing the idea of limitations. I try my best to reinforce and affirm that I am fully capable of achieving anything. Mindset and organization play massive roles in achieving my work life balance.

When things get a bit overwhelming I remind myself of the essence of why I am doing what I am doing at that moment. Because of this, I now only commit to projects that are meaningful and important to me. Otherwise I lose the balance because my heart isn’t in it anymore. When this happens it can make what I am doing take double the time because I am not invested which in turn leads to more stress and less time for play. So a positive mindset with the foundational essence of heart is key.

On the flip side, sticky notes are my best friend. Call me old fashioned but they work wonderfully for me. Paired with a color coded calendar and I am set. I make sure that I schedule practically everything in my calendar so I can balance self care and work. On my wall I use my sticky notes to prioritize my tasks within each of my businesses which helps me stay on task. When I see everything I have to complete in front of me all together at once, rather than making me feel overwhelmed about the tasks, it makes me feel prepared and ready to achieve anything!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
MOVEMENT is a word recognized by so many but sometimes it is set low on the priority list. For me it is at the top. I use the general term movement, simply because as humans we move from the internal self to the external self. For example, if our heart stops beating (moving) we are gone, therefore movement is survival. It is a way to release held tensions and heal the body.

Movement in the form of dance and yoga have been the most important healing tools for my body, breath and well being. It has helped me explore my creativity, build strength, flexibility and mobility in my body and mind. It also has offered me a beautiful and successful business in which I get to do what I love.

I am very much an intuitive mover and teacher. I love to share movement as it comes through naturally. A lot of people who enjoy my classes are drawn to and comment on how creative the classes are. Funny enough when I sit down to create a yoga sequence or dance combo, although it may be lovely and fulfill what I am trying to achieve, it tends to not be as creative. This doesn’t mean that all classes have to be creative but it does help me move into a more meditative state when they are. Whether I am teaching in person with a room full of people, a one on one session or am recording for the online platform, I am able to connect with and absorb the energy of the room and lead the class intuitively.

Naturally I’ve always leaned towards movement as a way to express myself however, I would not be able to be this creative and intuitive if I didn’t have years of training not only in dance and yoga but other styles of movement and hours of exploration and practice. I have a foundation of anatomy and knowing the basis of how the body works which helps me stay true in my creativity but also from a safe space.

This allows me to continue to evolve my teaching and never offer the same class twice, unless there is a specific reason. That has been a major draw of what my students enjoy about me. The creativity, versatility and intuitive awareness within my unique classes.

My greatest challenge has been accepting the way I teach and speaking about it. I never liked being told that the only reason I am creative in yoga is because I have a dance background or I am not honoring yoga because I move away from a traditional class. With much healing and reflection I’ve understood that movement heals no matter what form it comes in. And how ever you access that movement, as long as you listen to your body, continue to reflect and process emotions, then how the practice comes to you, doesn’t necessarily matter.

In my own practice I benefit from traditional classes in dance and yoga, and ones that have been informed by other modalities to create a non-traditional practice. I love it all and I am happy in the way that I am teaching and sharing my love for movement.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
At this very moment we would be exploring areas near and around Orange County. It is such a central location to have as a home base to go to and from.

Monday: Low key day of walking and shopping at the Circle in Old Towne Orange. Enjoy a tasty lunch at the Filing Station Cafe and dinner at Bosscat Kitchen and Libation. We would spend time vintage shopping and exploring.

Tuesday: Drive to Laguna Beach to catch some sun and waves. We would pack a picnic basket with some delicious meats and cheeses and stay long enough to enjoy the sunset.

Wednesday: Adventure Day 1 at Disneyland ending the day at Downtown Disney getting some delicious ice cream at Salt & Straw. Need I say more 🙂

Thursday: Adventure Day 2 at Knotts Berry Farm. We would enjoy the rides, play some games and definitely get funnel cake.

Friday: Take a drive down to San Diego, grab some lunch in La Jolla and check out the Maritime Museum of San Diego. We would take the scenic view home through Julian and stop for apple pie at the Julian Pie company and cider tasting at Calico Cidery.

Saturday/Sunday: We would go on an overnight camping trip on the river at Camp Williams in Azusa. We would explore, hike, forage and take a dip in the river. We would enjoy camp fire stories and smores as we indulge in the beauty of the moonlit sky far from light pollution.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to recognize my parents Marina and George, sisters Athanasia, Victoria, and Anthoula and my boyfriend Nick for their continued support, love and encouragement to all that I pursue in my life and businesses. They are the best and incredibly honest support system to have. I know when I am struggling one of them will be there for me.

My parents as a reminder that no matter the circumstance I can accomplish anything. Athanasia as the yin to my yang and my go to word specialist. Victoria for always keeping it light hearted with laughter and dance parties anywhere. Anthoula is my creative content wizard and trend setter. Nick, the one in my corner keeping things in perspective and always there when I need a helping hand.

Thank you all for everything that you have offered me as I pursue the life of my dreams. Με ιγιά, αγάπη, και ευτυχία (With health love and happiness)

Website: kineesicommunity.com

Instagram: @maryanngeline and @kineesi.movement

Linkedin: MaryAnngeline Medenas

Facebook: Kineesi.Movement

Youtube: Movement by MaryAnngeline

Other: I just started a tik tok 🙂 @maryanngeline

Image Credits
Anthoula Medenas

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