Meet Mia Ilker | Somatic Massage Practioner & Mindfulness Teacher

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

Hi Mia, we’d love to hear about a book that’s had an impact on you.
“At Home in the World” by global peace activist and Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. One of the greatest mindfulness teachers and my biggest rolemodel to advocating peace. This book talks about the mastery of creating a peaceful base within yourself, regardless of external situations. Practicing kindness, compassion and equanimity — a childlike outlook on life, finding joy in the simple things.

What should our readers know about your business?
My business is called ‘MAI’ — rooting from the term mahi, in the indig. language Māori (NZ) MAI means “labor of love”.

I support clients through massages, somatic bodywork, individual coaching sessions, and group facilitation in movement and mindfulness classes. I create from peace & compassion, because that is what many people miss today. MAI is a home base to those, who need a rest. To come home to yourself.

I became good at business, when I forgot about money, competition and expectations. When I started to create the things, which simply bring me joy and light up my heart.

The biggest lesson I learned, you should never seperate work & play. They are one. Playfulness is key to my business. If a project, job, team feels heavy to you, I suggest you to drop it. Focus on something, which feels light and joyful. You will sense that clearly in your heart and body.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Uvita, Costa Rica is a beautiful, magical place. A tropical paradise, which makes me feel fully alive and deeply connected to nature. The force of the Ocean, the lush green plants, buzzing wildlife, clear rivers, seemingly endless beaches fading into perfectly painted horizons, just as gentle winds and the warmth of the sun. People come here to reconnect to the elements of nature.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My most important mentors helped me developing, what I call “Personal Leadership skills”. Being more capable of believing in myself mentally, being more resourced in my body, being more aware of my emotional blockages and potential, being able to see the larger vision spiritually. So often, when I do my work, I think of my mentors with gratitude, Nina Merrens, Perry & Johanna Holloman and many more who inspired me along the journey.

Website: https://www.maiuvita.com/

Instagram: mai.uvita

Image Credits
Photographers: granoysal, jasmina.schmitt, lisa_knauer_photography, Radim Svoboda Please mention the photographers below/with article. Photos are permitted to be used for this article/interview only and can not be publised through other channels than Shoutout SoCal.