Meet Our Muse: Miki Ash
Meet our muse Miki Ash @mikiash!– artist, yoga & meditation teacher, conscious content creator and founder of wellness app, The How (@thehowapp). We have been inspired by Miki for quite some time (you just heard all the titles she wears!), so we packed our bags – filled with Spiritual Gangster, naturally – headed to Tulum, and sat down with her between shots. Get to know Miki and all the reasons why she is our muse.
Give us your quick background - how did you get into yoga, meditation and living a conscious life?
Before I discovered yoga, I was constantly consumed by my mind, negative self-talk and depression. I didn’t know how to take care of myself, and I was tired of feeling so bad. I knew I needed to make a change in my life. Yoga was the entry point for learning awareness, presence, and the power of the Mind and practicing conscious thought. I stumbled into a donation yoga class at age 17, and even though I could barely hold my arms up in warrior two, I left with the feeling of such satisfaction and relief, and it was enough to get me back on my mat as much as possible. I started teaching less than a year later and haven’t looked back since. It's been more than 12 years now and I’m only just getting started.
What was your favorite part of Tulum? Did you implement any eco-friendly practices in your daily routine while abroad?
My favorite part of tulum, and traveling in general, is always the inspiration I get being in different places. Seeing how people live, what they wear, what they eat, the architecture… as I mentioned before, I always have my reusable water bottle with me. I also always travel with a few extra reusable bags that fold up in case I decide to do any shopping, I don’t need to waste a plastic bag!
What does celebrating Earth Month look like to you?
It means making more conscious decisions. Driving less, walking more. Supporting conscious brands with ethical practices. Eating more local foods. Spending time in nature and paying reverence to this gorgeous earth we are so lucky to exist on.
Do you have any eco-friendly travel essentials?
I always travel with an all natural loofah, usually a sea sponge! It feels so good to exfoliate after travel days, collecting airport grime, and then again after a sandy beach day!! I also always bring a reusable water bottle with me, because single use plastic sucks!!
How do you incorporate time for your practice / movement while you travel?
My wellness practices ground me more than anything, and even if I don’t do all of them every day, I make a point to gift myself that time to be with me. Whether it is meditating, journaling, or doing a yoga practice, I always feel so much better and revitalized after doing so! I also walk soooo much when I travel, which is one of my favorite movement practices. So simple and so effective!!
What does movement mean to you? How does it ground you?
Movement is a way for me to get out of my head and into my body. It is a way for me to get out of the thinking mind, and feeeeeel and be present. It feels so good to take care of this sweet little vessel and I never finish any kind of movement practice wishing I hadn’t done it. It’s always rewarding!!
How do you practice self-love and self-acceptance?
I practice self-love by really listening to both my body and my intuition. Checking in with myself often and making sure that my decisions are aligned with my highest self and not just what I think I ‘should’ be doing. The best practice that I’ve found in transforming my relationship with myself has been forgiveness. Forgiveness for all of the times I did not accept myself. And treating myself like someone I love.
Who are some of your favorite muses? Who inspires you the most and why?
My aunt has always been my creative muse. Everything she does is a unique, creative, innovative expression. She is art in human form. My girlfriends are also all my muses. I love the women in my life!
Do you have a mantra you live by? Any new mantras of the moment?
I’ve had different mantras or affirmations in different times in my life. The phrase I currently have on repeat is: I effortlessly attract all that I desire. It’s going pretty good so far. :)
What is your favorite piece from Spiritual Gangster (and why)?
I am incredibly obsessed with all of the ribbed pieces. For me, its comfort over everything and the fabric is so soft, I never want to take any of them off.
