Hello, please tell us your name and where you reside?
I’m Mira Manek living in London.
Describe yourself in five words?
That’s not a question that ever comes up – so interesting to think about! – energetic, passionate, calm, adaptable, floaty. Those were the first five that really came to mind so I’ll stick with that.
Tell us more about what you do and how you got where you are today?
I’ve written two books, one is a cookbook called Saffron Soul and the second is on Ayurvedic Rituals and Happiness called Prajna. I also have a cafe in Kingly Court London called Chai by Mira, inside Triyoga Soho. (Sadly since this interview took place, Chai by Mira has closed down, the good news is you can still buy Miras delicious Chai, purchase here)
My journey into wellness or rather back to finding my own wellness, happiness and life really began when my marriage started to break down just before I turned 30. I was doing a lot of yoga at the time, living abroad, but had a very erratic lifestyle first as a travel journalist and then as someone who didn’t know where I belonged or whether this marriage was going to survive or not, which would essentially dictate where I live.
It was quite a journey but one thing led to another, I moved back to London, started learning the recipes that my family had been cooking for years and years and then wrote my first book Saffron Soul.
Which three words best define your philosophy? (the way in which you like to live life)?
Flow, Love, Be.
What inspires your work?
I love sharing what has helped me. I love feeling happy and inspiring others to feel better. I love creating with words.
What does community mean to you?
The essence of community is shared spirit, togetherness and humanity; community is about spreading happiness, positivity and love by acting collectively and being one.
Inspire our community, please share an affirmation, quote, poem, song, or playlist?
I am safe, I am loved, I am happy
How does your community best support you?
Greater connection and collaboration and getting rid of that feeling of competition.
What truly lights you up?
Writing, travel, sunshine, water, music, India, that feeling of magic, of spirituality, of the divine.
What in life are you being asked to step closer to?
My inclination is the heart is the answer. I live in my head a lot and yet I know my heart has a voice and that I need to and want to step into that more.
What makes you feel empowered?
Knowledge, stillness, being alone and finding my voice.
Have there been any life-changing decisions or sliding-doors moments that you’ll never forget?
There really have, although I’ve never thought of them as sliding-door moments. Personal life-changing moments that, even though I can’t delve into, really happened by pure chance or what I believe to be the grace of God. And one really did happen inside a lift – quite literally a sliding door moment.
What is something you are really proud of?
My books… I love them both and am truly proud of them!
What will you never take for granted?
Freedom, travel, the waves, the ocean, sand in my feet… I think during this time of lockdown, as much as I’ve embraced it, I’m really missing being on the beach, travelling, being in the sun and heat.
“The essence of community is shared spirit, togetherness and humanity; community is about spreading happiness, positivity and love by acting collectively and being one.”
How do you recharge/relax/unwind?
Breathwork, yoga, walking, running (running is a newfound love) and lastly, just watching a fun romcom!
Leave us one cool tip, tool or technique to support our own wellbeing?
Focusing on the digestion, ensuring it works well and properly, as digestion is key to everything – and secondly, the breath – learning how to slow the breath down and calm any anxiety, pain, fear – it’s a quick channel to get ourselves into the parasympathetic nervous system and the quickest way to get rid of stress.
Thank you for breathing love with us, Mira.
Tune in to Mira’s offerings:
Mira Manek is an author, wellness consultant and works with brands to design day retreats and bespoke wellness events. With a background in journalism, Mira has written for Evening Standard, Independent, Red Magazine, Glamour and others.