Describe your work in yoga service: I volunteer teach yoga at KAN-WIN, Cook County Department of Corrections, and at the Cook County Juvenile Detention Center. KAN-WIN is a Korean women’s domestic violence center where I teach to staff and survivors. I’ve volunteered there for over 15 years in different roles and as a yoga instructor for three years. At the Department of Corrections, I teach pre-natal yoga to inmates who are a part of the Cook County Sheriff’s Women’s Justice Program and have taught there for five years. As soon as my background check is cleared, I begin teaching at the juvenile detention center.
What role has yoga played in your own life? Yoga has changed my life for the best by giving me the tools to integrate more into me. Yoga’s influenced me to be more joyful and authentic, gifts that I share when I teach.
What’s the most rewarding part of your work? I’m endlessly fulfilled when I teach to all my clients! #grateful.
Are there any poses or practices you find especially helpful to teach? Breath awareness is most helpful.
What practical advice or resources would you share with others who’d like to get involved in similar work? Be authentic in who and where you want to teach. When serving others also serves you, volunteering elevates everyone!
Read more about Mia and her work at miaparkyoga.com.
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