Today we’d like to introduce you to Mila Burgess.
Hi Mila, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Teaching has always been a passion for me. I am a former school teacher, administrator, and staff development specialist. After moving to Atlanta in 2001 and taking some time away from my career to raise my kids, I found myself spending a lot of time at the gym, where I started taking group fitness classes. One of my instructors, who knew I had a background in education, suggested I consider leading indoor cycling classes. From there, my passion for teaching in the fitness realm grew. A few years later, while leading a group fitness program, I noticed that a particular yoga teacher had 70+ students attending her Tuesday night classes, so I decided to see what that was all about. I had practiced fitness yoga for several years by that point, but what this teacher offered was much more than a work out. It was a work in; her style resonated deeply with me physically, mentally and emotionally. I knew I wanted to follow her lead and, not long after, began to study with her, as well her teacher. I began teaching yoga and facilitating teacher trainings in 2011.
In 2015, I partnered with a close friend and fellow yoga teacher to lead my first yoga retreat. Marrying my love for both travel and yoga felt like a perfect fit. Since then, the retreat side of my business has continued to grow. I’ve led retreats in beautiful places worldwide. My current offerings include Morocco, Panama, Iceland, Southern Africa (yoga safari in Botswana/Zambia) and Portugal.
Currently, I am a LifePower Yoga teacher at the Sandy Springs, Buckhead and Perimeter Life Time locations. I’m the founder of Metta Yoga, through which I lead retreats, corporate wellness events, and other bespoke yoga experiences. I’m a legacy lululemon ambassador, and previously served as the yoga editor of Natural Awakenings Atlanta magazine.
I provide a safe space for students to not only meet themselves where they are, as they are, but also to seek deeper connections to their bodies, minds, and breath. I strive to guide students through mindful movements, incorporating a love of music and providing meaningful messages through themed classes. I teach a variety of formats including Vinyasa Flow, Power, Yin, Restorative, Gentle, Ashtanga Remix, and Aerial yoga.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Covid was the biggest obstacle for me. With the closure of studios and limitations on travel, finding ways to keep our community together was difficult. Fortunately, students were willing to practice online, and were flexible with travel restrictions, cancellations and postponements. Just like our practice on the mat, our community knew how to meet the challenge with presence, breathe through the unexpected, and to bend, to shift, to stay connected.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a yoga teacher, yoga teacher trainer, yoga retreat leader. I’m known for offering themed classes, delivering messages through story telling. I’m also known for creative sequencing, fostering an inclusive environment and infusing humor into the yoga class experience. I am most proud of curating exciting and inspirational yoga retreats in beautiful locations around the world and both building and fostering a wonderful yoga community.
What matters most to you? Why?
The relationships I build and nurture matter most to me… my family, my friends, my yoga community. The deeper connections help give life purpose and meaning, and the people in my life ground me, challenge me, bring great joy, and remind me to be present. These relationships are the thread that weaves through everything I do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mettayoga.studio
- Instagram: @milaminute
Image Credits
2TPhoto gets credit for all photos except the one of me in pink.
