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This week it is our privilege to bring you an interview with Myra Mala – Actress, Stunt Performer and Martial Arts Specialist. We discuss pushing past comfort zones, chasing dreams, always seeing the bigger picture, finding balance and much more…

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What types of movement do you specialize in?

I was practicing Wushu Taolu for 15 years professionally – World Wushu Champion 2012,2013. Specifically, Southern styles of Wushu Taolu.

How did your passion for these disciplines begin and develop?

There was a childhood love story, where our families were living in the same building and we were close friends (possible future husband and wife in the eyes of our families, no pressure, just funny future expectations). At the age of 6 we start doing gymnastics together. One year later after summer break we went to watch a Wushu performance. He was super excited, there were so many Kungfu weapons (swords, sticks etc). I liked it too, additionally got a feeling of his excitement. That’s how the wushu chapter has begun. The Wushu school turned to be an amazing place, it became my second family with a coach as a second father.

What does your weekly training routine consist of?

Nowadays my training includes as much martial arts as possible (Wushu, Taekwondo, Muay Thai. boxing, Capoeira, BJJ, Kali etc), gymnastics, weightlifting, stretching, cardio exercises. I love to practice new things, sometimes spotting something on Instagram and just trying it out.

What advice would you give to someone who is demotivated or doesn’t know where to start with getting into sport and fitness?

I think making a choice is important, putting a priority. I am not saying the only one choice for the rest of the life, but more everyday small choices, being conscious about them. Same as like starting with one step at the time. Just start with one choice at a time. Make a choice to go out of the comfort zone/for a walk/drink one beer less whatever you want to change, because YOU WANT it not because you HAVE TO do it. And then balance and understanding of the process are important. So, if today something did not change the way you expected – it is okay, it takes time, it is an everyday movement, enjoy it. Changes become easier once you get kick out of the process, instead of self-punishment for every mistake or not ‘enoughness’ of every small positive change.

Are there any people, books, or experiences that you would be willing to share with us that have really helped shape your mentality?

Every person in my life is a teacher or creative partner, with the perfect timing of appearance. I can picture life as one big brain storming process, where situations and interactions are opening and triggering changes, thought processes in me. The best for me is to be conscious about what is going on around, how do I communicate with people, what can we learn from each other.

Books…..mmmm(thinking)…..I love books of Ayn Rand, Thea Alexander “2150 A.D.”, Lev Tolstoy “Anna Karenina”. Really love the movie “Peaceful Warrior” (based on the book). There is much more than I can think of now, so I will be happy to exchange more insights on this topic via Instagram or Facebook later.

How have you transformed your passion into a successful business/career? What advice would you give to someone who is trying do the same?

I am still on the way of figuring it out. From the very beginning it’s important to define a word “success” for yourself, whether it is family, happiness, help others, money etc. Get your own voice out. Be clear about the times when you have thoughts and understanding if they are yours, or somebody else’s beliefs. After that make a choice to listen or not to listen to outside beliefs or try harder to hear yourself.

What do you think are the most important characteristics to develop in order to pursue your ambitions?

I think the most important is to feel the balance – sometimes pushing, sometimes “letting it slide”, but maintaining consistency of the movement towards desired expansion. Also stop focusing on seeing results here and now, keeping bigger picture in mind. Focusing more on the process, small steps, enjoyment of it and results will come unexpectedly with amazement.

Are there any specific principles that you try and live by and why?

I guess principles of love, acceptance, appreciation, joy and happiness. It feels like those principles give birth to everyday miracles.

What are you goals and plans for the future?

Continue developing every day, exploring this world and myself through it, help others to do the same through any possible projects, avenues, co-operations.

Instagram: @myra_m1003

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Interviewer: @tudge_
(Instagram)