We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Mishka Wilonski a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Mishka, thanks for joining us today. If you had a defining moment that you feel really changed the trajectory of your career, we’d love to hear the story and details.
My self-healing journey really began about 7 or 8 years ago. At that point in my journey I had a few rock bottom moments that really encouraged me to begin a deep process of self-reflection and asking myself some tough questions. I began a journey of learning why I was the way that I was, why I struggled so much with my relationship with food and Binge Eating Disorder. Physically, I was in constant pain. At just 26 years old, I relied on a cane to support myself due to severe lower back issues that sometimes left me unable to walk. Doctors, specialists, and physical therapists all told me this would be my reality for the rest of my life, which felt incredibly defeating. I also dealt with numerous other health problems, and I found myself far from where I wanted to be in life. I started recognizing that I didn’t love myself- which led to me asking myself “well, why don’t I love myself? What does that even mean or feel like?”
Over the next few years, I began diving deep into my healing journey. I started working with some really incredible teachers and guides. I began going down the rabbit hole of energy healing and taking some really amazing courses, classes, and certification programs. I discovered a world of healing that I hadn’t known existed. One of the biggest defining moments for me was about 5 years ago. During the pandemic, my life shifted drastically. Suddenly I had a lot of time to dedicate to my healing- physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I spent a lot of time doing energy healing on myself, meditating, journaling, and processing a lot of things. I started exploring various movement practices to help me get into my body in ways I never had before. I connected with dancing, somatic movement, walking, and gentle yoga and stretching.
At the time, I practiced yoga with a teacher online who I loved and took classes with for a few months, Juliana Spicoluk of Boho Beautiful. In her classes she would often say something along the lines of “and while we’re here in this posture, if any emotions arise just let them flow.” I never really knew what she meant by that. I didn’t understand why or how emotions would arise- what that would even feel like or look like. However, I trusted Juliana and valued her insight and wisdom as a teacher so I kept what she said in mind.
One day I was doing my favorite yin yoga class with Juliana. Yin yoga is the practice of holding manageable postures for longer periods of time (about 3-5 minutes) to allow for deeper release. I was in a one legged forward fold. A posture that I had done so many times. I loved this posture because it really stretched out that spot in my low back that bothered me all of the time- the spot that was the reason I owned the cane because sometimes it would hurt so badly I couldn’t walk. So I was in this posture, feeling that spot in my back experiencing a nice stretch. I was in a very relaxed and somewhat meditative state. In that state- a memory popped up of something that happened when I was in high school. It seemed really random at the time but I was curious of why this popped up so I stayed with the memory. You could say I followed it to see where it would take me. All of a sudden to my surprise- I erupted into tears. I started remembering and really FEELING how I felt at that time in my life when I was going through this challenging time. I felt the fear, the sadness, the heartbreak, and so much more. I cried and cried for a little while. When the wave of emotion passed I said to myself “oh, that’s what Juliana meant all of this time.”
As amazing as that release was- the part that was really the defining moment came when I finished the class, stood up, and started walking. I was flabbergasted that my back didn’t hurt. My back that had hurt since I was 16 years old in the same spot every day did not hurt. The amazement continued the next day when my back still didn’t hurt. That was the defining moment for me. The moment I looked at my body- my pains and my health issues and realized “oh my goodness… all of this MEANS something.” Our body stores unprocessed emotions, pains, and traumas and at a certain point it starts to manifest physically in our bodies. I had stored all of that emotion from my life down in a golf ball sized knot in my low back that caused me a lot of physical pain and issues for a long time. Allowing myself to be still, take care of my body, be in a safe space to really feel, and release helped me release pain I had been carrying for over a decade that I didn’t even know was there.
That day marked the beginning of a profound shift in my perspective on physical pain and health. I wondered, if I had been holding on to that pain in my back, what else was I holding onto? What other emotional blockages did I need to release? From that moment, I delved even deeper into my healing process, examining the physical manifestations of pain, illness, and disease within my body. Along the way, I uncovered invaluable lessons and continue to learn from them every day.
I’m thrilled to report that I am the healthiest I have ever been in my life. My body feels SO good and I generally life pain free. I’m still working through some things here and there- healing is definitely not a linear journey and there are many layers to every part of the journey. My body has been my greatest teacher, and I am deeply grateful to continue this journey of self-discovery and growth, learning from the wisdom and profound teachings that my body continues to offer me.
Mishka, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a Healing & Movement Specialist and owner of The Healing Space Ltd. I am deeply passionate about guiding people on their journey toward holistic healing. I offer a unique combination of therapeutic services that focus on healing the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual bodies.
I got into this work because I’ve personally walked through the very struggles I now help others overcome. For over 25 years, I struggled with physical pain, emotional trauma, and unhealthy patterns, including binge eating and compulsive overeating. I battled chronic back pain, hormonal imbalances, migraines, depression, anxiety, and more. I didn’t know how to love myself or care for my body in a meaningful way. Despite trying countless diets and therapies, nothing seemed to work — until I decided to stop focusing on “fixing” myself and instead began asking the deeper questions: Why was I turning to food? Why did I feel so disconnected from myself? How can I truly heal?
The turning point came when I reached a breaking point — I was knocking on 300lbs and was tired of the cycle. I stopped obsessing over weight loss and started to focus on my relationship with myself, my body, and my emotions. I committed to healing in a way that addressed not just the physical, but the emotional, mental, and spiritual layers of pain I had been carrying.
This journey led me to explore energy work, mindfulness, somatic movement, yoga, and shamanic practices. I studied under powerful teachers from around the world and immersed myself in deep spiritual and healing practices, including plant medicines and retreats. Through this process, I began to transform in ways I never imagined. I released trauma, learned to embrace and heal my shadow, and discovered what it truly means to love myself.
As I healed, I felt called to help others do the same. I became a teacher, coach, and healer to share the tools and practices that had helped me heal. My mission is now to guide others through their own healing journey, using a holistic approach that nurtures the whole self — body, mind, and soul. My path is a testament to the power of commitment, self-love, and the deep transformation that comes when we show up for ourselves in a real and honest way.
As a Shamanic Healer, Reiki Master, Yoga Teacher, and Bodywork Specialist, I provide 1:1 Movement Therapy Sessions, Energy Healing & Bodywork, Integration Coaching, and more. I also am in the process of creating an online platform with movement classes including stretching, yoga, mobility, somatic movement, and more! My work is rooted in the belief that true healing happens when we care for both our physical health and emotional well-being.
My approach goes beyond just relieving symptoms — I help you uncover the root causes of your pain and create lasting transformation. Through personalized coaching, I empower you to align your life with your highest purpose, teaching you how to heal from within. Using mindfulness, energy work, and practical tools, I help you release trauma, build self-love, and find balance. Having dedicated my life to my own healing, I lead by example, showing you how to do the deep work needed to create the life you truly deserve.
I’m most proud of my own transformation — not just the physical healing, but the deep emotional, mental, and spiritual growth I’ve experienced. I’ve walked through immense pain and struggle, and I’ve come out the other side stronger, wiser, and more aligned with my true purpose. What means the most to me is that I’ve been able to turn my own journey into a tool to help others heal. The trust I’ve built with my clients and the profound impact I’ve helped them have in their lives fills me with pride.
I’m also incredibly proud of my unwavering commitment to doing the work, not just teaching it, but living it every day. I practice what I preach and continue to show up for my own healing and growth, knowing that the more I heal, the more I can help others do the same. That dedication is something I hold deeply, and it’s what allows me to guide others with authenticity and compassion.
What I want my clients to know is that healing is possible for you, too. It takes time, commitment, and the courage to show up for yourself — but you are absolutely worth it. I want you to know that I see your pain, I honor your journey, and I believe in your ability to heal and thrive. You are not alone in this process. I’m here to guide you, support you, and provide you with the tools you need to create lasting change in your life. No matter where you are now, I’m confident that with the right guidance and dedication, you can step into the life you deserve — a life of alignment, peace, and self-love.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Beyond training and knowledge, I believe the most important thing for succeeding in this field is practicing what you preach. My own healing journey has been the foundation of everything I do. It’s not just about having the tools, certifications, or techniques; it’s about embodying those practices, living them every day, and using my own experiences to truly understand what my clients are going through.
Because I’ve walked the path myself — through pain, transformation, and healing — I can relate to my clients on a deeper level. I know what it feels like to struggle with physical, emotional, and mental pain, and I know what it takes to heal. This personal experience gives me a level of authenticity and empathy that can’t be taught in any classroom. I’ve done the work, I continue to do the work, and that’s what makes me one of the best in this field.
When I guide my clients, they’re not just hearing theory or abstract concepts. They’re learning from someone who has been through the journey, someone who understands the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the moments of doubt. My own healing has made me a better teacher, a better coach, and a more compassionate guide — and that’s what allows me to create lasting, transformative change in the lives of those I work with.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
One of the most important lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that healing isn’t possible, or that we simply have to live with our pain. Growing up, and even within many medical and wellness systems, I was taught that pain—whether physical, emotional, or mental—was something we just had to manage or tolerate. I was told that certain conditions or struggles were permanent, and that healing was either out of reach or only achievable in small, temporary ways. We’re often conditioned to believe that we should simply accept our pain as part of life, instead of being taught how to truly heal.
For years, I bought into that narrative. I struggled with chronic back pain, hormonal imbalances, emotional wounds, and was told that I just had to find ways to “manage” it. But deep down, I knew there had to be more to life than simply surviving with pain. The moment I began to challenge that belief was the turning point — when I decided to explore what true healing could look like.
Through my own journey, I discovered that healing is not easy — it’s a challenging path, and not for the faint of heart. It requires facing our deepest wounds, releasing what no longer serves us, and doing the deep, often uncomfortable work of integrating mind, body, and spirit. Healing is not a quick fix, and it’s not always linear. But it *is* possible. True healing happens when we address the root causes of our pain, instead of just masking the symptoms. It takes dedication, patience, and a willingness to face the tough stuff — but the rewards are immeasurable.
I had to unlearn the idea that healing was something out of reach and embrace the truth that we can absolutely heal, no matter how deep the wounds. This journey requires bravery and perseverance, but it is always worth it. This is what I now share with my clients — healing is available, it’s possible, and it’s absolutely worth the work. It’s a challenging journey, but it’s one that leads to a life of freedom, alignment, and peace.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mishkamagic.com/
- Instagram: @mishkamagic444
- Other: Stay tuned for online platform for yoga & movement classes! Coming soon!
