Please introduce yourself and tell us what you do!
Hi friends! I’m Mikaela Millington, but you can call me Mik. I’m a movement guide and mentor (Yoga & Pilates), retreat facilitator, and founder of Evolve Retreats. I also share my passion for movement practices on YouTube. More than anything, I’m someone who loves bringing people together through practice, ritual, and meaningful moments of self-discovery.
What daily rituals or self-care practices help you stay grounded before guiding others?
I have a variety of rituals that help me fill my own cup before stepping into the seat of a guide and supporting others. Some days, it’s a blend of several practices, while other days, just one feels like more than enough! One of my biggest non-negotiables is avoiding social media and emails first thing in the morning—I like to start my day with intention and eliminate distractions.
I wake up, make my greens, and dive into my practices. Movement is a big one for me—I love rolling out my mat and free-flowing to a playlist that gets me in my feels. It’s my way of rinsing out stagnant energy, clearing mental blockages, and creating space for inspiration and clarity. My practice often includes stillness, meditation, and breathwork alongside movement.
Journaling is another powerful ritual for me. I’ve been journaling since I was a little girl, so it feels second nature to let my thoughts flow onto paper. For me, it’s a therapeutic way to “empty out the clutter” and make space for self-reflection and insight.
What’s one simple movement or mindfulness practice anyone can do to feel more energized and present in their daily life?
I don’t believe there’s a one-size-fits-all answer to this—everyone is unique and will resonate with different ways of moving their body! The most important thing is to ask yourself, “What do I need right now?” and let that guide you.
For some, it might mean slowing down, connecting with the breath, and finding gentle movement on the mat. Pairing this with down-regulating breath patterns—slow, deep inhales with brief pauses at the peak and bottom of the breath—can help ground and regulate the nervous system. This not only cultivates presence but, for some, brings a renewed sense of energy!
For others, movement with bigger energy—getting the heart rate up through a dynamic vinyasa flow, Pilates session, or even a run outside—might be the key.
Ultimately, we are in the driver’s seat. When we feel the call to move, to reconnect, and to cultivate presence, it’s important to honor that nudge. Life is too short not to prioritize ourselves—to create space for movement, breath, and the deep sense of gratitude that comes with these sacred rituals.
What role does community play in your retreats, and how do you cultivate meaningful connections?
Community is a huge part of my retreats! We have so much to learn from each other, and when guests arrive with an openness not only to deepen their understanding of themselves but also to connect with others, big and beautiful shifts happen.
Many aspects of Evolve Retreats are centered around self-reflection, personal growth, and the inward journey that unfolds through various practices and ceremonies. At the same time, there are powerful opportunities for partner work, guided group circle shares, and the deep recognition that comes from allowing yourself to be fully seen and heard. The support that emerges from this space is unlike anything else.
But beyond the introspective work, there’s also space for adventure, play, and pure joy! Whether it’s jumping into the ocean after a morning practice, laughing together during a group surf lesson, or stepping outside our comfort zones in new ways, we get to reawaken that childlike sense of wonder. There’s something so special about experiencing these moments together—moving, exploring, and celebrating life in a way that feels free and expansive. It’s in these shared experiences that we deepen our bonds, reminding ourselves that growth doesn’t always have to be serious—it can also be playful, lighthearted, and incredibly fun.
If you could plan your dream retreat anywhere in the world, where would it be and what would it include?
Oh gosh, I have so many dream retreat locations that I know will come to life in the future! One that’s been calling to me is a breathtaking retreat space on the island of Kea in Greece. This intimate space offers farm-to-table meals, a stunning outdoor yoga shala, and direct access to the beach. I love the idea of having a small island to explore, creating opportunities to immerse ourselves in the local community.
In every retreat I lead, I find it so important to incorporate cultural and local experiences, bringing in guides and practitioners who can share their traditions with us. My hope for Kea would be to invite a local sound practitioner or ceremonialist to lead a special experience that deepens our connection to the land, the culture, and ourselves.
Beyond Greece, hosting an Evolve Retreat in Portugal is high on my list, but my biggest dream right now? Building and creating my own retreat space. I haven’t shared that with many people, so—welcome to my mind, haha! It’s a vision I’m holding close to my heart, and I can’t wait to see it unfold.
As your day winds down, what restorative rituals help you reset and recharge?
I love to unwind in the evenings with a screen-free ritual, giving myself at least an hour before bed to slow down. Whether it’s curling up with a good book and a cup of herbal tea, soaking in a warm bath, or snuggling with my sweet pup, Bella, this time feels sacred. I’m also a big believer in skincare as self-care—I love a good face mask, so that’s often part of my wind-down routine too!