We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Amber Mikesell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Amber below.
Hi Amber, appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I have to admit, this question has taken me a bit of time to sit with to answer fully. I know there’s an origin to everything, but sometimes something becomes so engrained in you that you lose track of how it began. Resilience is one of those things in me. It started at such a young age, I had to really dig deep to understand its origins.
I grew up in a loving, but challenging household. My oldest brother had autism and cerebral palsy. My family didn’t have the financial resources or awareness to provide him with the support he needed. In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, knowledge and written materials around these two conditions wasn’t as advanced as it is today, so any research my parents did on their own didn’t lead them far either.
This created a very strong family matrix around my brother. We all became his therapists and support system – as highly unqualified as we may have been. And I believe this was the birth place of my resilience.
Starting at the age of five, I would spend hours with my brother – helping him learn how to move his body or speak clearly. It took creative ways to keep him learning and interacting. I would go through dance moves from his favorite movie at the time, Grease, to keep his mind engaged while also teaching him agility, balance and core body movements. He and I would sing songs from bands that he liked in order to teach him how to enunciate and speak louder.
As he aged, I had to expand my capacity to support him – always seeking to stay one step ahead. I developed the ability to withstand challenging situations, adapt quickly, and make necessary adjustments without taking personal offense to any outside behavior or circumstance very early in life. Although my brother has now passed, these gifts live on within me.
Neither one of us fully understood the impact these experiences would have on our lives, but my brother shaped me into a better person and I’m forever grateful for his presence in my journey.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I’m deeply passionate about human transformation and personal growth. As a Master Life & Health Coach, my work revolves around empowering individuals to become the best versions of themselves. What excites me the most about my profession is witnessing the incredible changes that can occur when individuals tap into their own inner wellspring of self-love and compassion.
One of my most significant initiatives is the nonprofit all-faiths organization I founded with my partner Austin Uhl, Suivera. Our mission at Suivera is to use the power of love to help people overcome their internal and external biases, fostering a deeper connection with themselves and others. It’s all about breaking down the barriers that separate us and embracing the universal language of love. This work is incredibly special to me because it has the potential to create a ripple effect of positivity and healing, not only for individuals but also for their families, communities, and society at large.
What sets my approach apart is its foundation in self-love. I firmly believe that to truly transform and heal, we need to start by nurturing a healthy sense of self-love. From there, love can radiate outward, influencing not just personal well-being but also the social and cultural landscapes we inhabit.
I’ve been fortunate to work with and support over 1.1 million individuals and organizations across more than 110 countries, which has been an incredibly enriching and enlightening experience. My journey has taken me around the world, exposing me to diverse cultures, belief systems, and ways of life. This has informed my approach to personal transformation, emphasizing the importance of understanding and respecting our shared human experience.
In terms of my educational background, I’ve delved deeply into world religion, world cultures, and social science. My certifications span a wide range of health and wellness practices, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, meditation, kinesiology, yoga, holistic nutrition, and plant-based nutrition. These diverse areas of expertise allow me to offer a holistic approach to well-being, addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of transformation.
Currently, we’re excited about our ongoing work at Suivera, as well as “The Heart Leader Podcast” that I host. We continually strive to expand our reach and impact, fostering a global community that is grounded in love, self-compassion, and the transformational power of the human spirit. We welcome everyone to join us in this journey of self-discovery and growth.
If you’d like to learn more about Suivera and our mission of love, please visit us online at suivera.org. Additionally, for those interested in exploring personal transformation and the power of love, I invite you to tune into “The Heart Leader Podcast” at https://www.youtube.com/@TheHeartLeaderPodcast.
Thank you for the opportunity to share my story and mission. I believe that by embracing love and compassion, we can make the world a better place, one heart at a time.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, I’d say the three qualities that have been particularly impactful in my professional path would be:
1. Self-Love as a Foundation: The first and perhaps most crucial quality has been the cultivation of self-love. Without a deep and abiding love for oneself, it’s challenging to extend love and compassion to others. Self-love has not only empowered me to overcome obstacles and doubts, but has also been the cornerstone of my work in helping others transform their lives. My advice to those early in their journey is to begin with self-compassion. Recognize your worth and treat yourself with the same kindness you extend to others. This self-love will serve as a solid foundation for personal and professional growth.
2. Cross-Cultural Understanding: Given my extensive travels and interactions with individuals from diverse backgrounds, I’ve come to value cross-cultural understanding as a vital skill. The ability to empathize and connect with people from various cultures, belief systems, and walks of life has been invaluable. My advice to those starting their journey is to embrace diversity and actively seek opportunities to learn from people with different perspectives. This will broaden your horizons, enrich your understanding, and foster a more inclusive and compassionate approach to your work.
3. Holistic Education: My educational background in world religion, world cultures, health and wellness, and quantum sciences has provided a comprehensive lens through which I view personal transformation. This broad spectrum of knowledge allows me to approach challenges from multiple angles, addressing the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of well-being. For those early in their journey, I recommend a commitment to continuous learning. Stay curious, explore different fields, and develop a holistic understanding of the areas that matter most to you. This multidisciplinary approach can be a powerful tool for innovation and transformation.
These skills have not only propelled my career, but have also been instrumental in my mission of fostering own personal transformation. I encourage anyone reading this to embrace self-compassion, celebrate diversity, and pursue knowledge from various sources. These qualities can be the stepping stones to a fulfilling and impactful journey, both personally and professionally.
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle has been an enduring influence on my personal and professional development. One of the most transformative insights I gained from this book is the profound significance of the present moment. It taught me that every choice I make in the present moment shapes the path I’ll walk in the future.
This book helped me realize that I am the weaver of the tapestry of my life, and every choice I make contributes to this intricate design. Being fully present in the now empowers me to make intentional decisions that align with the future I aspire to create. When I lose sight of the present moment, I relinquish the helm of my life’s ship, allowing external forces to dictate my course. It’s as if I’m adrift in a sea of uncertainty, at the mercy of life’s currents, with no control over my destination.
In essence, “The Power of Now” illuminated the power of mindfulness, encouraging me to be the conscious captain of my life, directing it toward my chosen destinations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.suivera.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suiveraofficial/
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/suivera.org/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheHeartLeaderPodcast
