I’m Maria (and Ria too!), a curious human and recovering people-pleaser.

My story of connection with the people in my life includes a lot of imbalance. The core belief behind it? “I do not belong”. I have often felt out of place: too quiet, to deep, to sensitive… Many difficult and traumatic experiences reaffirmed these beliefs, and for years I struggled finding my worth. I stayed small and invisible because it felt safer.

But an innate sense of curiosity and a few good connections kept me afloat – and slowly but surely other ways of being started to emerge. Through my studies in community work I learned the value of being different, and how diverse societies are richer in many ways. Training as a mindfulness teacher I discovered that it was actually a gift to be quiet and slow. And my experience as a consent practitioner is teaching me how to be there for others without abandoning myself.

I know this is a lifelong learning process, and I’m so here for it!

If you’ve ever felt invisible, overwhelmed in social situations or like an outsider – I want you to know that I see you.

You belong. Every little child knows they are valuable and made for connection, let me help you remember that.