We had the good fortune of connecting with Miriam Picó Younce and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Miriam, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
I want to meet old age, retirement and death with a contented heart, knowing I was successful in using every last drop of my talents and gifts for good, every day. I want to know that I never turned down an opportunity to “be love” to someone who needed it, or to ease their burden somehow. I do this with my music and songwriting but also with my smile, my presence, my hugs and my listening ears. By the end of my career, I want to have had as much fun bringing joy and love to others as I possibly could have with the time I was given.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I began singing in public at eleven years old, getting paid to perform for weddings and funerals. From there, I began singing at karaoke, open mic nights, a dinner theatre and eventually performing my own concerts. I have released four albums of my original music and have been working on a new album! When my three kids were all in school during the days, I missed them so much! So I created what has now become Mindful and Musical! Through these classes, I use music, songwriting, mindfulness and intergenerational gatherings to spread messages of peace, kindness and love. My classes are not something where kids get dropped off, but instead, parents and caregivers stay with their little ones, engaging and creating memories together. We practice mindfulness, we sing, we play instruments, we learn about social/emotional concepts through storytime and songs, we spend time with the elderly in the community by bringing families into nursing homes and assisted living facilities for music and togetherness. I pour my heart and soul into my work, because as Queen Whitney Houston once sang “I believe the children are the future!” I want to do my part to water the seeds of kindness, empathy and love that they all carry inside of them.
My mission statement is wrapped up in the final goodbye that we end classes with:
“Let’s love our whole selves from our heads to our toes
Let’s look for the good wherever we go
Let’s stand against hate with the peace in me and you
Let’s radiate love in all we think and say and do.”

Our classes grew slowly but surely over the past nine years. It has not always been easy to keep up with the social media/website side of things, but it has ALWAYS been so easy to create the curriculum, perform with the families and create unforgettable experiences for everyone that attends Mindful and Musical. Because it comes so naturally to me, and lights me up with so much joy, I believe I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

From performing music for families, to performing music for concerts, weddings, patio gigs, etc. all the way to bedside sing-alongs for the dying, I sing for everyone who wants me to, at every stage of life. I am so grateful for all of the meaningful connections that music has brought into my life!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Traverse City, Michigan. A tourist town that loves to have a good time, especially out in nature.
I am originally from Puerto Rico, so summer is my absolute favorite time of year. Enjoying the sunshine, spending time at any of the hundreds of lakes in the area (my favorite is Frankfort Beach) hiking in the shady woods at Pelizzari Natural Area, riding bikes with my family, napping in a hammock after work, bonfires with my family and friends at Good Harbor Beach, Bliss!!!!
Right now, it is Autumn, my husband’s favorite time of year … So, cozy sweaters, holding hands on hikes, colorful leaves everwhere, brisk cool air to breathe… I love hiking up the sand dunes in Leelanau County during the fall, when there aren’t so many tourists and the sand is not burning the bottoms of you feet! Catching a show at any of the wonderful venues, from wineries, breweries and restaurants in the area is always fun. The Alluvion (inside of the Commongrounds Co-op) is a favorite place to watch music, and it is also where I host my Mindful and Musical classes! The best part about Traverse City are the people and organizations that truly care about this area and making it better for EVERYONE.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My beloved husband Ryan Younce, whose steady love, best-friendship and hilarious sense of humor fill my heart to overflowing, help me to heal daily and encourage me to follow my heart in all things.

My mother, Gladys Muñoz, founder of the nonprofit Justice and Peace Advocacy Center. She has always inspired me to use my gifts to make the world a better place and to never stop learning!

My three incredible kids, who teach me the meaning of love, every day. Mami loves you, Luna, Gideon and Vida!!!

Thich Nhat Hanh, who first inspired me to begin a daily meditation practice back in 2016, which has been life-changing.

John O’Donohue, whose book “To Bless the Space Between Us” has been meeting me and comforting me exactly when I need it to lately.

Fred Rogers, whose TV show brought love, emotional intelligence, self esteem and kindness into my consciousness as a kid. I am sure so much of my work with children has been subconsciously inspired by how he once spoke to us all through the television screen.

My Abuelo and Abuela, Agustin and Gladys Muñoz, who filled my childhood with magic, my adolescence with music, and my adulthood with wonder and inspiration.

And finally, major thanks to all of the musicians, collaborators, fans, supporters and families from my classes who believe in what I offer and have given me incredible opportunities throughout the past twenty years of my music career.

Website: https://Mindfulandmusical.com

Instagram: @Mindfulandmusical

Facebook: Mindful and Musical with Miriam Picó

Youtube: Mindful and Musical

Image Credits
Michael Murphy IV
Shawn Roach
Jenifer Safonovs
Laurie Sears
Grace Hudson

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