The Power of Joy with Author, Mentor Mariya Shiyko Ph.D., Massachusetts

On May 21st, 2024, Edge Talk Radio welcomed author, mentor, and award-winning educator Mariya Shiyko, Ph.D., from Massachusetts for an inspiring conversation about the power of joy, self-discovery, creativity, spirituality, and learning to create a life that feels authentically your own.

Mariya shared her journey from a successful career as a university professor to becoming an entrepreneur, author, mentor, and spiritual seeker. Raised in Russia in a family that placed tremendous value on education and intellectual achievement, she spent much of her early life developing the mind while leaving less room for intuition, creativity, spirituality, and joy. Eventually, she began to realize that despite her accomplishments, she was living according to expectations rather than fully living her own life.

A major turning point came through meditation and metaphysical studies. Mariya began recognizing herself not simply as a physical person moving through life, but as an energetic being whose thoughts, emotions, and choices influence her experiences. This realization helped her see herself as an active participant and co-creator in her life rather than simply accepting whatever happened around her.

Her transformation wasn't always comfortable. Mariya spoke candidly about questioning nearly everything she thought she knew about herself, including her career, identity, relationships, beliefs, and the expectations placed upon her. At times, the process left her feeling as though the ground had disappeared beneath her. Through travel, conversations with people from many different backgrounds, and her own inner work, she eventually realized that there isn't one answer or one path that works for everyone. Instead, she began asking herself what genuinely made her happy, what she wanted to experience, and what felt true for her.

Joy became an important part of that discovery. Mariya explained that joy doesn't always have to come from something extraordinary. It can appear through simply being present, enjoying a cup of matcha, walking outside, creating, traveling, spending time in nature, or allowing yourself to experience life more fully. She also described a deeper form of joy that comes from following what feels aligned with her heart, serving her purpose, and seeing the impact her work has on others.

The conversation also explored how creativity helped Mariya break free from many of the rules and expectations she had carried with her. She returned to playing music, began songwriting and explored intuitive painting, intentionally challenging her ideas about the "right" way to create. She emphasized that breaking long-established patterns doesn't necessarily happen automatically. Creativity, joy, and personal transformation can require intention, discipline, consistency, and a willingness to keep trying something different.

One of the most meaningful parts of Mariya's story was her evolving relationship with her family. She realized that just as she didn't want others forcing her into a box, she couldn't force them into one either. Rather than trying to make her father understand or accept her spirituality, she learned to allow him to be himself and follow his own journey. Over time, their relationship began to improve, and years later, he started becoming curious about personal development on his own.

Mariya also connected joy with gratitude, relationships, purpose, and abundance. She shared a simple practice of naming ten things she is grateful for before going to sleep. Instead of focusing on what hasn't been accomplished or what is missing, gratitude helps her return to her heart and recognize the fullness already present in her life.

The conversation even challenged some of the conditioning surrounding money. Mariya shared how she once felt she was sacrificing herself for money and had absorbed beliefs that money was somehow dirty, bad, or shameful. Her journey helped her begin looking at money differently — as an exchange that can support the work, gifts, passions, and purpose we bring into the world.

Ultimately, Mariya's message was about giving ourselves permission to question what we've been taught, reconnect with our hearts, rediscover joy, and become more comfortable with who we truly are. Joy doesn't mean that difficult moments disappear. It means learning to come back to ourselves, trust our unique path, and make room for the experiences that make being human meaningful.

What I Learned From Mariya Shiyko, Ph.D.

Moving through your past without continuing to blame others creates space for healing. When we allow people to be who they are instead of trying to change them, we also give them the freedom to become inquisitive, ask questions, and awaken on their own timeline. Sometimes creating that space can bring healing and growth for both of you.

Learn More About Mariya Shiyko, Ph.D.

Website: https://mariyashiyko.love

Books: My Brilliant Money Book and From Russia to Joy