Mike Cecotka

About Mike Cecotka

In 2008, my life fell apart.

The financial crash hit me hard, and I lost everything I had worked for.

It was the darkest moment of my life—a time when hope seemed unreachable, and the future felt like an empty void.

I was lost, desperate, and searching for anything to hold onto.

In that void, I stumbled across something extraordinary: the Dokkōdō, or The Way of Walking Alone, by the legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi.

This ancient text, with its 21 precepts for living with clarity and purpose, became my lifeline.

Musashi's principles taught me how to embrace solitude, face adversity with courage, and focus on what truly matters.

They didn’t just inspire me—they transformed me.

Over time, these teachings became the foundation for how I rebuilt my life, found stillness amidst chaos, and redefined success on my own terms.

Today, I incorporate these timeless lessons into my work, using art, poetry, and reflection to help others find clarity, resilience, and peace in their own lives.

In sharing my journey, I aim to show that even in the darkest moments, there is a path to strength and renewal.

I’m passionate about helping people find clarity, calm, and resilience in today’s chaotic world.

As the author of Finding Stillness, I’ve combined my background as an emerging contemporary artist, poet, and writer to create a truly interactive and transformative speaking experience.

Through dramatic book readings, practical reflection, and writing activities, I guide audiences toward reducing stress and anxiety while fostering lasting inner peace.

My unique approach blends storytelling, creativity, and mindfulness in a way that’s both engaging and empowering—no prior knowledge of art or poetry is needed.

Whether virtual or live, my sessions are designed to inspire personal growth and meaningful change, leaving participants with tools to navigate life with greater ease and joy.

Let’s work together to create an unforgettable journey toward less stress and more stillness.

Experience what your audience will do online or live: “Reading this book is like feeling a too-tight knot untangling, a headache leaving, the weight on the shoulders getting lighter” “More than just a book; it's an experience that has made me appreciate the beauty of combining words, art, and introspection” “The journey through these haikus is a journey within—one that reveals insights, prompts self-reflection, and ignites a desire for inner growth” “The fusion of poetic verses with captivating visuals creates a sensory experience that transcends mere reading, elevating it to an immersive journey of the senses.” “The reflection exercises were incredibly helpful and the old wisdom accompanying each haiku chapter was great.” “I found the affirmations very soothing and the Asian calligraphy is evocative, stirring the emotions.”