Say yes to yourself, to your healing, to the presence, to the journey.

Elana didn’t realize how much she needed Breathe For Change — until she saw it. She wasn’t actively looking for a training, but something about the invitation to care for herself and deepen her impact through mindfulness made her say one powerful word: Yes.

What followed was a transformation rooted in self-compassion, presence, and the ability to lead with love — not just for others, but for herself too.

“Ahimsa has been the theme in my life since I started this training.”

Background

Before Breathe For Change, Elana was constantly pouring into others but without being fully present. Her students would come to her for support, and though she cared deeply, she struggled to listen and hold space in the way they needed. She didn’t even realize how disconnected she had become from the moment… until she began her journey.

Challenges Faced

Before joining the program, Elana:

• Struggled with staying fully present for her students
• Carried harsh self-talk that impacted how she spoke to others
• Didn’t prioritize self-care, which affected her energy and leadership

Transformation

Everything changed when Elana said yes to Breathe For Change. She didn’t know how she would afford it, but her gut told her: This is what I need. That act of courage opened the door to a deeply healing experience.

She discovered how harsh her inner dialogue had been and how that extended to others. Learning about Ahimsa (non-violence) gave her a new foundation: one rooted in compassion and gentle awareness. Her biggest transformation? Learning how to talk to herself with kindness — and how that changed everything.

She now teaches mindful movement and meditation to both her colleagues and her students, leading with presence and love. Through breath, awareness, and grace, Elana has become a light in her school community.

Q&A

Why did you choose Breathe For Change?

“I didn’t know I needed it… until I saw it. And I said yes immediately even though I didn’t know how I’d pay for it. It didn’t matter. It was just simply YES.”

What’s been your biggest transformation?

“The way I talk to myself. Ahimsa — nonviolence — has become a theme in my life. I had no idea how harsh I had been to myself, and how that influenced how I spoke to others. That’s changed everything.”

How are you bringing this into your community?

“I now lead mindful movement and meditation classes for both students and staff. It’s been such a beautiful way to connect and build presence together.”

What would you say to someone considering Breathe For Change?

“Say yes to yourself. To your healing. To the presence. To the journey. It’s a beautiful journey… because it’s a journey about you.”

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Elana’s story is a testament to what happens when we give ourselves permission to be present, to soften, and to lead from within. She started by saying yes to herself and now her students, colleagues, and community are all benefiting from that one courageous decision.

By equipping educators with the tools to support both themselves and their students, the Breathe for Change Master’s Degree is shaping the future of education, one teacher at a time. Learn more about our program or apply today to start your journey!