breathe the change
upcoming international retreat
Villa Sumaya - Guatemala
January 25 - February 1, 2025
Breath Is Life: The WHY, WOW & HOW
Breath Is Your Superpower
with Laurie Ellis-Young
Laurie is passionate about breathing together in one of her favorite places on Earth.
Just being in this special spot is transformational;
add “The Power of Breath” and it becomes life-changing.
Why Breath Is Life?
Retreat practices are based on core principles from the award-winning book/master course on Breath Literacy: ”Breath Is Life. Taking In and Letting Go: How To Live Well, Love Well, BE Well” by authors Laurie Ellis-Young and George T. Ellis, Psy.D.
This book won awards in the following categories: Health / Health & Fitness / Mind, Body and Spirit / Body, Mind and Spirit, Best Overall Book Design, Non-fiction / Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book, Non-fiction.
Why Lake Atitlan?
Unparalleled beauty/power of this Mayan paradise aids relaxation, rejuvenation, learning
and integration. Retreatants leave informed/transformed, ready to make a difference in the world.
Why Your Facilitator, Laurie Ellis-Young?
“Laurie teaches with mastery and heart like I’ve not experienced before.” ~ 2023 Retreatant
Laurie’s mastery is derived from 40+ years of studying Eastern & Western sciences and techniques of well-being: Master’s degree in Therapeutic Counseling emphasizing breathwork (MTC), Senior Yoga Teacher (SYT) 1000 hours -UK Yoga Alliance, Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction instructor (MBSR), and other multiple wellness certifications.
She is founding-director of Breathe The Change LLC, co-founder of nonprofit BreathLogic, an award-winning author, SHIFT Peace Ambassador, re-forester, rainforest preservation activist, and globe trotter who has visited 90+ countries and led groups to over 20.
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Her heartfelt facilitation is honed by 4+ decades of sharing Breath Literacy with diverse populations of all ages on six continents: individuals and groups desiring personal and professional empowerment along with those experiencing multiple types of trauma, stresses, illnesses, grief, poverty, war, sex trafficking, marginalization etc.
Four Ways You Can Enjoy This Experience!
1. 7 Nights on Lake Atitlan: at the Villa Sumaya, Saturday to Saturday, Jan 25 – Feb 1, 2025
2. Antigua add-on: 4 days/3 nights prior to the Villa Sumaya in Antigua Wed, Jan 22 – Sat, Jan 25, 2025
3. Tikal add-on: 5 days/4 nights after the Villa Sumaya in Tikal Fri, Feb 1 – Wed, Feb 5, 2025
4. Both add-ons!: 4 days/3 nights before and 5 days/4nights after the 7 nights on Lake Atitlan, Wednesday to Wednesday, Jan 22 - Feb 5, 2025
The Lake Atitlan retreat is for you if:
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you are open to a magical, nurturing and cultural experience of a lifetime
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you desire to learn and embody ‘Breath Literacy’ (Breath Literacy = The wisdom and knowledge of how to breathe optimally, moment by moment, breath by breath, and in circumstances all throughout life) for yourself as your superpower
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you are a professional who desires more skills to help others to heal or reach their highest potential
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you desire to relish your own experience but also share with others of like-mind.
The Antigua add-on is for you if:
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you are open to transitioning in a charming, colonial, historical setting
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you desire additional cultural experiences involving locals, walking tours, ruins, breath & mindfulness practices, shopping opportunities, sunsets and deepening connections
The Tikal add-on is for you if:
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you are open to a majestic ancient ruins and rainforest experience
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you desire to “Breathe & BE” as you commune with nature, animals, trees and foliage while easily and safely exploring an ancient and magnificent Mayan civilization
Retreat and Add-On Trips Details
7-day Nights on Lake Atitlan at Villa Sumaya
What's Included at the Villa Sumaya
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Roundtrip transportation to/from airport and Villa Sumaya
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7 nights double accommodations in the ‘Maya Rose’ house
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Exquisite indoor and outdoor training/practice facilities
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3 scrumptiously delicious and nutritious vegetarian meals (fish or chicken may be requested for an additional fee)
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Unlimited purified water, herbal tea, and local coffee
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All eclectic practices including yoga (all levels)
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Award-winning Book- “Breath Is Life. Taking In and Letting Go: How to Live Well, Love Well, BE Well”
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Serendipitous surprises, excursions, cultural interchanges, ceremonies
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Hiking / Special connections with locals
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Front desk reception staff available 24-hours a day
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Opportunities for connection and teaching with BreathLogic
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Meetings with remarkable trees!
What's Not Included
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Airfare to/from Guatemala City
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Gratuities at the Villa Sumaya ($7-$10/day suggested)
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Harmony spa services
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Adult beverages
Price: Double Occupancy: $1,999
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Deposit: $300 non-refundable upon registration, $1,000 due 30 days later with additional payments flexible, TBD. Total due within 4 months of registration or by Nov 1, 2024
For further information and to register, contact Laurie Ellis-Young: Laurie@BreatheTheChange.com
Fabulous 4-day Add-on Trip to Antigua Prior to Lake Atitlan Retreat
Limited to small group
Make the most of your journey appreciating unique beauty and culture with four days in and around the charming colonial city of Antigua. When you arrive on Jan 22, you’ll be met at the airport and spirited away to the luxurious Hotel Posada de Don Rodrigo, a perfect place to transition to adventure and retreat.
What's Included in the Antigua Add On PRIOR to the Lake Atitlan Retreat
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Personal meeting at Guatemala City airport and transportation to Antigua hotel
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3 nights double accommodations at Posada Don Rodrigo (top rating by TripAdvisor)
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Transportation within Guatemala
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Minimum of 8 delicious vegetarian meals in delightful dining venues (some chicken/fish)
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Group gratuities and taxes
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Special Practices
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Walking tours / unique cultural experiences / shopping opportunities
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Serendipitous surprises along with free time and R&R
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Special Excursions
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Journey blessing with Mayan priestess
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Meetings with remarkable trees!
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Not Included
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One or two lunches
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Expenses during free time
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Adult beverages
Price: $1,099.00
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Deposit: $300 non-refundable upon registration, $600 due 30 days later with additional payments flexible/TBD. Total due within 4 months of registration or by Nov 1, 2024
For further information and to register, contact Laurie Ellis-Young: Laurie@BreatheTheChange.com
Amazing Add-on Trip to TIKAL
Limited to small group
End your Guatemala experience with an unforgettable visit to Tikal. Located in the heart of the jungle, surrounded by lush vegetation, lies one of the major sites of Mayan civilization, inhabited from the 6th century B.C. to the 10th century A.D. Walk through ceremonial temples, palaces and public squares and feel the magnificence of this architectural wonder.
What's Included in the Tikal Add On AFTER the Lake Atitlan Retreat
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Airport transportations from Villa Sumaya to GUA/FRS/GUA
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Roundtrip airfare GUA/FRS/GUA
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All Transportation within Flores/Tikal area
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1-night double accommodations at Ramada in Santa Elena/Flores
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2-night’s double accommodations at Tikal Inn inside Tikal National Forest
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1-night double or single accommodations at GUA Hotel Barcelo before flights on Feb 5
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Minimum of 8 delicious vegetarian meals in various dining venues
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Entrance to Tikal National Forest
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Entrances and guides for 1 sunrise and 1 sunset in Tikal ruins
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1 guided tour to Tikal ruins
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Entrance to Tikal museum
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Group gratuities and taxes
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Special Practices
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Serendipitous surprises along with free time and R&R
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Meetings with remarkable trees!
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Not Included
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One or two meals
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Expenses during free time
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Adult beverages
Price: $1,150.00
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Deposit: $500 non-refundable upon registration, $650 due 30 days later.
For further information and to register, contact Laurie Ellis-Young: Laurie@BreatheTheChange.com
Breath Literacy = the wisdom and knowledge of how to breathe optimally,
moment by moment, breath by breath, and in circumstances all throughout life.
What people are saying
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I have expanded my understanding of breath and I will be forever changed. – Retreat / Training
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The depth and breadth of what we learned was beyond my expectations. – Retreat /Training
Everything about this training and retreat was superbly orchestrated. I feel like I have lifetime tools that I can immediately share. – Retreat / Training
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You are magical. Our trip was so amazing – again! – and filled with such special experiences each and every day…… I am already using Heart Breath with preschoolers, adults and Seniors. I can’t thank you enough for everything – Retreat / Training
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You are a gifted and passionate speaker with such valuable information to share. This was the best-attended training we’ve had. –Corporate workshop
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I am grateful beyond words for your work with us. You covered an amazing amount of territory, so I applaud your courage and strength. I feel today that a large amount of density lifted physically, mentally and emotionally. And that process will continue for a while. – Power of Breath Workshop
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You are a gifted facilitator for deep transformational change. –Power of BreathWorkshop
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The Love I experienced was beautiful. The Love I felt for every soul present was incredible. The Love continues, always. –Retreat
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I am beginning to realize how important the breath is to a healthy, radiant life – thank you once again. –Power of Breath Workshop
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“One of the most moving experiences I have ever had!” –Retreat
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“I have taken many workshops over the years, but this was THE VERY best! –Power of Breath Workshop
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Laurie was so inspirational! From the embodiment of her ‘being’ and philosophy of her practice, I learned of a deep, spiritual respect for the art of breathing correctly and how it benefits both the body and soul. –Power of Breath Workshop
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Her presentation style is with grace, peacefulness and humor. I have never experienced anything like her before. –Power of Breath Workshop
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Laurie Thank you for a “slice of heaven”! –Retreat
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I appreciate my new “tools” and the adventurous experiences. –Retreat / Training
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I feel expanded and more connected with all! –Retreat
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You far exceeded my expectations. You taught in such a way that I remembered just about everything you said, and that is unusual for me. I would highly recommend this to everyone. –Power of Breath Workshop
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Laurie’s breath workshop was one of the most profound experiences of my life. I have been a student of the spiritual all of my life and have explored many avenues in my quest. Laurie’s workshop was one of the most profound consciousness raising experiences I have had. –Power of Breath Workshop
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While I only planned to attend the morning workshop, I was so inspired with her teachings that I stayed for the full day. It was the second half of the workshop that totally blew the top off for me. It was through her fun-loving and open-hearted approach to the breath work and an outdoor nature meditation walk that she opened me into the consciousness from which she was teaching. –Power of Breath Workshop
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I have been in the healthcare field for decades and appreciate the incredible scope of her knowledge and teachings.” –Power of Breath Workshop
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From NESA Educational Conference in Athens:
The Breath workshop exceeded my expectation in so many ways and I wanted to share some feedback about this with you using a basic framework that we use for IB lesson planning and delivery. The framework is called KUD – as in Knowledge, Understanding and Doing (Skills).
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KNOWLEDGE I found the depth of your knowledge about biology, physiology, human
anatomy, and logic, enticing and fascinating. Your theoretical and technical knowledge
of the human body was used most effectively to supplement your anecdotal, and often
funny, background in breathing and yoga.
SKILLS (DOING) From the start of the workshop, you incorporated practice and demonstration into our learning as participants. Rather than talk only, you preferred to demonstrate, and encouraged us to experience the impact/effects of proper breathing techniques on our daily lives. This method of delivery allowed us to embed the practices into our lives in a seamless manner. Your experiential approach enabled me to overcome my own inhibitions about breathing incorrectly and in front of others.
UNDERSTANDING What was apparent from the opening activity of the workshop, was your deep understanding of the many ways in which breathing techniques were transferable to participants. As we practiced the techniques and the skills, our understanding deepened. Through the fusion of real-world applications (your stories) and your ethnographic research (your life experiences), we were able to appreciate your passion and your authentic approach to the mantra of “breath is life”.