Changing the world through the power of breath
by teaching people how to breathe together and better
BreathLogic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to global Breath Literacy and world peace.
CO-FOUNDERS NANCY CHAKRIN & LAURIE ELLIS-YOUNG
LAURIE ELLIS-YOUNG
Co-Founder
Laurie Ellis-Young is jump-up-and-down, head-over-heels passionate that in our ordinary breath, we have access to extraordinary power. Through BreathLogic she wants to share this knowledge with the world.
As a teenager practicing yoga in the early 1970’s, Laurie first became aware of the importance of breath. This interest led her to many teachers, yogic disciplines and breathing practices such as: Pranayama, Qigong, Tai Chi and Flute-playing. In the 80’s she began trekking in the high Himalayan & Andes mountains; later leading groups.
-
The mountains taught her the necessity of oxygen for energy and clear thinking. (Let’s bring this knowledge into schools and institutions of learning!)
-
Overcoming fears of public speaking and scuba diving impressed upon her the reliability of breathing practices for empowerment and relaxation. (Let’s bring this knowledge everywhere people are discouraged or stressed!)
-
Over forty years of studies, personal practices, and experiences working with diverse populations on five continents convince her breath practices transform people’s lives. (Let’s develop “Breath Literacy” programs for everyone who breathes: children to elders, and implement them in centers of medicine, healthcare, education, corporations and NGOs!)
A yoga teacher, mindfulness (MBSR) instructor, SHIFT Peace Ambassador, author and presenter, Laurie feels our breath is the key to cultivating the inner peace that leads to outer peace. As trees are “the lungs of the planet” projects dear to her heart are preservation of the rainforest and reforestation.
Laurie is a published author, with another book “Breath is Life” coming out soon (purchase her book on Amazon). Laurie lives with her husband George in Arkansas and frequently travels to Lake Atitlan, Guatemala.
NANCY CHAKRIN
Co-Founder
Nancy Chakrin’s life’s passion and purpose are giving and sharing her artistic and organizational talents to improve people’s lives. In 2017 she was one of AARP Minnesota’s “50 Over 50 Award” recipients honoring inspirational leaders over the age of 50 who are shattering myths about aging and writing their own rules.
A 2012 proposal partnering BreathLogic with Park Nicollet Health Service won Nancy a University of Minnesota Buckman “Leadership in Philanthropy” Fellowship. Recognizing stress as a personal impediment and a global epidemic, she researched statistics of how breath practices/mindfulness empower and heal. Experiencing this herself, she uses breath to lower her blood pressure, curtail panic, and decline dental anesthesia.
Now there is no stopping her utilizing her award-winning graphic design, photography, technology, marketing and PR skills to help share “Breath Literacy” with the world. As a joyful, dynamic extrovert, Nancy’s many talents and her abilities to foster friendships make her the driving, connecting and creative force within BreathLogic’s organization.
With great joy, her photography assignments have included images of polar explorer Ann Bancroft; David Gergen and Van Jones of CNN; Drs. Andrew Weil, Deepak Chopra, Dan Siegel, Jon Kabat-Zinn; and His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama – to name a few. She is a member of Horizon 100: Twin Cities Women of Accomplishment; Minnesota Holistic Nurses Association; Minnesota Holistic Medicine Group; Co-CreateX Catalyst team; Crosstown Camera Club; and the Kindness Movement USA. She is a graduate from the University of Minnesota in Art Education.
Nancy’s is a published author (purchase her book on Amazon), and her artwork appears in public and private collections nationally and internationally. She lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
“I hope that all of my work provides a tranquil response, ignites conversation and serves as a catalyst to encourage wellness practices.”
MISSION
BreathLogic's mission is to teach breath literacy locally and globally, alleviate suffering
and expand world peace.
VISION
BreathLogic's vision is for humanity
to breathe together and create a
world of wellness and peace for all.