Breathe.

In challenging times, it is tension and anxiety from within that makes focusing, being purposeful, and mindful seem like an uphill battle. I use the phrase “challenging times” quite frequently, as I recognize the challenges that people experience will vary based upon their life experiences. In a previous article, Common Challenges*, I shared some specific truths: We all feel stress, but how we manage our stress and how it relates to our children can be a challenge. The children have plenty of needs and we have needs, too; AND expectations to meet. When you’re feeling challenged, ask yourself: What energy are you emulating? Our children take cues from us and the more consistent we can be about our responses and our daily routines, the better the outcomes for everyone! With the current times in mind, I reached out to Lauren Chelec Cafritz, an expert in Health and Wellness, and Breath work, for an interview.

*Full article here: Common Challenges  

Tell us a bit about yourself and your journey with health and wellness work.

My name is Lauren Chelec Cafritz. I am the founder and director of Vitality Breath and the author of Breath LOVE. My journey with breathwork began more than 25 years ago. I was a sufferer of intense anxiety and chronic cervical pain, and I started exploring ways to relieve my pain without a surgical procedure. A friend introduced me to breathwork and, after a few sessions, the pain lifted and my anxiety faded. I also noticed that I had a renewed sense of vitality. I knew that I wanted to help others experience this too.

I spent the next two decades studying, practicing, teaching and sharing the power of the breath to transform lives. I am trained and certified in Integrative Breathwork, Transformational Breath®, Reiki, Yoga and Ayurveda. I also serve as the United States National Representative for the International Breathwork Foundation and am a member of the Global Professional Breathwork Alliance.

What is the most rewarding part of your work in health and wellness?

The most rewarding part of my work is watching people connect to their inner healer through breathwork. I love to help people transform their lives and get in touch with their authentic selves.

The breath brings so many gifts, among them calm and peace. It connects people to their intuition and inner wisdom. It brings healing. Watching people become more empowered and resilient and self-reliant is incredibly rewarding.

What is one thing you highly recommend parents do to best support themselves and their children to reduce stress at home?

I’m a mom of two twenty-somethings, and I remember those days of trying to balance everything - school, sports, meals. It can get really overwhelming!

Just like on an airplane, put on your oxygen mask first. Your kids are going to be happier and calmer if you are happier and less stressed. Begin the healing journey yourself. Come and try breathwork. Then you can introduce the techniques to your children.

Breathwork is a tool that you (and your kids) can turn to whenever an emotional hiccup arises. It gives you a go-to place whenever you are feeling out of sorts. It can be as easy as taking a few breaths together before you address a situation. Take a deep inhale through your nose together. On the exhale, sigh it out through your mouth and make some noise. After five of those, you can have a conversation that is less reactive and more responsive.

What programs and services do you currently offer?  If someone wanted to be a part of your training(s), do you offer online and in-person opportunities? How can people connect with you?

There are many ways to practice breathwork with me. I offer an online group breathwork class on Monday nights at 7:15 p.m. (EST). I also offer private one-on-one coaching, which I do virtually, until we can be in person again.

I lead breathwork workshops and retreats across the country. My next scheduled retreat is a transformational journey October 2-9, 2021 in Sedona, Arizona. I will begin offering facilitator training in 2022. 

I also facilitate customized breathwork sessions and give talks for corporate workshops, seminars, conferences, and leadership training.

People can connect with me at my website where they can sign up for my newsletter. You could also email me and follow me on Instagram and LinkedIn or Facebook .

Many thanks to Lauren for her time and expertise. I know this information is incredibly useful, whether you have children of your own, work with children, or are working to help yourself feel better. I know, our days are busy, our nights are short, the weeks feel long, yet, the months and years feel short. The way that we can start to maximize this time, is to ensure that we are not “pouring from an empty pitcher;” it all starts with a few deep breaths. My personal favorite breathwork is to pause a tense moment or interaction with a child by literally saying aloud “pause, take a deep breath in, 1,2,3,4,5. And, let it go – breathe out, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.” Waiting a moment, then asking, “What do you need?” This is one way to help reduce a power struggle and encourage a “reset” for everyone. It is the action of shifting the focus that can provide some clarity and allow everyone the opportunity to pause, breathe, and take a moment to re-center. Sometimes, a breath of fresh air, is just what we need.

For additional support on Health and Wellness for parents, be sure to check the Partners page on the website!