top of page

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.

NEWS AND EVENTS

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Nancy Chakrin Photography Exhibits

Ukrainian American Community Center, Minneapolis, MN

June - July, 2024

Two traveling exhibits by co-founder Nancy Chakrin were on display at the Ukraininan American Community Center during June and July.

 

Nancy's Yoga On and Off the Wall  which has been shown in nearly 40 different venues and a special tribute to Ukraine exhibit featuring yoga poses by Oksana Shcherbakova and Maryna Didenko in Kiev and Kharkiv before the war and photos of Iryna Petrus and daughter Polima Domanska here in the US.

IN-PERSON HEALTH FAIR

Wisdom & Wellness Health Fair

University of St. Thomas, Minneapolis, MN

June 12, 2024

Laurie Ellis-Young provided an experiential presentation: "Breath is Your Superpower!" based on her award-winning book:

Breath Is Life: Taking In & Letting Go, How to Live Well, Love Well & Be Well.

IN-PERSON WORKSHOP

IN-PERSON HEALTH FAIR

Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center

Hot Springs National Park, AR

June 3, 2024

Laurie Ellis-Young provided sound therapy and breathing techniques for Connecting Hearts Program at Sunshine Therapeutic Riding Center.

IN-PERSON WORKSHOPS

The Power of Breath Workshop

Ukrainian American Community Center

May 17, 2024

This workshop led by Laurie Ellis-Young focused on helping Ukrainian refugees relieve stress and anxiety by understanding the neuroscience and practical skills of their breath to maintain and enhance their mental health. 

TV INTERVIEW

April was Stress Awareness Month

BreathLogic Co-Founder Laurie Ellis-Young is interviewed by KSTP Channel 5

Laurie Ellis-Young presents

"Supporting Ukrainian Psychologists Self-care and Other-care Digitally"

 at the

Meaningful Living and Learning in a Digital World Conference

 Savannah, GA, February 11-13, 2024 

Wellness Expert, Laurie Ellis-Young, works
with Ukrainian Psychologists, Military and Refugees
The Psychological Toll of War: Two Years Later -
Understanding the Mental Health Crises for Ukrainians Living with Traumas

TV INTERVIEW

KSTP Interviews Ukrainian Refugee, Iryna Petrus

February 24, 2024 

Two years after the beginning of the Russian invasion in Ukraine, BreathLogic's newest board member, Iryna Petrus shares her story.

TV INTERVIEW

WCCO TV Interviews Ukrainian Refugee, Iryna Petrus

February 23, 2024 

On the eve of the third year of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, refugee Iryna Petrus, shares her story. Iryna is BreathLogic's newest board member. 

BOOK AWARDS

Breath Is Life Book Wins Two IBPA Benjamin Franklin Silver Awards

May 5, 2023 

Laurie Ellis-Young and George T. Ellis, PsyD, receive Silver Awards in two categories: Health & Fitness and the Bill Fisher Award for Best First Book: Nonfiction, for their book, Breath Is Life, at the 35th Annual 2023 Independent Book Publishers Association conference in San Diego, CA.

ONLINE WORKSHOPS

Daily BLIPPs During Self-Love Month

Screen Shot 2022-02-10 at 12.06.43 PM.png

January 1 - 21, 2023 

Laurie Ellis-Young and the BreathLogic Team provided fun and varied, 10-minute daily breathing practices on Zoom.

INTERNATIONAL HEALING CONFERENCE

Laurie & Dr. George at Healing Beyond Borders Conference

311838597_10158594943347116_4419286428255920348_n.jpeg

Sunday, October 16, 2022

Laurie Ellis-Young and her husband, George T. Ellis, PsyD, gave a keynote presentation at the 26th Annual Healing Beyond Borders international conference.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Laurie Speaks to Horizon 100 Twin Cities Women of Accomplishment

IMG_3661.jpeg

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Laurie Ellis-Young talked about her book, Breath Is Life and her work, training the Ukrainian psychologists in Cyprus. She also shared experiential breath work with the participants.

SENIOR COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Dr. George & Laurie at Friendship Village Senior Living

IMG_0450 (1).jpeg

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

Dr. George T. Ellis and Laurie Ellis-Young share conversations about writing their book in Ukraine, the stresses of the war in Ukraine and training exiled Ukrainian psychologists in Cyprus.

BREATH IS LIFE BOOK SIGNING

Dr. George & Laurie at Majers & Quinn Bookstore

IMG_0124.jpeg

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

Dr. George T. Ellis PsyD and Laurie Ellis-Young shared conversations about their work with Ukrainian refugees suffering war-related trauma and stories from their book Breath Is Life.

INTERNATIONAL IN-PERSON TRAINING

Dr. George & Laurie Support Ukrainian Psychologists in Cyprus

IMG_1198.jpg

September 14-19, 2022

Dr. George T. Ellis PsyD and Laurie Ellis-Young provided in-person training for exiled Ukrainian psychologists suffering from the stresses of war.

After attending the Cyprus training with Laurie and Dr. George T. Ellis, Natalia wrote: “I am very grateful to my American colleagues for such a unique training that is so desperately needed for Ukrainian professionals right now. The deep dive into neuropsychology with Dr. Ellis and learning stress-reducing breathing techniques from the inspirational breath pioneer Laurie Ellis-Young was beyond my expectations.”

KARE 11 TV SATURDAY MORNING SHOW

KARE 11 News Anchor, Karla Hult Interviews Laurie-Ellis Young

laurie kare 11.PNG

Saturday, July 30, 2022

KARE 11 News anchor Karla Hult interviews Laurie Ellis-Young about her book: Breath is Life. Laurie shares images of her early years of  trekking and leading groups in the Himalayans and Andes where she learned much about breath. She also talks about the many benefits of optimal breathing and demonstrates the sleep breath. Laurie shares that she and her husband, George T. Ellis, PsyD, work with Ukrainian mental health professionals in exile. Laurie also talks about BreathLogic's partnership with Girls Taking Action.

SENIOR OUTREACH

BreathLogic Visits Presbyterian Homes

IMG_3689.jpeg

Wednesday, July 27, 2022

The BreathLogic Team presented Breath to the Rescue as an experiential presentation for Flagstone Independent Life Enrichment Wellness Program in Eden Prairie.

BreathLogic Makes Front Page of Variety Section

IMG_3372.jpeg
IMG_3376.jpeg

Saturday, July 24, 2022

Jasmine Snow, a reporting intern at the Star Tribune, writes about her experience attending BreathLogic’s  “Breath to the Rescue” workshop at The Marsh in Minnetonka on June 23rd, 2022. 

 

She also includes interview comments from Mary-Jo Kreitzer PhD, RN, FAAN (founder and director of the Earl F. Bakken Center for Spirituality and Healing at the U of MN) who highlights the benefits of a breathing practice— "studies show that controlled breathing can help provide pain relief, alter mood and reduce anxiety and other mental health conditions."

STAR TRIBUNE ARTICLE

OPTIMAL BREATHING FOR CAREGIVERS AND MORE

AlzheimersSpeaks Interview with Laurie Ellis-Young and George T. Ellis, PsyD

Wednesday, July 14, 2022

Lori La Bey, host of AlzheimersSpeaks interviews Laurie Ellis-Young and George T. Ellis, PsyD, authors of the book Breath Is Life about the importance of optimal breathing for caregivers.

IN-PERSON WORKSHOP WITH LAURIE ELLIS-YOUNG

Breath to the Rescue!

Screen Shot 2022-05-05 at 8.59.56 PM (1).jpeg

Thursday, June 23, 2022

Laurie Ellis-Young and 6 members of the BreathLogic team provided a fabulous workshop at The Marsh in Minnetonka!
 

Breathlogic Team for Breath to the Rescue.png

TWIN CITIES NONPROFITS TEAM UP

KSTP Interview with Girls Taking Action & BreathLogic

GTA.PNG

June 3, 2022

KSTP interviews Dr. Verna Price, founder of Girls Taking Action and BreathLogic about using breathing techniques to help girls manage stress and improve mental health. 

BREATHLOGIC SUPPORTS UKRAINE REFUGEES

KSTP Interview with Laurie Ellis-Young & Dr. George T. Ellis

BL Ukrain Refugees.PNG

May 23, 2022

KSTP interviews Laurie Ellis-Young and Dr. George T. Ellis about their life in Ukraine, their efforts to help teach breathing techniques to those suffering from trauma and the support they and BreathLogic are providing for Ukraine refugees. 

WORLD BREATHING DAY

New World Women Interview

April 11, 2022

Dawn Morningstar, Co-Founder of New World Women interviews Laurie Ellis-Young, author of  Breath Is Life-Taking IN and Letting GO . . . How to Live Well, Love Well, BE Well and her husband George T. Elllis, PsyD, on World Breathing Day. 

Laurie and Dr. George share their experiences teaching trauma coping skills and breath work in Ukraine. 

EDEN PRAIRIE ROTARY MEETING

Working in Ukraine with the Peace Monitors

IMG_2126.jpeg

March 15, 2022

Rotary members Irene Kelly and Jenifer Loon coordinated a Zoom meeting with Laurie Ellis-Young, author of  Breath Is Life-Taking IN and Letting GO . . . How to Live Well, Love Well, BE Well and her husband George T. Elllis, PsyD, who was evacuated days before the Russian invasion. Dr. George talked about his experience working in Ukraine.

AM950 RADIO INTERVIEW

Working in Ukraine with the Peace Monitors

275383864_1667167790293276_23867576974382284_n.jpg

March 12, 2022

George T. Elllis, PsyD, who was evacuated days before the Russian invasion, talks about his experience working in Ukraine for 4 years with peace monitors.

am950-logo-2x-retina.png

ZOOM WEBINAR

UKRAINE Special Conversation with Dr. George T. Ellis of OSCE

Screen Shot 2022-03-06 at 5.58.15 PM.jpeg

March 6, 2022

OSCE (Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe) asked Dr. George to return in mid-February to Kiev to train their medical professionals in Post Incident Procedures to help alleviate chronic post trauma.

 

Mindfulness and breath practices found in their new book “Breath Is Life” were included in the training. 

 

George was evacuated on February 15th.

BOOK LAUNCH

Book Launch Thumbnail.png

November 16, 2021
The Marsh, Minnetonka, MN

The Breath Is Life book launch
was a huge success, thanks to all those who made it possible and those who attended in person and by Zoom!

Watch the replay!

Order Your Copy Today!
BREATH IS LIFE 

“. . . the WHY, the WOW, and the HOW of working

with your breath for optimal wellbeing. . .”

- Rosa Marroquin, MD

breathe front cover itasca 6 inch.jpeg
You can breathe easier -
the book is here!

This book is for you if you are:

 

  • a wellbeing advocate committed to improving health

  • holistic natural practitioner (i.e. mindfulness and yoga practitioner)

  • facing day-to-day challenges, desire a better night’s sleep, or want to boost brain function

  • an educator or student: from kindergarten to post grad

  • a medical provider such as a doctor, nurse, staff, caregiver, hospice worker, emergency medical team

  • a business, organization, or management team that wants to reduce stress in the workplace

  • ​are suffering emotionally and/or physically from things like ADD, anxiety, cancer, chronic pain, depression, grief, stress, PTSD, etc.

  • going through significant life transitions such as the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, family changes, empty nest, aging, etc.

  • desire to enhance your “peak performance,” personally and/or professionally

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP

Take a Break. Take a Breath.

Change Your Life!

Breath%20Magnet%20Final_edited.jpg

March 20, 2021

On Zoom

Laurie Ellis-Young and Debby Magnuson facilitated this 60-minute Virtual Workshop just in time for Spring! 

 

This workshop delivered relief after a long COVID winter, teaching quick, effective breathing practices designed to relax and refocus the body and mind for reduced stress, better sleep, more energy and a revitalized spirit.

Donations of $50 or more  were gifted this beautiful magnet featuring the artwork of artist Anne Pryor. Anne "paints" using ink, her breath, and essential oils. To see more of Anne’s art visit www.lovitude.com

Magnet 4.25" H x 5.5" W

2020 NEWS AND EVENTS

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

The Power of Breath

Breakout Sessions via Zoom

Banner_Program_20-21.jpg

NESA

2020

October 22-23, 2020

Athens Greece

Laurie Ellis-Young provided breath and movement breakout sessions for attendees of the Near East South Asia Council of Overseas Schools (NESA)

Leadership Conference.

 

In 2018, Laurie presented in person.

This year, due to COVID-19, she provided virtual sessions via Zoom. 

RETREAT

Work, Relax, Rejuvenate

BreathLogic Board Retreat

IMG_5942.jpeg

October 12-14, 2020

Charlson Retreat Center
Victoria, Minnesota

BreathLogic Board Members and Advisory Members enjoyed a productive and lovely time together.

COVID-19 RESPONSE

FREE Breathing Tutorial Videos

Breath Tutorial Videos for GTTM.png

April 2020

Minnetonka, Minnesota

BreathLogic Instructors produced a series of tutorial breathing videos in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

  • Bip/Bop Breath In Peace/

       Breathe Out Pain

  • Laughter is the Best Medicine

  • The Power of Breath

  • The Sun Breath

  • Alternate Nostril Breathing

  • The Relaxation Breath: Trouble Falling Asleep

WORKSHOP

Want to Breathe Better?

POSTURE BUDDIES_3205 2.jpeg

March 7, 2020

Minnetonka, Minnesota

Led by Laurie Ellis-Young, this breathing workshop was not only instructional with practical methods for breathing better, but it was loads of fun!

Did you know that posture impacts breathing? Balancing Beanie Babies on heads is a great way to practice proper posture.

GLOBAL RETREAT

The Power of Breath

Train the Trainer Foundational Course

IMG_5451.jpeg

January 25-February 7, 2020

Sumaya Retreat Center,

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala 

Led by Laurie Ellis-Young, this magical retreat provided foundational training for BreathLogic instructors. 

Extended Tikal excursions were enjoyed by all.

WORKSHOP

Moving Forward After Grief & Losses

Grief and Loss Workshop

January 2020

Plymouth, Minnesota

Moving Forward After Grief and Losses was originally led by Laurie Ellis-Young in 2018. 

 

She was invited to return again in January 2020.

TRAVELING EXHIBIT

YOGA ON ICE

Commemorating a Frozen Wonderland

IMG_0657.jpeg

2019-2020 

University of Minnesota

BioMedical Library 

Yogini models Laurie Ellis-Young, Kathy Flaminio, Liz Anema and Brenda Steger were great sports
in saying YES when photographer Nancy Chakrin asked them to pose in frigid nighttime below zero wind chill temperatures during the 2017 Super Bowl Winter Carnival.


Photo backdrops include the changing dramatic colors of the Ice Palace in Rice Park downtown St Paul.

Due to COVID-19, this exhibit has been sheltering in place longer than expected.

2019 NEWS AND EVENTS

THANK YOU

A Solstice Gratitude

IMG_2426.jpg

December 21, 2019

Charlson Retreat Center
Victoria, Minnesota

A lovely pot luck brunch gathering with over 60 friends finished off the year at our A Solstice Gratitude event. We started the day with an early morning meditation led by Sally Dames and a gentle yoga with Karyn Fulton.  Many enjoyed a winter meditation walk on the 144 acres of woodlands and then we followed breathing exercise and shaking led by Laurie Ellis-Young in Cyprus, via Skype. The day was complete with a visit from Santa Bill while live piano and violin music played in the background. Truly delightful!

WORKSHOP

Mindful Breath Practices

oak meadow senior living.jpg

September 10, 2019

OakMeadow Senior Living

Oakdale, Minnesota

Karyn Fulton, BreathLogic Trainer, leads the seniors in lessons of Mindful Breath Practices in conjunction with the Yoga On and OFF the Wall exhibit.

 

Karyn literally brought the exhibit off the wall and shared wellness classes with the elderly. Even those in wheelchairs learned tips for deeper breathing. 

GLOBAL SYMPOSIUM

The Power of Breath

International Nursing Symposium

IMG_0428 2.jpeg

May 2019

Galway, Ireland

Laurie Ellis-Young provided workshops and presentations at the symposim. Nancy Chakrin with Rachel Trelstad-Porter, RN at the poster session. 

nursing symposium ireland.jpg

FUNDRAISER

Bingo for Kindness

bingo fundraiser 2.jpg
bingo fundraiser.jpg

January 2019

Can Can Wonderland

St. Paul, Minnesota

A novel St. Paul Setting of Can Can Wonderland gaming center hosted our collaborative Bingo Fundraiser with three organizations: CLIMB Theatre, Inclusive-Tee and our Breath-Logic team. We had a great group of men and women playing BINGO. Our two big winners were Julie Condon and Susan Znameroski. This environment was a fun place for adults to be kids again.

2018 NEWS AND EVENTS

GLOBAL WORKSHOP

The Brain, the Breath and the Heart

Screen Shot 2020-10-04 at 9.32.51 PM.jpg

October 18-21, 2018

Athens, Greece

Laurie Ellis-Young led a workshop entitled The Brain, the Breath and the Heart at the Near East South Asian Council of Overseas Schools (NESA) Leadership Conference.

FLC_cover_athens.jpeg

PRESENTATION

Breathe Better!

Harnessing Extraordinary Power in Ordinary Breath

D90-2-DSC_6900.jpeg

September 20, 2018
CentraCare Health Conference

for Holistic Nurses
St. Cloud, MN

Laurie Ellis-Young provided a powerful presentation for holistic nurses at the CentraCare HealthConference. 

The Breathe Better! Harnessing Extraordinary Power in Ordinary Breath was a huge success.

PRESENTATION

The Power of Breath

world kindness.jpg

July 27-28, 2018
Long Beach, CA

Laurie Ellis-Young and Nancy Chakrin gave presentations at the official launch of the World Kindness USA Organization.

2017 NEWS AND EVENTS

RETREAT

Leadership Retreat

Harnessing extraordinary power in ordinary breath

horse ranch.jpg

August 24-26, 2017
Hope Rides Ranch

Mayer, MN

This collaborative leadership retreat was hosted by Co-CreateX, BreathLogic and HopeRides.

BreathLogic presenters included Roseanna Ross, Laurie Ellis-Young, Patricia Angulo and Sally Dames.

2016 NEWS AND EVENTS

MAGAZINE FEATURE

BreathLogic Workshops

Promote Healthy Living

LAKE MTKA MAG_2487.jpg

Lake Minnetonka Magazine

2016 Issue

Laurie Ellis-Young and Nancy Chakrin were featured in Lake Minnetonka Magazine.

Banner 7.png

Teaching the world how to breathe

better and together

BreathLogic is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to global Breath Literacy and world peace.

bottom of page