breathe the change
international retreat/training
Breath Is Life
The WHY, WOW & HOW:
Breath Is Your Superpower through the Polyvagal Lens
Learn – Embody – Transform - Teach
Retreat/Training Jan 30 – Feb 6, 2027
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala with Laurie Ellis-Young & Annemarie Courture
with Optional Add-Ons before and after
Join Annemarie & Laurie in a breathtaking location that enhances life just by being there.
Combine this with breath practices informed by Polyvagal Theory and experience transformation!
“Without mastering breath, nothing can be mastered. ~Gurdjieff
This retreat/training is for you if you want to:
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Embrace ‘Breath Literacy’ as your superpower
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Understand your nervous system and its responses
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Enhance your professional toolkit for supporting well-being and healing
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Experience a nourishing, gentle, and deeply human experience
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Join a growing global community committed to well-being and peace
Why Breath Literacy?
Breath Literacy = The wisdom and knowledge of how to breathe optimally, (holistically) moment by moment, breath by breath and in circumstances throughout life
Why Polyvagal Theory?
Polyvagal Theory offers a compassionate lens for understanding how our nervous system shapes emotions, behaviors, relationships, and well-being— guiding us in nurturing deeper connections with ourselves, others, and our world
Breath will be at the heart of practices. Through the lens of Polyvagal Theory, we will explore both the understanding and embodied practices that support regulation, presence, connection, and a greater sense of inner safety.
Why Now?
The world is now acknowledging the importance of the breath & the Polyvagal model, wanting to know more and embody more. Qualified instructors are in demand.
Why ”Breath Is Life”?
Breath Literacy training is based on core principles from the award-winning book/master course: “Breath Is Life. Taking In and Letting Go: How To Live Well, Love Well, BE Well.”
Why Lake Atitlan?
Unparalleled beauty and power of this Mayan paradise aids relaxation, learning and integration so retreatants leave informed and transformed, ready to make a difference in the world.
Mayan Fire Ceremony
Why your facilitators?
Laurie and Annemarie believe nurturing our own regulation fosters a safer, more harmonious world for ourselves and future generations.
“Laurie teaches with mastery & heart like I’ve not experienced before.” ~Retreatant
Laurie’s mastery is derived from 40+ years of studies and practices of Eastern & Western techniques of well-being: master’s degree in Therapeutic Counseling emphasizing breathwork (MTC), Senior Yoga Teacher (SYT) 3000+ hours (UK Yoga Alliance) Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction instructor (MBSR), and other multiple wellness certifications.
As founding-director of Breathe The Change LLC, co-founder of nonprofit BreathLogic, and a Shift Peace Ambassador, she is a pioneer in sharing Breath Literacy as an empowering & healing modality in centers of wellness, learning & leadership. Her heartfelt, fun-loving facilitation is honed by work with diverse populations on six continents: those desiring personal and professional empowerment along with those experiencing stress, trauma, illness, grief, poverty, war, sex trafficking etc. (She has presented for the UN, OSCE, Pocket Project and many NGO’s.)
“Annemarie expertly facilitates with joy, expression, humor, compassion.” ~Student
For nearly 40 years, Annemarie has been a supportive presence for children, families, and those who support them. Her approach brings together Polyvagal Theory, sensory awareness, and body-based practices to foster a deeper sense of inner safety, co-regulation, and connection—supporting calm, vitality, presence, and joy.
Her journey includes the enriching experience of collaborating with Deb Dana, a pioneer in the clinical application of Polyvagal Theory. As a co-trainer for the Foundations training in 2021, Annemarie was inspired to continue making Polyvagal Theory accessible, lived, and meaningful in everyday life. Annemarie offers workshops, creating gentle and supportive spaces to better understand the nervous system, support flexibility and resilience, and reconnect with oneself.
She believes that by nurturing our own regulation, we contribute to a safer, more harmonious world for ourselves and future generations.
There are three choices of experience:
1. Villa Sumaya Only 1/30 – 2/6
2. Add-on to Antigua & Lake Atitlan 1/27 – 1/30
3. Add-on for more time at the lake and Chichicastenango 2/6 - 2/8
What's Included at the Villa Sumaya:
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7 Nights double lake front accommodations (singles may be available)
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Exquisite indoor and outdoor training/practice/fun facilities
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20 Scrumptiously delicious and nutritious vegetarian/vegan 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 training instructions (applicable to all levels)
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All eclectic practices including yoga (all levels)
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“BreathLogic” Trainer completion certificate, Levels: Basic to Advanced
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Serendipitous surprises, excursions, cultural interchanges, ceremonies
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Hiking / Swimming / Special connections with locals
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Welcome gift / Wifi / Hot tub
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Opportunities for connection and teaching with BreathLogic
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One pre and post retreat Zoom consultation (optional)
What’s Not Included:
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Airfare to/from Guatemala City (GUA)
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Transportation between airport & Villa Sumaya
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Gratuities for the Villa Sumaya (Excursion gratuities are included)
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Harmony spa services / Adult beverages
Price: $2999 Double Accommodations / $3599 Single accommodations (if available)
$500 non-refundable due to reserve / $500 due 30 days later (Flexible pay available) /Total due Nov 30
For further information and to register,
contact Laurie Ellis-Young: Laurie@BreatheTheChange.com
Add-On #1 COME EARLY to Rest, Enjoy and Adventure!
3 Days / 2 Nights: Special add-on to Antigua & Lake Atitlan 1/28 – 1/30:
Price: $499
For this you have to trust Laurie who has lived in Guatemala for numerous years and traveled there since 1976! Her main desire is to show people the magic, beauty, and power of the people and the country.
From GUA, you will visit the enchanting colonial city of Antigua and then leave early for Lake Atitlan with excursions on the way. Integrate yourself easily into Latin America, enjoying special cultural experiences, and becoming ready for the retreat/training feeling settled in and energized.
What’s Included
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Airport pick-up whenever your flight arrives
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All Transportation in Guatemala
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5 Meals
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Cultural Experiences
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Practices
What’s Not Included:
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Adult beverages
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Shopping
(Singles may be available)
Add-On #2 STAY LATER to Savor More Culture!
3 Days /2 Nights: Add-on to Chichicastenango (Chichi) 2/6 - 2/8: Double Accommodations
Price: $499
Embark on a captivating journey to Chichicastenango, home to Guatemala's most renowned market. This vibrant destination attracts merchants from across the nation, each bringing their unique treasures and crafts.
Beyond the unparalleled shopping experience, Chichi offers cultural encounters that are truly unique to this region. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions, explore the bustling market, and discover the heart of Guatemalan culture in a way that can be found nowhere else.
What's Included for this Pana/Chichi Add-on:
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Extra “Breath Literacy” practices (applicable to all levels)
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Transportation between Villa Sumaya to Panajachel
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Special time in Panajachel (Pana)
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Transportation from Pana to Chichi
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1 Night accommodations in Chichi (singles may be available)
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Dinner in Chichi
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Market and cultural experiences on Sunday
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Transportation between Chichi and Guatemala City hotel
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1 Night accommodations in Guatemala City (singles may be available)
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Delicious cultural dinner on Sunday night
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Fabulous breakfast buffet on Monday morning
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All tips for accommodations, travel and meals
What’s Not Included:
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Lunches (Snacks are included)
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Adult beverages
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Shopping
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
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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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“One of the most moving experiences I have ever had!” –Retreat / Training
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Thank you for a “slice of heaven”! –Retreat / Training
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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 / Training
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The Love I experience was beautiful. The Love I felt for every soul present was incredible. The Love continues, always. –Retreat / Training
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I feel alive and more connected inside myself and outside myself with nature and others! I understand why you so love Lake Atitlan and Guatemala. I have traveled all over the world and this is truly a remarkable, unique and special place to learn about breath and life. I leave with boundless gifts and a heart filled with gratitude and wonder. – Retreat / Training
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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. – Training
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I am beginning to realize how important the breath is to a healthy, radiant life – thank you once again. –Training