Find holistic ways of dealing with stress with long-lasting results.
One in four Canadians suffers from mental health conditions. Where burnout provides an exuberant connection between mental and physical health. Undeniably, our society is on the brink of an unprecedented health crisis. Holistic practitioners worldwide are seeing an influx of people looking for support after failed attempts with symptom-based treatments. Unfortunately, in many cases, front-line workers themselves are part of the increasing number of professionals suffering from combined physical and mental disorders. In such moments, people realize that overcoming hardship and pain comes from finding strength and purpose within.
These statistics became a reality for Toronto-based Bulgarian-Canadian storyteller and holistic communications specialist Mira Kopanarov. Yet, she turned her burnout into a breakthrough.
The Story
Five years ago, Mira went through an intense and prolonged period of stress in her personal and professional life. The experience was compounded by the reality of owning a small business during the pandemic. This led her to a clinical burnout with physical, emotional and mental consequences. The burnout appeared forcefully, leaving her with symptoms of a stroke and months of unexplained physical debilitation.
This is when she knew something drastic needed to change in her life. On her journey of healing from burnout, Mira was introduced to the transformative power of breathwork, mindfulness and art. The combination of practices changed her life. Not only was Mira able to mindfully approach the healing from her burnout, but she realized how many people suffer in silence without access to tools, understanding, and support. Many of her now clients were dealing with trauma, anxiety, depression, and the magnitudes of burnout in addition to their mounting life responsibilities.
During this time of profound healing, Mira embraced the healing power of art and already has international artistic recognition. She has participated in multiple exhibitions and key events supporting victims of abuse and trauma survivors. Mira leads with the story of her crisis and how it transformed the darkness into light, sharing the integration techniques and coaching others around the globe.
Mira continues to work as a communications and marketing specialist with a mindful lens. She’s a multidimensional human being on a mission to bring healing. Thus, achieving this by building supportive communities for all people who suffer the effects of trauma and the burnout economy, as she calls the realities of modern work-life imbalances.
Upcoming events
In the next few months, Mira will offer various ways to join the Breathe Feel Heal Community.
She will participate in the 6th annual Gala Healing The Voices Within, organized by The Gate House. This event is close to her heart, and the charity is one of the few organizations in Canada that addresses sexual abuse and trauma holistically. The gala will take place on October 3rd at The Liberty Grand, and Mira will be featured as a live artist. Her art will be auctioned to raise funds for survivors of sexual abuse.
Mira also hosts group and individual breathwork classes in Canada, the US and Europe to support those looking to release what no longer serves them and transform their pain into a balanced and happier life.
On September 12th, she will again host a breathwork class at the Toronto Botanical Garden from 6-8 p.m., a truly unique partnership. Mira also hosts intimately curated retreats in off-grid and natural settings throughout the year to support those wanting to regain connection and realign with the mind and body by using the power of breath, nature, mindfulness, and art. The next retreat takes place on September 20th-22nd in the beautiful area of Pointe au Baril, Ontario, with only 8 spots available.
Wake up Call of Statistics
The current epidemic in North America and perhaps worldwide is burnout. Stats Can found that in 2020, one in five adults reported moderate to severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Congruently, the Canadian Mental Health Association also reported that youth in Canada are impacted by depression, more than a quarter of a million between ages 15-24 years.
One of the effects of COVID is the severed feeling of belonging and the disconnect between people. We have advanced as a species because we cared for each other. As a collective, now is the time to prioritize long-term well-being.
New approach to health-care
Mira believes that through a culmination of mindful practices, including breathwork, we can truly heal and find our inner safety and peace, leading to a sustainable way of life. She works differently because she incorporates a holistic network of practitioners to support her clients. Thus, including some of the top Toronto specialists, such as Traditional Chinese Doctors and Holistic Nutritionist in the Breathe Feel Heal Community, which she has been building for years.
Mira also offers regular community classes at Inner Arts Collective on Danforth Avenue, Toronto.
About Mira:
Mira is a Bulgarian-Canadian storyteller and holistic communications specialist. She brings more than two decades of focused perspective from the business world to her transformative work. Having navigated a personal burnout journey, her therapeutic practice and program include the transformative power of breathwork, mindfulness, and art. Furthermore, she hosts a nurturing environment for individuals and communities grappling with the challenges of “the burnout economy” and trauma.
In her compassionate approach, Mira carefully unpacks the pervasive issues stemming from the burnout epidemic. Predominantly, the wide-spread and standardized suppression of trauma, including: anxiety, depression, chronic fatigue and pain, imposter complex, and a dearth of self-love and compassion. Her unique journey not only equips her with first-hand understanding but ignites her commitment to holding a safe space for those in need of integration and healing.
Mira offers individual and group breathwork sessions and reconnection retreats in off-grid settings in Canada and internationally as part of her program.
She has an HBA in Communications Studies, and is a student of Stanislav Grof, Holotropic Breathwork; Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield, and a certified Elemental Rhythm Breathwork facilitator.
What is breathwork:
Breathwork is a carefully designed modality of mindful, controlled breathing that reconnects people with their bodies and true nature.
In a safe and monitored by a trained professional environment, people release emotional and physical trauma and blockages only by practising a pre-set breathing style.
The experience includes meditation, energetic movement or dancing, and active breathing, followed by meditation and an integration period.