Lea Bayles discovered her true calling in holistic wellness and personal transformation after overcoming a serious collapse of her immune system. Her professional path has since spanned diverse roles from mind-body therapist and yoga therapy program director to employee wellness coordinator and group facilitator for medical patients. She is driven by a passion for empowering others to thrive. Today, Lea guides high performers and change-makers to lead from authenticity and vitality, helping them trade burnout and isolation for purpose, resilience, and joy. With a master’s degree in psychology and a rich background in education, dance, theater, and the healing arts, she brings both science and soul to her work. An author, speaker, and creative catalyst, Lea wrote Take Back Your Life: Moving from Chronic Pain to Lifelong Healing and has shared her insights through countless articles, guided meditations, and spoken-word performances that inspire healing and wholeness. Contact Info Website: www.LeaBayles.com Free Gifts for Mindful Tribe: www.LeaBayles.com/gifts Most Influential Person Joan Borysenko (Mindfulness author of A Woman's Book of Life) Effect on Emotions I think mindfulness makes it much easier to have emotions and not get sidetracked by them or hijacked by them. Mindfulness makes me realize that my emotions come and go and I don't need to be a victim of my emotions. I realize I don't neet to push them down, and I don't need to be a victim of them. Especially I think that self-criticalness was a part at one point that I would sometimes become a victim of. Thoughts on Breathing Breathing may be the number one part of my mindfulness. It's so great because it's always with us and just one breath or even one part of a breath or noticing a breath can bring us right back to it. My intention is to start noticing my breathing when I first wake up. I strive to be aware of my breath all through the day. I love the practice of noticing and feeling the breath rather than trying to impose a perfect breath. Suggested Resources Book: Being Peace by Thich Nhat Hanh App: Calm and Headspace for Kids Bullying Story After experiencing bullying from a superior while co-teaching a mindfulness class, Lea Bayles realized how awareness can both heal and protect. A sensory walk exercise during a mind-body conference helped her reconnect to calm and self-trust. She later recognized that mindfulness isn’t just restorative, it also reveals early warning signs of power abuse. Mindfulness has helped Lea respond to situations with clarity, confidence, and compassion.