We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amanda Mazarov a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.

My parents have done so many things right, but what stands out the most is their unwavering dedication to instilling a strong work ethic in me. This has had a profound impact on my life and career, even more so because I didn’t always appreciate it.

There was a period in my life when I didn’t fully comprehend the sacrifices they made. In fact, my relationship with them reached a point where I stopped speaking to them for six long years. It was a difficult time for all of us. However, even during this period, they tried their best to reach out and mend our relationship. They never gave up on me.

Looking back, I realize the incredible support and opportunities they provided throughout my childhood and beyond.

As immigrants, they worked tirelessly to provide for our family. They ensured I had access to quality education and encouraged me to pursue my interests.

Growing up, my dad was also my basketball coach and taught me the importance of discipline and teamwork. They supported me at every game, reminding me of their dedication.

It was only when I reconnected with my parents after those six years of estrangement that I fully appreciated the depth of their commitment and the impact of their work ethic on my life. The lessons I learned from them have become the driving force behind my work, motivating me to give my best and to always appreciate the opportunities I am given.

Amanda, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hey friends, my name is Amanda and I’m a Certified Breathwork Meditation Teacher, NASM Certified Personal Trainer and founder of PranaFlo. I help busy professionals manage stress and create a life of inner peace and balance through breathwork pranayama, meditation and mindfulness practices.

Before I got into Breathwork, I never paid much attention to my breath. At the time, I was juggling my management job at Target and my work as a personal trainer. I thought I was in good physical shape because I hit the gym regularly and followed a healthy diet.

However, I started experiencing panic attacks. It was a scary and confusing experience, as if my body had let me down.

In the midst of this chaos, I realized I had been striving for perfection and trying to control every part of my life, often holding onto worries and stress. At the same time, I was going through tough times with my family; I wasn’t speaking to my parents and was trying to bury the pain.

Overwhelmed and feeling like I was running on empty, I knew I needed a change.

That’s when I stumbled upon a book called “Breath The New Science of a Lost Art”. My whole perspective changed and I was introduced to the ancient art of pranayama breathing techniques, which have a history of over 5,000 years.

Within a few weeks of practicing breathwork, I began to witness profound changes in my well-being. My stress levels were reduced, I felt more energized and focused, and I was even sleeping better.

These ancient practices allowed me to surrender, let go of the need to always control things and rather go with the flow of life. I became happier, more accepting and giving.

Feeling physically and mentally fit and balanced, my life started mirroring my internal state. Things were falling into place. I reconnected with my family and found myself free from the grip of panic attacks.

Breath had been something I took for granted, not understanding its power to heal the nervous system, relieve stress and create inner peace and balance.

Since that pivotal moment, I’ve made it my mission to help others unlock the transformative benefits of breathwork.

I wholeheartedly believe that we all have the capacity to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease, to go with the flo, and to rediscover the strength within our breath. In pursuit of this vision, I established PranaFlo, dedicated to making these ancient practices accessible to all who seek them.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Patience.

When you start a business or creative journey, patience becomes a priceless virtue. It’s the unwavering willingness to endure setbacks, embrace the learning curve, and keep moving forward, even when the path may not always be clear. Success seldom happens overnight, and it’s the ability to persist, adapt, and learn from your experiences that ultimately paves the way for long-term achievement.

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

“The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin is a breath of fresh air that has impacted my entrepreneurial thinking. The insights shared have served as a wellspring of inspiration, rekindling the sparks of creativity within.

It offers a gentle, reassuring whisper of encouragement in the face of self doubt, guiding you on a journey towards innovation and artistic expression. I recommend it to any creative, artist and entrepreneur.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.pranaflo.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pranaflo/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pranaflobreathwork
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-pranaflo
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PranaFloBreathwork
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/pranaflobreathwork/