about Me

Real Experience. Practical Support. Human-First Healing.

Grateful Minds was created from lived experience — not theory.

My path into mindfulness, yoga, and deep restorative practices was shaped by a life-changing experience: being diagnosed with breast cancer while pregnant. That moment reshaped how I relate to stress, fear, the body, responsibility, and healing itself.

Today, Grateful Minds exists to support people — especially women — who are navigating stress, illness, burnout, uncertainty, or profound life transitions, and who are looking for support that goes beyond surface-level wellbeing.

My name is Alena, and I support people who feel:

• Overwhelmed by stress

• Disconnected from their body or sense of self

• Ready for deeper support, not just coping strategies

• Drawn to practices that work in real life

Who Am I?

I came to this work through lived experience, not theory alone. My own journey taught me that healing isn’t about escape, perfection, or positivity — it’s about how we meet life with steadiness, honesty, and care.

A Note on Healing and Responsibility

I don’t believe anyone causes their illness.
And I don’t believe healing is a matter of willpower or positive thinking.

What I do believe — from lived experience — is that how we live, respond, and relate to stress matters.

Practices like mindfulness, yoga, gratitude, and surrender were not abstract ideas for me. They were daily, embodied choices that supported my nervous system, my immune response, and my capacity to live alongside uncertainty.

This work is not about blame.
It’s about supporting the conditions that allow the body and mind to cope, adapt, and restore.

When life feels heavy, uncertain, or overwhelming, Grateful Minds offers grounded ways to support:

• Nervous system regulation

• Emotional steadiness

• Embodied awareness

• Clarity and perspective

How This Work Helps

This work is human-first and evidence-respected, combining:

• Mindfulness and meditation


• Yoga and breathwork


• Workshops and structured programmes


• Retreats and deep restorative experiences


You don’t need to be calm, flexible, or “good at this” to begin.
You just need willingness to start where you are.

Yoga & Breathwork

Gentle, breath-led practices focused on regulation, resilience, and self-trust — not performance.

Mindfulness & Meditation

Retreats & Deep Resets

Learn how the mind works with stress, attention, and emotion — and how to respond more skilfully.

Time and space away from routine to restore clarity, perspective, and energy.

What i teach

Workshops & Short practices

Practical tools designed to fit real life. This isn’t escapism.
It’s re-embodied living.

For Those Who Want to Know My Full Story

This work grew out of my personal experience with breast cancer during pregnancy.

If you would like to read my full healing journey — shared with honesty, care, and responsibility — you’re welcome to do so here.

Self-compassion isn’t soft — it’s fierce, revolutionary, and life-saving.

The body holds deep wisdom and deserves to be listened to.

Healing is your birthright — and your responsibility.

Movement, mindfulness, and nourishment are not luxuries, they’re medicine.

You don’t have to look a certain way or be “perfect” to be whole

What I believe

If you feel called to move, rest, breathe, or simply begin again…
I’m here.

And this space — Grateful Minds — is for you.

for gentle guidance

If You’re Wondering Where to Begin

to see courses, workshops, and retreats

if you’d like to talk things through

Alena was a perfect teacher - sharing her wisdom, genuine enthusiasm and having thoughtful responses to everyone's comments/ feedback. Also, she has the most lovely relaxing voice for the guided meditations!

Annabelle Mayers

Alena - fantastic teacher , so knowledgeable and always knew the correct way to answer any situation. Cannot ask for a better supportive teacher

Sangeeta Patel

★★★★★

★★★★★

Testimonials