Paula Bentley

she/her - St. Joseph, MN

LYB Mindset Facilitator

About me: I live with post-concussion syndrome, following several car accidents that resulted in whiplash and mild brain injuries with severe lasting effects. I have a passion for teaching and learning. I was a special education teacher for 17 years (B.S. and M.S. in Special Education, Reading Specialist Degree). I completed the LoveYourBrain Yoga Teacher Training along with the Facilitator Training in 2022.

Why LYB: Attending a LYB retreat in 2019, completing the Mindset course independently and with a facilitator, and accessing online LoveYourBrain resources for meditation and yoga have been integral to my healing and wellness. These resources and connections I've made inspired me to become trained and certified, so that I can support others in the brain injury community.

Superhero: I have so many superheroes from my life experiences, but one who stands out is a former student, Kristi. She was one of the most remarkable, loving, and caring beings I have ever met. She demonstrated such resiliency, grace, courage, and positive optimism in the face of adversity. I carry pieces of her beautiful spirit and our time together in my heart, and in my soul, as a source of strength and courage to face my own challenges and obstacles. Because of her and countless others, one of my mottos is to "be better, not bitter".

Resources: I am thankful I am able to bring forward pieces of who I was before this life changing accident, including my passion for education and connecting with others, to merge with who I am now, living with the effects of a brain injury, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Mast Cell Activation, and POTS, using mindfulness, meditation, and movement as key pieces for my wellness.