Meet Miranda Boner

We were lucky to catch up with Miranda Boner recently and have shared our conversation below.

Miranda, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?

I first discovered resilience through the life story of my great-grandmother. Later, I built it through my relationship with God.

My great-grandmother was born in 1900—a Black woman who lived through the Great Depression, two world wars, and the painful reality of discrimination. Yet, despite everything, her outlook on life remained loving, optimistic, and adventurous. When I was two, she moved in with us at 90 years old for five years. Even at that young age, I could feel her energy—it was magnetic. She had spunk and grit, an unshakable determination, yet she was also warm, funny, ladylike (always in her nylon stockings and hats), and incredibly kind. She was beautiful, inside and out.

Her story taught me so much. She learned about God in the 1940s and made the bold decision to get baptized, despite her husband’s strong opposition. That didn’t stop her. She lived with integrity, shared her faith, and filled her life with love. What stood out to me most was how she still honored her husband and the sacredness of marriage, even in the face of hardship. When he eventually left, she remarried a man who also loved God, and together they created a life of joy, service, and unwavering faith as missionaries. Looking back now, I realize how much her life, her energy, and her way of being shaped me. She was a blessing.

I had a happy childhood—bedtime stories, family vacations, friends, and an early sense of faith. From a young age, I was raised to know I was loved by God and that my life had purpose. Prayer was more than just words- it was a source of comfort, strength, and connection. Prayer taught me resilience and gratitude. It wasn’t a crutch that took away my personal power, it did the opposite. It gave me power by connecting me to the Source of life, an unlimited supply of strength and love that was always within reach. Prayer reminded me that I was seen, heard, and deeply cared for.

I’ve always had a wide range of interests—traveling to new places, playing the piano, sewing, ice skating, dancing, writing stories, and reading. As a child, I was captivated by old black-and-white films. There was something about the elegance of 1950s fashion. I even sewed my own dresses and wore vintage hats!

One of the biggest influences in my life was my family’s love for Bible education. It led us to learn Spanish together. When I was ten, my family moved from Florida to Mexico to volunteer. That experience was special. Living there, going to school, and immersing myself in the culture taught me how to find richness in a simple lifestyle. I made friends across language barriers, learned new dance steps to songs I’d never heard before, and even discovered how delicious ramen is with lemon and hot sauce!

Shortly after, I made the most significant decision of my life—dedicating myself to God through baptism. Becoming a volunteer Bible educator has been my greatest joy for the past 23 years. My early faith anchored me for what lay ahead: despair, uncertainty, and eventually chronic illness.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I guide breathwork meditations to help people release stress and tension, heal childhood wounds, and find inner peace despite less than ideal circumstances. Let me tell you about the journey that brought me here.

Beneath all of my wonderful life experiences laid a dark shadow. I grew up in a home shaped by unhealed trauma—wounds of not feeling heard or understood, low self-esteem, and toxic shame. Home felt unsafe, unpredictable—filled with fear and emotional instability. Instead of gentleness, mercy, and forgiveness- there were raised voices, power struggles, and harsh words used to coerce and correct. Respect was demanded but rarely given in return. Often my personal boundaries were violated, my voice suppressed, which broke my trust in my primary caregivers. Love, as I experienced it, felt conditional—more about performance than being my authentic self. I spent years feeling confused, stressed, and disconnected.

At age 15 I wanted therapy, but was told it wasn’t for me only for those who didn’t have God. This belief made me feel even more lost. If this resonates with you, dear listener, please know you’re not alone. Later, I came to understand that my parents like so many, were simply “acting out” their own childhood wounds. Their actions were not from malice, but from suppressed fears and unhealthy beliefs on how to obtain love.

At our core, we all want to love and be loved, but unhealed pain creates barriers to receiving the love that is already present. I unknowingly carried those same unhealed issues into my marriage. My husband and I sometimes felt distant. Anger, resentment, control, and blame would surface even though we loved each other. Sound familiar? I was repeating the patterns I had learned as a child. Secure attachment in childhood lays the foundation for healthy relationships in adulthood, and when that foundation is shaken, it takes intentional healing to connect.

The Body Speaks: The Connection Between Trauma and Illness

As time passed, my body would get anxious and freeze around raised voices and conflict. The daily stress weakened my immunity, my heart, and digestion. At just 12 years old, my body couldn’t handle it anymore. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease—a painful, ulcerative autoimmune condition that would shape the next 24 years of my life.

Chronic illness is its own kind of trauma. Hospital stays, medications, surgeries, and strict diets became my norm. I battled depression, constant body aches, panic attacks, and feelings of powerlessness. I watched my peers live lives that felt out of reach for me, and the weight of that comparison crushed me. Since my illness was invisible I “appeared” just fine, which invited misjudgment. I coped by getting better at hiding the pain and pushing my body beyond its limits. I mirrored the toxic patterns I had grown up around: self-abandonment, people-pleasing, and a need for control to feel safe. My inner critic became harsh, reinforcing the belief that I wasn’t enough.

Despite all this, my relationship with God offered a deep peace I couldn’t find externally. Every low point—whether in my health, my happiness, or my relationships— awakened a quiet resilience, the same strength carried by my great-grandmother. I made a decision: I will break these patterns. I will create a life that feels better, abundant, and more aligned.

At 25, I gave myself permission to seek out a family therapist. That single step opened doors to deeper healing. Five years later, my lovely older sister introduced me to a nutritionist, who in addition to teaching me about nourishing my body with clean food, introduced me to EFT tapping—a practice that helps release trapped emotions. That was the moment everything clicked. I learned something life-changing: Emotions are energy vibrating at different frequencies.

Heavy emotions like resentment and shame vibrate at a low frequency, weighing us down—mentally, emotionally, and physically. They feed destructive thoughts and behaviors. On the other hand, emotions like joy and love vibrate at a higher frequency, promoting creativity, expansion, and physical vitality. And while it’s normal to feel some fear, anger, or grief, it’s not healthy to live in those emotional states.

I learned to listen to my body. My illness was a message—my body had been holding onto years of unprocessed pain, crying for my attention. As I released buried fears and resentment, something incredible happened. My physical symptoms eased improving my health. Self-care became second nature, love felt safer, forgiveness came easier, and creativity flowed freely. I noticed the beauty and abundance around me that I missed before. I started laughing more. I became happy.

The Power of Breathwork: A Bridge Back to Wholeness

This transformation ignited a passion in me. I wasn’t just meant to survive—I was meant to heal and help others do the same. Trauma—whether emotional, physical, or generational—gets stored in the body leading to avoidance, defensiveness, addiction, and control. These unhealthy behaviors are our mind’s way of seeking safety. But how do we create new patterns? That’s when I discovered Breathwork meditation—a profound practice that supports emotional release and nervous system regulation.

In 2024, I deepened my personal breathwork practice, completed my training, and earned my credentials. I built my business, officially launching “Minding the Body” in January 2025. Now, I guide others to release the weight of their past, strengthen relationships, and reclaim their inner peace. My work focuses on a whole-body approach—what we put into our bodies, (food, chemicals, fragrances, energy, media) how we move, set boundaries, and nurture our inner world. It’s not about perfection; it’s about steady growth.

Practicing rhythmic Breathing in a guided meditation oxygenates the cells, clears toxins, and connects us to parts that want our attention. The more we release stuck energy the more we can return to our happy, authentic selves, freeing the love already within our relationships. Breathwork also reduces stress-related illness. Your breath truly is the medicine. It’s amazing!

I offer virtual and in-person breathwork sessions, both private and group, designed to guide you back to your power. I don’t heal you—you do. I simply hold space. If my story resonates, I invite you to join my 2 to 3 month breathwork program, designed to support those carrying childhood wounds that impact their relationships and health. I’m excited to share this. DM me on Instagram or go to my website to sign up or schedule a free consultation.

The first cohort will receive special pricing. We’ll meet weekly on zoom, in a safe, supportive community of like-minded individuals with similar stories. People who uplift, encourage, and are committed to healing and transformation. Are you ready to change? Are you willing to be the one who breaks the cycle, even if those around you aren’t ready? If so, this program is for you.

When we heal ourselves, something even more beautiful happens: we heal the people closest to us, transforming old family dynamics, and even our connection with God. Healing is a gift that keeps giving.

If you see yourself in my story, know this: You are not stuck. Your past does not define your future. You are not powerless. Healing is possible. Transformation is real. And the life you desire—the one filled with peace, love, and safety—is within reach.

It all starts with a decision: I am ready to heal.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

1. Make A Decision.
The greatest gift we have is freewill. Our lives are not predestined, and no one—except ourselves—holds power over our choices unless we give it to them. Even Almighty God respects our freewill. This means we always have a choice: to act from love or from anger, to repeat old patterns or to break them and create something new. You’re in charge of your healing and your life. The first step isn’t knowing exactly how to change—it’s simply deciding that you will. This decisiveness is the foundation of resilience.

2. Focus Shapes Reality. Philippians 4:8
Our thoughts create the lens through which we see the world, and what we focus on creates energy. Acknowledging our pain is important—healing requires validation—but if we dwell too long in past wounds, we risk getting stuck in the cycle of why did this happen? rather than what can I do now? Instead of waiting for circumstances or people to change, I learned to focus on what I can control: developing love, gratitude, self-respect, and serving others which brings joy. Protecting my thinking helped me not spiral downward. Shifting my focus to God’s higher perspective helped me see even in my darkest moments that I was safe, cared for, and surrounded by beauty and abundance. Your thoughts play a huge role in being resilient.

3.Seek Support. Proverbs 18:1
What truly carried me through was the love of friends whom I sought out—not to fix me, but to stand beside me. Healing isn’t meant to be done alone. No matter how strong or determined we are, there are moments of deep despair when we need support. I remember times when the pain felt unbearable—when I wished I could just sleep for a hundred years and escape it all. But I was reminded: Nothing lasts forever—not even this pain. Hearing that timely advice kept me going, one day at a time.

Also, falling into depression isn’t a sign of weakness or a lack of faith. Some of the strongest, most faithful people in history—Job, Jonah, Elijah, David, even the apostle Peter—felt deep despair. You are not wrong to feel this way. But don’t suffer in silence. Seek support. If you’re stuck, ask for help. Keep asking. Because God sees you. He knows your pain. And if you remain open, patient, and willing, He will guide you back to your power in time.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

The one book that has given me all the answers I need and the strength to endure is the Bible- God’s loving gift to mankind.

I want to acknowledge and validate the pain many have experienced due to false religion, by misinterpretations of the Bible, and from those who falsely claim to represent God. Jesus himself warned that “ravenous wolves” would come, pretending to serve God but acting in ways that distort His true nature. Even I’ve had to seek clarity on who God truly is- His character, His humility, His love, His purpose. If you have been wounded by something that was meant to be a source of love, strength, and inspiration, I see you. I hear you. You were never meant to be hurt this way.

With that said, I’d love to share from the Bible what has profoundly impacted my life.

1 Peter 2:23 “When he (Jesus) was suffering, he did not threaten.”
No matter how many people do what is wrong, even the ones you look up to- that is never an excuse for me not to do what is right. I create the path of my life. My choices are not based on how people treat me, but on who I choose to be. Being kind even in difficult situations can open a way for repair and connection. I choose to learn healthy ways to respond.

Psalm 116:1,2,7 “He hears my voice.. He inclines his ear to me.. God has dealt kindly with me.”
When I needed comfort and kindness most I always found it in the Holy writings. I am loved by my Heavenly Father. God is so interested in me that He inclines his ear to listen. I am heard, and He is fully aware of everything I deal with. In moments when I felt unappreciated, I knew there was One who valued me and would bless my efforts.

Isaiah 41:10 “Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you.. I will really hold on to you with my right hand.”
I have felt this my whole life—through the people God has placed around me. My sister, my friends, compassionate doctors, and skilled therapists—all of them held my hand in moments when I needed it most. Healing is our personal responsibility, but we are never truly alone. If you feel called to do deep healing work with me, I encourage you to reach out. You are worthy of healing. You are worthy of happiness.

Psalm 103:12-14. As a father shows mercy to his sons, so Jehovah God has shown mercy… remembering that we are dust.”
Reading this when I was 14 years old, changed the entire trajectory of my life. Some parents can be demanding, unforgiving, and punitive, usually imitating their generation or culture. However God is NOT like that. He shows understanding for my limitations, mercy towards my mistakes, and dignifies me even when I’ve made unwise decisions. To be respected by the Highest Being in the universe inspired awe in me. He really is humble and good. My Father Jehovah God earned my trust.

I have to say that one of the greatest gifts my parents gave me and my siblings was their devotion and love for God. Though their own childhood wounds sometimes created distance and barriers between us, that faith was a healing force. They genuinely cared, giving their best with the tools and knowledge they had at the time. And that will always be enough for me. I am profoundly grateful to them. While I can’t always control what happens to me, I can control how I respond. That choice—choosing love, choosing faith, choosing to rise—is the foundation of my resilience. I am incredibly blessed.

Resilience isn’t about never struggling—it’s about learning from the experience with gratitude, and knowing when to let go so you can open yourself up to new. It’s about allowing yourself to grieve, accepting support, and finding your inner power to embrace the journey. My great-grandmother showed me that. My own journey has confirmed it. And every day, I strive to live with that same spirit—one of faith, love, and an open heart. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mindingthebodywithmb.wixsite.com/minding-the-body
• Instagram: @Minding.The.Body
• Other: I partnered with Owl Venice because of the immense healing in my gut health once I regularly drank Bone broth. I love how they are dedicated to clean, organic, and grass-fed ingredients to nourish and cleanse the gut and body. The “Gut Reset” purchase comes with a 1:1 coaching call with a nutritionist to discuss & guide your health goals. I have followed their gut resets 8 times now! And I will continue to love my body. Use my affiliate link (which helps me) while you save 10% off every order with code: HEALING10
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Image Credits

Miranda Boner