Local StoriesSeptember 3, 2025

LAURA DUNWORTH of Austin on Life, Lessons & Legacy

Local Stories

LAURA DUNWORTH shared her story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Good morning LAURA, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I love this question! Ha!
Honestly, I think it’s both. We’re all walking a path, but we’re also wandering—sometimes at the same time. Our daily routines, habits, and responsibilities create a kind of structure, a path we follow. But within that framework, there are these beautiful, spontaneous moments of ease and flow, where we wander—where we lose track of time, feel fully present, and connect to something deeper.

Those moments of ease, creativity, and flow are often where our true purpose reveals itself. They may not always feel intentional, but they guide us just the same. In fact, I believe our “wandering” often leads us right to our path. And it’s okay if that path shifts—what brings us joy or feels purposeful can evolve over time. The key is to pay attention to what lights us up and let joy be our compass.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Laura Dunworth—former elementary school teacher turned full-time wellness guide. These days, you’ll find me teaching yoga, breath work, and meditation, and sharing all the feel-good, mindfulness tools I’ve gathered along the way through Vitality Life Online, my wellness brand and app.

The Vitality Life Online app is like a calm corner for adults and children. It’s packed with healing meditations, breath work courses, yoga flows, journal prompts, nourishing recipes, health tips, and more—all designed to help you feel more grounded, balanced, and energized.

I’ve also written two books for kids: Breathe Easy: A Kid’s Guide to Feeling Calm and Breathe Easy: A Teacher’s Guide to Calmer Classrooms. These playful, practical guides help kids (and the adults who care for them) navigate big feelings with simple breathing techniques, mindfulness practices, journal prompts, and affirmations. There are even “Breathe Along” videos to bring the exercises to life. It’s all about helping the next generation grow up with emotional strength and self-awareness—and maybe even a little more peace in the classroom and at home.

Okay, so here’s a deep one: What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I’ve had a few life-defining moments that shaped the way I see the world.
Growing up as a child of divorced parents, I developed a deep-seated belief that I had to “hold it all together.” I grew up fast, thinking I could only relax once everything—and everyone—around me was calm, cool and taken care of. As you can imagine, that moment never came. I was constantly in a state of tension, which took a real toll on my nervous system— sweaty palms, digestive issues, and a perpetual state of anxiety.

Then, in my mid-twenties, my younger brother passed away suddenly. That loss was the beginning of a spiritual healing journey—one that led me to yoga, meditation, breath work and sound and energy healing. These healing practices helped me reconnect with myself in a way I didn’t know was possible. And somewhere along the way, in all that wandering, I found my path. I realized I wanted to share these tools with others—to help them come home to themselves and become their own healers, just as I did.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to my younger self, it would be this: Trust. Trust the process of life. Trust divine timing. Trust that everything is unfolding for your highest good—even when it doesn’t look like it in the moment. Hindsight really is 20/20, and I’ve come to see that so many of my unanswered prayers were actually blessings in disguise. So breathe, let go a little, and don’t forget to have more fun along the way. Relax—you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
What really matters to me is being authentic. For so many years, I tried to keep it all together—smiling on the outside while trying to carry the weight of everyone else’s needs, not realizing that it wasn’t my job. I was actually stealing their opportunity to learn and grow. But learning to be myself, to express my truth, and to ask for help has been a journey—and it’s still unfolding.

I remind myself often: Relax. You are enough. Just as you are. Authenticity isn’t about having it all figured out—it’s about showing up, as you are, with an open heart.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m creating—whether I’m recording a meditation for my app, writing a book, or guiding a class. That’s when I feel aligned, connected, and in flow. I truly believe we all have those moments of peace and inspiration when we slow down and tune in to our Highest Selves.

For me, that means carving out quiet time, spending time in nature, nourishing my body with healthy food, moving mindfully, and allowing space for real rest. Peace comes when I give myself permission to receive what I need—so I can create and share the gifts I’m here to offer.

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