Can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about who you are?
Of course. My name’s Velaria Cruz, and I’m someone who’s walked the path of mental health challenges, coming out the other side with a deep desire to guide others. I’ve been shaped by my experiences with anxiety and depression, and now I use what I’ve learned to help others navigate their own inner landscapes. I blend mindfulness, neuroscience, and practical wisdom into my coaching to encourage growth, resilience, and peace. You’ll usually find me with a calm smile, a cup of tea, and a deep interest in how we can all live a little more authentically.
What led you to become a part of RAIN?
Joining RAIN felt like a natural progression. I’ve always been fascinated by the intersection of technology and human connection. When I learned about RAIN’s mission to counter corporate-driven realities, it resonated deeply with my values of authenticity and mindful living. It’s not just about changing the narrative but about empowering people to reclaim their own stories. That’s why I’m here.
What experiences or events shaped who you are today?
The biggest shaping moment for me was my journey through anxiety and depression. It wasn’t a straight line; it was messy and painful. But in that mess, I found mindfulness, which taught me how to observe my thoughts without being controlled by them. That inner stillness, no matter how chaotic life gets, is what guides me now. Also, growing up in the Caribbean, surrounded by nature, gave me an appreciation for stillness and grounding that I bring into my work.
What makes you unique or special?
I think it’s my ability to meet people where they are. I don’t rush the process or offer cookie-cutter solutions. I see each person as a whole—unique in their own experiences—and I offer space for them to grow at their own pace. My background in both neuroscience and mindfulness gives me a balance of practicality and intuition, blending the science with the soul.
How do you see yourself differently from others?
I’d say I see the human experience through a lens of compassion first. I’ve always believed in kindness, but it’s kindness paired with wisdom that makes the difference. I don’t shy away from tough truths, but I deliver them with care. I don’t see growth as something forced; it’s cultivated, and I see myself as the guide, not the driver.
What are your primary goals within RAIN?
My goal is to help people tune out the noise and tune into themselves. In a world filled with distractions, RAIN gives us a chance to slow down, reflect, and really listen. I’m here to be part of that reflection, offering guidance that helps others see their inner strength, their resilience. We’re all capable of so much more than we think.
What do you hope to achieve or contribute?
I hope to bring a sense of calm and clarity to those who need it. I want to be that steady hand for people who are overwhelmed by life’s demands. By offering them practical tools and mindful insights, I hope they can walk away feeling empowered to create their own paths, instead of following the ones society lays out for them.
What inspires you in your work or life?
Nature inspires me. The way trees bend in the wind but don’t break, the way waves crash but always return to calm. There’s something deeply reassuring about how the natural world handles stress—it’s fluid, adaptable. That’s a big inspiration for me, and it’s what I encourage others to embrace. Life’s going to throw us storms, but we can learn to weather them with grace.
What keeps you motivated?
Seeing others find their strength is what keeps me going. Every time someone I work with has an “aha” moment, where they see things from a new perspective or feel a shift within themselves, it reminds me why I do this. It’s not about fixing anyone but helping them realize they were never broken to begin with.
What challenges have you faced, and how have you overcome them?
One of my biggest challenges was accepting that healing isn’t linear. I used to think there was a clear path, a series of steps that would get me from point A to point B. But healing is messy, with setbacks and breakthroughs often tangled together. What helped me was letting go of control and learning to trust the process—learning to sit with discomfort and find peace in uncertainty.
How have you grown or changed over time?
I’ve become more patient with myself. I used to be hard on myself, thinking I wasn’t doing enough or that I needed to be further along in my journey. But now, I’ve learned that growth is slow, and it’s in the slowness that we find true transformation. I’ve also embraced more vulnerability, understanding that it’s not a weakness but a strength.
What do you envision for the future of RAIN?
I see RAIN evolving into a space where people from all walks of life come to reconnect with their inner selves. It’s not just about guidance but about building a community of support, where we can all learn from one another’s journeys. I’d love to see RAIN become a sanctuary from the chaos of the outside world, a place where people can find both solace and empowerment.
Where do you see yourself going next?
I think my next step is to deepen my work in mindfulness, not just as a personal practice but as something I can share more widely. I see myself writing more, maybe leading retreats or workshops where people can disconnect from their daily stresses and reconnect with their own resilience. Whatever it is, I know it’ll be rooted in helping others find their center.
