Shield the Vulnerable: From Chains to Courage
Shield the Vulnerable: From Chains to Courage
When Clara Vanine first began practicing yoga and Reiki in Connecticut, she never imagined that the healing she offered others would be the very thing keeping her alive. For nearly a decade, Clara lived through intimate partner violence—trapped in a cycle of psychological control, fear, and isolation.
In this episode of Shield the Vulnerable: Untold Stories, Clara shares her journey through abuse, how energy healing gave her hope, and why she believes freedom—even with suffering—is always worth the fight.
The Life Behind the Smile
To most who knew her, Clara was the picture of calm strength—a yoga instructor, an energy healer, and someone who radiated compassion. But behind that public image was a reality few could imagine.
Her abuser, a law enforcement officer, used control and manipulation to keep her trapped. While she built a reputation as a healer and mentor, she secretly endured nights of fear, harassment, and emotional exhaustion.
“The more pain I was going through, the more loving I was,” she said. “Teaching yoga, helping others heal—that’s what kept me alive.”
Why Victims Stay
From the outside, people often ask: Why don’t they just leave? Clara’s story reveals the truth: leaving isn’t simple.
Abuse rewires the mind, making victims believe they are powerless without their abuser. In Clara’s case, her partner would tear her down, then present himself as the only one who could “heal” her.
“You become attached to misery,” Clara explained. “It feels impossible to escape, because they convince you that you are nothing without them.”
From the outside, people often ask: Why don’t they just leave? Clara’s story reveals the truth: leaving isn’t simple.
Abuse rewires the mind, making victims believe they are powerless without their abuser. In Clara’s case, her partner would tear her down, then present himself as the only one who could “heal” her.
“You become attached to misery,” Clara explained. “It feels impossible to escape, because they convince you that you are nothing without them.”
The Breaking Point
After nearly ten years, Clara’s body and spirit were at their limit. Sleepless nights, panic attacks, and constant fear had taken their toll. One Christmas, forced out of her home in the freezing cold with her dog, she reached a breaking point.
“If I don’t leave now, I’m going to die,” she realized.
It wasn’t instant freedom. Even after leaving, Clara faced stalking, harassment, and fear for her safety. Her abuser showed up at her yoga classes, followed her to work, and left disturbing messages. But with time, legal protection, and the help of trusted allies, Clara began to rebuild her life.
After nearly ten years, Clara’s body and spirit were at their limit. Sleepless nights, panic attacks, and constant fear had taken their toll. One Christmas, forced out of her home in the freezing cold with her dog, she reached a breaking point.
“If I don’t leave now, I’m going to die,” she realized.
It wasn’t instant freedom. Even after leaving, Clara faced stalking, harassment, and fear for her safety. Her abuser showed up at her yoga classes, followed her to work, and left disturbing messages. But with time, legal protection, and the help of trusted allies, Clara began to rebuild her life.
Healing Through Helping
What sustained Clara throughout her ordeal was also what guided her recovery: healing others.
Through Reiki, yoga, and open storytelling, she not only found strength for herself but became a source of hope for others living through abuse. Many of her students confided in her about their own experiences. Her courage to speak openly—first on Facebook, then in public—helped others find their way out too.
“Pain empowered me to create something different,” she said. “I chose to transform it into love and empowerment.”
What sustained Clara throughout her ordeal was also what guided her recovery: healing others.
Through Reiki, yoga, and open storytelling, she not only found strength for herself but became a source of hope for others living through abuse. Many of her students confided in her about their own experiences. Her courage to speak openly—first on Facebook, then in public—helped others find their way out too.
“Pain empowered me to create something different,” she said. “I chose to transform it into love and empowerment.”
The Heartbeat Practice
One of Clara’s simplest yet most powerful tools for resilience is something anyone can practice:
“Place both hands on your heart. Feel your heartbeat. As long as your heart is beating, you’re alive. And if your heart is alive, you have courage.”
One of Clara’s simplest yet most powerful tools for resilience is something anyone can practice:
“Place both hands on your heart. Feel your heartbeat. As long as your heart is beating, you’re alive. And if your heart is alive, you have courage.”
Suffering in Freedom vs. Suffering in Prison
Clara leaves listeners with a stark but empowering truth:
“You’re going to suffer either way. But if you must suffer, suffer in freedom—not in a prison.”
Her story is proof that while leaving an abuser is never easy or entirely safe, it is possible. And on the other side of fear, there is light, healing, and community.
Clara leaves listeners with a stark but empowering truth:
“You’re going to suffer either way. But if you must suffer, suffer in freedom—not in a prison.”
Her story is proof that while leaving an abuser is never easy or entirely safe, it is possible. And on the other side of fear, there is light, healing, and community.
Where to Find Clara
Today, Clara continues to share her journey and inspire others through social media and her work at Marble Security. She is committed to empowering survivors, spreading awareness, and reminding the world that courage lives within every heartbeat.
Clara’s story isn’t just about surviving abuse. It’s about proving that even in the darkest prisons, the human spirit can choose freedom—and with it, the chance to live, love, and empower again.
Today, Clara continues to share her journey and inspire others through social media and her work at Marble Security. She is committed to empowering survivors, spreading awareness, and reminding the world that courage lives within every heartbeat.
Clara’s story isn’t just about surviving abuse. It’s about proving that even in the darkest prisons, the human spirit can choose freedom—and with it, the chance to live, love, and empower again.
About Clara Vanine
Clara Vanine is the Chief Empowerment & Partnerships Officer at Marber Security and the host of The Authenticity Journey podcast.
A survivor of nearly a decade of intimate partner violence, Clara has transformed her pain into purpose—using yoga, Reiki, and storytelling to empower others and raise awareness. “Teaching yoga, helping others heal—that’s what kept me alive.”
She now champions survivor-led advocacy, emphasizing long-term support and practical tools for resilience. Active on social media, Clara shares daily motivation and continues to inspire others to choose courage, healing, and freedom.
A survivor of nearly a decade of intimate partner violence, Clara has transformed her pain into purpose—using yoga, Reiki, and storytelling to empower others and raise awareness. “Teaching yoga, helping others heal—that’s what kept me alive.”
She now champions survivor-led advocacy, emphasizing long-term support and practical tools for resilience. Active on social media, Clara shares daily motivation and continues to inspire others to choose courage, healing, and freedom.