Meet Cathy. One of the new committed and beloved members of the MLPC.
“Saw Alex on Instagram. Reached out because Jeff G and I are always looking for guests for his show Gettingbac2zero a facebook live sobriety show. I interviewed her and instantly knew we had to have her as a guest! Once she was on the show, Alex was so inspirational I wanted to be a member of the Mindful life Practice. Everything about what Alex has shared in her sober journey is inspiring and connected dots I had dug down and buried in me. Alex's story shed a light in me on a spot of my life I didn't know could be uncovered!”
Cathy tells me how she and Alex met. After the inspiring interview with Alex for Gettingbac2zero Cathy joined us with full force and started her 200 Hour Soul Aligned Yoga Teacher Trainning and Sober Curious Yoga Teacher Training. She also convinced Jeff G her show co-host to joined us and it’s been just a delight having them in our community. Cathy also led two inspiring workshops for Sober Curious Yoga Week 2021.
I’m so happy to present to you our new friend, Cathy! Read about the amazing Cathy as she shares with us her answers for the blog...
Hi Cathy! Tell us a little bit about yourself! Who is Cathy?
Cathy is a mother of two college aged children, a high school counselor as her career and a sober connector by life's passion. Her mission is to connect her sober and life journey by sharing her experience, strength and hope out loud with others.
What inspired you to start practicing yoga?
Cathy: I started many years ago, but never stayed. Meeting Alex inspired me. The community keeps me here. Weighing in, being seen, being valued, knowing it’s okay to be perfectly imperfect here makes me feel safe to try. I have found that my yoga practice journey is similar to my sobriety journey. I tried many times to get sober, to do yoga, but until I decided to love myself enough to stay and slowly trust myself I could not commit. I am seeing so many parallels to my sober journey in my yoga and here at MLPC!
Have you ever had any experience with yoga before joining the MLPC?
Cathy: Yes, I had gone to some live classes over the years and on demand at the beginning of the pandemic. I never stayed, never felt connected. Loved it when I did it in the moment.
What’s your connection to the MLPC?
Cathy: The community. The WhatsApp, all around the world we are sharing our experiences. We check in, Alex knows us, we begin to know each other and care. Alex did for me what those in the sobriety world did for me, saw something, heard me and asked me to step into more of a role then sit back. I found by being in the YTT, it is similar to when I took roles in leading meetings in sobriety circles. Slowly, I understand more of the why behind things and behind my why. YTT is shedding so much light that this practice, this community is everything I never knew I needed and wanted! I feel truly connected to myself for the first time at age 49, mind, body and spirit.
How did you end up being so committed to yoga?
Cathy: I think I answered that above! The safety of this community, the feeling valued, the idea that it’s not just the physical. In the states when I have done yoga it has been intimidating. I have begun to step into my own here and am becoming brave. I even leave my camera on now!
Did you face any challenges during the month of September?
Cathy: There is a lot of commitments I have for work as a school counselor. In the states this is when our highest level students in high school are applying to universities and it’s an entire process. I have to make sure all my students are on track for graduation and have a post high school plan. Along with commitments for speaking engagements for the school district, meeting with parents and counseling the underclassmen. This is the first time the students have truly been back in the building since March 2020. Lots of trauma, emotions and unknowns. Taking on YTT during this time I thought would be too much, but I am SO glad I said yes. This has helped me stay grounded, go within to find my wisdom and stay connected when I want to isolate from the stress.
“Meeting Alex inspired me. The community keeps me here. Weighing in, being seen, being valued, knowing it’s okay to be perfectly imperfect here makes me feel safe to try.”
Cathy
What are the biggest benefits you’ve reaped from your yoga practice?
Cathy: Health is getting better with sciatic nerve, community, and inner voice strength.
What’s your favorite posture?
Cathy: The bridge. I was a gymnast growing up. I loved doing backflips. At the age of 49 I can't do a back flip but I feel the inner child in me get release every time I do the bridge pose. It gives me a sense of joy!
What’s your most difficult posture?
Cathy: I just figured out the other day the butterfly while laying on my back!
“I found by being in the YTT, it is similar to when I took roles in leading meetings in sobriety circles. Slowly, I understand more of the why behind things and behind my why. YTT is shedding so much light that this practice, this community is everything I never knew I needed and wanted!”
Cathy
What is your favorite type(s) of yoga? And why?
I use to LOVE HOT yoga, just the releasing of everything. Haven't gone to a studio since the pandemic started. Now, I love the ones with hips and long stretches.
Any words of wisdom to those just starting out?
Cathy: Love yourself enough just enough to start. The community will love you into the rest when you cannot. Keep coming back, keep showing up for yourself, you deserve it and eventually with each small victory you will find your inner magic that perhaps you didn't even know you had!
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Aww Cathy, we’re so lucky to have you here! Our perfect fit. I can’t wait to take one of your classes in the future. Catch Cathy in one of our live classes this season.
You can also tune in to Cathy’s episode on Sober Yoga Girl Podcast.
Show Cathy some love and comment below. Remember to follow the MLPC for the latest on Facebook, Instagram, , Twitter, Pinterest, TikTok & YouTube!
Until next time, may you all be safe, happy, healthy, and free.
Yasir
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