A dreamy Sunday morning

Beautiful reflections from a student in Cathy's Sunday morning class

Namaste Cathy & co.

When Cathy asked our Sunday morning class to write a few words about how the hour of Hatha Yoga with her in Maitri Studio had affected us, I realised just how much it had influenced me for the good. Each class has steadied and uplifted me in a really profound way during a period of serious illness and convalescence.

At the end of each class, after our yoga nidra and sound bath, and before the namaste moment, Cathy always invites us to reflect on how different we feel in our bodies now, compared to how we felt at the beginning of the class.

Lying on my mat, the traffic humming faintly beyond the quiet of The Mount, the crazy sun or rain reflecting off the glass, the blue or grey sky, and the glimmer of yellow crane off to the right; whatever rocks were in my rucksack have gone or somehow feel weightless by the time I have rolled up into a seated position. Hands to heart, I have only ever felt better. More centred, grounded and contented.

Sometimes a tear rolls down each cheekbone before you take that grateful bow to our teacher, my classmates and myself. A sense of satisfaction, release and joy pervades the space. There is often in the room at that moment a shared sense of epiphany and connection as we slowly fold our blankets and carry bolsters, bricks, belts and occasionally, lavender scented hand-stitched eye masks in Liberty style prints, to the front of the room.

Every class in the four-week cycle has a theme that resonates with anyone trying to connect with their breath, listen to their body and embrace the flow and flux of life with strength and stillness. Cathy begins and ends each class with brief, inspiring comments and a mantra that serve to frame and focus the movement of each class.

The slow, considered and linked movements that make up each class are demonstrated with grace, patience, and, at times, humour. Like any good teacher, Cathy uses the space to ensure her students can see and follow the poses from wherever they are in the room. Any individual guidance is given discreetly and helpfully. She is a natural teacher: she has the sort of no- nonsense presence that all nurses and teachers need but don’t always have.

Cathy’s enthusiasm for her classes is matched only by her kindness towards all who attend. We are, inevitably a motley crew, all drawn here by a desire to look after ourselves. Self-compassion comes more easily when we are in an environment that fosters goodwill and warmth. And so it is that when we find ourselves lying down for the relaxation part of the class, being urged to place a bolster under our legs, or to use a blanket as a pillow and to soften our gaze or do whatever might make us feel even one percent more comfortable, that I feel myself befriended and beloved in a room of 12 or so neighbours, friends and strangers.

Sometimes Cathy places another blanket over you, just before you found your voice to ask for one. The restorative yoga class that bookends each four week cycle is like nothing I have ever experienced before on a yoga mat. It’s as beautiful as a sunrise and a sunset. Finding that class during a period of ill health has been a silver lining and a revelation.

And I know the sound bath seems very Eat, Pray, Love… but park your woo-woo prejudices and just go with it. Before you know it, Healing Bowls and Root Chakra Opening will be all over your Spotify favourites.

Namaste, Cathy & Maitri

Well, wow. Thank you so much for taking the time Sandra. Everyone, if you're interested, read more about Cathy and her yoga offerings at Maitri Studio on her profile page here.