Catherine Reid

Catherine happily discovered yoga in 1974.  The feeling in that first class was, “I’ve come home!”

Yoga danced its way in and out of her life for many years, until she took her 200-hour Ashtanga teacher training in 2004 through Trinity Yoga*.

Catherine is committed to lifelong learning, increased self-awareness, and transformational development in herself and her students.  She has a unique ability to enhance her students’ yoga experience by inspiring and directing them to assume responsibility and fully engage with their practice in the moment. She effectively models the self-awareness and presence that are required to obtain maximum depth and benefit from a yoga practice. She combines a light-hearted and entertaining manner with a deep respect for the long history and depth of yoga’s principles. Catherine also encourages students to take their yoga out of the studio and into daily life, and she offers tips on how to do so.

She is grateful for the influence of her many teachers over the years, practicing a variety of styles of yoga, who have helped shape how she brings yoga to life within her students.

Catherine currently teaches various levels and styles of Hatha yoga in several locations throughout the Comox Valley.  She maintains her registration with The Yoga Alliance, and continues to deepen her knowledge through extensive research, ongoing workshops and conferences, as well as the gifts that come with a home practice.

* Trinity’s comprehensive training ranged through an exploration of the history of yoga; the eight-limbed path; ayurveda (East Indian system of medicine and wellness); the chakras (energy centres of the body); yoga pose benefits, alignment and modifications as well as proper ways to perform adjustments; medical concerns; anatomy; class management; voice quality and projection.  We also explored exactly what it means to teach, e.g. being in service, developing clear communication, and supporting students in their growth with patience and acceptance.

Testimonials

Catherine’s classes are a delight. With a gentle touch and a deep knowledge of Yoga she eases you into a heightened mind, body and soul awareness.   I particularly appreciate the individual attention she gives, her ability to create a respectful peaceful environment and the inspirational readings used to begin or end a class.
 Elaine Harvey RN., Healing Touch Practitioner.

Catherine draws me back every week. I feel Yoga is a part of her being and it comes through in every class – the love, the inner calm, the flexibility & the laughs. 
 Jenny Lavery, Retired Health Records Analyst

Catherine weaves her knowledge of the body with her passion for teaching and her wonderful sense of humour. This tapestry allows you to experience your body in a new way. You leave feeling flexible and calm and present, and looking forward to her next class.
 Kara F.

Catherine is a master Yoga teacher.  She carefully demonstrates poses and then moves through the room checking on students and giving direct personalized instruction.  I find this manner of teaching stays with me and aids me in my own practice.  Catherine lives the Yoga path and her classes are nourishing, joyful experiences.
 Anne Lavery, Retired Teacher

Catherine teaches yoga with attention to each and every student.  Her words support me into a pose even when I have my own doubts.  I gain kernels of wisdom or jokes that make me think and smile long after the class.  Her soothing voice guides me into Savasana and frees me into the deep relaxation of silence.
 Ann W.

I’ve always been a little reluctant to explore yoga thinking it would be too subdued for me.  Catherine Reid’s instruction really made a difference in my perception and my well being.  Her class was challenging, fun, energizing and also relaxing.  More importantly, as a teacher, it was abundantly clear to me that she was there to serve the needs of the participants, paying careful attention to each person.  I would recommend her class without hesitation.
 Laura de Jonge, PhD student, Human and Organizational Development