Holistic health through yoga

Even from across the room where she was interviewed, Catherine Carballo, RYT is magnetic and charismatic – traits attributed to those who have attained a deep sense of inner peace. It came as no surprise then to this writer that Catherine is a registered yoga teacher (RYT), in affiliation with USA-based Yoga Alliance, and a graduate of the Centered Yoga Institute in Thailand, thus the “RYT” title to her name. This articulate and well-mannered instructor lives in Dumaguete City, and she comes to Cebu every week as a resident yoga teacher at City Sports Club and Diplomat Hotel.

Catherine dispels the misconception that yoga is a religion. “Many people think that yoga is a religion but it’s not. It is a way of life, like a science of life, wherein one’s activities such as sleep and food are regulated. There’s spirituality in the practice of yoga,” she openly shares. Physical fitness is also a top reason why many people take yoga classes, since yoga also involves breath and movement coordination for optimum exercise.

The signature style of yoga that Catherine teaches is the traditional Ashtanga Vinyasa, which literally means “eight limbs of yoga”, specific to breathing and movement coordination. Every move is coupled with a way of breathing. She also teaches the Sivananda style, a classical style, which caters to those who are stressed-out. Ashtanga Yoga, practiced in its correct sequential order, gradually leads the practitioner to rediscovering his or her fullest potential on all levels of human consciousness—physical, psychological, and spiritual. Through this practice of correct breathing (Ujjayi Pranayama), postures (asanas), and gazing point (driste), we gain control of the senses and a deep awareness of our selves. By maintaining this discipline with regularity and devotion, one acquires steadiness of body and mind.

For a rare opportunity to further experience the physical and mental benefits of yoga, Catherine is gathering her students from Dumaguete and Cebu to participate in a workshop to be conducted by Paul Dallaghan, an Irish man based in Thailand who is considered a celebrity in Ashtanga Vinyasa. He was one of Catherine’s mentors in the Centered Yoga Institute and is one of only 30 people in the world to be certified by the guru to teach. Paul shall conduct the workshop on October 28, 29, and 30 at City Sports Club. Participants of this exclusive workshop can expect to practice yoga at an even more intense level and to be able to interact with Paul. Catherine describes Paul as the “the epitome of what a yogi is really like”, even though he is not usually garbed in traditional yogi wear. It is his eyes, she tells us, that give him away because looking into his eyes reminds her of a vacuum – one feels very compelled towards him. Paul is said to carry a very pure, serene aura. Just like those of Catherine, such traits are attributed to those who have managed to look inwards and find inner peace. Catherine invites you to do the same, by practicing yoga as an exercise and a way of life. Judging from Catherine’s physical fitness and how her skin glows with health and serenity, perhaps these yoga practitioners know something that we have yet to discover for ourselves.

For inquiries on how you may join the workshop, contact Catherine Carballo, RYT at 0917-5289642.