Entrepreneur: Elise Catchlove
Elise Catchlove. Elise’s more than decade-long journey with anxiety and living what she refers to now as, “a pretty small life”, led her to learn the art of meditation. Not long after implementing this new practice, not only did her anxiety dissipate but it completely changed the trajectory of her life, now working in the wellness and mental health space, which Elise describes as, “like coming home”.
Her non-linear career path has spanned acting, fashion design and now wellness, a journey she is incredibly grateful for. “It’s added a richness to my teaching and given me the ability to connect with others in a way I wouldn’t have been able to had I not had such a diverse career”. Elise is also grateful for her journey with anxiety and mental health, saying, “I can sit across the room from someone who’s experiencing crippling anxiety and I get them, I understand their pain and suffering because I too have been there. It’s very humbling and also incredibly beautiful”.
Elise’s work is now heavily focused around expansive living and her offerings include Vedic meditation, breathwork, brain optimisation and wellness workshops which are all aimed at embodying her five-pillar approach to live a life that’s both rich and expansive.
First up can you tell us what vedic meditation is?
Vedic Meditation is a mantra-based transcendent practice originating from India but designed for busy people, with busy lives. It is ideally practiced for 20 minutes, twice a day and can be done absolutely anywhere. So long as you can sit with your back supported, you can meditate with this technique. You don’t need any “special” meditation aids, just yourself and your mantra.
Why is it beneficial?
It is particularly beneficial at dissolving accumulated stress, tension and fatigue in the nervous system. It is so much more than just a relaxation technique. It essentially “cleans up” the nervous system so that we emerge with greater clarity, increased creativity, greater resilience, less stress and anxiety and a beautiful connection to Self.
How do you become a meditation teacher?
There are only a handful of places you can become certified in Australia. This is an ancient practice (from a body of knowledge over 5000 years ago) and as such, honouring the “passing down” of the knowledge is very important. I completed my training in Sydney. It’s intensive, expansive and fully equips you to teach others.
What kind of person (or what skills and traits) is suited to becoming a meditation teacher?
I think you need to be compassionate, able to connect with and hold space for others, be willing to be of service and be fully committed to your own spiritual growth and expansion. I also think a sense of humour goes a long way in any career or facet of life.
Can you tell us three ways for a tween/teen to incorporate mindfulness into our everyday?
Sure!
Dedicate one or more activity each day where you’re going to commit to being completely present. Maybe it’s brushing your teeth, making your bed or preparing your morning smoothie. Really be with the activity. When you notice your mind is wandering or you feel an impulse to reach for your phone or another distraction, bring yourself back to the activity. Relish in every part of that simple task, allowing your breath to slow and using all 5 senses as a moving meditation. We can bring presence to the simplest of activities and this is how we truly develop mindfulness.
Notice when any discomfort surfaces in your body throughout the day– this could be anger, sadness, shame. It will begin in the mind and then you’ll feel it in the body. Don’t push it down or distract yourself. Sit with the discomfort. Put gentle awareness on where you feel it (in your chest, in your stomach, in your head…) and breathe softly into this area. With every breath, feel this part of the body soften ever so slightly and acknowledge that this emotion is transient. Being able to sit with discomfort is something we all need to practice. By sitting with it, you are allowing it to move through your body
Dedicate 5 minutes each day to focus on mindful breathing – box breathing is a wonderful technique (breathe in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, breathe out for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4).
You were originally working in fashion, how did you make the career transition?
I felt deeply unfulfilled in my career (I ran my own clothing line at the time) and was also battling anxiety, which began for me in high school. I learnt to meditate and it gave me the gift of clarity. For the first time, the anxiety was no longer there and a new path became so clear. Sounds cliche, but it really is the truth of it. I enrolled in teacher training, became pregnant, let go of my business and began the next chapter of my life.
I realise it all sounds so effortless, and in some respects, it absolutely was but there was also plenty of discomfort and imposter syndrome to work through along the way.
And you started your own business, what is it like working on your business and in it?
Working on the business is much harder than working in the business. Teaching for me is pure bliss, it never feels like work. Working on the business is more challenging for me but I do love the creativity. One wouldn’t exist without the other so I try my best to embrace it all, but I think like anyone you have your strengths and until you’re at a point where you can hire, everything falls on your shoulders when running your own business.
Who would you love to take through one of your courses? (anyone in the world, living or passed)
Wow, I’ve actually never thought of that before!
Ryan Reynolds?!! ….. a girl can dream right? hahah
What would you tell your younger self?
Surrender. Stop gripping so tightly. Let go of your need to control and have it all ‘figured out’. Nature has a plan, you just have to surrender and trust.
Can you give us your best pieces of advice for girls thinking about starting their own business in the wellness industry?
Practice what you preach. Always. I see so many people working in the wellness industry who are promoting a particular lifestyle and yet living another one. This doesn’t build true authentic connection. Imagine if I was a meditation teacher who never meditated?? ahah
Continue to work on your own growth and expansion. You will create much richer work if you do.
Align with others in the industry. Referrals are everything and there is room for everyone.
Be kind. To yourself and others, always. Kindness will get you very far in any industry.
Franc’s Fast Five
First thing you do each day? Scrape my tongue (Ayurvedic modality) and then meditate
Best book you’ve read? Untethered Soul by Michael A Singer
Favourite snack? Roasted nuts
Pilates or Yoga? Pilates
Favourite day of the week? Saturday