Listen to Toddcast with Christiane for FREE here
Christiane Coste Cacho is an accomplished yoga instructor and social justice advocate. With a background in classical ballet and a Master’s in Human Rights Studies from Columbia University, Christiane has seamlessly merged her passion for movement with her dedication to humanitarian work. She has worked with Freedom House, focusing on activists and journalists at risk in Latin America, while also delving into academia as a professor. Christiane now runs a successful yoga studio in Seattle with her husband, Brendan Smullen, where they emphasize community-driven yoga practice that is inclusive and socially responsible.
Visit Christiane: https://www.theyogashalaseattle.com/
Key Takeaways:
- The Role of Yoga in Resilience: Christiane explains how yoga helped her process the challenging emotional impacts of her work in human rights and social justice, providing a somatic outlet for stress relief.
- Community-Centric Business Model: Emphasizing inclusivity through sliding scale payments and constant support for diverse communities is a key aspect of their studio’s success.
- Navigating Cultural Crossroads: Insights into balancing Mexican cultural values with life in the U.S., especially in understanding family dynamics and respect for the elderly.
- Motherhood and Practice Evolution: Motherhood has shaped Christiane’s approach to yoga, advocating for adaptations in practice that honor one’s current life stage and physical capabilities.
The Transformational Role of Yoga: A Safe Space Amidst Life’s Challenges
In the compelling dialogue between Christiane Coste Cacho and the interviewer, we are ushered into the profound impact that yoga has on one’s life beyond physical well-being. Christiane describes yoga as her haven during tumultuous times working with survivors of torture and journalists at risk in Mexico and Central America. Yoga, especially Ashtanga, provided Christiane with a structured, yet liberating practice that allowed her to navigate and process the intense emotions she encountered in her human rights work.
Reflecting on her introduction to yoga, Christiane states, “The practice just became like a safe space for me to explore and process a lot of what I was witnessing.” This assertion highlights yoga’s therapeutic potential beyond fitness, offering practitioners a tool to cultivate mental resilience against life’s adversities. Moreover, her experience aligns with the growing recognition of yoga as a complementary practice to therapy, offering an embodied approach to healing and mental well-being.
Christiane’s journey is a testament to the transformational capacity of yoga, suggesting that its relevance stretches far beyond the mat, intertwining with every aspect of life to foster a sense of balance and introspection.
Blending Roles with Balance: From Motherhood to Business
Marrying personal aspirations with professional endeavors is often a balancing act. This theme of equilibrium is another pillar of Christiane’s discussion, where she shares insights on harmonizing multiple demanding roles: yoga teacher, mother, and advocate for social justice. The conversation delves into Christiane’s approach to balancing these roles, underscoring the importance of kindness, acceptance, and adaptability.
In addressing the challenges of navigating life’s transitions, Christiane emphasizes the importance of realistic expectations and compassionate acceptance of one’s current situation. She mentions, “Accepting what is and accepting it with kindness and joy, instead of wanting things to be either different as they were before,” as a core practice that keeps her grounded. This mindset serves as a useful guide for anyone juggling various roles, advocating for a compassionate approach to self and others.
Christiane also speaks to her partnership with her husband, Brendan, highlighting the value of shared values and mutual support in managing both family dynamics and their yoga studio in Seattle. This unity strengthens their business, allowing them to support their community while growing personally.
Cultural Insights and Community Connection: Embracing Diversity in Yoga
Christiane’s narrative extends beyond personal and professional themes, weaving in rich cultural insights stemming from her experience as a cross-cultural individual. Living between Mexico and the U.S., she has embraced diverse cultural values and integrated them into her life and work. Her reflections offer a glimpse into the vibrant interplay of Mexican cultural values, emphasizing family and community support, which contrasts with her U.S. experiences.
When discussing Mexican culture, Christiane highlights the profound respect for family and community, noting, “Family is everything in many ways… just the joyfulness of the culture.” This cultural richness translates into the community-driven model of their yoga studio, embracing diversity and fostering a supportive environment for students.
The interview also touches on the broader implications of these cultural elements as they relate to fostering a kinder, more connected world. By encouraging inclusive spaces and celebrating cultural diversity, Christiane’s work accentuates the role of community in creating positive social impact, echoing a broader societal call for inclusivity and understanding.
The discussion with Christiane Coste Cacho offers multifaceted insights into the synergies between yoga, social justice, and a multicultural lifestyle. It underscores the importance of yoga as a powerful tool for personal and communal transformation, advocating for its integrative role in navigating various life’s transitions. Christiane’s personal journey and reflections extend beyond her individual experiences, inviting others to consider how to navigate their path with resilience, empathy, and acceptance.
Thanks for listening to this episode. Check out: 👇
8IN8 Ashtanga Yoga for Beginners Course Online– Learn 8 Limb Yoga in 8 Days – Get FREE coupon code for a limited time only (Regular price $88) https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/
Practice with Native Yoga Online – New classes EVERY day – Use Code FIRSTMONTHFREE https://nativeyogacenter.teachable.com/p/today-s-community-class
Subscribe to Native Yoga Center and view this podcast on Youtube.
Thank you Bryce Allyn for the show tunes. Check out Bryce’s website: bryceallynband.comand sign up on his newsletter to stay in touch. Listen here to his original music from his bands Boxelder, B-Liminal and Bryce Allyn Band on Spotify.
Please email special requests and feedback to info@nativeyogacenter.com
https://info.nativeyogacenter.com/8in8-ashtanga-yoga-for-beginners-8-limbs-in-8-days/
Native Yoga website: here
YouTube: here
Instagram: @nativeyoga
Twitter: @nativeyoga
Facebook: @nativeyogacenter
LinkedIn: Todd McLaughlin
Native Yoga Blog 