Cat Gavriusova

Early Life and Education

Cat grew up in a small town in Lithuania. Her childhood instilled in her an adoration and respect for nature, which often manifested in outdoor activities such as hiking, canoeing, camping, and foraging with her family. She enjoyed exploring the forests and lakes around her hometown, which fostered a deep connection to the environment. After graduating high school, Cat moved to Birmingham, United Kingdom, where she studied English and Media at Birmingham City University. Later, she completed training as a yoga teacher and rock climbing instructor, which pivoted her career trajectory in ways she never expected.

Cat’s Yoga Journey

After a particularly difficult time in her life, Cat discovered yoga practice, which worked wonders for her mental and physical health. Although she was an avid yoga practitioner, it was only at the encouragement of her future husband that Cat dared to imagine becoming a yoga teacher. With his support and her own determination, she had successfully completed her training as a Hatha yoga teacher in 2016.

Teaching Approach

Cat firmly believes that with the right guidance, yoga can benefit everyone, regardless of age, gender, size, or ability. For Cat, yoga is much more than a personal practice. It’s a way of connecting with others through collective movement, teaching, breathing, and writing. As such, Cat is passionate about promoting inclusivity and access to yoga. She believes it is part of a yoga teacher’s responsibility to create a safe space for marginalized groups and make yoga accessible to students of different backgrounds, financial circumstances, and levels of ability and disability. In addition to yoga, Cat has a background in rock climbing, as well as enjoying running, boxing, and circus arts. Exploring different movement disciplines definitely shaped Cat’s teaching style. Her lessons typically include traditional elements of Hatha and Vinyasa, alongside strength and mobility techniques “borrowed” from other sports.

Writing Career

With an English degree and journalist experience, Cat realized she could share her yoga experience with others, kickstarting her freelance writing career. She wrote for various publications and online platforms, covering a wide range of topics related to health and wellness. Whatever the topic, she always tries to deliver a balanced account derived from her research, personal experience, and community feedback. Cat hopes that with her writing, she can make a difference for someone who may just be looking to learn more about yoga and make the vast world of yoga easier to navigate. Through her work, she also strives to promote the message that anyone can enjoy this complex practice.

Personal Life

Teaching and writing about yoga allowed Cat to pursue her own dreams and ethical principles. In an effort to lead a compassionate and sustainable existence, after 11 years in the big city in the UK, she left it behind in favor of a small homestead in rural Lithuania. Now living semi-off-grid with her husband and various rescue animals, Cat spends her free time growing and preserving food, trail running, reading, and exploring fiber crafts like knitting and crochet.