Elise Catchlove is a meditation teacher/expert and the founder and driving force behind meditation school, By Catchlove, Queensland’s first Vedic Mediation school.
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1) To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
My career journey has been quite the ride to say the least! After initially pursuing a career in acting, I eventually parlayed into fashion (my Plan B if acting didn’t work out), studying fashion design and marketing.
I went on to work in fashion retail and visual merchandising before taking a huge leap of faith in 2014 when I launched my own lifestyle clothing label, Catchlove Collective. Three years in and I found myself completely unfulfilled, tired, anxious and not knowing what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.
My meditation journey began around this time and totally out of necessity – I had experienced anxiety my entire adult life and along with the rut I found myself in, I knew something had to change.
I learnt Vedic Meditation and my whole life shifted – my anxiety dissipated, I had a new-found clarity, I was energized and inspired to pivot my life in a completely different direction.
I began studying to become a Vedic Meditation teacher, closed down my clothing business and launched my Meditation school, By Catchlove – the best career decision I’ve ever made!
2) What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
As a working mother, each day looks quite different but I always start my day early at 5am by scraping my tongue (it’s an Ayurvedic modality – sounds gross, but totally addictive when you start doing it!).
I then sit up in bed and meditate – my absolute non-negotiable that completely sets the tone for my day. Then it’s either off to Pilates or it’s cuddles in bed with my 2-year-old boy Harley. My husband (also a Vedic meditator), and I then then enjoy a wholesome breakfast together with Harley before our workdays begin.
My workday starts with responding to emails and anything urgent that needs my attention – student questions and new enquiries; and then it’s on to teaching.
My schedule is changing constantly, but on day one of a new course I’ll generally be teaching back-to-back all day and into the evening and on day two or three, I teach in a three-hour chunk.
In between teaching, I could be working on a meditation article, answering interview questions or researching. I always make sure I sit down with no distractions and have a dedicated lunch break – something that I’ve made a priority.
Late afternoons are generally spent at the park with Harley and then it’s home to cook dinner (I love to cook!) and a chilled night ahead of hanging out with my boys and Netflix when Harley is in bed.
3) Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
Absolutely! As a working mother it’s been so wonderful having a business where I can structure my schedule around Harley – it’s something I certainly don’t take for granted.
I can also work from anywhere – sometimes I travel to client’s homes, other times I teach from a beautiful space on the river in Brisbane – I move around and love that I get to work in different environments.
4) What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
Balance to me means ebbing and flowing with as little resistance as possible.
Sometimes the most balanced thing I can do is focus on work and other times it’s hanging with Harley – I just try to be as present as I can in what I’m doing and pivot when required. Having said this, I have made a very deliberate choice to ensure that I’m prioritising my own health and Meditation is a huge part of that wellness picture.
5) What do you think are some of the best habits or routines that you’ve developed over the years to help you achieve success in your life?
- Without a doubt, Vedic Meditation. It has been a complete game changer in my life and still surprises me in how much it continues to deliver.
- Reading and listening to inspiring material.
- Eating a predominately whole-foods diet.
- Following what’s charming in each moment – I believe when you do that, the universe delivers in magical ways.
6) Are there any books that have helped you improve over the years?
- The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael Alan Singer. Hands down my most favourite book!
- Perfect Health by Deepak Chopra.
- Who Would You Be Without Your Story? by Byron Katie.
7) What is the number one thing you do to make sure you get the most out of your day?
Sorry to sound like a broken record – meditate!
8) If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
9) Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
Commit to your own personal growth and evolution. Everything that you’re searching for is inside of yourself. Go within – this is where your greatest human potential lies.
If you’d like to have a conversation with us about how you balance the grind, get in touch with us!
