The Journey from Condé to Sangyé

20+ YEARS AGO...

From the fashion floors of Condé Nast in New York to the wooden floors of Sangyé Yoga School in London, cat had officially traded in her Manolo Blahniks for a more 'grounded' approach to life...in bare feet. 

Originally from New York City, cat has been calling London home since the spring of 2004. She is grateful to have been involved with the previous incarnation of Sangyé Yoga School from its inception (formerly Jivamukti Yoga London 2005) and as it continues in its current reincarnation since May 2011. Since then and despite covid, multiple lockdowns, brexit, economic downturns and inevitable changes in the infrastructure that tested its foundation and resilience...the most loyal community still gathers and makes it what it is. It is unlike any other yoga space in London. IYKYK.

If mere titles collected along the way bear any significance or interest: Advanced Certified Teacher (Jivamukti), Senior Yoga Teacher (Yoga Alliance UK) and a bit of project managing at Sangyé Yoga School.

LOVE & GRATITUDE: to all the versions of family, teachers, loyal friends – every single one of them and in their many forms. Massive respect to the students who keep showing up and going deep. Only unconditional love to the seniors...notorious biggie smalls the sausage dog & oscar wilde the wiener enhancing the perspective to see all sentient beings with indiscriminate eyes. Lastly, this precious human life for all it has revealed and the teachings, teachers who help navigate it with less contraction...the phenomenal reminders to simply open up + let go.

it is possible to genuinely be at ease regardless of circumstances, simply relax..."impermanence makes all things possible." TNH

interested in more musings/writing? https://catalipdouglas.substac...


Schedule

2026 SCHEDULE

sangyé yoga school in person + virtual classes (ongoing)

in person + virtual classes exclusively for sangyé yoga school
tuesday & thursday
9:30am/75mins & 6:30pm/60mins
friday
9:30am/75mins
saturday & sunday 
10:30am/90mins

format (for both live & virtual versions): more listening, less looking. minimal music, less entertainment. breath is always the best soundtrack!

sangyé yoga school ALL TIMES GMT.

SUBSTACK: the cat-alyst

G&C: GUIDANCE & COUNSEL - an integrated and mindfully curated healing approach to yoga that may, if you wish, extend beyond the asana practice emphasis (or fixation:). Let's chat and see what makes sense: [email protected]

You don’t have to do anything with your mind,
just let it naturally rest in its essential nature.

Your own mind, un-agitated, is reality.
Meditate on this without distraction.
Know the Truth beyond all opposites.

Thoughts are like bubbles that form and dissolve in clear water.
Thoughts are not distinct from the absolute Reality, so relax;
there is no need to be critical.
Whatever arises, whatever occurs,
simply don’t cling to it, but immediately let it go.

What you see, hear, and touch is your own mind.
There is nothing but mind.
Mind transcends birth and death.
The essence of mind is pure Consciousness that never leaves reality,
even though it experiences the things of the senses.

In the equanimity of the Absolute, there is nothing to renounce or attain.

Dakini Niguma

cat's london class schedule
Date Location class details

1st – 1st January 2026

sangyé yoga school

new year's day class + reflection

3pm

11th January 2026

sangyé yoga school

2026 tt q&a

immediately after 11am class

come and have a chat with some tt alumnae as well, get their perspective...
always plenty in attendance during class.

18th January 2026 – 22nd February 2026

sangyé yoga school

2026: foundations for confidence (and refinement)

4 sunday’s: 18/25 january + 15/22 february
12:45pm-2pm 

each session will cover the foundations of a vinyasa class’s greatest hits: standing postures, forward bends, back bends + preliminaries and modifications for shoulderstand (salamba sarvangasana) & headstand (salamba sirsasana)
book here

23rd February 2026 – 5th March 2026

niseko

japan

23rd – 26th April 2026

kent, uk

uk weekend retreat

due to limited space - starting with invite only approach from previous retreats...so if i've missed you in the email alert, set me straight!:)

current status: one room (as single or shared double bed)

26th – 28th June 2026

sangyé yoga school

2026 the elements assists series: june sequence


session dates: 26-28 june

The JUNE assists series will be based on the sequence that will be taught in class that month. It will be predominantly practical with a review of principles as we move through the proposed assists to be time “wise”. 

FAQ’s:
Q: do I have to be a SYS certified teacher?
A: no, but it would be helpful due to principles from tt.
Q: do I have to be a teacher?
A: no, however it is strongly suggested that you have a developed practice to benefit from understanding the mechanics of assists. if you have a question whether or not it is appropriate for you, please speak to cat in person after class or email: [email protected]
Q: do I get to choose my ESO partner?
A: if you register for the session with a friend and wish to work together, please submit a request. otherwise, you will be assigned a partner.
Q: will it be light-hearted and fun.
A: yes…usually is:) it is as important to not take ourselves too seriously.  

AND YES, each session will begin + end on time!   
any further questions: [email protected]

 

13th – 17th September 2026

trás-os-montes region portugal

2026: into the wilderness...northern portugal retreat

invite only retreat/small capacity.
can enquire about availability if you've attended previous retreats.
[email protected]

current status: waitlist

25th – 27th September 2026

sangyé yoga school

2026 the elements assists series: september sequence

The SEPTEMBER assists series will be based on the sequence that will be taught in class that month. It will be predominantly practical with a review of principles as we move through the proposed assists to be time “wise”. 

registration is now open + more details.

any further questions: [email protected]

 

4th – 7th February 2027

london, uk

sangyé yoga school teacher training winter/spring 2027: 1st module

sangyé yoga school

26th – 28th February 2027

london, uk

sangyé yoga school teacher training winter/spring 2027: 2nd module

3rd – 31st March 2027

virtual

sangyé yoga school teacher training winter/spring 2027: VIRTUAL MODULE

wednesday evenings - 2hrs: 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st (5 sessions)

19th – 21st March 2027

london, uk

sangyé yoga school teacher training winter/spring 2027: 3rd module

9th – 11th April 2027

london, uk

sangyé yoga school teacher training winter/spring 2027: 4th module

virtual sessions only 

23rd – 25th April 2027

london, uk

sangyé yoga school teacher training winter/spring 2027: 5th module

30th April 2027 – 3rd May 2027

kent, uk

2027: spring bank holiday weekend retreat

2027: spring bank holiday weekend retreat

due to limited space - starting with invite only approach from previous retreats...if i've missed you in the email to check interest grouping, set me straight!:)

two options:
30.04 friday late afternoon (4pm) - monday mid day
(3 nights - limited capacity, first to book w/deposit...)
03.05 saturday afternoon (4pm) - monday mid day (2 nights)

current status: checking interest...
interested? email me: [email protected]

7th – 9th May 2027

london, uk

sangyé yoga school teacher training winter/spring 2027: 6th module

20th – 23rd May 2027

london, uk

sangyé yoga school teacher training winter/spring 2027: 7th module

sangyé yoga school
awakening student teacher training
with cat alip-douglas

Sangyé Yoga School: 200hr Awakening Student Teacher Training 

(closer to 300hr with independent/group study - a true immersive experience beyond teaching asana) 

2027 COURSE SCHEDULE: TBA

email for advanced notification: [email protected]

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
1st – Review all requirements to ensure eligibility is met and that course dates work with your availability (no more than 3 days during the entire course can be physically missed but any further days missed could potentially be made up, within reason. this can be discussed.)
2nd – Request the application/reference forms. Confirm that the required number of exploratory classes attended have been met (if not a regular student at SYS/cat) before submitting completed forms.
3rd – Submit all forms and while awaiting practice assessment/interview date, we strongly advise interviewing past teacher trainees about their experience. We can provide introductions and contact information, if needed. 

If you are keen, SYS strongly suggests that applicants avoid waiting until the last minute to enquire about requirements and perhaps even get a head start on reading materials/essay. Time to prepare is extremely valuable and would enhance the learning experience.

All dates will be held at Sangyé Yoga School, 300 Kensal Rd, London, W10 5BE.

Sangyé Yoga School will endeavour to deliver all modules in person except for virtual modules.

Fore more information on the programme, Sangyé Yoga School Awakening Student Teacher Training.

Retreats

THOUGHTS ARE NOTHING BUT THE NATURE OF REALITY 

On a bright ocean, bubbles emerge
then dissolve back into the water. 
Likewise, thoughts are nothing
but the Nature of Reality: 
Don't regard them as faults - Relax.
 
When you have no clinging
to what appears and what arises, 
It frees itself within its own ground.

Appearances, sound, and phenomena
- are your own Mind. 
There are no phenomena apart from Mind. 

Mind is free
- from birth, cessation and formulation.
Those who know Mind's Nature 
Enjoy the five senses' pleasures 
But do not stray from the Nature of Reality. 

On an island of gold, 
You search in vain for earth and stones.
 
In the equanimity
of the great absolute expanse, 
There is no acceptance or rejection, 
No states of meditation or post-meditation.

When you actualize that state, 
It is spontaneously present, 
Fulfilling beings' hopes
Like a wish-fulfilling jewel.

~ Dakini Niguma

Date Location Retreat details

23rd – 26th April 2026

kent, uk

spring: uk weekend retreat

due to limited space - starting with invite only approach from previous retreats...so if i've missed you in the email alert, set me straight!:)

13th – 17th September 2026

trás-os-montes region portugal

2026: into the wilderness...northern portugal retreat

invite only retreat.
[email protected]

current status: waitlist

24th – 29th January 2027

niseko, japan

2027: hokkaido, japan retreat (tbc)

exact dates tbc - 5 nights (near end of january)
only one chalet.
email to be included in the first round of invitation...
vip: priority to previous retreat attendees.

30th April 2027 – 3rd May 2027

kent, uk

2027: spring bank holiday weekend retreat

2027: spring bank holiday weekend retreat 

due to limited space - starting with invite only approach from previous retreats...if i've missed you in the email to check interest grouping, set me straight!:)

two options:
30.04 friday late afternoon (4pm) - monday mid day 
(3 nights - limited capacity, first to book w/deposit...)
03.05 saturday afternoon (4pm) - monday mid day (2 nights)

current status: checking interest... interested? email me: [email protected]