BBW MEMBER INTERVIEW: Courtney LaCava, Ayurvedic Practitioner + Health Coach

Courtney LaCava, Ayurvedic Practitioner + Health Coach

Less than a year.

@courtneylacava_ayurveda

https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneylacava/

No, I was raised in CT but lived in CA for 17 years after college. My husband and I relocated to the Greater Boston area from San Francisco after my first child was born to be closer to both of our families (who live in Boston, CT and Germany).

In my late 20s I had a physical breakdown. From a young age, I was a passionate and driven person, aiming for perfection in all areas of life. I was obsessed with drama and addicted to adrenaline. I felt the suffering and injustices of the world and I set to “saving it” through social work, non-profits and academia. I teetered on the brink of burnout for many years. After finishing graduate school and moving to San Francisco in 2005, by body finally gave in. In my quest to heal myself, I found Ayurveda and began to understand that the chronic fatigue, anxiety, depression and digestive issues were simply signals my body was sending me, and that my obsession with living my life according to external concepts of perfection, success, and beauty were having the opposite effect and causing deep imbalances. I began to make shifts in my diet and lifestyle, and began to *remember*. Remember that my own biorhythms are connected to the rhythms of nature. Remember that my body is always moving in the direction of healing. Remember that I have the power to experience strong vitality, immunity and clarity if I listen to the signals from my body and honor my intuition. After running my own Ayurvedic Medicine practice in San Francisco for many years, I began down the path of motherhood, which coincided with a cross-country relocation, the loss of my father, and years of sleep deprivation. After finally settling in MA, where I now call home, my anxiety and chronic fatigue paid a visit again. I soon realized that knowing what to do to heal myself wasn’t enough. The demands of motherhood required a paradigm shift. Being in the throws of sleep deprivation, with a newborn and a toddler at home in a new town, away from the community I had lived in for the past decade, I knew that without community - evolutionary, growth-minded community - I would not be able to thrive on this path of motherhood in the way I had dreamed. I soon joined a dynamic group based on the wisdom of Ayurveda and my life shifted in profound ways as I recovered my health far beyond what I had experienced even in my early years. I began to understand the true feeling and meaning of “thrive” and, by natural extension, my husband and children did as well. I’ve designed my Essential Living Course around these lessons I’ve lived and learned - that the three crucial elements for a life of optimal health and personal freedom are: - The habits that align our biorhythms with the cycles of nature, - The tools to make habit changes stick, - Nurturing community to sustain us as we move deeper into our healing. My passion is supporting people to live their fullest potential through my Essential Living Course, a dynamic health coaching group for those who seek a life of vibrant health and personal freedom. What I hear from women is that so many are burned out, overwhelmed and exhausted, aren’t fully satisfied, and that they want the tools to build stronger immunity and vitality. The curriculum is based on the most essential habits of Ayurveda. Through living these habits, course members experience stronger immunity, emotional ease and joy, deep, rejuvenating sleep, strong digestion, less pain, balanced weight, more balance in their lifestyle/home life, more time and space and clarity on their life purpose. They connect with a community of other growth-minded women. They also learn the tools to naturally support the health and potential of their spouse and/or children.

This is a testimonial from a current Essential Living Course member: “I feel so fortunate for meeting Courtney at a time in my life when I was physically and emotionally exhausted. I had no idea what the Essential Living Course entailed but after speaking with Courtney, I knew that I wanted to work with her to heal myself on a deeper level. I am truly amazed that after only twelve weeks of implementing these habits, I have experienced such positive results to my physical and emotional well-being. As a result of this course I feel more balanced, nourished and rejuvenated. I have also noticed improved mental clarity and more steady energy throughout the day. I am so grateful to Courtney for her guidance, patience, compassion, and understanding throughout this course and I am thrilled to continue my journey `{`in the year-long course.`}` This is a more detailed summary of all the changes so far: - More regular routine, - Decreased inflammation, pain, fear and anxiety, - More in tune with my body and aware of my thoughts, able to respond more calmly vs. react, - Improved memory, clarity and concentration, - Increased positivity and patience, - Cooking and eating plant based, fresh meals 3 x/ day, no bloating or indigestion, - Thinner waistline, - Clearer tongue and improved sense of taste, - Ability to recognize hunger and regular appetite, satisfied by sitting down, cooked meals, no snacking or cravings, - Decrease in dryness, skin and eyes, - No allergies, except for some itchy eyes now in the spring if outside a lot, - Haven't used allergy meds in 4 months, no NSAIDs in 2 months, - Easier to do yoga postures and ability to sit in silence, - Improved sleep, I just want to honestly say how this course has been a life saver! I can't even believe how I was surviving before. I now realize how much toxicity has affected my health and have been doing a lot of physical and mental detoxing through these habits. Thank you so much for everything!`` ~ Darina

Get really clear on what you truly desire most in life and invest your time, energy and money into it. Investing in yourself is never a waste. Continue to seek mentorship from people who are already at the place you want to be.

(Cannot choose just one!) The Fifth Sacred Thing by Starhawk or The Temple of My Familiar by Alice Walker

Meditation, yoga and my Ayurvedic habits that allow me to continually tap into deeper states of potential and keep me clear and on track with everything in my life, including business goals. Also, the project management app Asana!

I have an amazing group of women in my Essential Living Course dynamic group! They are committed, show up, do the work, support each other and they are ALL IN!

Also, you have a boundless source of creativity and potential within you. Seeking that outside of yourself will always come with limitation. Start doing the work on yourself first, TRUST YOURSELF and you will have clarity on the way forward.

With my husband, kids and friends, hosting dinner parties, yoga, meditation, gardening, spending time in nature, home improvement and interior design, reading, music, movies.

Second career choice: female solo artist!