About the Author

Cathryn Monro is a professional artist, writer, educator, group worker and mother of two. Of all these jobs Cathryn rates mothering as by far the most challenging, creative, meaningful and fulfilling. Cathryn's life and work combine her creative drive, a commitment to holistic quality education and the principles of psychodrama, with yoga and meditation practices.Cathryn holds a BFA and MFA from the Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland, and has a 30+yr career as a professional artist. Between degrees Cathryn trained at the Drama Action Centre, Sydney, Australia, in physical theatre and communication training. It was there in 1990, that she began her yoga and meditation practice.On returning to New Zealand Cathryn went on to train as a director in psychodrama and group work and began a 20+yr teaching career in NZ's premiere tertiary arts institutions. Cathryn worked as facilitator of workshops for parents with the Anger Change Trust for 2 years and was scriptwriter for 11 years for the charity Books In Homes, promoting a love of reading and book ownership to thousands of disadvantaged schoolchildren throughout New Zealand. Through this time Cathryn had two daughters and continued to pursue her yoga and meditation practice.Over the last 10 years Cathryn has worked extensively with students and professionals leading groups in practice-based inquiry processes, drawing on the experiences of group members to deepen and integrate learning, build collaborative relationships and enrich working cultures. Cathryn lives with her husband and daughters in Wellington, NewZealand.

Reviews

"Reading this book, I felt I was with a warm, honest, and down-to-earth friend, sharing her insight and humor into what she aptly calls 'the volcanically active landscape' of family life. Cathryn Monro invites us to look deeply into our own experience and cultivate the qualities we most need as mothers to live our love—inner strength, flexibility, balance, and most importantly, greater self-awareness."
—Myla Kabat-Zinn co-author of Everyday Blessings:The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting"Cathryn Monro's passion for parenting and self-inquiry is woven into this practical and provocative tool for all mothers. Using recognizable, embarrassing and often hilarious examples Spilt Milk Yoga allows us to reveal our own truths, making us more open and ready to grow at the kitchen sink and beyond."
—Kate McIntyre Clere, Director YOGAWOMAN"I am a working mother of three, and Cathryn's inspirational book resonates with me on many levels. She achieves a universal message through the particular stories she tells. The ingenious workbook form provides a practical and clear pathway to deal with the issues mothers face yet Cathryn's main concern is spirit and how we can light the way for ourselves and our kids."
—Miranda Harcout, Order of New Zealand Merit, Actor" . . . Extremely thoughtful and meaningful and would be a great benefit to caring mothers. Well put together and easy to follow. This is a book in the making that could make a real difference to its intended audience."
—Ashton Wylie Charitable Trust Unpublished Manuscript Awards 2014"A wise and insightful guide to embracing the transformative journey of motherhood as one of life's most profound gifts. Spilt Milk Yoga is the warm companion we need at our sides, connecting us to our own humanity as we navigate the constantly shifting terrain of tears, laughter, and learning. I wish someone had given this book to me when I was a new mom!"
—Shelley Davidow, author of Raising Stress-Proof Kids"As a mother of a 12- and 15-year-old, Cathryn Monro approaches motherhood from the point of view of self-inquiry. She studies her inner world sometimes harshly and sometimes with self-soothing. She discusses her conflicting beliefs about mothering. She questions whether a woman’s experience of motherhood fuels self-realization and human potential from the point of view of Yoga concepts of spirituality.Monro beautifully shares her personal experience of childbirth that both shocked and thrilled her, feeling not only her baby was born but a new sense of herself as well. The transition to motherhood is described poetically with various visual images to reach the reader as a spiritual path and journey.Monro seems to be searching for the meaning of motherhood while inviting her readers to do the same. For readers who enjoy understanding life’s transitions from a spiritual angle and are interested in a self-investigation into their mothering experiences, this book is a must."
—Laurie Hollman, PhD, Psychoanalyst and author of Unlocking Parental Intelligence