Going through a major life change—like a divorce—can be overwhelming and emotionally exhausting. In Episode 5 of the Herlihy Family Law Podcast, Attorney Alison Herlihy speaks with Elizabeth McCraw, co-owner of Kindred Yoga in Midtown Mobile, about how yoga can support people during these challenging times. Their conversation sheds light on how yoga offers more than physical movement—it’s a practice that cultivates emotional resilience, clarity, and a deeper connection with oneself.

Elizabeth’s Yoga Journey and Kindred

Elizabeth first discovered yoga on her 29th birthday, and from that initial class, her love for the practice quickly evolved into a passion for building community. Over time, she worked her way from student to studio manager, and eventually, she brought her own vision to life with Kindred Yoga. Her goal was to create a welcoming neighborhood studio where meaningful connection and personal growth were just as important as the physical practice.

Kindred Yoga was designed with community at its core. It’s a space where students are supported not just in their practice but in life—especially during seasons of uncertainty and transformation.

Yoga’s Unique Benefits for Mental Health

Yoga stands apart from other forms of exercise by offering support on multiple levels—physical, mental, emotional, and even spiritual. It integrates movement, breath work, mindfulness, and self-reflection to help individuals develop emotional awareness and regulation.

Rather than just focusing on physical fitness, yoga encourages a deeper level of self-inquiry. Students begin to notice how they react to discomfort, uncertainty, or difficulty—on the mat and in life. This increased self-awareness fosters patience, compassion, and resilience.

Yoga is also highly adaptable. From gentle chair yoga to more dynamic flows, there’s a version of the practice accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or experience.

Navigating Divorce with Yoga Practice

Divorce is one of the most emotionally taxing events a person can experience. During times like these, yoga becomes more than just a form of exercise—it becomes a grounding tool.

In the studio, students face new and often challenging physical movements. Navigating these moments with mindfulness and self-compassion helps build the mental flexibility to approach life’s difficulties with greater clarity. Over time, the lessons learned through yoga—such as using tools, adapting to change, and practicing kindness toward oneself—begin to extend far beyond the mat.

Building Consistency During Major Life Changes

Establishing a new routine during times of upheaval can feel daunting. That’s why it’s helpful to start small. Committing to just one class a week can create a manageable entry point and allow space to build a routine that feels sustainable.

Kindred Yoga makes this process easier through their new student special—a month of unlimited classes—so new students can explore different styles and times without pressure. With a wide variety of classes offered every day of the week, it’s possible to find something that fits any schedule, even during the busiest or most unpredictable seasons.

Breathwork for Stress Reduction

Breathwork is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce stress. Techniques like box breathing (inhaling, holding, exhaling, and pausing for equal counts) can calm the nervous system and are easy to incorporate into daily life.

Whether it’s before a court appearance, after a difficult conversation, or in the middle of a sleepless night, conscious breathing helps regulate emotions and restore a sense of control. Breathwork can also be used to boost energy and focus when needed, offering a flexible tool to meet a range of emotional states.

Community Healing and Emotional Resilience

At Kindred Yoga, community is just as important as the individual practice. The studio creates opportunities for connection—whether through group classes, events, or even casual conversations before and after class. This sense of belonging helps counter feelings of isolation, especially during difficult life transitions.

The studio also offers classes and workshops that emphasize emotional resilience, including yin yoga, restorative yoga, and guided yoga nidra. These slower, quieter practices help students stay present with themselves and build inner strength through stillness and reflection.

In addition to regular classes, Kindred hosts book clubs, breathwork series, meditation workshops, and an annual day-long retreat—all designed to help students build emotional awareness, reduce stress, and stay connected to themselves and others.

Yoga isn’t just about movement—it’s a path to rediscovering your inner strength and building a life that feels grounded, intentional, and whole. Whether you’re navigating a divorce or simply seeking a safe, supportive space to reconnect with yourself, Kindred Yoga offers a welcoming place to begin.

To explore class options or learn more, visit Kindred Yoga. And if you found this conversation helpful, be sure to subscribe to the Herlihy Family Law Podcast, leave a review, and share with someone who might benefit from a little extra support.

In the latest episode of the Herlihy Family Law Podcast, attorney Alison Herlihy sits down with a very special guest—her sister, Justine Herlihy Bixler, President and CEO of United Way of Southwest Alabama. This inspiring conversation explores the critical work United Way does to uplift families, support children, and build a resilient, thriving community throughout Mobile and the surrounding counties.

A Legacy of Service

Justine shares how her journey into nonprofit work was sparked by her early experiences in the legal field—particularly while working on claims related to the BP oil spill. Witnessing firsthand how economic hardship can strike unexpectedly, she felt a calling to create a safety net for people in crisis. That mission has led her to United Way, where she now oversees programs and partnerships that directly impact more than 300,000 people annually across Mobile, Clarke, Choctaw, and Washington Counties.

United Way’s Four Impact Areas

Justine explains United Way’s mission to improve quality of life by focusing on four key areas:

1. Health – Ensuring access to physical and mental health care.
2. Financial Stability – Supporting families through crises and helping them build long-term economic security.
3. Resilient Communities – Strengthening the community’s ability to respond to both personal and large-scale disasters.
4. Youth Opportunity – Empowering children and young adults to reach their full potential, especially during critical early development years.

Resources for Families in Transition

Alison and Justine delve into how divorce can bring unexpected financial and emotional strain—and how United Way and its partner agencies can help. Justine highlights several resources that could benefit families navigating difficult transitions:

• 2-1-1 Help Line – A 24/7 confidential service that connects individuals to local nonprofits offering everything from food assistance to childcare and healthcare services. It’s like a matchmaking app for needs and resources.
• Lifelines Counseling Services – Offers counseling for adults and children, as well as financial coaching and homebuying support.
• Penelope House – Provides emergency and transitional shelter, counseling, and support for victims of domestic violence.
• Feeding the Gulf Coast – Tackles food insecurity with weekend and summer backpack programs for children who rely on school meals.
• The Basics Program – Delivers free, science-based text message tips to caregivers of children ages 0–5 to support early brain development.

These services—many of which are available to anyone regardless of income—create a safety net that families can rely on during tough times, including after divorce or custody challenges.

How to Get Involved

Justine encourages listeners to get involved in ways that go beyond writing a check:

• Volunteer Connect – United Way’s platform to match individuals with local volunteer opportunities based on their interests.
• Emerging Leaders Program – A network of young professionals committed to improving quality of life through community service and leadership.
• Corporate Involvement – Businesses can support United Way by encouraging employee involvement in giving campaigns, volunteer panels, and community initiatives.

A Vision for the Future

As United Way of Southwest Alabama approaches its 100th anniversary, Justine reflects on the honor of leading an organization so deeply embedded in the fabric of the community. With a focus on creating lasting change—not just temporary fixes—United Way is committed to helping families not only survive but thrive.

Learn More and Get Connected

If you’re inspired to learn more, volunteer, or support United Way’s mission, visit www.uwswa.org. You can also find United Way of Southwest Alabama on Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok!

Listen to the full episode of the Herlihy Family Law Podcast for more insight from Justine Herlihy Bixler and learn how you can make a difference right here in Southwest Alabama.