What has Yoga meant to you?
For me, it has been the reason to get out of bed on a morning. Don’t get me wrong, not every day when I get out of bed do I run to my mat, but it has been and will continue to be the constant in my life.
In March 2020 in 1 weekend, I took my Yoga offerings online and was welcomed by the community I have created in Hexham overwhelmingly well. In a few months I had people joining in from Ireland to Spain and even a friend from Boston. I am not going to lie, despite everything going on I really was so happy to see everyone daily, even if it was via Zoom, and have time to plan classes and themes.
In June 2020, I was listening to a lot of tantric hatha teachings on podcasts and was so inquisitive to how this was different to what I had learnt previously. I decided to further my training with The Practice, Bali (unfortunately not in person) and all I can say, it was what I have been waiting for, for a long time. Learning asana, meditation and pranayama techniques to create a mood or energy when I need it has been invaluable. I really had to look inward and learn more about myself and it was perfect timing.
Anyway, enough about me. I interviewed some of the Yogi’s that have practiced with me both in person and then online. I wanted to get a good idea how the last year has been for them and what Yoga has meant to them. Here is what they said:
Tim Elliott, 66
What has Yoga meant for you in the last year?
Something to look forward to on a Thursday, for a good relaxation, workout and stretch
How long have you been practicing Yoga?
18 months
What did you like most about coming to my classes in person?
A destination and a shared experience, bit of atmosphere
Were you apprehensive about joining an online class, if so why?
Not really, providing the technology works OK
Do you think having a weekly routine of 1 or 2 classes to attend via Zoom has helped keep some normality in your life during lockdown, if yes, why?
Definitely- something to focus towards and look forward to
What have you learnt about yourself in the last year? This can be Yoga related or not.
Adaptability to the changes which have happened, ability to withstand being somewhat isolated, patience with others (probably two-way!)
After June 21st and restrictions are lifted, what is the first thing you would like to do?
Go climbing and walking, see the grandkids more easily, socialise with friends
The big question, once we are able to return to face to face classes, will you still want to join in at home or be together in person. I will be offering both so do not worry!
Quite enjoy the online. so probably will do that if available.
Andy and Jane Mace (53)
What has Yoga meant for you in the last year?
It’s been pivotal in providing me-time, keeping us calm, flexible and connected.
How long have you been practicing Yoga?
Just over two years
What is your current working situation and how has that changed since March 2020?
We both work full time, in Newcastle. Since March 2020 we’ve worked from home, sharing the dining room. We are entirely computer-based.
We had hoped we would gain back commuting time for ourselves, but the reality is that we now work much longer and harder hours, starting early and finishing later and often at weekends. We are definitely less mobile during the day despite our best intentions; no need to visit other people in different offices/locations as you do it all from your laptop. No going out to pick up lunch. Putting that together with ‘Making-do’ at the table and non-adjustable seats has led to pain, tension and stiffness.
What did you like most about coming to my classes in person?
We loved the cozy studio and the relaxed atmosphere of the class; everyone is friendly, local and there for the same reason and a rapport builds as you see the same people each week.
Were you apprehensive about joining an online class, if so why?
No not at all.... we were delighted when you said you were going online. We work on computers all day so putting ourselves out there on camera is nothing new 😊
Do you think having a weekly routine of 1 or 2 classes to attend via Zoom has helped keep some normality in your life during lockdown, if yes, why?
Absolutely and without a doubt. Your studio classes were really enjoyable and something we actively did together each week so it was great to be able to keep that part of our routine going despite the mayhem and constraints of lockdown.
It's also been a godsend for making us step away from our desks and take that time to bring focus back to us and find some sense of calm during such a stressful time.
Would you be happy to recommend any of my classes to friends or family?
Absolutely and without a doubt. Your classes are great with a fab teacher 😏
Adele Wrightson - 30
How long have you been practicing Yoga?
Since I very first came to your classes, so 3 years? Maybe?
What is your current working situation and how has that changed since March 2020?
In March 2020 I had 2 jobs and was at college, then went on furlough from both workplaces, and college ended early. I’m now at university as a healthcare student and left one of my jobs around Christmas.
What did you like most about coming to my classes in person?
Apart from getting to see you lovely little face and being in your calming presence, I love the atmosphere of the studio so much. The smell of the incense, the darkened room, the music...it’s almost impossible for me to recreate at home, especially when I get interrupted by an excited little collie! I find I can actually switch off in the studio, which makes a huge difference to me. I also often forget about a leg or a hand when I’m in various postures, so having you there to support and make sure I’m in a position correctly is brilliant.
Were you apprehensive about joining an online class, if so why?
A little. I felt a bit self conscious about people watching me, but then I remembered everyone already sees me in face-to-face classes?! I also wasn’t entirely sure how they’d work, but you talked us through it all and helped every step of the way, and I really enjoy them.
What have you learnt about yourself in the last year? This can be Yoga related or not.
Ermm, being busy is overrated? I had 2 jobs, a volunteering position and was trying to do a degree, which meant the things I do to take time for myself, like yoga, reading and escaping on long walks with my dogs tended to fall off my radar. I’ve learned that I need balance in my life in order to not end up stressed and overwhelmed!
After June 21st and restrictions are lifted, what is the first thing you would like to do?
Hug my Mam! And see my friends that I talk to every day, but have only seen once or twice in the last year. And eat some delicious food that I haven’t had to cook myself!
Would you be happy to recommend any of my classes to friends or family?
I do all the time! I used to bring people with me when we were allowed, and will do so again as soon as I’m able 😊
Lucy G, 29.
How long have you been practicing Yoga?
I started practicing yoga in January 2020. I had done a couple of classes here and there over the years before this and really enjoyed them, but I wouldn’t consider yoga as being an important part of my life until last year.
What is your current working situation and how has that changed since March 2020?
I’ m currently working from home and I'm fortunate to have remained employed throughout the pandemic. I used to work 5 days a week at the office, so it has been quite a change but I’m hoping to split my time between office and home-working once things return to normal.
Do you think having a weekly routine of 1 or 2 classes to attend via Zoom has helped keep some normality in your life during lockdown, if yes, why?
Absolutely! Yoga has become a key part of my weekly routine during this strange and challenging time. I always feel better after a yoga class, both mentally and physically. Emily’s classes are very grounding and have been a big contributor to me strengthening my confidence and my relationship with myself. Yoga helps me to clear my head, calm me down and to keep things in perspective, the last of which is something I can often find difficult.
What have you learnt about yourself in the last year?
I feel like the past year has accelerated a lot of things and, for me, self-development is definitely one of them! I definitely feel more at peace and more grateful for all I have and the combination of yoga and journaling have been huge contributors to this. I think that when things are difficult in the outside world, it forces you to look within more. So much has changed for me, but I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned in the past year is to try your best to let go of what you can’t control and just focus on what you can.
After June 21st and restrictions are lifted, what is the first thing you would like to do?
I honestly just can’t wait to give my parents a hug! I think it’s the simple things for me. I’ve also applied to a dog shelter to adopt a rescue dog, but they had to pause adoptions because of the lockdown, so I’m hoping that they will find the right dog for me sometime soon.
The big question, once we are able to return to face to face classes, will you still want to join in at home or be together in person. I will be offering both so do not worry!
I think I’d like to do a mix. As I’ve mentioned, I really like in-person classes and being part of a community of yogis. However, if I’m running late at work or have commitments to juggle, it would be great to have the flexibility of also attending from home.
Elizabeth Courage, 75
How long have you been practicing Yoga?
About 2 years
What is your current working situation and how has that changed since March 2020?
Farm work continues despite weather or viruses. The tourism side has been mostly closed by Government since last March, but this has meant that I have been able to catch up on a lot of maintenance work.
What did you like most about coming to my classes in person?
Meeting new people and keeping fit in a non competitive way
Do you think having a weekly routine of 1 or 2 classes to attend via Zoom has helped keep some normality in your life during lockdown, if yes, why?
Yes massively, it means having to remember an appointment so having structure in the day, good for the brain to remember normality of the past.
What have you learnt about yourself in the last year?
I am not good at having nothing specific to do in a day
After June 21st and restrictions are lifted, what is the first thing you would like to do? Have more of my family around and meet up with friends. And opening up the tourism businesses.
Would you be happy to recommend any of my classes to friends or family?
Yes of course, though those of my age bracket are not so keen on trying new things I think because of the risk of feeling they can't do the moves and the younger ones find it hard to fit classes in with family and work pressures