After organising the Yoga Tools for Schools Dinner dance fundraiser in October, I got a wee bit behind in my yogi of the month interviews so you will get two this month. Double excitement! Our October yogi of the month is the wonderful Jo who has been coming to the studio for nearly a year now. It has been such a pleasure to watch her practice evolve and go from strength to strength. Jo is the perfect example of just by being consistent and willing to do the work then anything is possible. And that’s what we love and are all about here at Live and Breathe Yoga : showing up and having a go. Check out Jo’s story below.
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When and where did you first start practising yoga?
I started dabbling with yoga, Buddhism, mindfulness and meditation around 20 years ago when I lived in the Sunshine Coast hinterland but up until January 2015 I had never tried Ashtanga yoga.
Why were you interested in the first place?
I have always been interested in understanding more about Buddhist practices but it took a conversation with an old friend in the UK, when I was visiting last year, to spark my interest in Ashtanga yoga. I told her that although I loved meditation and mindfulness I had always found yoga difficult to remain interested and engaged in. She has been practicing Ashtanga for 10 years, told me it changed her life and she encouraged me to find an introductory course and give it a go.
What is it that got you hooked?
Allison, Mel, Jenny and the Live and Breathe yoga space. When I first attended the introductory course I just felt so welcome and inspired to do the best I can. I never feel any judgement, just absolute support and encouragement to get the best out of my practice each week.
What do you love about Live and Breathe Yoga?
I love that whilst the world rushes past outside and although I hear the wonderful city/traffic noises, I am cocooned in such a calm and nourishing space.
What benefits/changes have you felt since practising yoga?
I feel so much stronger and toned than I did before and I enjoy being in a space which encourages me to stop and concentrate on me, and my body, for an hour.
How often do you practice in a week?
2-3 times per week.
What’s your favourite thing about Ashtanga Yoga?
I love that it is a set sequence which allows you to notice the small improvements you make with certain postures. Because the same postures are practiced each time it encourages you to understand how your body feels each time you practice – I love tuning in to my body each week.
What would you say to someone who is thinking of trying yoga?
If you are thinking about it then you are half way there. Take the next step and do the introductory course – it will enhance and enrich your life in so many ways.
