“Coming to Yoga Loft is like a sanctuary for the mind, getting my flexibility back is an added extra.”
Two-and-a-half years ago, my life had become so fast paced that my anxiety levels were through the roof. I was overwhelmed, with a hectic working schedule and the never-ending pressures of modern life; it was then that I realised that I needed to sort my head out. I didn't want to live like that anymore and that’s when I decided to take ‘a year out’ from life and I paid my first visit to Yoga Loft.
I was so nervous about my first yoga class. The first step was getting a timetable and the second step was heading into the Loft. I remember going into the toilets and telling myself, ‘come on Jo, you only have to stay for 10 minutes'. I took it minute-by-minute and that was it, I was soon going five or so times a week. The Yoga Loft really is an exceptional place; it’s my sanctuary, a sanctuary for my mind.
“If you’d told me 10 years ago, I would enjoy yoga, I would have laughed as my mind was always so busy. You could not keep me still.”
The Yoga Loft soon because my safe place; a place where everyone comes together but we’re all there for there for ourselves. For that time, it’s literally about surrendering what’s going on in your life; giving into your thoughts and accepting yourself. There’s no judgement and no competition.
If, like me, you struggle to switch your brain and body off, it might seem impossible to think you could ever keep me still and sit through an hour of yoga. I never thought I’d be able to do it, but I did. That time is now my time. That hour is like you’re being given a full body massage for an hour, especially for your emotions. Yoga has since become more than just a class and a few stretches - it’s become a way of life. I now practice yoga in my everyday life. I take what I’ve learnt wherever I go now.
“When I go to The Yoga Loft, I feel like I am going home and I carry that principle of looking after myself first through all areas of my life.”
I was unsure whether I wanted to share my story or not. I asked myself, do I be honest? I soon realised though, I need to. I don’t want mental health to be a taboo, people should talk about it. People should not feel ashamed, or embarrassed. I myself, have been through depression and anxiety. Yoga teaches you self-acceptance and patience. It also teaches you to ground yourself in the present. Be still and slow down. Life is not a race. It is an experience.
People should go to yoga, they should go to The Yoga Loft; and for the ones who say ‘you’ll never catch me going to yoga’ – that was me once and take it from me, you’re the ones who need it most.