Yoga Pathways

Name: Barbie Greenwood

Age: 56 and a lot

Occupation: Clinical Coding Audit Lead (oi, you lot, stop yawning!)

How do you know Jordanna?  What sort of question is this?  Who doesn’t know Jordanna – superwoman, life coach, font of all goodness, cherished friend.  First it was Zumba, then ZUMBA!, Hemsby, lockdown, fitness classes including dance, step, and then Yoga.

Which of her classes do you go to and how long have you been going to her classes? I am a Yoga Addict – mornings, double bubble Tuesdays and Thursdays too.  It’s been a while now; like a true addict, I can;t remember when I lost control of my downward facing dog….Ummmmm….. oh, whoops, Ommmmmm

Introduction:

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into yoga?

In short – born Strood, Kent – shy, terrified of life, frequently sick. Moved to building site / war zone in Hargrave, Suffolk – shy, terrified of life, village primary school, bullied.  Hated school – expelled twice.  Flourished at work, liked work, hated everything else, including me.  Disordered eating.  Exercised to excess.  Zero self-respect, low self-esteem, plenty of mistakes.  Married a rat-fink, had a baby, got gerbil, loved the baby and the gerbil.  Got divorced – I got the baby, he got custody of the gerbil; oh, and I regained freedom, found some self-respect and happiness in solitude!  Other stuff happened, nearly died a few times, found out that nothing is really worth the trouble of hating it.  Dabbled with yoga when my boy was young, enjoyed it but couldn’t fit it in.  But…. Yoga + Jordanna + our community = living my best life – oh yeah!

Yoga Journey:

What motivated you to start practicing yoga?

I was a mess and needed to find a more acceptable addiction than living in a constant state of anxiety, self-doubt and shame.

How has yoga positively impacted your life? 

It’s the turning inwards and liking being in there, after shedding negative thoughts and lies I used to tell myself and live.  Serious stuff – it takes work, commitment and a lot of effort to get to this point. 

Favourite Yoga Pose:

Do you have a favourite yoga pose or sequence? 

Dancer

Why? 

I don’t know why I can do it, when every other time I try to stand on one leg in class I keel over. Even the mention of dancer makes me feel light on the inside.

Off the Mat:

Aside from yoga, what are your other interests or hobbies? 

Socialising – family, friends and supporting others to navigate life’s trip hazards / recover from falls, puzzles (various), reading trite novels (teen fiction, crime fiction, lightweight dross), going out – events / meals / concerts / festivals / venues / walks / craft workshops – especially painting and willow weaving.  Rather too much work, because I really do enjoy it.

How do you balance your yoga practice with other aspects of your life? 

Yoga fits in with work, unless I need to flex around it and then work fits in with yoga.  There’s loads of time for everything, unless you keep on saying yes to everything – another habit I’m working on 

Mind-Body Connection:

How does yoga influence your mental and emotional wellbeing?

There are activities that need your entire attention – meditation, artistic endeavour, tai chi, studying beauty, and yoga.  Yoga silently stops the noisy juggernaut racing through my head.  When that silence descends, there is only yoga, breath, movement, flowing water and surrender.  A daily fix nourishes my soul and soothes my emotions.  Yoga is a part of my emotional continence first aid kit and it’s practice is the solid shelf supporting me in community.

Have you noticed any changes in your mindset since starting yoga? 

The little devil on my shoulder is less invasive these days because I have tuned it’s negative messaging out.  My softly spoken “I can” drowns out its staccato “You can’t, won’t, didn’t, couldn’t, haven’t, shan’t”, and no matter how loud it shouts, my focus is zeroed in on the positives.

Are there any community events or activities that you particularly enjoy?

Everything, especially in December – I never had a Birthday party until I met you all; thank you.

Community Involvement:

How did you become a part of this yoga community?

Oh, totally by accident. I am naturally invisible, withdrawn, and camouflaged in any situation – ha ha ha

Wellness Practices:

Do you have any other wellness practices that complement your yoga routine? 

I have been practicing tai chi for almost two years, which helps with my balance and control.  I’ve just restarted my morning tea ceremony as well, which is adding another level of thankfulness.  I practice daily gratitude and growing in joy.  For a year I’ve invested in acupuncture, which has dialled down my menopause and migraine symptoms and improved my sleep schedule and quality, too.

Personal Growth:

Can you share a specific instance where yoga played a significant role in your personal growth? 

We shared a class on handstands, which brought about a flashback of a deeply buried traumatic memory.  While the class carried on around me, I sat in my discomfort and calmed my breathing.  I regularly launch myself hand first onto the sofa, the bed and occasionally the floor.

Favourite Quotes or Mantras:

Do you have any favourite yoga-related quotes or mantras that inspire you? 

“Feel the space between your eyes.  Feel the space between your lungs.  Feel the space in the room that surrounds you.”  

Advice for Others:

What advice would you give to someone who is just starting their yoga journey? 

It is all about the invitation.  Respond in your own way.  Find your ego, shrink it, and life will be much happier.

How do you stay motivated to continue your yoga practice? 

Ooh, if I told you that, I’d have to kill you, ha ha haaaaa.

Community Connection:

How do you connect with others in the yoga community? 

With love, respect and kindness.  Often with hugs and speech, but mostly through affinity.

Are there any yoga-related events or workshops that you recommend to fellow practitioners? 

If Jordanna’s running it – join in. 

Future Goals:

Do you have any specific goals or aspirations related to your yoga practice? 

A whole day of self-inspired yoga, mindfulness, meditation and silence at home, in my own space with my cat for company. 

How do you see your yoga journey evolving in the future? 

I’m up for everything, but….; I have to work on the multitude of hang-ups, rootling around to tease out the knots and tangles, not to make it all perfectly smooth – that’s a mug’s game, but rather to relax the frizz