About You

Name, age, occupation

Karen Page age 54, Occupation – Independent Domestic Violence Advisor for a Domestic Abuse Charity called Leeway

How did you first connect with Jordanna or join her classes?

I have known Jordanna through my good friend Amanda for several years and through seeing J at occasional Zumba classes.

How long have you been part of our yoga community?

Since the start in those early Hunter Club days.  I was sceptical of it being labelled as a beginner’s class.  I knew what a downward facing dog was, I thought I was a seasoned yogi but went along anyway to see what was going on.  I was completely wrong; little did I know I was a beginner really and have learnt so much since joining.

Your Yoga Journey 🧘🏻‍♀️ 🚀

Can you share a little about how you got into yoga?

I decided to try yoga when I was training for the London Marathon in 2006, I thought it might be good stretch!  I started at the Moreton Hall Health Club and later at the Self Centre.  Little did I know how much I would get out of it over the years and how my relationship with it has changed. 

How has yoga surprised you over time?

I am surprised at how I started with exercise of my body in mind, and now I value it for so much more than that.  It has brought me flexibility, calmness, new friends and led me into meditation which I am just beginning my journey in. 

Practice & Preferences

Favourite yoga pose or sequence—and the story behind it?

I do love a tree pose, I like standing tall, my arms swaying in the breeze and I always like having my leg up, it feels a comfortable position for me.

Least favourite yoga pose (and why)? 

Anything with knees down on the floor although my yoga knee pads have been a great investment. 

Life Off the Mat

What are some hobbies or passions beyond yoga?

I am an outdoor girl. I like growing things in my garden, running, cycling and walking with my husband, Ashley. I run with the Moreton Hall Runners and have completed the Felixstowe Triathlon this year, the first one for quite a few years! We have a campervan called Nemo so lots of road trips and adventures.   I also like swimming outdoors in lakes, rivers and the sea, I have always jumped in any body of water but in the last few years it has been so nice to have some dip buddies to do this with. 

How do you weave yoga into your “real” life?

I try to keep to at least one live class a week on Wednesdays, great that we are back at the Unitarian Hall. I am an on/off morning zoom yoga person depending on what else is going on for me at the time.  I also use YouTube for the odd yoga class when I feel the need, I also love a yogi squat at any time, getting something out of the fridge, on the phone at work, watching TV.

Mind-Body Connection

Any memorable “a-ha” moments about your mental or emotional well-being?

I think when I realised that yoga was not just a stretchy easy class and that it was a whole lot more – time to be calm, be in the present moment, links into meditation and the science behind how you can re-wire your brain and thinking in all parts of your life.  I have become a lot calmer and have built up more resilience to difficult situations; I still have work to do though. 

Community & Connection

What does being part of this community mean to you?

I love this community, likeminded people, fantastic support with whatever is going on in my life. 

Favourite community event, workshop, or activity?

Outside yoga for me and the day retreats have been fun.

Wellness Wisdom

Other wellbeing practices that complement your yoga?

I am just starting to meditate regularly and have just joined up for Jordanna’s morning meditation.  I plan to make this a habit to help calm my busy mind and help me to focus in everyday life.  I like to eat well (most of the time) focusing on whole foods and no meat I have also recently dabbled with intermittent fasting which I have found gets easier over time and has amazing health benefits. 

Growth & Inspiration

Is there a quote, mantra, or affirmation that lights you up?

We have a Dr Suess quote on our board at work, ‘Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, those who matter don’t mind’ 

Passing it On

Advice for beginners or newcomers—even if it’s unconventional?

Just do what you can, some people are super flexible, some are not, some can bend this way and that, we are all different.  It is about what you get out of it, not that you can do the poses properly.

How do you stay motivated when you’d rather nap than flow?

Just change into your gear and get ready, you are halfway there.  When I am going out to yoga/run/cycle I often say if I don’t like it, I can just stop and go home, I never do though and never regret it.  The hardest step is going out of your door. 

Looking Forward

Yoga goals or dreams for the future?

To be that 90-year-old woman still practising yoga. 

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