Spotlight on Sarah Jones: Lotus Flower Yoga

Today we’re speaking to Sarah, from Lotus Flower Yoga – one of the highly experienced yoga teachers at Old School Studio. Sarah has been practising yoga for the past 20 years. In her classes, she ties together the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga for a rounded balanced experience. Here’s what she had to say about her practice:

1. What styles of yoga do you teach?

At the moment I teach my own style of yoga that combines my experience in Hatha, Dru, Ashtanga and Vinyasa.

2. What brought you to yoga and how did your journey start?

My Yoga journey happened by chance. I was seeking something in my life. I was a lost 16 year old living by myself, ungrounded and coming to terms with my existence on the earth. It was 1997 and everyone was talking about India and finding themselves. A lady in a vegetarian cafe suggested I go to a yoga class with her. The class was upstairs above a wine bar, as you went in the air was filled with the scent of patchouli and hippy throws were hanging on the walls. It was an Ashtanga yoga class and I was fascinated by the way the people moved like insects. The two teachers were a couple and they took me under their wing and helped me find accommodation.

3. How long have you been practising?

I have been practising yoga ever since.

4. What do you feel yoga creates in your daily life?

Yoga creates harmony at first a purely physical practice and then healing an awareness shift. Yoga offers what we need in life. When we step onto our mats we find our way.

5.What is one thing that yoga has taught you?

Yoga has taught me that we are all insignificant but important at the same time. We can find a strength that we don’t know we have, we can harness compassion and tap into our inner wisdom.

6. What is your favourite thing about teaching yoga?

At the moment I love watching progression in someone’s practice whether that’s spiritual or physical.

7. What do you like about teaching at Old School Studio?

The studio is an amazing space and it’s a supportive environment to work in.

8. How many times a week do you practice and for how long?

I practice every day, sometimes pranayama – breathwork, sometimes asana practice. I have three children at home, the youngest is three and the oldest is ten. I find being a mum is part of my practice. being in life is part of our practice.

9. What are some benefits students can expect when they practise yoga regularly?

Yoga will bring more energy to your life. It will ripple out in how you live your life, strength and flexibility, less anxiety, more compassion for yourself and others.

10. Can you tell us what your classes are like – what can we expect?

My classes are themed around a weekly reading incorporating a slow flow where you will develop an understanding of movement to breath. I include strengthening exercises, energy block releases and always finish with relaxation/meditation. My classes offer stages to suit different fitness levels but the class is mat based so moving up and down from the floor is required.

11. What advice would you give someone who wants to attend their first yoga class?

Just turn up the hardest part is turning up.

12. What do students need to wear and bring to attend your class?

Some clothing you can move in, a mat, water, cosy jumper or blanket.

13. Do you have any recommended yoga reading?

Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse and The Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele.

14. What’s your favourite affirmation or mantra?

I believe in myself.

Sarah teaches Yoga by Candle-light every Tuesday, 7.30 – 8.30 pm and Thursday, 7 – 8 pm. Call 07817 917426 or email lotusyogacornwall@gmail.com to book. Click here to view our full timetable.