My Yoga Blog gives insights and thoughts on yoga practice, philosophy, meditation, wellbeing, creating habits that serve you and the yoga community.

This month our 'Spotlight on...' is on the unforgettable, impossible to overlook yogi Julie Tovey.

Name: Julie Tovey

Age: 61

Occupation: Personal Banker

How do you know Jordanna?

I first met Jordanna when she was teaching Zumba at the local village hall where I attended her classes. I loved the dance routines and enjoyed how she’d inject humour and fun into the classes.

If it wasn’t for Jordanna I would never have started Yoga. I loved her Zumba classes and exercise for me always had to involve lots of funky upbeat music, (hiding any unintentional bodily sounds) and lots of jumping around and sweating. My motivation was to “give it a go” and I missed Jordanna – so why not?

Which of her classes do you go to, and how long have you been going to her classes?

Currently, I attend Jordanna's Yoga at the Erskine Centre in Chedburgh on Tuesday evenings and participate in her live Zoom classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday morning at 7am.

My journey with Jordanna began in early 2022 with Thursday evening classes at the Hunter Club.

From the very first class, I was hooked, So much more welcoming and less humiliating than my very first ever Yoga class at the very trendy Pineapple Studio’s in London in the early 80’S. Attempting the “Plough” extremely loud queef and almost died of embarrassment – never again was my immediate response!

Here I am almost 45 years later writing this… I think I am over it.

successfully completing the 21-day challenge in September 2022, I embraced morning yoga as a regular part of my routine. The challenge was not only a personal triumph but a testament to my commitment to overcoming any doubts, even those of my sceptical husband.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

Born and raised in London, I spent over two decades in the travel industry, exploring diverse corners of the world. Seeking a change, I voluntarily took redundancy to relocate to Suffolk with my partner John and our two young daughters. The move was challenging but ultimately one of the best decisions I ever made, second only to ending a tumultuous 13-year marriage.

What's your favourite yoga pose?

My favourite Yoga pose… Who doesn’t love Lizard? Who wouldn’t want to laze around soaking up the warmth of the sunlight? Also Baby Wild Thing, Childs’ pose and Happy Baby (there seems to be a theme here – embracing my inner child) and Warrior 2. I really enjoy the sun salutations and flows. I am also very much enjoying learning about the Chakras and feel that this is something I will continue to educate myself about, currently waiting for Amazon to make a delivery of some books.

Mind- Body Connection

I had no idea what a huge part yoga would begin to play in my life. Who knew nearly 2 years on I’d be enjoying 4 practices a week. And it’s also had an enormous positive impact on my mental health. Using breathing and meditation technics to calm my anxious periods and put things into perspective. In my job at NatWest, I often have to deal with angry, upset customers and taking a few minutes and some deep breaths helps me to respond is a more calm and professional way. My family remark that I am a lot less “hot headed” since I have been practising Yoga

Off the Matt

I do not like the phrase YOLO – your only live once, I saw it written that that is a lie – you only die once, you live every day. So, when I’m not on the mat I try to enjoy the company of friends and make as many memories as possible. I love live music events, going to the theatre. I love to travel and this year I am going to Krakow, spending almost 2 weeks in Egypt – it has long been a wish of mine to visit the pyramids and travel on the Nile taking in all the fabulous sights and sounds with so much history. I also try to maintain a healthy heart/body with regular fitness classes, boxercise, body pump and dancercise and if I could persuade Jordanna to start Zumba classes again I would give 100% attendance. I am fortunate to be able to balance my “work/life balance” through the support of John my long-suffering 2nd husband who is cooks, irons and is generally an all-round “good egg”.

How do you connect with others in the yoga community?

I have encountered so many wonderful people and made some new friends along the way. Swam in local rivers and lakes, dressed up at Brittany Spears for a Dance Party (quite brave at my age), attended Sound Baths and enjoyed several Yoga workshops with Jordanna and even a Yoga retreat in Portugal. I really enjoy the Yoga dance parties – a chance to re-call the music of past and present and revisit some of our old Zumba routines. I get completely lost in the nostalgia of it all. Sadly, I will be away for the Barbie Party. 😭 😭

Do you have any yoga related quotes or affirmations that inspire you?

One of my favourite affirmations - “I am enough, I have enough, there is enough for everyone” I am able to connect this to so many areas of my day to day life – except for shoes! What women ever said, “I have enough shoes?” On a recent visit to Thailand, I was very taken by the Buddhist way of thinking and a phrase that has embedded itself on me is “Now is the knowing.” I don’ think it needs any explanation. For me it’s just that – what we know now is all we can act upon, worrying will not improve or make a situation worse. I am keen to understand more about of the Buddhist teachings, but have yet to read any of the 4 books I ordered immediately from Amazon upon my return…..LOL I can be impulsive…

Future goals

I have a small wrist tattoo of an open heart; this was done after one of the 21-day practices in Sept ’22. I have always liked the heart shape, so this became a great excuse for me to have my second tattoo. I had planned to have a Lotus flower as I have always liked what it symbolises “purification of mind, body and speech; of awakening and letting go” but after that session opted for the heart. Having now learned that the Mudra for the Heart Chakra is a Lotus – guess what? The Lotus flower will be my third tattoo.

Jordanna's classes transcend mere yoga sessions; they're a community of support, laughter, and shared experiences. It's not just about the poses, but the people, stories, and encouragement we offer each other. The positive impact on my mental health, the calming effects of breathing and meditation techniques, and the camaraderie make every practice a source of gratitude in my life.