Name: Mark Wharton

Age: 62

Occupation: “Retired”

How do you know Jordanna?

I’ve known her for so long, I can’t remember how we met. I used to do Zumba at the Erskine centre, but I think I might have met her before that as our daughters both went to the same dance classes.

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

I’m an Erskine centre Tuesday-nighter and regular-ish morning Zoom-er. I’ve been on all the retreats as an attendee and caterer

Introduction:

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

Studied Physics at Durham. Worked In computing for 40+ years, coached tennis at Culford School for 9 years and played sax in bands all my life including with Jules Holland and Billy Bragg.

I’ve always been into physical activity. I’ve cycled and played tennis all my life and, when I was young, I used to do karate, a bit of ballet(!) and dancercise. Around 2010 I did Zumba with Jordanna. Before lock-down, Liz and I did “yoga-lates” and during lock-down we (along with a lot of others) did yoga with Adrienne on YouTube.

Yoga Journey:

What motivated you to start practicing yoga?

Getting old. I needed something to improve my strength and flexibility. I’ve had the odd mental health problem (who hasn’t?) and I thought that yoga would help with that, too.

How has yoga positively impacted your life?
I’ve definitely improved my strength, flexibility and balance – all of which are important as I age. I’ve also found a wonderful community of lovely people which makes me very happy.

Favourite Yoga Pose:

Do you have a favourite yoga pose or sequence? Why?
I’ve always liked Triangle. It combines all the elements, strength, flexibility and balance (I know a lot of others do, but I like the simplicity of triangle). I like yogi squats and Crow, too.

Least favourite yoga pose?

Handstands

Why? I’m a 15-stone, 60-year-old bloke. ‘Nuff said…

Off the Mat:

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

I like music (play sax in 3 bands), I run the repair café in BSE, I cycle, I love sourdough baking, I volunteer at King Edward’s school doing maths and music, I work with SEND kids repairing stuff and I still do the odd bit of tennis coaching.

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

I’ve been interested in the mental aspect of sports since I was a teenager. “The Inner Game of Tennis” was a life-changing book for me as it’s about how your conscious mind and your unconscious body-mind interact when trying to achieve a physical goal. That’s been called Yoga-tennis. So it’s kind-of always been there. You can apply the same philosophy to many things (Skiing, Music and even business). When I ran a company, we used some of this approach to help us overcome obstacles or technical challenges.

Mind-Body Connection:

How does yoga influence your mental and emotional well-being?

I’d like to say I’m calmer – but I’m not sure. I’m certainly more comfortable with my own thoughts.

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

I’m more accepting of things as they are. Not everything can be exactly as you want, but you can’t start to change it, or your reaction to it, unless you accept that this is how it is.

Community Involvement:

How did you become a part of this yoga community?

I have to tag Liz here. She introduced me to it. Even back in the 90’s when we used to go to classes at the City Lit in London.

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

The Retreats are great.

Wellness Practices:

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

I do Pilates which is very different, but complementary, to Yoga. Cycling and tennis in a mindful way and best of all, music. I can immerse myself in music and lose hours.

How do you maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle?

I’ve been veggie for 40 years. Diet and exercise sounds so trite, but they are the 2 most important things you can do to your body

Personal Growth:

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

Right now. I’m retiring and moving into a new phase of my life as I leave work, my children leave home and my parents are reaching the end of their lives. Yoga has helped me to assimilate these changes and to come to terms with the reality of my situation.

Favourite Quotes or Mantras:

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

I’ve had the little book of Zen for many years. A couple of favourites:

“Seek not to follow in the footsteps of the wise. Seek instead what they sought”

“In the mind of the beginner there are many possibilities, in the mind of the master there are few”

and a recent (to me) new one

“Nana korobi ya oki” (Fall down seven times, get up eight)

Advice for Others:

Be patient with yourself. Some things will be easier, some will be hard. Treat them both with the same attention.

How do you stay motivated to continue your yoga practice?

Being married to Liz. It’s now part of our relationship and routine. I’ve always found that telling others that you’ve committed to something helps to keep you on track – especially if you wake up next to them at 6:30am!

Community Connection:

How do you connect with others in the yoga community?

It’s funny how when you say: “I do Yoga” how many other people say – “oh, so do I”. Try it for yourself.

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

Not particularly. I would say that I found the hot yoga in the inflatable space in Cambridge very claustrophobic.

Future Goals:

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

To continue to practice for as long as I am physically capable.

How do you see your yoga journey evolving in the future?
Hopefully, one day, my hamstrings will stretch.