Yoga Spotlight On...... Liz Cooke

Liz, Elizabeth, Betty, Lizzie, Cookie, Eliza, Pig…

Most people know me as Liz, but I’ll answer to any of the above!

I’m nearly 63 (mentally around 33) and I’m a sculptor and artist.

How did you first connect with Jordanna and her classes?

I’ve known Jordanna since our kids went to Acorns at Ickworth Park Primary School – so just the 24 years or so. We worked together on Fine Not Fine about 10 years ago and became a lot closer.

I’ve learned that anything Jordanna is enthusiastic about is worth a try. So I joined the Zoom classes, and here I still am.

I don’t much like going out and I certainly don’t want to travel for my exercise. So when Jordanna started up a yoga class just down the road, I was there like a shot.

I resist the idea that I’m part of a yoga community. I go to yoga classes, and slowly, in my own way, I get to know people in the class. I enjoy attending live classes, but once we’ve started, I’m there for me and me alone.

I’m helped by not being able to see anyone once I’ve taken my glasses off!

Tell us a little about your yoga journey

I’ve done physical exercise all my life – I have a BA and MA in Dance. I’ve also done yoga on and off for a very long time.

Mark (husband of approximately 150 years) and I used to attend a Friday night class in London. My abiding memory is that there was a band rehearsing next door and, instead of being irritated by it, our guru told us to send “loving vibrations.”

I use that phrase a lot when I’m irritated. Anyone who knows me will know that the loving vibrations rarely work.

And then there was Grandad.

I remember very little about my childhood, but staying with my Granny and Grandad was a treat. In the morning I’d get into bed with Granny and she (with the patience of a saint) would play the alphabet game with me – a girl’s name beginning with each letter of the alphabet, etc. etc.

Meanwhile, Grandad was downstairs doing his yoga.

There was a rumour (Mum says it’s true) that he once got himself stuck with both feet behind his head and Granny had to untangle him.

Anyway, every time I do Lion’s Breath I think of Grandad, as he took great pleasure in demonstrating it to me. At the time I thought he was really old, but he was probably my current age!

So yoga has always been there – more in the foreground now, as I’m aware of trying to keep mobile and prevent myself from saying “ooof” every time I get on and off the sofa.

Favourite yoga poses?

Wild Thing and High Lunge.

They both give me a feeling of openness and freedom – and of being glad to be alive.

Most unusual place you’ve done yoga?

Overlooking the Old Man of Hoy.

Has yoga ever helped when you weren’t actually doing yoga?

I had a bit of a claustrophobic/panic attack at the theatre. I did breathing exercises and focused on grounding my feet.

It worked.

Liz’s wellness wisdom

You can only focus and work on your wellness when it’s the right time for you.

Right now is right for me.

It takes a long time – journey, rollercoaster, all those clichés. But once it’s a habit, it starts to stick.

You can’t be “on it” 24/7, but whenever you can is good enough.

What else keeps you moving?

At the moment I:

• Run 2–3 times a week

• Swim 3 times a week

• Do Pilates once a week

• Go to yoga in person once a week

• Do morning yoga about 4 times a week

• Walk at least once a week, usually more

• Cycle occasionally

• Try to meditate most days

Writing this, I honestly have difficulty recognising this person!

The person who loves lolling about, wearing pyjamas all day, doing nothing, reading books and staying in bed as long as possible.

It’s all about balance and timing.