3 minute read
AMAZING GRACE by Sophie Brown
If you have a preconceived idea about what yoga looks like, it might be a good idea to read on. MC magazine’s Sophie Brown met Grace Pennington, the 33 year old changing the way we think about yoga – and discovered that all you need to meditate is a quiet space and some plants!
As a cruise entertainment officer Grace Pennington’s lifestyle was one of long hectic days and evenings spent in the crew bar, as that was the only place to socialise.
Underneath what seemed to be a fun existence, Grace developed anxiety. After she began having panic attacks her brother suggested apps he’d used for meditation.
Grace Pennington
Joel Goodman
The impact was massive and immediate. Grace recalls sitting on the back of a bus listening to a meditation for the first time.
“I remember this feeling of the stress just leaving my body and melting away.”
The former dancer embarked on what seemed a natural path to becoming a yogi. She visited Goa, India to complete her training. “I was feeling like I’d found my practice, it was magical. I thought ‘I’ve got to share this with everyone, it’s just so healing’.”
Today she runs classes for people of all ages, with a philosophy that all you need is to listen to your body.
“I encourage people not to get caught up with the idea of how yoga should look. We see posts on social media of people arranging their bodies in crazy shapes and it can put people off, but anyone can practice yoga. If you’re taking 10 minutes out of your day for yourself, and focusing on your mind, body and breath, that’s yoga.”
Her own routine varies depending on how she feels. “Sometimes I’ll do 10 minutes meditation or 20 minutes yoga. Other times I will sit in stillness and gaze at my plants. It’s about finding what works for you.”
She describes yoga as ‘the ultimate self care’ and advocates involving children from a young age.
“It’s a safe space where they can learn about their mind and their bodies so that when they’re older they’ll have an awareness of mindfulness. Family yoga is a wonderful way for families to come together and strengthen bonds, where everyone is equal.”
Grace still enjoys a party, but believes strong bonds are forged through yoga. “I think you’re more present and you can have deeper, meaningful conversations.”
FIND OUT MORE about Grace’s classes on Instagram:
Adult yoga: @innerbliss_yoga
Toddler, kids and teen yoga: @blissfulbees2022
To find a yoga class near you, enter your postcode on The British Wheel of Yoga website: bwy.org.uk
