Flow Yoga – Kate Edwards
Following on from last month’s article, we’re currently meeting local businesses who aren’t visible on the High Street, but all of whom contribute to our local economy.
Kate Edwards set up her yoga practice following a run of difficult life experiences. Discovering the life-changing benefits of yoga and mindfulness, she decided to “share this magic with others,” and after lengthy (and continuing) training, set up Flow Yoga.
Since then, Kate has become well known for her love of yoga and her considerate, thoughtful nature is impossible to miss. You can’t leave her class without feeling uplifted. She is now offering beginner lessons within our local community and intends to continue with new classes at St Peter’s Rooms in the New Year.
I asked Kate more about her business and passion.
Q. What attracted you to yoga?
A. My late mum loved yoga; she was the first person I saw in yoga poses and in meditation. It helped her during her painful final months of life. She encouraged me to take it up in my 20s. My practice changed after I became a mother myself and life gave me a new set of challenges. I was suffering with poor health and anxiety (diagnosed as postnatal anxiety) when my doctor suggested I should explore mindfulness techniques such as yoga. After joining a class, I immediately connected with it, and my mind and body said “Yes”!
Q. Do you practice yoga every day?
A. Yes, I try to. Most days I will create time to practice; this can range from stillness or a physical practice lasting 10 to 90 minutes.
Q. What made you become a teacher?
A. Witnessing the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of yoga myself, I wanted to share this with others. I’m forever expanding my knowledge through my own yogic journey, and teaching others helps fulfil my goal to become a better practitioner. I’ve always naturally connected to new people and being able to bring these things together is wonderful.
Q. What’s it like running your own business?
A. I’ve loved it so far. I can make work fit into my busy family life and I’ve found it very rewarding. I’m always learning and evolving and I enjoy the process.
Q. What benefits do you enjoy about yoga?
A. There are so many! Yoga can take you “out of your head” and into your body. We live in a busy, high pressured and judgemental world, but when I step onto my mat I drop into the present. There’s no judgement in yoga and no expectation, other than listening to your body. Yoga also physically builds strength and increases flexibility, amongst many other awesome benefits. It’s changed my life.
A. Why do you think it’s so popular?
A. People are becoming more aware of the importance of looking after their mental as well as their physical health – the two are linked together. We need to build confidence and self-acceptance, and yoga can help.
Q. What kinds of people come to your classes?
A. All different kinds. Yoga is for everyone.
Q. What do you like to do in Ruddington?
A. I love the village feel of the High Street, especially the shops and cafés. I’m particularly loving The Next Episode and the plant-based goodness it has to offer. As a family, we love the open green spaces and the Country Park; it’s good for the soul. I love the classes at the Compound Strength and Conditioning Gym – the workout is amazing and the people are so friendly.
Q. What else do you like to do?
A. I love spending time with my family and friends. I love nature, animals and the sea. I like to be by the sea at least once a year, which can be tricky in landlocked Nottingham!
Kate’s Ruddington classes take place at St Peter’s Rooms on Wednesdays, from 10am to 11am. All are welcome. For more information, you can contact Kate on 07967 186 747, at kateflowyoga@gmail.com, visit facebook.com/kateflowyoga.
Sarah Godfrey