Five Questions with Parmjit Sagoo

Not only is Parmjit Sagoo our Community Projects Producer, she is also a Yoga Practitioner who explores how yoga and creativity can be empowering and enable wellbeing. She tells us more about her Yoga & Art workshops, how she’s been taking time to notice the little things in lockdown, and her love of old school disco…

Not only is Parmjit Sagoo our Community Projects Producer, she is also a Yoga Practitioner who explores how yoga and creativity can be empowering and enable wellbeing. She tells us more about her Yoga & Art workshops, how she’s been taking time to notice the little things in lockdown, and her love of old school disco…

What can we expect from the Yoga & Art events?

Yoga and Art is a chance to escape everyday life for the morning, and enjoy some serenity and stillness. We’ll begin with yoga, moving through flowing yoga sequences slowly and mindfully. We’ll then watch a short film featuring Phoebe’s Boswell’s exhibition ‘Here’, accompanied by a bespoke soundtrack created by local artist Tom Harris. Within the film, we’ve tried to create the feeling of a gently paced wander through the gallery. Afterwards, we finish with a deep, guided relaxation to help the body and mind process the experience, and feel a sense of calm.

When did your yoga journey begin?

I’ve grew up with prayer and meditation as part of everyday family life, so in many ways yoga has always been there. Just over 10 years ago I was dealing with some health issues, and yoga became an important part of my healing process, becoming an integral part of my daily life. For me, yoga is something I practice all the time, not just through a physical practice on my mat. It’s about living a life authentically committed to compassion, empathy, unity and justice, wherever you are.

What has been a culturally healing moment for you in these last few months?

As well as a yoga practitioner, I’m also a drama specialist. It’s been a tough time for anyone that creates theatre, but I’ve been inspired by how incredibly inventive people are being. I’ve experienced one person plays via phone calls, a ghost story communicated through WhatsApp, live zoom performances, and postcard stories. During this challenging time of isolation and disconnection, it fills me with hope when artists continue to be resilient, finding ways to connect and bring joy into people’s lives.

Tips on how to stay creative during lockdown?

Keep moving, even if it’s gentle movement, try not to become lethargic or stagnant. Whether that’s walking, dancing, cycling or any other type of movement, it will help keep the energy flowing and the imagination active.

Also, take time to notice the beauty in small things, especially within nature. It could be the feeling of sun shining on your skin, the shadows that trees cast on the pavement, or the sound of your footsteps walking across crunchy snow. These small sensory moments could be the beginning of a creative process.

What’s a song on your playlist that has made you dance recently?

I must admit that I love a bit of old school disco, it’s my happy music. Superstition by Stevie Wonder always gets me moving. My Punjabi roots means classic bhangra is pure music therapy for me, it’s in my genes and I can’t resist, I’m up and dancing as soon as I hear a bhangra beat!

Find out more about the Yoga & Art events and book your ticket here

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