YOGI OF THE MONTH

July 2024 - Terri Sanchez 

What first brought you to yoga and how long have you been practicing? 

I started practicing yoga about 10 years ago to help me prepare for my first half-marathon.  I needed to learn how to stretch all parts of me so I could avoid injury and enjoy running again. 

What is/are your intention(s) for your yoga practice? 

Today, I practice yoga to create space and time to align my body, mind, and spirit—it is an essential element of my wellness. I intend to continue as an active student, challenging myself beyond any preconceived limitations to achieve a perfect chaturanga. Susan is my muse! 

Yoga is also about community; practicing with other yogis from all walks of life inspires me to be the best version of myself on and off my mat. Finally, as my husband Tom and I transition to NNK, I look forward to becoming more active in our wellness community as I expand my Executive and Lifestyle Coaching to serve the inspiring women of the NNK. 

What is your favorite pose and why?  

Neutral Spine—not sure if that is considered a pose?  After taking Susan’s “Focus on Form” class, I had an “aha” moment of how everything begins with Neutral Spine.  I am very conscientious of my posture--especially as I am getting older.  How quickly I started leaning forward as I walked, letting my shoulders inch up towards my ears! When Susan demonstrated active Neutral Spine, I became obsessed with the power of my spine to ensure a confident posture throughout my day.                                                                                                           

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga? 

My favorite is Ying Yang Flow on Saturday mornings!  I absolutely love the 30 minutes of flow to start the class, then the 30 minutes of stretch, and of course, the delicious savasana to complete the practice—it is the best way to end the week! 

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life? 

Yoga offers me joyful possibilities—as a student to approach yoga as a life-long practice, as a yogi to bring and to receive positive energy as part of a community, and as a woman who hopes to inspire other women of all ages to take time for self-care—yoga is the gift for yourself that keeps on giving! 

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student? 

Your mat is your safe space; yoga is practice not perfection; breathe, we all arrive together with just one breath to begin again.  

What is your occupation? 

I am an Air Force Senior Executive with +35 years of service.  I am also an International Coaching Federation (ICF) credentialed Executive and Lifestyle Coach. I am part of the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Treasury Executive Institute coaching cadre providing services to aspiring government senior executives.  I am starting my own practice, Purposeful Design LLC Lifestyle Coaching for women ready to design what’s next for them.

What activities do you enjoy?

I love entertaining—party planning is my jam!  I also love the outdoors--anything in nature. 

What is your favorite thing about living in the Northern Neck or Middle Peninsula?

The people—there are so many uniquely amazing people all around this NNK.  Tom and I are very much looking forward to becoming part of this community!