YOGI OF THE MONTH

March 2023 - Alli Crowell

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

I have been practicing yoga in some capacity most of my life, beginning with following along (and sometimes giggling along) with my mom’s VHS yoga tapes as a child. I returned to a more routine yoga practice a few years ago in response to a prolonged recovery from multiple mild Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and whiplash.

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

I have a daily meditation and yoga practice with multiple local instructors and when I am in the Northern Neck, I cherish the opportunities I have to practice at InsideOut Yoga. (Recently attended the IOY Costa Rica retreat which was incredible!) I am currently working on my RYT200 Yoga Teacher Training which I will finish this May and afterward plan to complete a trauma-informed yoga and mindfulness facilitator training through the Love Your Brain foundation. I would love to be able to offer their programs at a studio in my community. 

What is your favorite pose and why?  

I love Warrior 1 with hands in prayer. It feels both powerful and centering. 

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga? 

I have enjoyed every class I’ve taken at InsideOut, but my favorite is Yin Yang Flow as it is a beautiful blend of restorative poses as well as a more active standing practice.  

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life? 

Yoga has dramatically improved my quality of life, especially over the last few years as I find a path forward through the aftermath of my injuries and learn to live within this new reality. I often describe my post-injury brain and body as a snow globe that has trouble settling. Yoga and meditation provide moments of clarity, focus and peace that I can carry into my day responding more mindfully and calmly to stressful situations.  

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student? 

It can be intimidating to be in a studio with other seasoned yogis at first and is tempting to try to compare yourself to others. Take your time learning to do poses correctly and in the way that feels best for your body, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The goal is not to look like other people in the class, or “get to the next level.” It is about finding your own inner strength and resilience. It is both physically and mentally demanding, but not competitive. Allow yourself to be open to unexpected benefits you might find in this practice. 

What is your occupation? 

I am an educator and have taught Spanish and ESL to all ages, ranging from elementary to adult students. I now work as an instructional coach supporting teachers, administrators and other instructional coaches through observations, feedback and professional development. 

What activities do you enjoy? 

I love being on the water. Our family enjoys a range of water sports such as kayaking, paddleboarding and fishing, as well as other outdoor activities like hiking and gardening. I also enjoy playing music (I play the string bass and piano), reading, cooking, traveling, and Latin dancing. 

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

I currently live in Gettysburg, PA, but my family has vacationed in White Stone, VA for generations. I have had the privilege of traveling to over 30 countries in my life, but our cottage on Mosquito Point is my favorite place in the world. We have a family tradition of rolling down the windows as we cross the Rappahannock River bridge and taking in the smells of the rivah as we come into town. It’s a place where I feel instantly happy and at peace. We also enjoy eating our fill of blue crabs and oysters. 😊 

Is there anything you want to add? 

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Check out the Love Your Brain Foundation and spread the word! This organization has done a ton of research around the benefits of yoga and meditation for acquired, severe and mild TBI and offers a wide range of free resources and programs for the brain injury community. www.loveyourbrain.org. 

Also, as a part of the #MoreThanMyBrainInjury campaign, my story was recently published with the Brain Injury Association of America. If you or someone you know has suffered a brain injury or is a caretaker, encourage them to share their story!