YOGI OF THE MONTH

October 2020 - Peggy DeFranco

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

It’s been about 10 years since I started yoga. When I first began, the teacher focused on just poses, but after a while, I longed for a way to connect all that I was learning. That brought me to another studio where I was introduced to the concept of flow. It all started to make sense, then COVID hit and the studio, like so many others, went under. I went to a few Y classes here and then decided to take the leap and attend Susan’s classes! I was unsure of my skills at first, but in the safe, non-judgmental atmosphere of IOY, I feel that I’m learning and improving every day.

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

Because I’m sort of a kinetic person with a lot of physical and psychological energy, I find that yoga helps calm my body and mind. Almost a kind of “re-set” for the day.

What is your favorite pose and why?

Peaceful Warrior appeals to me. It is both powerful and respectful.

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

This would depend on my mood and energy level! Vinyasa Flow kicks my butt and Yin Yang Flow brings everything down a notch!

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

Certainly, I’m much more focused. Yoga helps calm and/or filter out the noise of stress. It makes me feel brave enough to conquer challenges. I also have a great appreciation and gratitude for simpler things.

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

Listen to EVERY word the teacher says. Concentrate on the basics and build from thee. It’s like golf (which I don’t play); you’ll rarely have a perfect game, but it sure is satisfying practicing it.

What is your occupation?

I am a recently retired nurse anesthetist. I worked in general surgery, ambulatory surgery, and ended up giving anesthesia on the Labor and Delivery unit, which I loved. Before that, I taught critical care nursing.

What activities do you enjoy?

My winter activities would be cross-country skiing and snow shoeing. My summer favorites are kayaking, standup paddle boarding, hiking, running and biking. I’ve done a couple marathons and mini-triathalons, but the training requires a commitment that I don’t always have! I also just started volunteering at the Northumberland County Animal Shelter once a week. I’m the Saturday “Cat Lady!”

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

Being a Yankee from Rochester, NY, I’m always a little surprised and a lot heartened by how welcoming people are here. I love the water. We grow oysters here and have a vegetable garden. I’m discovering the “farm girl” in me!

Is there anything you want to add?

Just that the process of self-discovery is never-ending.