YOGI OF THE MONTH

September 2024 - Chris Collins

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

In the past I have done some yoga, but very infrequently. I had taken some Vinyasa classes and really enjoyed them. Early this year I lost my husband after a long illness. I purposely focused on what would help me with my grief and keep me grounded. I developed a four-prong plan to focus on my inner peace and well-being, improve my physical strength and balance, resume my passion for sailing and continue my work as a Nurse Practitioner. I needed to find peace within myself and to restore my spirit after being a caretaker for the past 2-3 years and losing my very best friend.  I felt lost and tired. I developed my survival plan and putting my plan into action, signed up for the Vinyasa Basics class. I now try to attend Vinyasa Flow Tuesday and Thursday and Yin/Yang Flow on Saturday.

What is your favorite pose and why?

Neutral spine pose(s): Tadasana, Sukhasana, Downward Dog, Tree Pose and Genie out of the Bottle (although I struggle with Genie and balance). I love the feeling of rooting, extending and lengthening the spine. I love the connection to breath. Elongating the spine makes me feel taller, I feel uplifted. I also really enjoy working on the arm balancing poses: the exhilaration and effort of getting your feet off the ground!

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

Vinyasa Flow, and I love Susan’s You Tube class, Well-Rounded Vinyasa Flow with Funky Transitions!

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

I feel calmer, better able to focus at work and to be more productive. I have become intent on being present. I began to see the results after a couple of months of practicing 2-3 times a week. I was getting stronger; my balance was slowly improving and I was able to find the pose and my breath. I have a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. I’m working on smooth transitions, and love Susan’s reminders of how we take our practice off the mat. I’m using yoga to find more patience, empathy and compassion. But one thing that I believe is a fundamental component of resilience is gratitude. Yoga is helping me to build resilience, even in life’s disappointments and tragedies. Most of the time my intention for my practice included gratitude for the people who’ve been in my life and have influenced who I am and for the people now present in my life and who support me. I’m grateful for the ability to do yoga. Off the mat, I’m grateful to be able to help others enjoy the best quality of life possible.

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

Learn the fundamentals, check yourself in your pose and adjust to improve the pose. Remember to breathe. Listen when Susan says, “honor your body.” It’s not a competition; it’s a journey and evolution of mind and body.

What is your occupation?

Nurse Practitioner - proudly now 41 years. I work primarily in geriatrics but am also helping a couple of hours a week at a women’s addiction and recovery facility. 

What activities do you enjoy?

Of course, yoga, SAILING is my passion, biking, kayaking, paddleboarding. I am a volunteer with CRAB, an adaptive sailing and boating program in Annapolis for persons of all ages with all types of disabilities. Classical music, especially the Baroque period, Bach, Vivaldi, Handel! I also enjoy all new classical music. All music was once new.

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

I love being near and on the water! Water and wind are so soothing! It’s so free to get out on a sailboat, no sound of a motor and connect with the wind. I love the feel of the tiller! I love the feel of the connection with the wind, the water and the boat. When everything is just right and you’re in the groove, sometimes the boat will sing. I love the peace and quiet, the wildlife, the birds. I love the pileated woodpeckers!

Is there anything you want to add?

Thank you, Susan, for the honor of being Yogi of the Month.