YOGI OF THE MONTH

December 2024 - Ken Beutel

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

[Answering the last past first…] I’m not sure, but I’m probably Susan’s newest student with about 4 months of yoga practice. The first half of the question is easy: My wife, Debi, has been a yoga practitioner and instructor for over 4 decades. She (finally!) succeeded in getting me to join her at InsideOut Yoga this past summer.

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

My primary intent is to avoid “using yoga” for any specific short-term goal. I understand the need for a longer commitment to my practice and want to avoid unrealistic expectations. I’m seeking better balance (both physical and mental) in my life, and I can see the benefits of including yoga in that quest.

What is your favorite pose and why?

Warrior 2 (AKA Virabhadrasana II). I like it because it’s a great pose to understand Susan’s coaching to us for balance of “effort and ease.” It would be simple to just stand there, but to find some effort in chest, groin, and legs helps me to deepen my understanding of how yoga works. I also like Warrior 2 because Susan uses it as a transition in our flow and I can use it as an opportunity to restore some balance in the middle of my class.

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

We are now regulars in Susan’s Slow Flow classes; the explanations, coaching, and my fellow students have been wonderful. Many of them joined us in her Vinyasa Basics (2) class this fall—it was also great—but I like the one that keeps on going!

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

Again, I’ve been trying to take that on slowly. I clearly have seen signs of physical strength and shape improvement, but I know yoga is much more than that. The breathing exercises do a lot to keep me centered beyond the classes and are a good step toward overall health and wellness. I also like how the emphasis on balance and symmetry can extend to other activities in daily life.

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

Add something each time you come to the mat. Clearly that means a regular practice, but also try to avoid tuning out when things start to become routine. For now, that keeps me probably more focused and attentive than is necessary, but I think it helps me realize that yoga is more than a bunch of stylized stretches with strange sounding names.

What is your occupation?

Yoga is helping me learn how to be retired. I recently retired from 19 years with the Federal government, and I was an active-duty Marine for 26 years prior to that.

What activities do you enjoy?

The Northern Neck is a great place for sailing, kayaking, and generally messing around in boats. I plan to add fishing and paddleboarding to that list in the coming months.

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

The people. Whether they’re from here or “come heres,” the people have been warm, welcoming, and have a huge amount of wisdom, experience, and insights to share.

Is there anything you want to add?

Just that it’s never too late (or too early) to start your practice. (I just turned 65.) Don’t wait for the perfect time. If it’s important, you’ll know how to make room for it.