YOGI OF THE MONTH

April 2014 - Bob Weekley

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

I took sporadic classes in Alexandria some years ago and found value in the practice.  My professional career responsibilities seemed to keep me from continuing the classes and deepening the practice, but I continued some of the stretching in concert with running and biking.  When Susan started Insideout Yoga I decided to see what it would be like to get back into a more consistent practice. 

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

To be like my teacher – mindful, patient, caring, strong, and fully engaged in an energetic, healthful way of life.  At least, I want to be the best I can be at my age and at this point in my life.  I want to focus on living in the present moment and yoga helps me find that.

What is your favorite pose and why?

Don’t laugh! It’s Bālāsana / Child’s Pose.  In a life of mostly sitting and standing, we lose the ability to really bend our knees and fold our bodies the way we naturally did as children.  It restores flexibility to practice such a pose.  And when I do it with arms extended forward it works to loosen my tight neck and shoulder structure.

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

The Steady Flow class is just right for me.  The pace is challenging enough, but also it has enough pauses to maintain good breathing and allow me to focus on my body alignment during the poses that we hold.

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

I think it improves my mindfulness, acceptance of life’s ups and downs, and relationships with others.

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

Don’t expect instant benefit, but be consistent in practicing several times each week.  You will be pleasantly surprised as your practice continues.  Don’t dabble in it – go for it.

What is your occupation?

I am retired from a career in the U.S. Army followed by about fifteen years in international business. 

What activities do you enjoy?

Besides yoga, I love reading (mostly non-fiction), writing, occasional public speaking, travel, biking and walking, and being on the beautiful waters of our area.  I enjoy volunteer activities like helping our Unitarian Universalist Fellowship to grow and be healthy, working with the Boys and Girls Club, the Bay Center for Spiritual Development, and other community organizations.  With my wife, Elaine, I love taking care of the beautiful property we have developed and the home we have built here.  I appreciate home these days and just enjoy being there.

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

We have discovered very interesting people – educated, well-traveled, and recreationally oriented – here in this rural, lightly populated area.  We are away from the traffic and noise of the cities but close enough if we need something the city has to offer.  Really, this IS “the best of all possible worlds” to literalize Voltaire’s cynical perspective.

Is there anything you want to add?

In addition to our wonderful teacher, Susan, I enjoy her classes for the group energy I feel.  It is an atmosphere of acceptance, friendliness, and everyone trying to be her or his best without making a competition out of it.  I am inspired by the other students.  I love the tranquil beauty of the church sanctuary and its surroundings where we practice.