YOGI OF THE MONTH
March 2019 - Holly Archard
What first brought you to yoga and how long have you been practicing?
I started practicing yoga about a year ago to try and help ease some of the aches and pains that “living life” has brought into my muscles and nerves. At first I had a hard time with the concept of relaxing into a pose and Susan’s mantra of “no pain, no pain.” But as I stuck with it, I learned that listening to my body was far more important than getting the deepest most flexible pose every time.
What is/are your intention(s) for your yoga practice?
At first my intention was to stretch myself as far as I possibly could. But I very quickly shifted and now I focus on listening to my body and where it is on any particular day. And I have learned that every day brings a different set of messages and circumstances so I am in a perpetual state of listening and shifting in class. And being in class helps me stay pay attention to all the cues I am getting throughout the day. Whether those cues tell me to pull back or get moving, I am listening now.
What is your favorite pose and why?
I love child’s pose and pigeon. They just hit all the right spots. I could stay in those positions the entire class. And they both challenge me to adjust and listen and let go all at the same time.
What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?
My favorite class is definitely Breathe and Stretch. It is an hour of completely letting go of all my worries and schedules and “to do” lists and just focus on connection to myself and the powerful energy of the others around me. I always leave feeling better than when I walked in. And boy do I absorb the positive, healing energy in that room. It is powerful.
How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?
I have learned to honor my body, a lesson that has taken me 55 years to get. So that is a big accomplishment for me. I have learned that more is not always better. Our bodies are always telling us something so I have learned to pause and listen.
What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?
Come without expectation to get it all right. Just be kind and gentle to yourself and take in all the positive energy around you.
What is your occupation?
I have been a social worker for 33 years and I am currently a Life Coach and getting ready to work with the Northern Neck Family YMCA in Community Development.
What activities do you enjoy?
I love taking dance class, walking with my friends and my sweet old dog, exploring the water with my husband and daughter ,and traveling to little quaint towns for weekends. And I love sipping tea at The Local with my friends. I just love the simple things that keep me connected to goodness.
What is your favorite thing about living in the Northern Neck or Middle Peninsula?
There is no doubt about it....my very favorite thing about living in the Northern Neck is the people. We moved here 6 years ago and the friendships and opportunity to get involved in community efforts has been by far the best thing about living here. And it culminated this year as our Camp Kekoka team won the “Best in Spirit” award at the Kilmarnock Christmas Parade. I am still reliving that moment daily. I could never leave now. I have most definitely been changed for the better by this beautiful place.
Is there anything you want to add?
It is never too late to begin to listen closely to the messages our aches and pains are giving us. It is never too late to adjust, to shift, to listen. It is just NEVER too late!