YOGI OF THE MONTH

September 2026 - Glenda Groome

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

Life balance brought me to yoga about 10 years ago. I first started practicing shortly after retirement. My life at that time was in disarray…as was my body. I needed to focus on the total picture...the mind…the body…the soul. Centering in each practice helps to remind me of this important aspect of life.

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

Balance is my intention. I live on a boat six months out of the year and find that balancing on land is totally different. For some reason, when the house isn’t rocking or rolling, I have more difficulty balancing on one foot than when it is. Also, when I’m home, balancing life events is a bit of a struggle as I try to catch up on house issues, family, doctor appointments, friends and of course time for ME. It’s important that I make time for yoga, stretching, and preparing my nutritional needs for a healthier me.

What is your favorite pose and why?

I have two favorites: Child’s Pose and Warrior II. Child’s Pose reminds me that, in my practice, I’m just as I was as a baby……new to the world. It highlights that each yoga practice is new to me and that I learn something new in each practice. It makes me feel relaxed and accepting of what the practice will bring me.

Warrior II reminds me that I’m strong and, along with my balance intention, makes me want to share the importance of a regular yoga practice with everyone. Warrior II embodies the strength I need to conquer the day and find my way forward through the aging process.

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

Susan’s Functional Yoga is where I find myself these days. This class provides a great challenge for me and offers everything I need to help bring the balance I hope to attain. In each class I can feel strength-building in muscles that will help protect my body in the years to come.

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

My yoga practice reminds me on a daily basis to take time to reflect on everyday things that might bring my life out of balance. Just the other day I couldn’t decide whether to go to an event. I had a lot of stuff on my plate and knew I was running on empty, but I wanted to go. Then somewhere in my yoga practice, I realized I really needed more time for myself, so I decided to decline…and it was ok. My practice has taught me to take a deep breath, close my eyes and relax. Such a gift!

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

Make the effort! Don’t be afraid to try! As Susan always says, there’s no judgement. I’ve made some great friends through yoga who help encourage my personal practice.

What is your occupation?

I’m retired and currently volunteering as a treasurer for two organizations.

What activities do you enjoy?

I love playing Mahjongg with my sisters. We live in different areas, but we get together once a month for a themed meal and about six hours of Mahjongg. We also have a girls weekend at Virginia Beach for four days where each evening after dinner, we play till bedtime. I also enjoy our annual trip to the Bahamas on our boat as well as time with my grandchildren and children. Also high on the list is doing yoga in exotic places which I learned about from a dear friend who invited me to Susan’s yoga retreat in Spain in 2024. We’re both going to Portugal this fall and to Greece in 2027.

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

I love the nature and nurture of the area. It brings a slower pace to the heart as we don’t have the daily grind of traffic and the faster pace you find in the larger cities. We’ve lived here for 20 years and, honestly, when chaos seems to abound, it helps me feel grounded to simply sit on our quiet porch and watch the ospreys, herons, crickets, rabbits, deer, hummingbirds and cardinals.

Is there anything you want to add?

Don’t take your body, mind or soul for granted. If we don’t pay attention to our needs now, it will be much tougher as we get older. Thank you, Susan, for reminding us all to claim our intention as we begin our practice each session and for helping us to achieve our goals.