YOGI OF THE MONTH

August 2026 - Jennifer Friend

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

It is a silver lining story. Prior to Covid, I was a sporadic YMCA Saturday morning Vinyasa participant. I was very active, but not flexible. In the spring of 2020, when Covid became our way of life, I invited four friends to my back patio. I chose four so we could social distance safely. An app for yoga was recommended to me, and that was the beginning of our twice-a-week 45-minute vinyasa class. After our yoga, we would have tea and a light snack. Everything was Covid-approved, with disposable silverware, nothing shared and of course hand sanitizer! The teatime became a life saver for connecting, sharing and supporting each other. Many days we talked for hours; there was nowhere to go! Yoga was the initiative that built that small community during a very isolating time. It was such a gift! That original group is still together, doing yoga remotely every morning for 30 minutes. We also have weekend summer and fall “yoga retreats” at someone’s river house so we can all be together in person.

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

My intention mostly centers around calmness and finding inner peace. Yoga guides me to a space where I can focus on slowing down and concentrating on the poses and bringing awareness to my breathing. I feel tension and the outside world melting away. I’m working on being more present and I love getting into a zone where time is suspended and I’m 100% engaged in the class. In that stillness, I’m rewarded with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for my breath, my body and the simple (yet elusive) gift of being present. Admittedly, in ALL of Susan’s classes, the zone is easily achieved!

What is your favorite pose and why?

I LOVE balancing poses. I really have to focus and find stillness in holding the pose. Tree pose would have to be my favorite. It helps to center my body and deepen my focus and concentration. I love the grounding feeling of standing tall, feeling my whole body stretch upward and lengthening through the spine. When I find steadiness in the pose, I feel light, effortless, grounded and uplifted at the same time. That feels powerful!

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

I have mostly taken the Vinyasa Flow classes, but recently experienced the Monday Functional Yoga class. I honestly LOVE them both. I’m very challenged by Susan's classes and am usually hot and sweaty by the end! It’s a supportive and encouraging environment, which increases my confidence to push the boundaries of what I can do. Susan skillfully breaks down a pose into clear steps, making the most challenging poses feel possible. I’m not a regular, but every time I come to class, I feel a sense of belonging. The hour spent in class goes by so fast. By the time we get to Savasana, it’s such a reward…a moment to completely surrender and relax. I always leave class a little taller and a little calmer!

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

The practice of Yoga has positively influenced my life in so many ways. Every morning starts with 30 minutes of yoga and a chat with friends—a great way to start the day! I’m incredibly grateful for the community it’s allowed me to be a part of and the many wonderful yogis I’ve met along the way. I’m inspired to continue growing and to learn both on and off the mat. It’s helped me to become more flexible, which is valuable for performance in my other activities as well as just helpful in daily living.

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

I would tell a new student not to get discouraged. Go with the flow, be patient with yourself and know that sooner or later you’ll be able to do just a little more than you had before. You might be amazed at what your body is capable of achieving. It’s natural to imagine that others are watching you, but that’s simply not true. We’re all focused on our own practices and what’s happening on our mats. Often, my eyes are closed and I’m in my own beautiful yoga world!

What is your occupation?

Cardiac Nurse Practitioner (retired 2019)

What activities do you enjoy?

I enjoy playing tennis, taking Orange Theory classes (running, rowing and weights), walking outdoors while listening to an audio book or podcast, or curling up with a good book. I recently took a women’s sailing class, which I really enjoyed, so sailing may be my future. There’s always a puzzle going at our river house and I enjoy playing mahjong. {The puzzle table now has some competition!) Spending time with grown children anywhere and anytime tops the list!

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

Our river house is so much more than a place--it’s where some of our most cherished memories have been made. It’s where family and friends gather, where summer weekends with a house full of people we love makes our hearts feel incredibly full. Throughout the years, we’ve celebrated countless birthdays, shared many holidays, and have created family traditions that we hope will last through the next generations. We love the calming aspect of being on the water. We spend a lot of time outdoors and on the dock watching the boats/sailboats coming and going in Fishing Bay. (It’s a bit like watching fish swim in a fish tank!) Life gets simpler and slows down. It’s our happy place in every way and has a way of calling us back almost every weekend.