YOGI OF THE MONTH

December 2018 - Mohler Carlson

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

I have been practicing yoga for 13 years. My first class was at a YMCA. We had just joined the neighborhood Y and I felt like I needed to use our membership but I am not a work out/gym kind of girl. Yoga was the only class on the schedule that halfway appealed to me.

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

My intentions are to be kind and compassionate to my body and to practice for where they are on that given day on my mat and to be present and mindful in my body and movements.

What is your favorite pose and why?

I love Uttanasana (Standing Forward Bend) and Ardha Uttanasana (Half Standing Forward Bend) because they feel so good!

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

That’s a hard one because I love them all. I do LOVE Thursday’s Breathe & Stretch class though, if you were to pin me down to one.

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

Oh my goodness--how has it not!?! Probably its biggest influence has been the lesson to be present and mindful...and then the practice of non-attachment also has been huge for me. I had never heard of that philosophy until I started practicing yoga. I love it. It sure does make things easier when you can put it into play.

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

To be kind and compassionate to yourself, your body and your practice. No judging. We are way too hard on ourselves and many people feel so vulnerable when they first step onto their mat and they get discouraged.

What is your occupation?

Presently a yoga teacher, formerly a registered nurse and always a mom :)

What activities do you enjoy?

YOGA! I also like to bead, draw/paint, walk, read and listen to music.

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

I love the peace and quiet of living in the country.

Is there anything you want to add?

I was so worried moving from a big city where there are yoga studios everywhere, that I wasn’t going to be able to find any yoga here in the area. How pleasantly surprised I was when I found IOY - 5 minutes from my house!!! I am so very grateful to IOY: to Susan and her students who have all been so sweet and welcoming. Y’all are everything a yogi could ask for:) Thank you so much!