YOGI OF THE MONTH

November 2019 - Cindy Hylton

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

I began practicing yoga about a year and a half ago to improve my muscle tone after a diagnosis of “hip flexor weakness,” which was later determined to be a bad hip joint. After a several month hiatus to have hip replacement surgery, I am back and loving it!

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

My intentions are to improve my posture, flexibility, and balance, as well as overall body and mind health. I’ve found that yoga has greatly helped not only any aches and pains, but has taught me to approach life in a calmer, more thoughtful manner.

What is your favorite yoga pose and why?

I love the sun salutations, as they make my body feel so open and alive; and the downward dog pose always make me smile, as I think about my dog Matti, who does her downward dog pose each morning with her front paws on top of my bare feet. 

What is your favorite class at InsideOut yoga?

I’ve only taken a few classes, and all were great, but I think I really enjoy the special “Am I Doing this Right?” workshops best, as they not only go into detail on different poses, but they are such fun, and who knew two and a half hours could go by so quickly?

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

I think that yoga has helped me calm my always crazy mind, and has made me so much more aware of life. My posture is better, and I can now more easily calm the stress in my life, thanks to the teachings of yoga.

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

Exactly what Susan and the instructors tell us in class: no judgment! Do the best you can, and no pain. I take exception with my husband however. He’s a new yogi, and the temptation is too strong! (He’s a good sport about it, though.)

What is your occupation?

I am a happily retired packaging development specialist. My occupation these days consists of taking care of my mother, husband, two dogs, and a small garden. And myself, of course, thanks to yoga.

What activities do you enjoy?

We are a family of sailors. When we are on land, I love playing Pickleball, working in my garden, playing piano, and hanging out with my besties.

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

While we are not yet 100% residents (87.3%), this is definitely where I belong. The small town atmosphere, the kindness of people, and the simple beauty that abounds in this area speaks to my heart. There is nothing better than waking up happy every day to the sounds and sights of nature.

Is there anything else you want to add? 

I want to thank Susan for all of the passion and dedication she puts into teaching the rest of us. I’ll probably never do tree pose with my eyes shut, but I will keep on trying! ❤️