YOGI OF THE MONTH
November 2020 - Christian Johnson
Self Portrait, Oil Paint
What first brought you to yoga and how long have you been practicing?
My mom would occasionally use my siblings and me to practice her teaching techniques when we were growing up, but only in the past few years have I really grown to appreciate the practice myself.
What is/are your intention(s) for your yoga practice?
Usually to quiet my mind, do what I can and try what I can’t, as well as build my strength and technique without going beyond my limits and injuring myself.
What is your favorite pose and why?
Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon). I like the mix of tension and balance you can find in that pose.
What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?
Vinyasa Flow has a great balance of effort and ease, which is refreshing and something I don’t find in other exercise modalities.
How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?
Well, I think I’m more flexible than I was before I started to regularly practice, and I’ve gotten generally stronger as well. I’m also much more aware of where my body is in space, which has improved my posture and my coordination. I even feel like my dancing skills have improved. I also find that I can better control my stress levels by remembering the sensation of calmness and deliberation that can be found in a practice.
What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?
Don’t worry about doing every pose perfectly, work within the limits of your body and build from there. Also remember to breathe.
What is your occupation?
Freelance illustrator/graphic designer. (Check out my website.)
What activities do you enjoy?
Reading, drawing, cooking, hiking, sitting, standing up, lying down, sleeping, eating, and breathing.
What is your favorite thing about living in the Northern Neck or Middle Peninsula?
The Tidewater environment.
Is there anything you want to add?
Thanks for getting me into yoga, Mom! I think I will be yoga-ing for a long time. The goal is to still be able to do Bakasana (Crow Pose) when I’m 90.