YOGI OF THE MONTH

May 2026 - Lynne Cerar

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

I started yoga classes in Olympia, Washington in my early 20’s, having been inspired by my mother’s practice.  Shortly thereafter, I moved to Washington, D.C. and concentrated on career and not much else.  I did watch and practice with Rodney Yee’s Yoga DVDs (as did some other Yogis of the Month!).  After living in the Northern Neck for a long time, I joined the Kilmarnock Y and started attending Susan’s Monday Breathe & Stretch sessions.  I fell in love again with the marvelous stretches and Susan’s exceptional teaching.

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

Pause.  Slow down.  Breathe. Challenge myself without judgment.  Find rest.

What is your favorite pose and why?

Almost any forward bending pose, like Uttanasana, where I can let my head and arms just hang; Bridge pose because it feels good for my lower back; Supine Spinal Twist because it stretches “that place” in my hips; Child pose and Happy Baby because, again, they relax my lower back. 

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

I really enjoyed the Focus on Form series and feel I could take that class over and over.  The Monday Slow Flow/Functional Yoga class in Reedville is excellent and, in truth, very challenging for me—an experience in humility and growth and learning.  

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

Yoga has reinforced my need and desire to work on balance and functional moves as I age.  Equally, I am rediscovering the importance of taking time for my body and mind and spirit to integrate.  It’s a perfect complement to my entrée into somatic therapy.  Both help me get out of my analytical head and into my sensing body.    

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

As a beginning student all over again, just Show Up.  Susan is wonderful about reminding all of us to honor our practice, listen to our bodies and to not overextend the poses just because we can. Falling is permissible and it’s how we learn.

What is your occupation?

I retired as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker after 15 years in public mental health emergency services. 

What activities do you enjoy?

Travelling; gardening; cooking; reading; listening to classical music; working out at the Y; and kin-keeping with my family. I’m also an animal lover and cat lady, currently with only one cat, but getting a Maine Coon kitten in a month!!

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

Spring flora and fall weather and the wonderful bird life here.

Is there anything you want to add?

I’m grateful for Susan’s wealth of knowledge and her thoughtful planning, guidance and teaching.  I’m learning so much!