YOGI OF THE MONTH

November 2025 - Carolyn Burns

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

I started doing yoga regularly about 15 years ago when I was doing a lot of running and needed a day to stretch. A group of runners got together and found a yogi who would teach yoga at 5:45 in the morning. We’re now on our second yogi in Richmond and we still do it at 5:45! I was so happy to find InsideOut Yoga a couple years ago. It’s a fantastic addition to my practice and I hope to be able to do more in the future.

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

I feel that I still have lots to learn and I like that I’m challenged in some way every time I do yoga. I’ve learned to relax and not get flustered (most of the time) when I make a mistake, and I think that’s part of my intention! And one day, I would like to learn all the asanas!!

What is your favorite pose and why?

I love Dancer’s Pose as it feels really opening and beautiful, but also a real challenge for me with my balance.

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

Vinyasa, all the way!!

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

I’ve learned how to stay centered and calm through yoga. I put my breathing exercises to use all the time—even my dentist told me I was very serene as she was digging in my mouth. I hope I’m a better listener too. 

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

I would encourage them to try all different types of yoga as I believe a certain type may appeal to one person and not another. 

What is your occupation?

I’m a physician, working part time 

What activities do you enjoy?

I love to hike—I take my boots everywhere I go. I also love to travel and read. Oh, and did I mention grandchildren?       

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

We have a part-time home in White Stone and it’s our favorite place to relax. It’s also our family gathering place in every season, so that makes it a very special place.