LILLIAN STUMAN
Lillian Stuman has been practicing at the studio since 2015, and she still makes us smile every time she walks in the door! Her positive attitude and energy elevates the mood of everyone around her, and her endless curiosity inspires us.
We recently sat down with Lillian to chat about her yoga journey, and the role yoga plays in her life. Here is what she had to say:
How would you describe yourself as a yogi?
Intermittent...I'm an intermittent practitioner. I've been doing yoga off and on...mostly off...for almost 35 years and I'm still in the beginners class!
How did you find yoga? What was the inspiration?
I was living and working in Washington, DC and there was a yoga class in our school...in the afternoon after school, in the library, if I remember correctly. The job was very stressful and yoga helped me to relax.
Describe an interesting fact about yourself. The wackier the better.
I had a job working with computer scientists who were making computers talk. My job was to take a visual representation of a syllable and cut out the vowel. Every time I hear a computer "speak" I listen to hear if they are producing their vowels sounds correctly. When I like the vowel, I feel as proud as a parent.
If you were a yoga pose, which one would you be?
I think of Matsyasana (Fish)...because I'm a Pisces. I love any representation of sea life, especially the beautifully colored fish in coral reefs.
What is your FAVORITE yoga pose? Why?
Eka Pada Raja Kapotasana (One-Legged King Pigeon)...can't reach it quite yet...but I love it. Just thinking about it makes my nervous system sing with joy.
How does your practice fit into your everyday life?
I'm working on being kind to myself and to others...and developing in myself a sense of community...being part of a greater whole.
What's your favorite aspect of Yoga Vie?
Whoa...just one aspect....hmmmmm.
I don't have to worry about getting hurt. All the instructors here are so well trained. It means a lot to me...I'm in my sixties now and have never been a well conditioned athlete. I'm evolving out of the beginners classes because of your training.
What advice would you offer to a yoga novice?
If you're laughing, you are breathing...enjoy yoga and laugh! The breath will follow.