Judy has had “lots of lifetimes”, with careers as a professional dancer, Pilates instructor, esthetician and massage therapist. Since retiring three years ago, she has been exploring her talents as an artist and, in non-COVID times, boarding dogs and running an AirBnB out of her home with her husband Scott.
Although Judy has always thought of herself as someone who loves yoga and has practiced for much of her life, during the past ten years she tried many different styles of yoga but stopped practicing all of them because they caused back pain. She finally concluded that yoga wasn’t right for her body. Then a friend told her about a different approach to yoga called Kaiut Yoga and it sounded perfect. I’m exactly who this is for!” That was six months ago. Judy has been a dedicated Barn Yoga student ever since.
Living in Berthoud, Colorado has meant driving twenty-five miles to get to classes at the barn, but Judy’s commitment to practice has motivated her to make the trip.
I love coming to the barn, I love the space, I love the teachers. Making the transition to online classes has not detracted from the class experience for Judy: Not having to commute frees up so much of my day, but I also feel like class online is just as beneficial as class at the barn…I feel like I’m seen by the teachers online as well if not better than in person… and I’m in my home and have my dogs around me. I don’t see any downside to it at all. I love it!
One of the most valuable things Judy is learning from her yoga practice is about slowing down:
I feel like I’ve been pushing myself too much and what I’m finally realizing is that even in the places that are easier for me, that my body is changing and adapting…This practice is giving me an opportunity to be kind to myself and to my body…The more I practice, the more I see it. I’m just so grateful.