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Finding Inner Peace Between Beats

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Eric Sullivan and Tech. Sgt. Sandy Sisk
Washington, D.C. --  "Yoga is the practice of quieting the mind." -Patanjali

Most people, when they hear the word "yoga" do not think of the United States Air Force, working musicians, office space or any combination of the three. But for Concert Band bassoonist Technical Sergeant Sandy Sisk, combining all of these things has become a part of her daily life. In a few short years Sisk has gone from yoga enthusiast to licensed instructor and now shares her passion for the activity with her colleagues and her community. She leads weekly sessions for her co-workers in the Band facility and teaches at a local dance studio as well. I recently spoke with her about her ongoing journey.

ES: So, how did this all start for you?

SS: My journey to yoga was a similar one to most people who start yoga. I needed some kind of stress relief in life but I also came to yoga from the physical perspective. I wanted something that could help with strength and flexibility. Little did I know, many years later, that yoga would give me so much more. 

ES: Please, elaborate on that.

SS: It wasn't until I decided to take that leap of faith and start leading yoga sessions for Unit PT that I realized this was what I truly wanted to do. From the very moment we first began, I loved seeing the smiles on people's faces when they mastered a new pose or the laughter when they fell out. I could see people getting stronger and finding peace in the practice. 

ES: What is it about yoga, do you think, that makes it attractive to your colleagues?

SS: In a work environment that can often be so goal focused, it's nice to do something and be comfortable with where you are in that moment. It isn't about the pose, or the practice, it is about the journey that yoga can take you on. You grow each and every time you practice and I am overjoyed to share that with my coworkers.

ES: But this isn't just some weekend hobby. You've done some SERIOUS training for this, have you not?

SS: I recently finished up my 200-hour yoga teacher training at Flow Yoga Center in Washington, D.C. The idea to get my yoga teacher certification was one that had been simmering in the back of my mind for many months.

ES: How has all of this been received by Band leaders?

SS: I have been lucky to have lots of support from all levels of my leadership. They have made it possible for me to continue my yoga training, helping me to implement more and more into my sessions to benefit all my coworkers. Having the opportunity to learn alongside my fellow Airmen has been invaluable. We are all on this yogic journey, of finding peace and quiet, together.