In preparation for my Thanksgiving day workshop at Capitol Hill Yoga, I am dedicating a post a day this November to honoring my many teachers on this yoga journey. 

After my first visit to Willow Street Yoga Center for a wonderful yoga nidra workshop with Robin Carnes, I was ready to find an asana teacher for the winter session (this was 2007.)  I looked at the Free Week schedule and found a class with the founder/director of WSYC, Suzie Hurley.

Suzie offered a wonderful class with instructions that helped me find more ease in my body and more connection to my heart.  She was incredibly encouraging and kept us laughing, even while challenging us.  I loved the sparkle in her eye and her easy smile.  I knew I wanted more of whatever she and this style of yoga had to offer.

I am thankful to Suzie for many reasons; so many that I’m splitting it into two posts!  I’m thankful to Suzie for creating the Willow Street community.  It was a home for me when I moved to a new town, a revelation to me when I was unsure where my light had been hidden, and an inspiration to me on and off the mat.  I’m thankful for her dedication to fostering the Anusara community in the DC area and selflessly sharing of herself to inspire and train many other teachers.  For inspiring students on their mat each week.  For rocking handstands and showing us how dedication to yoga helps us age gracefully, full of strength, joy, and light.  For suggesting I might enjoy studying with her daughter, Kate Miller.  For encouraging me on my teaching journey in so many ways.

Thank you, Suzie!