Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Wiens. Below you’ll find edited excerpts of our interview with Susan.
Susan, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I got started by moving to LA from Chicago. I was an avid fan of exercise including running and golf. Then I when I moved I joined Equinox in Pasadena. I joined Bally’s and started yoga with alignment and loved it. Then Equinox was opening across the block so I joined there. Stepped into an Anusara yoga class and was instantly hooked because it was alignment with playfulness. I went to all the teachers and decided I wanted to teach this too. Anusara was very popular at the time and the LA kula was really large and tightly knit. Immediately I started with my teacher, Noah Maze. He gave me the voice to teach and I found my courage.
The week T.T. ended I applied for a job with the San Marino/South Pasadena YMCA and Equinox. I got both jobs! I continued to take as many trainings, seminars, workshops, therapeutics, philosophy classes as I could. That was 10+ years ago. Things changed and Anusara yoga fell apart. We all disbanded and I resigned. But I had so many hours, that I registered with Yoga Alliance and have my 500 hour E-YRT. I still go to classes, still train with my teachers and still love it so much. I teach Hatha aligned yoga now. I host workshops and retreats in the area. I do a lot of volunteer work and fundraise for the YMCA LA annually. I believe yoga creates community and you need to give back to be part of it all, service outside of yourself.
Has it been a smooth road?
It’s been a great journey. I have aged and my practice has changed with it, but I enjoy where I am today. The practice has helped me deal with death, missteps and injuries.
What are your plans for the future?
My future plans are to get yoga to as many people as possible, raising our vibration on the earth and keeping good company.
I am planning on hosting a local workshop in the late summer and a retreat in British Columbia in the early fall.
Let’s dig a little deeper into your story. What was the hardest time you’ve had?
The hardest time in my life was my divorce. My whole family was torn apart. My ex-husband went to jail and when he came back I realized life was much better without him. So I left and started a new life for myself.
My path to yoga teaching came quickly and continues to blossom as I know my students and self. Life experiences are what I draw from to teach as I feel whatever is a challenge to me will be to most anyone. I never dreamt I could love my job so much.
Pricing:
- Private Yoga in my studio is $125 per hour.
Contact Info:
- Phone: (626) 394 6998
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: http://yogabeyondthemat.com/
Check out her work below:
