YOGI OF THE MONTH

September 2020 - Susie Dunaway

What first brought you to yoga and how long have you been practicing?

About 18 years ago I decided to try losing weight & quit smoking at the same time. I joined the YMCA in Mathews. Yoga was offered & I tried it. I’d never practiced before and didn’t know anything. I remember feeling awkward and somewhat vulnerable lying there at the end in Savasana the first time. I will say I continued to go, but truly didn’t ‘get it’ until I went to a ‘Weekend Warriors’ class in Deltaville. My practice evolved from there. I loved it & continued until the studio closed. I completed a 200-hour Vinyasa training at Tribal Yoga a little over five years ago, being encouraged by YMCA members who wanted me to teach. I’ve been teaching a Flow class and Chair Yoga ever since.

What is/are your intention(s) for your yoga practice?

My intention changes somewhat each time I practice, depending on how I feel both physically and mentally or what the day has offered. I’ve got osteoarthritis, and some days are tougher than others. But overall, my intentions is just to have an open mind and heart and be fully present.

What is your favorite pose and why?

I love most of the poses, but I’d have to say right now, a supported fish with a supported bound angle pose at the end of my daily home practice is my favorite. Five minutes in this pose leaves me feeling so open, relaxed, yet ready to face the day.

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

My favorite class at IOY is Vinyasa. I love the challenge! I really enjoyed Saturday’s Flow & Stretch class too, and over the past couple years I’ve taken several workshops with Susan and am looking forward to more.

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

Being an introvert all my life, Yoga has brought me out of my shell (somewhat). I feel more confident and comfortable. Yoga has also truly given me a sense of community.

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

My advice for a beginner is to let go of any expectations and to keep an open mind. I suggest you try a class at least three times. If after that, it doesn’t feel right, seek out another style of Yoga or a different instructor, because Yoga truly is for everyone.

What is your occupation?

I’ve been working for the public school system for almost 16 years, serving students with multiple disabilities & more recently autism. We’ve been able to add a daily Yoga practice the past two years, and seeing firsthand the changes this has made, makes me love what I do even more. I’m hopeful we’ll soon be practicing again. During the summer I help out a couple of my former students in their homes. I also teach three to five yoga classes a week, both at the YMCA and outdoors at the wharf near my home.

What activities do you enjoy?

I definitely enjoy Yoga and get to a class as often as I can. I enjoy spending time with my daughter and son who both live nearby. I like gardening, cooking, and have recently started paddle boarding. I also enjoy taking my best buddy, CocoBelle, anywhere I can, especially for a long walk or a swim.

What is your favorite thing about living in the Northern Neck or Middle Peninsula?

My favorite thing about living here is the slow pace, the close community and living so close to the water.

Is there anything you want to add?

The past few months have forced me to slow down and re-evaluate what’s really important. It’s also given me a lot more ‘me’ time. I’d never been able to make it to a regular practice at IOY before and am beyond grateful every time I come.