MEET: SUSAN DOHERTY
- Yoga instructor since 2010
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Teaches at MindBodyStudio at the Weymouth Club and Chakra Power Yoga in Braintree
- Lives in Hull
- Co-Owner Littlebirdiejewels- custom malas
- Previously taught for local sports teams, Massachusetts Lottery & BCBS employees
Certifications:
- 500 RYT
- SPA Yoga
- YIN Yoga and Meditation
- Prenatal Yoga
- Reiki Level 2 Practictioner
- Vinyasa all levels
- Yoga Nidra
TEACHING VIBE
What brought you to yoga? We love a good origin story.
I found my yoga mat totally on accident. I tagged along with a friend to my first hot power yoga class. I was totally overwhelmed both from the heat and from the feeling of being totally lost. Nothing was familiar. Nothing really made sense to me. I rolled up my mat at the end of that class feeling like that was my one shot at being "good at yoga". But it nagged at me. I went back and it eventually all fell into place. At the time my four sons were young and very busy. I came to think of my yoga mat as my time. My mat was my therapy. This continued to be true as life sent me life challenges, including the passing of both of my parents at a relatively young age. I found myself craving my mat as a way to heal emotionally, physically and mentally.
How would you describe your teaching flow?
My teaching style focuses on safe functional movement and alignment with the awareness that not all bodies are the same and shouldn't be! Injuries are on the rise in many physical practices these days- but my training in Balanced Athlete and my continued focus on anatomy and alignment make my classes safe and challenging at the same time.
Music Preferences? What is always on your playlist? Favorite artist?
You will usually find music by Liquid Minds, Trevor Hall, and Lisbeth Scott.
What was your most memorable yoga experience?
My most memorable yoga experience was the closing ceremony of my 500 hour training with Jacqui Bonwell. The 9 month experience challenged my ideas of yoga and spiritually each weekend that we met. The friendships created in that training are with me still today. The highlight was the closing ceremony of our training. Jacqui put so much thought, understanding and love into that event. It is still my inspiration for how I want to make other people feel- loved, appreciated and seen.
Any teacher shoutouts? Favorite yoga teacher?
I am inspired by many of the wonderful teachers on the South Shore- my mood usually dictates where I practice on any given day
FAVORITES
My favorite season is summer- I think living in New England I have come to really appreciate a beautiful day. We endure a lot of tough weather to get to beach season and I intend to enjoy it fully!
My favorite car is my Audi Q 5. We always had the big family suburban or the dreaded minivan to transport my big family - but recently we downsized as my kids are not home full time any more. There is a sense of freedom in the smaller car!
My favorite line of lifestyle wear is Prana. I am proud to be an ambassador for the brand and find that their clothes are well made, stylish and versatile.
My favorite yoga trip was to Chiang mai Thailand . I went with like minded yogis from all over. We traveled a good bit but the highlight was my 7 days as an Elephant Nature Park volunteer. It was eyeopening and a true example of Seva in action.
