“You were born with wings, why prefer to crawl through life?” ~ Rumi

A mentor of mine recently told me that I was like a flower that hadn’t bloomed yet. That I had a strong presence and that people gravitate towards me and want to help me reach my utmost potential.

Around the same time, my coworkers told me I have layers of greatness, each of which is slowly being uncovered over time as they get to work alongside me.

While these generous compliments are flattering, they make me stop for a moment and turn within, asking myself whether I have recognized and awakened to the idea that I possess this great potential and beauty.

After all, one reason I love to teach yoga is because I see the potential in humankind. I see individual happiness and well being as the first step in the harmony of the entire universe.

I want to guide each student to recognize the depth of their souls and awaken to all of the beauty that lies within; to become their own gurus, their own trusted teachers.

Given that this is my intention in teaching and growing within the vast world of yoga, why, when my mentor and coworkers pay me these nice compliments, am I so surprised to hear that this is the energy and vibe that I radiate?

Although I may not credit myself in the way that those around me seem to, I definitely can credit myself as being dedicated to my yoga practice, and it is this practice that has allowed me to flourish into my truest self; into a skin in which I feel most comfortable and into a place where I feel most at ease.

Since I expanded my teaching schedule, my physical practice has bloomed in conjunction with my emotional and spiritual self. I can only hope that this shines through in my classes.

As we approach the change of the seasons, our senses awaken. Smells, sounds, tastes and feelings are embodies in the awakening that is going on in our environment.

Embody the awakening that is going on within, on a cellular, muscular, emotional and spiritual level, at each and every moment.

Take time to move, to sweat and to breathe. Take time to connect and make a commitment to connect.

For soon, we too will flourish.

Suzie Blackman, a native of Bethesda, Maryland and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin- Madison, absolutely adores teaching yoga. She received her 200 Hour RYT from Blue Heron School of Wellness in Silver Spring, Maryland, which offered a comprehensive program in the Hatha style of Yoga infused with Anusara, Iyengar and Vinyasa. A former dancer and athlete, Suzie tends to teach a more rigorous style Vinyasa Flow which encourages her students to find the balance between the effort (stirha) and the ease (sukha) inherent in this ancient practice. Yoga has infiltrated Suzie’s life in many ways, and she awakens each morning eager to share all that she has learned, and continues to learn, on and off of the mat, with each person with whom she comes into contact. Suzie truly believes that there is no power like the power within. With that said, she bows to the divine teacher within, and to the love and light within herself and others.

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Editor: Maja Despot

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