Arriving at a desired destination

can be years in the making

Curly Girl Design

I purchased this card years before I ever thought of teaching yoga. It sat on my desk at Virgin America, urging me daily to dream about the possibilities life offers.

I mentioned recently that I’ve had more on my plate than usual. Here’s the story.

Driving home on a Sunday evening in September of last year after finishing James Kapicka's 3-day intensive yin teacher training course at Santosha Yoga Collective, memories of days long ago run through my mind like a slide show, illuminating the very clear path that has led me here. 

And where is here?

Here is a destination I've been journeying to for many years. A future Sue was waiting patiently, leaving breadcrumbs along the way, hoping desperately I would see the path she had so meticulously laid and praying fervently that I would find the courage to take the leap of faith and begin teaching yoga. 

Teaching yoga is not for the faint of heart. It took faith, determination, and, more than anything, the ability to be vulnerable. I finally began teaching in 2023. But there was more she envisioned.

Within days of finishing James’ yin teacher training, I immediately begin manifesting the yin class I will eventually teach at Santosha Yoga Collective in Loomis, California. I send out a few emails and plant the tiny seeds of hope. 

While I love yoga in all its forms, yin yoga, which I haven't had much experience with, arrives like a long-lost love. James' class combines yin yoga with Thai massage. Most of the poses are low to the ground, held for three to four minutes each allowing the teacher to massage gently meridian lines, hands, feet, head or neck. The two modalities coupled capture me hook, line, and sinker. 

Those bread crumbs? Twenty years ago, I took a 300-hour massage course followed by a Reiki I course. I loved learning both modalities. Though I couldn't at the time name why, upon finishing the course I opted not to pursue becoming a masseuse. Something didn’t feel right. But I did love Reiki, and I was fortunate to be able to share that healing with a few dear friends who were passing from this life to the next.

On the final day of James' yin teacher training, he teaches a yin class for the public, which we, the students, participate in. We have a choice to be students or assistants in the class. I choose to be an assistant performing hands-on assistance and “Thai massage.” 

As the class assembles, I stand in the back of the room, breathing in vulnerability, a sure requirement. With class underway, I move anxiously between a few students, offering assistance with positioning or props. About thirty minutes in, I approach a young man in a yin pose lying on his back, place my hands under his head and neck, and move my fingers in what can only be described as a long-overdue celebration of delivering Reiki healing.

Geez, honey, it's taken you long enough. 

I smile inwardly at that 50-year-old me giving me the what for. But she's right.

I know. I decided to take the scenic route.

I'm grateful that the universe has been patient with me and allowed me to reach the culmination of these converging paths.

Fast-forward: I began teaching Yin at Santosha Yoga Collective on February 12th of this year. I also attended a Reiki II class offered by my dear friend Trula Daugherty and will continue studying Reiki in a future Reiki III class. Reiki/massage is an integral part of my yin yoga class.

Yin yoga/Reiki and my sweet granddaughter on her way... deep breath, so many new experiences to be grateful for.