Anusara Teacher Trainers' Workshop in Annapolis
With Suzie Hurly, Jenny Otto and Betsy Dowling
February 9-14, 2001
Let me start by saying that it was
a most wonderful experience. It was everything I had hoped for and
more than I expected. Having never done such a workshop before I
did have some uncertainty and anxiety about the workshop. The
Thursday before I had class with Susan (Van Nuys) and after class I
asked her what it might be like. She provided me with a short
outline of the workshop and gave me a brief view of the three
instructors. Not knowing how long it would take me to arrive there
from Reston on Friday during rush hour I left early, and being my
usual self, arrived early. The directions were perfect and when I
arrived, I saw the facility and the Chesapeake Bay foundation
facility next door and wondered if I was at the right place. I got
out and looked around and found I was at the right place, with the
upstairs room at the swim center was a most appropriate place for
the workshop, wood floors and a wonderful view of the bay. I picked
out a place for my mat in the front right center, in front of a
window. Soon the other classmates arrived, the teachers arrived,
and we began. The teachers each did introductions. Only Betsy had
I met before and even she I had never taken instruction from.
Although I have been taking lessons from the Health Advantage studio
for several years, Betsy moved to Florida before I had the
opportunity to take class from her. The opening that Friday evening
set the tone of the workshop with the introduction of the three A’s
of Anusara yoga. Suzie did Attitude, Jenny did Action and Betsy
closed with Alignment. Afterwards I asked Jenny how they choose who
would do each of the three A’s and she replied, “It just kind of
worked out”, and how appropriately so would I find out. That first
evening we did restoratives, I came away relaxed after the work week
and thought I would sleep well that night. As it turned out I was
so excited about the workshop I slept little that night.
Come Saturday Jenny opened with wonderful instruction and display of
Action. She quickly gained my attention and respect. Her knowledge
of anatomy and how to apply it to Anusara yoga I found captivating.
Suzie then provided to provide a hearting display of Attitude that
afternoon. I have never experienced such joy, such heartwarming…
Attitude. Come Sunday Betsy provide a wonderful demonstration of
Alignment. Having taken classes for some time from Susan Van Nuys
and Doug Keller I had experienced Betsy’s “style” before and felt
familiar and comfortable with it. Jenny’s style, although somewhat
similar, had a more intensity, or action to it. I found I also was
comfortable with her. Suzie on the other hand had a much different
style, so much from the heart, so much feeling, so much emotion.
Each of you have your own style, your own strengths.
When I examine the experience I find that I have learned and gained
much. From Jenny I gained knowledge of anatomy and action, from Suzie
I learned attitude and teaching from the heart. I would say I learned
the least from Betsy, not because she was any less effective but because
her style I have become very familiar with from her student Susan and
from Doug. I find that I had the most difficulty with Suzie, her openness,
her joy, her giddiness I sometimes found distracting. On the other hand
it what Suzie presents that is probably what I need the most.
I could not imagine that any one instructor could provide the experience
that the three of you together provided. Attitude, Action and Alignment
were never so well illustrated as they were from the three of you. I
thank you from my heart.
Namaste
Larry Mixson March 17, 2001