Suzy Shapiro Yoga

ABOUT ME

I love to teach yoga! I love to learn, practice and share the basic instructions and the subtle insights that make the practice of yoga a transformational experience. I love that yoga is not a performance art, but the art of processing and acting on challenges to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual ideas. By observing these things with an open mind, we can peel away the layers of meaning that life has applied and see each moment for what it truly is. Mentally, emotionally and spiritually I have grown and continue to grow through this amazing practice.

It doesn’t matter if you ever touch your toes!! Really!! What matters is the intention, attention, focus, effort, creativity and positive attitude you employ in the attempt. My job is to give you the benefits of the pose regardless of your ability. Read more about how we use props in the Iyengar system of yoga to meet your needs at www.iynaus.org.

In 1994 I became certified to teach the Iyengar method of hatha yoga and pranayama and have studied and taught that method exclusively since then. I have studied with Mr. Iyengar three times and with his daughter Dr. Geeta Iyengar twice. I have studied frequently with senior instructors of this method and attended three national conventions. I also learn from other Iyengar yoga instructors and from my students.

In 1989 I founded The Yoga Association of Houston and directed that organization until 2005. The purpose of the organization was to promote yoga and yoga teachers in the Greater Houston Area. We developed a website with over 100 yoga teachers on full-page listings with photos. We hosted several fund-raising activities for breast cancer research and treatment at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center and The Rose.

In 2003 I graduated from The University of Houston with a BA in History and a minor in Religious Studies. I find the History of Yoga a fascinating story and have presented that subject in several classes, retreats and conferences.

Personally, my yoga life has supported me through many stressful situations. In 1967 and again in 1971 accidents fractured my spine, gave me whiplash injuries and head concussions . By 1975 the chronic pain from those accidents sent me to a yoga class hoping for relief. I took my first yoga class with Billie Gollnick. Over the next 10 years I also studied with Lex Gillan and Robert Boustany. I got stronger and some symptoms disappeared, but I was still in pain. I heard about Iyengar yoga and began taking classes with George Purvis. It was an eye-opening transition, and I loved the logical, systematic approach that stressed technique, alignment and form over intuitive performance of a pose.

In 1989 I was diagnosed with breast cancer! I had a double mastectomy and reconstruction, but fortunately I did not need radiation or chemotherapy. That experience gave me renewed focus and determination to help people live full and joyful lives through the practice and the philosophy of yoga.

I am also an avid gardener. I am a Certified Organic Vegetable Gardener and a Certified Permaculture Specialist. My urban lot is 80-90% Texas Native plants. I maintain a food garden plot in Meredith Gardens in Mandell Park. I enjoy sharing my garden experience with others to enhance their environment and their health!

I am a liberal vegetarian and I love to cook. I enjoy sharing recipes and sharing food. It brings people so close together in such a joyful way.

Much of the joy in my life comes from sharing yoga, gardening and good food with others. It is also about refining and improving my knowledge through study, practice and the example of others.

I would love to share this joy with you in a yoga class, in your garden or in your kitchen!

Namaste’

Suzy

Recommendations for Suzy:

May 30, 2011

“I’ve known Suzy for more than 25 years . Suzy has great organizational skills, tremendous zeal for every thing she’s involved in . Suzy is a “CAN DO GAL” !”

George Purvis, Instructor, Chainsaw Yoga, worked directly with Suzy at Suzy Shapiro Yoga

May 23, 2011

“Suzy has expanded her teaching through years of education, patience, practice and experience. A certified yoga pioneer in the Iyengar tradition, she founded the Yoga Association in Houston, Texas, to create a community for all yoga teachers. Suzy is a friend. Reliable, punctual, knowledgable and inventive, I highly recommend Suzy for any job she aspires.” Top qualities: Great Results, Expert, Creative

Marita Gardner-Anopol,  hired Suzy as a Yoga Teacher Training in 2006, and hired Suzy more than once

May 23, 2011

“Suzy is the most experienced Yoga teacher in Houston. She has worked for years to promote classical Yoga without gimmicks or unproven claims. She’s the real deal. I recommend her without reservation.”

John Fain, Owner, Village Health Food, Inc. was with another company when working with Suzy at Suzy Shapiro Yoga

May 23, 2011

“Suzy’s detailed instruction enabled me to build-upon and improve my practice after years of previous instructors. The difference these nuanced adjustments made are quite remarkable. I would recommend Suzy to anyone, whether beginner, or seasoned in their practice.” Top qualities: Expert, Good Value, Creative

Carolyn Lundy, hired Suzy as a Yoga Instructor in 2007, and hired Suzy more than once

May 23, 2011

“Suzy is a highly detail-oriented, very professional yet compassionate yoga teacher and organizer. She has rigorous standards and is not shy about keeping them high. I would recommend her to anyone!”

Kelley, Director, Austin Yoga Institute, worked directly with Suzy at Suzy Shapiro Yoga

May 23, 2011

“There are many yoga instructors about, but very few operating on Suzy’s level. her dedication to yoga and teaching is unsurpassed. Unlike many teachers who take one through the motions, Suzy emphasizes form in detail guiding her students to a new level of fitness. I cannot recommend her too strongly.” Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Expert

Daniel Krohn, hired Suzy as a Personal Trainer in 2010

May 23, 2011

“Suzy is a fantastic yoga instructor. She creates a fun personable atmosphere where you can relax and unwind. I would reccommend her to everyone that wants to learn yoga.” Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity

Jamie Catanese, hired Suzy as a Personal Trainer in 2006, and hired Suzy more than once