Awaiting The Next Chapter

Nearly two decades ago, I stepped into the doors of alleyCat after a week at Kripalu Center.  After my first class, I knew I had found something precious, rare, and authentic.  My life has since changed for the better. 

From student to teacher to owner/director, alleyCat has been the center of my world for the last 18 years. I’m honored to have guided students and teachers and held space for many transformative practices led by myself and others. Teaching and sharing yoga through this sacred community has been an incredible privilege and joy.

In the past four years, I have suffered a brain injury and have undergone two significant Ortho surgeries while managing the complexities of the pandemic. It is time for me to choose what is best for my health, healing, and future. I must take time for intense mental and physical rest and look toward a new and sustainable path forward.

I know that yoga will always be at the center of my world and that I am a teacher at my core. Following a three or four-month teaching sabbatical of intense rest and recovery, I will return to teaching in some way, allowing us to practice together again. However, before making decisions about how and what I will teach, I must let go entirely and find clarity during a time of rest and reflection. On the other side of that space, rested and hopefully healed, something new will unfold. 

Whatever evolves must allow more balance in my life–a simpler and more sustainable life, physically, energetically, and financially. When and if a new path is clear, I will let you know how and if we can practice together again.

During my sabbatical this summer, you may access recent practices ON DEMAND through an On Demand Monthly Membership. This provides access to Kripalu Yoga: The Practice of Presence Series, Kripalu Yoga classes, and Open the Gates Grounding Mini-Practice Series. I hope to add a 60-minute practice of Kripalu Yoga and 30 Minute Meditation practice each month until I resume teaching in-person and/or live online.

Thank you for your support and your understanding of the difficulty of this decision and transition. I welcome your good wishes while asking that you respect my need to focus on my health and personal life while I wait for the next chapter to unfold.

Much love,

Susan

About The Author

Susan Mathis, M.Ed., E-RYT 500, RCYT, YACEP

Susan is deeply committed to the practice of yoga, pranayama, and conscious living. A Professional Level, Kripalu Yoga Teacher, she offers steady guidance, practical knowledge and infuses the deep wisdom of yoga philosophy into her teaching. A lover of the natural world, adventure, and travel, Susan engages with nature through hiking, biking, and scuba diving. She is the owner and director of alleyCat Yoga and Yoga to Grow.