Laura Susan Henry

Laura Susan Henry - Profile

I am currently teaching yoga in Annapolis, Maryland. Please visit me my webpage.

I have been many places and lived many lives, but the threads of my life with which I truly identify myself have created a beautiful fabric of consistency, integrity, and vision throughout my journey. Among those threads are my passions for yoga, runnning, travel, sailing, teaching, and especially writing. Whether in the service of others or for myself, I have always loved sharing experiences through the written word. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share some cyberspace with other readers and writers on Suite101!

On Suite101, I focus on writing about yoga, travel, and history. I wanted to give my readers a little of the background that has enriched my knowledge and interest in these subjects. Currently, I am living in Annapolis, MD and working as a private yoga instructor and freelance writer.

Yogic Perspective:

Yoga is a beautiful, ancient practice that develops our awareness at every level of our being. It is a complete science and a sacred art. It is also fun! Yoga is a chance to play, to embrace one’s youthfulness, and to discover the joy of living. It is truly a gift that we give ourselves when we take the time to practice.

Yoga Training and Certification:

• Nine years of self-study and daily practice

• Certified with Yoga Alliance through Pyramid Yoga in Koh Phangan, Thailand, 2007.

A three-month residential course in Chakra Yoga. The school’s approach to Hatha Yoga connects asana to the seven chakra energies with an emphasis on integrating pranayama, mantra, and visualization techniques into one’s practice. There is a strong focus on proper alignment and breathing.

Instructors: David Goulet and Marina Halleran

• Midtown Yoga in Baltimore, Maryland, 2001-2004: Classes in Power Yoga and Vinyasa

• Greater Baltimore Yoga, 1998-2001: Classical Hatha and Astanga courses through the advanced level

Travel Experience:

I spent 2007 traveling Asia. After my three-month yoga certification course in Thailand, I traveled through Malaysia to Sumatra in Indonesia where, among other adventures, I earned my OWC in SCUBA diving. From there, I explored the consumerism jungles of Singapore then flew to India where I spent time assisting at an English-language school for Tibetan refugees and attendng the teachings of the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala as well as traveling through Kashmir by motorcycle.

In 2005-2006, I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer on the island of Nevis in the Caribbean. My travels took me to St. Vincent, St. Lucia, and Dominica, all beautiful islands filled with beautiful people. After my service, I had the pleasure of working as crew aboard the SY Cherub, a 40-foot gaff-rigged ketch designed and sailed by Paul Johnson. We sailed from Carriacou and the Grenadines to the British Virgin Islands then on to the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). There, I found my land legs again.

Experience relating to history and writing:

In St. John in the USVI, I worked as an editor, writer, and designer for the St. John Sun Times in between waitressing and bartending shifts.

Prior to my departure for the U.S. Peace Corps, I was a naturalist and educator for two years at Echo Hill Outdoor School in Chestertown, MD, where my love affair with sailboats began. I also wrote grants and publications for the nonprofit.

Before my escape to the fields and farms of Eastern Maryland, I called the city of Baltimore my home. Its trite city slogan is currently "The Greatest City in America." For me, it will always be the home of the wackiest and weirdest (and most lovable) subculture in the states. While there, I worked as a historical researcher and writer for History Associates Incorporated. A wonderful job at which the most important thing I learned was that I was not destined to pass my days on this earth in cubicles and basement repositories. I hope my life is a testament to that revelation!

Education:

I earned a B.A. in Ancient History (focus on Greek history) and a minor in Journalism at the University of Maryland at College Park (UMCP) in 2001, receiving the honors of Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa.

Go Terps!

Other possibly interesting things:

I am an avid sports fan. I run almost every day. I love anything outdoors from hiking to climbing to diving. I love to read and appreciate any good recommendations on books!

Thanks for learning about me! Namaste.