When Sue-Anne Hickey began practicing yoga in 1990, she knew she had found something she really loved. But what she didn't
know was that, ultimately, it would lead her to a business to call her own and new life path of spirituality, meditation and
vegetarian diet. A turning point in her life came in 1993, after the completion of the International Sivananda Yoga Organization's
teachers training course in Southern India, Sue-Anne embarked on a spiritual journey that took her around the world for one
and a half years. From ashrams in India and meditation retreats in Thailand to Buddhist monasteries in Nepal, Sue-Anne taught
yoga to the many people who wished to learn.
When she returned to Montreal, it was clear that yoga, and the sense of balance
that came with it, was a big part of her life. So, after several years of being a volunteer instructor, in 1998 Sue-Anne launched
her business, Illuminart Yoga.
Illuminart Yoga offers classes to people of all ages and all fitness levels in NDG,
as well as regular and prenatal yoga in Pointe-Claire village. Sue-Anne also teaches yoga in the corporate workplace either
at lunch or after work and gives private or semi-private classes in the studio or in the comfort of your own home.
Enabling
her students to discover the numerous benefits of yoga makes Sue-Anne feel fortunate. She likes to think it can make a difference
in her students lives. In her classes there is a balance of fun and a quiet space for inward journey. This inward journey
is important to Sue-Anne. With the extensive training she received in India, Sue-Anne tends to focus on what sets yoga apart
from other forms of exercise: the meditative method of leaving the day behind and finding a quiet space within, away from
everyday burdens. It provides some time to reconnect with your body, mind and soul.
One of her students said, "I feel
like I am getting a hold of my own energy and learning how to focus better than ever before. I look forward to a lifelong
activity that will help keep me together for the rest of my days."
Perhaps the biggest myth in yoga is people think they
have to be flexible to practice yoga; however the exercises can be modified and adapted to meet the needs of people of all
levels of fitness and flexibility. Yoga helps us accept our body, its limitations, and gain more compassion towards ourselves
and others.
Sue-Anne teaches two levels of yoga. Level 1 is an ideal class for the absolute beginner and for those who
want to get back to the basics with a gentle yet dynamic class. Level 2 is for students who have previous yoga experience
and wish to enjoy the energy of Sivananda yoga in a group setting.
If you're feeling stressed and need to relax or if
you want to try a new way to get in shape, come and do something that will leave you feeling energized, refreshed and completely
relaxed.
The first class is free, and there is a 10 % discount for WENS members. For information on any of the group,
private or corporate classes call Sue-Anne at (514) 577-1963, or visit: www.illuminartyoga.com
Sue-Anne is a firm believer
of networking and word-of-mouth marketing. She finds that WENS is a perfect opportunity to network with like-minded, dynamic,
friendly women. When the WENS members gather, the enthusiasm is contagious and will leave you feeling inspired and ready to
take on the world! Sue-Anne is proud to be a part of this organization and thinks that becoming a member of WENS is THE way
to help your business grow.
