Today we’d like to introduce you to Susan Fendler
Hi Susan, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My yoga journey began when my children were just 2 and 4 and I was looking for some stress relief. I was first introduced to yoga with Jon Kabat Zinn’s Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program (MBSR). This program truly transformed my life and hence yoga became my lifelong purpose and passion. Trained in Anusara, Hatha, and Ashtanga yoga, I found that each style brought unique insights and strengths. Yet, I realized my teaching transcended any one lineage—I was more focused on blending the deep wisdom of the practice with practical, modern applications.
Driven by a desire to make ancient teachings accessible, I founded Park City School of Yoga and Yoga Awakening with Sue, creating spaces for people to learn, grow, and heal through yoga. My vision was always about community and connection, which inspired me to lead international yoga retreats, offering immersive experiences that allow people to deepen their practice while exploring beautiful destinations.
A pivotal moment in my career was writing The Daily Guide to the Yoga Sutras, a book that bridges ancient wisdom with contemporary life. It connects each sutra to live practices, allowing readers to integrate the teachings into their daily routines. The book’s unique feature—QR codes linking to meditations, mantras, movement, and music—brings the experience to life in a modern, interactive way. The upcoming Audible version, where the sutras are sung as they were traditionally taught, is a project close to my heart, blending my love for teaching and yoga with music.
Through my journey, I’ve realized that yoga is more than physical postures; it’s about awakening to our true selves and living with purpose and compassion. This philosophy inspired me to create Yoga Awakening Online Training, a program designed to empower others to show up for themselves every day and to learn to teach yoga with authenticity and heart.
Throughout my career, I’ve continuously sought innovative ways to share these teachings, whether through my weekly ‘Yoga through the Sutras’ classes or by collaborating with like-minded communities and publications.
My journey hasn’t been without challenges, but every obstacle has been an opportunity for growth. From the early days of finding my teaching voice to now leading a thriving community, my path has always been guided by a deep passion for helping others awaken to their fullest potential.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the greatest challenges I faced was losing my son, who struggled with mental illness. That loss changed my life profoundly. Yet, it was through my practice of yoga—not just on the mat, but as a lifestyle—that I found the strength to navigate such deep grief. Yoga became my anchor, teaching me to breathe through pain, find moments of peace amidst turmoil, and reconnect with hope and purpose.
This journey of healing has inspired my future endeavors. I am committed to studying yoga for trauma and mental illness to better understand how to help others who are suffering. My goal is to create safe spaces for healing, where people can process their pain and find resilience through the transformative power of yoga.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am most proud of writing a book on yoga—not because of any extraordinary writing talent, but because of my deep love for yoga. I truly believe that love unlocked my creative potential and made the book possible. Of course, my natural drive and discipline played a role, but more than anything, it was my unwavering dedication to the practice. Yoga has a way of transforming us that can only be fully understood by those who commit to a steady, consistent practice without pause.
What sets me apart from others is my background in music. I have a Master’s degree from the Eastman School of Music and over 20 years of teaching experience. I bring this musicality into my yoga classes by playing the harmonium and leading sound baths, establishing an atmosphere where movement and sound creatively flow together. One of my favorite experiences is teaching outdoor yoga at PCMR – Canyon’s, where I blend yoga, music, dance, and inspiration. It’s a beautiful, joyful celebration of life, and I love watching the community come together in that space.
My yoga journey started most unexpectedly. I was teaching a friend when I realized I knew an abundance of Sanskrit words without ever formally studying them. It was like discovering a language I didn’t know I knew. In that moment, I realized yoga was more than just something I practiced—it was a calling.
What I’m most proud of is how my classes inspire people. I love watching my students grow stronger, not just physically but also in their hearts and minds. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see them light up with new insights and deeper awareness. My hope is always to create a space where they feel free to explore, grow, and awaken to their fullest potential.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
In addition to my love of yoga, I have a deep passion for travel. It all began in high school when I won a two-week trip to Spain, sponsored by Parade Magazine, for being the best newspaper carrier in the state of New Hampshire! That incredible experience sparked a love of exploring new places that has stayed with me ever since.
I’ve been fortunate to travel all over the world, but some of my most captivating adventures were in South Africa, Bali, Doha, Qatar, and Germany, where we visit the Christmas markets every winter. We also have a house in Spain, and I absolutely love immersing myself in the rich culture of the country.
Traveling continues to inspire me, both in life and in my yoga teaching where I lead international yoga retreats with my partner Hanz Johansson who leads ski tours for White Pine Touring in Park City, UT.
Pricing:
- Bali Retreat 10 day $2,500 double occupancy
- Private Yoga – $80.00 a session – 10 sessions – $700.00
- Special Events: $150.00 -$250.00
- Sound Baths – $150.00 – $350.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://YogaAwakeningwithSue.com
- Instagram: @yogaawakeningwithsue
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-fendler/
- Youtube: Yoga Awakening @YogaAwakening
