I recently had the chance to interview local yoga teacher Suzanne Bosek. Suzanne teaches yoga at Be Well in downtown Birmingham.

Please describe your field of expertise, and explain your personal mission.
I am a yoga teacher, my specialty is Hatha yoga. Teaching the basic skills of yoga allows me to empower people until they can empower themselves.

What is your background and what lead you to this business?
I began yoga 6 years ago and after my first meditation session (10 minutes) I was hooked and I knew I had to teach. I had such a sense of freedom and self awareness after that first class. There was no way I could deny the connection I felt to my yoga practice and I wanted to share it.

How does holistic health apply to your business and your lifestyle?
I believe that if you are not integrating your whole body into your yoga practice you are not getting the true meaning of being a yoga practitioner. This holistic approach includes not only breathing and postures. It is also imperative to remove all aspects of tightness and heaviness from your practice.
Release tension, allow space in your mind, open your heart. It's all essential for an optimal yoga experience.

What makes your business unique and sets you apart from your competition?
I offer two 10 minute meditation sessions during my class.One at the beginning and one at the end of the practice. Preparing an intention as you begin your practice helps to experience the benefits of focus and the spiritual aspects of yoga.  This allows the body to experience yoga in a way that in not judgemental or with expectation.

Is yoga appropriate for everyone?
Yoga is something that anyone can do. No matter what your experience level is, you can do this.
I have many clients who are dealing with chronic illnesses who are able to practice. Anyone can do it.

Has the recession impacted your business, and if so, how have you
adapted?

With any perceived "luxury" when the money is tight, the fun stops. People buckle down and rid them selve of things that are not a necessity. I would maintain that yoga is actually a way of life and not a New Year's resolution.

Is there anything you wish people knew about yoga that they probably don't know?
I teach yoga because I had an awakening that this was meant for me. I still have a full time corporate job, and I understand the need for relaxation. My joy comes from sharing my yoga gift with people who want to be present with me.

What do you like about being part of the wellness center Be Well?
I am delighted and honored to be a part of the Be Well team. I have always longed for a group of women to connect with who had wellness as their overall focus. Now that I am part of this team, I feel I have found my place.

What is one of your favorite stories about a customer benefitting from your service?
When I first started teaching yoga I had a man who suffered from neuropathy due to HIV. He was almost unable to bend over. He could not bend more than a 45 degree angle. Over the course of a year, he went from being one of my most cautious clients to being the most flexible in the class. It happens. When we open our mind to the possibility of what is before us, we become it. He is a walking example of yoga of the mat. He let go of his judgement of self and he made a space for possibility.

Are there additional resources you would recommend to someone who in interested in learning more information?
The resources I recommend for individuals who are interested in learning about yoga are as follows:
-Any, at home yoga DVD from Gaiam.com (Rodney Yee or Seane Corne are my favorite instructors).
-Yoga Journal magazine
-Yoga conference- sponsored by yoga journal- 3 days of increibdly intense self awareness and body movement
-Vegetarian times magazine
-Yoga Day- one day a year where the world does yoga together with a collective intention for peace.