Meet Susanne McMurry

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Susanne McMurry. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Susanne below.

Susanne, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
It’s been quite a journey! As a young adult I had no idea what I wanted to do, other than a job where I could “help people.” But that’s the thing about manifesting, you need to provide a little more information or you will be pulled into situation after situation where you may be “helping people” but not in the way that feels authentic. So I’ve done everything from being a Medical Assistant and “helping” the providers, to Human Resources and Corporate Governance “helping the C-Suite. When I decided to leave Corporate early in the pandemic it was because I knew in my heart there was something more for me, I just needed the space to find it. So with the support of my husband I put in my notice and took time to volunteer with local non profits.

A little history on my personal wellness journey: In 2010 during a time when I was struggling with anxiety, yoga taught me the power of breath. I began my teaching journey in 2021, earning my RYT 200 certification. At that time it was to further my practice, I had no intention of teaching but one thing led to another…I continued my education studying under Chitra Sukhu, for my Yoga Nidra certification. I offer a heart-centered approach to teaching, revolving around the belief that true well-being emerges not only from personal practice but from the collective energy we create together. With a deep focus on restorative practices, I’m dedicated to offering classes that provide a sanctuary for the nervous system. Shortly after my father passed away in 2016 I began searching for alternative ways to deal with the grief, aside from allopathic medicine. I received my first Reiki session that year and it changed my life, leading me on a path of healing and growth that continues today. In 2022 I felt called to become a Reiki practitioner knowing it would have a positive impact on the lives of others. I received my certifications under Eve Smith and continued on to become an Usui Reiki Master Practitioner. My goal is to allow people to truley relax,  bring an extra layer of intuitive healing to my classes and clients.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
Serenity Healing Arts is a holistic wellness company offering Reiki Energy Healing, Restorative Yoga and Yoga Nidra to promote physical, energetic, and emotional well-being. We provide you with the support you need to achieve optimal wellness and balance in your life. Serenity Healing Arts collaborates with local nonprofits and wellness colleagues organizing events to bring awareness to, and offer free or discounted wellness services to the Atlanta/Decatur community. I’m an Usui Reiki Master Practitioner, Registered Yoga Teacher & Certified in Yoga Nidra. The collaboration of Yoga and Reiki allows me to bring your body, mind and energy back into balance. My goal is to bring an extra layer of intuitive healing to my classes and clients. Each class or session is an invitation to explore the innate wisdom of the body, calm the nervous system, and connect with the collective energy that surrounds us.

I currently teach yoga classes at Decatur Healing Arts, Sati Yoga & Wellness, Retreat spaces, and a weekly community class with Compassionate Atlanta. I also lead monthly workshops called “Serenity Within: Exploring Yoga Nidra & Reiki.”
In partnership with Compassionate Atlanta and sponsored by Legacy Park Decatur, I have the honor of teaching a monthly Yoga Nidra class which benefits a different Non-Profit each month! I knew as soon as I received my Yoga Nidra certification that I wanted to bring awareness to the benefits of Yoga Nidra into my community.
I love being able to give back to the community. I defintely get this from my mom who’s band “The Kris Youmans Band” has always hosted music benefits to support local non-profits in her area.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1) Have an open heart and stay grateful for the small things.

2) Remain a student, read, research, take classes.

3) Set boundaries!

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
The biggest challenge I’m currently facing is learning when to say no, and blocking my schedule for my own rest. Burnout is real. There is a momentum that begins as soon as you start manifesting what you want your life to look like, and lately a lot of the ideas and projects I’ve had in mind are starting to come to fruition. It’s difficult to say no to something you manifested, but its important to remember that if it’s meant for you, you will have the chance to revisit it in the future.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Ben Mcbee Photography

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