An Interview with Susan Urquhart-Brown & Michelle Gilmore
The last week in April marks the return of two wonderful yoga teachers — Susan Urquhart-Brown and Michelle Gilmore — who will be co-leading their second yoga retreat with us. If you’re looking for the chance to relax, renew, and rejuvenate, then this could be the perfect holiday for you.
Incorporating hatha, vinyasa, and restorative yoga classes along with daily meditation will give you the opportunity to dive deeply into your practice. Sharing delicious meals, the warm Baja sun, and the profound beauty of Pacific coastline will replenish your body and your spirit.
We asked them a few questions to help you get to know them better and to offer an idea of what a week on retreat would be like. We hope you enjoy it!
Prana del Mar: Can you describe your approach to teaching yoga and the areas where you place your focus?
Susan: Our approach to teaching yoga is to build a community for students to explore, practice the yoga they love, and try new things in a comfortable, encouraging and safe environment. We are both calm and nurturing as we offer an eclectic practice that is energizing and gentle. We believe in suggesting modifications and options for those who want less as well as those who want a bit more of a challenge.
Michelle: We draw from the Iyengar and vinyasa traditions, incorporating restorative aspects as well as teachings that focus on healthy aging. We emphasize a well-balanced active asana practice that also includes meditation, pranayama, and deeply relaxing restorative poses.
PdM: How did the two of you meet and what drew you together? How do your styles complement one another?
Michelle: Susan and I live in Oakland, CA and have known each other for 10 years. We met in the business world and quickly realized that we had a love for yoga and meditation in common. Susan had experience organizing and leading retreats, and I have attended many yoga and meditation retreats over the years. We decided we wanted to share our love of these two disciplines and hold retreats together.
Susan: Our first retreat was a celebration of Michelle’s 60th birthday and my first year in my own yoga studio: Anjori Yoga in Oakland, CA.
PdM: What is unique about the retreats you lead?
Michelle: The focus of our retreats is rejuvenation, relaxation, and celebrating life — there is no pressure to perform! We offer individual support for each student and encourage them to listen within to what is true for them in the moment.
PdM: Why did you choose Prana del Mar for your retreat?
Susan: We chose Prana del Mar for it’s remoteness and beauty — white sand beach, amazing sunsets and night sky, as well as the delicious food, spacious accommodations and friendly staff! Combined with yoga and meditation, one leaves feeling calm and relaxed — the goal of our retreat.
PdM: Can you give us an example of an experience – either yours or a student’s – from a past retreat that exemplifies the spirit or aim of what you try to provide on your retreat?
Michelle: As a retreat leader, it is essential that you are able to adapt to the circumstances at the moment, especially when something unexpected happens! I was teaching yoga on the roof one afternoon and we heard a horse whinny loudly very close by. Somehow the horse got through the gate into the courtyard and was running spiritedly as he tried to get out. So I asked the class to do horse pose as we watched the excitement as a staff member settled the horse and helped him out the gate. We laughed and continued class…
PdM: What have past retreats taught you?
Susan: In my experience, people want to connect with others in a deeper way than in their everyday lives. Being with a group of like-minded people develops camaraderie, friendship, fun and the chance to talk in-depth with each other. We have people returning each year to be with the friends they made at the last retreat!
Many thanks to Susan and Michelle for sharing a bit about their approach and the intention they bring to their retreats. This retreat has already passed, but if you’d like to see other retreat that we offer, please visit our Calendar of upcoming retreats.
