What is your name & location?
Sihnuu Hetep from Washington, DC
How do you heal yourself? What is your favorite form of self-therapy?
I heal myself by first acknowledging myself and what I a feel. There is nothing more powerful than self acknowledgment. Yoga is my favorite form of self therapy.
On my mat I learn my body and tap into those shadow parts of myself that I don't otherwise explore. Yoga is a great tool for honest exploration.
When/what was the catalyst that made you start?
I had an asana practice for about 3 years before I got deep into the philosophy and spiritual aspect of yoga in 2011 when my son passed. I felt alone, misunderstood and ashamed.
Yoga offered me a safe space for self dialogue. Yoga was my judgement free zone. I could be fully expressive and not worry about criticism or consequences.
How has this form of healing helped you?
Yoga has helped me connect to my true self. I have fears, but my practice has helped me to move through in spite of. I feel like I can live
fully using the tools that I've been offered.
What does your process look like? (Please share what you feel comfortable sharing)
I start by listening. I listen to my body and identify any emotional anguish I may be experiencing. From there I breath
into the areas that need softening. I know that movement is healing. It is important that I move any stagnant energy around
twist it out, open my hips for release and connect to strength and vulnerability . I also incorporate a 10 minute meditation and savasana
for physical, mental and spiritual rest.
How does it make you feel when you are healing yourself?
Powerful. I feel powerful knowing I have the capacity to transform my life.
Why is what you do so important/hy is this form of self-helping important to you?
Yoga puts the healing in your hands. It is a self sustainable practice. It is important because it's
gotten me through some of the lowest and most challenging points in my life.
What is your inspiration to continue doing what you are doing? What is the fuel that keeps you going?
I see people that need healing. We all go through it. We all have those parts of ourselves that could use softening, strength
or maybe just acknowledgment. Witnessing first hand how healing yoga is keeps me on the path. I want others to experience
self empowerment through healing. I also want my daughter to see that she can do anything she puts her heart and mind to no matter the circumstance.
What are your visions &/or goals?
I see myself leading more yoga and meditation workshops here in my community as well as nationally and internationally. I plan to
do more speaking and collaborations with others. I'm excited to grow my practice and share the love of yoga with everyone.
Tell us a fun fact about your form of healing, what it is that you do, or something people may not know.
I fall a lot. lol. I always tell my students falling is that second step to success. The first part is releasing fear and actually taking the step.
In one sentence, what is your message to the world?
Your walk is your prayer. (the things we pray to have will present themselves based on our actions).
Is there is anything else that you would like to share about yourself or your form of self-healing?
The path is not straight and narrow. There will be detours, you will not always feel like doing the work, but keep going.
The walk is full with reward and I am a believer that full presence is the true destination, not some goal. There are so many opportunities for growth
and expansion take them all.
You can keep up with Sihnuu here!
e:yogasihnuu@gmail.com
w: www.yogasihnuu.com (under construction)
ig: @yogasihnuu