All Original Mandala Artwork by Liz Heichelbech

​Susan Harris, D.Sc., is a retired research scientist who conducted studies of musculoskeletal health at Tufts University. She is a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500) trained principally by Iyengar-certified teachers and a Certified Exercise Instructor of Somatic Movement (SMC®CEI Level 3). She has worked extensively with older adults and with individuals who have physical limitations or chronic pain.

TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

​Many people become less and less active as they age, contributing to loss of muscle mass, loss of mobility and flexibility, chronic pain, stress, and increased risk of falls and fractures. Gentle Movement Arts is founded on the belief that much pain and disability can be prevented or reduced through the regular practice of safe, pain-free movement. Work and recovery must be balanced. Pain is a signal to stop and do something different. Change is achieved through well-targeted, consistent practice.  When approached in this way, movement can benefit everyone, regardless of age, health, or all the other things that we too often see as limiting. In the words of the late great tennis champion Arthur Ashe, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”