Hello there. I'm Susan West, Owner and General Manager of M2.
I came to mindfulness when a herniated a disc L5-S1 intersected with some significant stress in my personal life. I’ve always been a person who could keep a lot of balls in the air. But one day I could no longer get up-- literally-- and was completely incapacitated for the better part of 4 months. I didn’t go to work, care for my 5 and 6 year old kids, plan or juggle a thing. I felt physically miserable all the time, and cried every day.
But I also felt profoundly grateful in a way I'd never experienced. Thankful for my husband, my mom, my mother-in-law, who cared lovingly for me and my children. For health insurance and access to medicine and procedures. For an incredible medical team. For freedom and space to heal. Deep, extended observation helped illuminate priorities and let go of grudges. I didn't know it then, but debilitating pain was actually an immersive mindfulness experience, that unexpectedly brought relief, perspective and gratitude.
It led to more formal training, including MBSR, retreats and regular mindfulness practice. I loved my group trainings and the techniques I learned; I've always derived inspiration, support and energy from those around me to improve health and well-being, and frequently seek out gyms and studios for exercise and yoga. But when I started incorporating mindfulness into my daily life, I found that what I really wanted was a way to invite awareness and practices to the communities of which I was already a part.
I have always been very interested in wellness, and driven to use my business skills to inspire people to make, and especially to maintain, lifestyle change. I launched M2 to make mindfulness training more accessible and relevant to busy professionals and integrate practice into workplace culture for the long-term.
And here's the formal professional bio:
Susan leverages her 25-year business career leading integrated marketing teams, products and budgets; her experience includes Brand Manager at Procter & Gamble, Director at Parchment, Assistant Dean at Arizona State University and business owner.
Susan received her B.A. degree from University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the Wharton School of Business. She speaks fluent Spanish and is a dual citizen of the U.S. and Chile.
She is grateful to be married to Eric, whose support and encouragement make building M2 possible, and for her curious son, creative daughter and somewhat mischievous dog.