YOGI OF THE MONTH

August 2017 - Sarah Rae

What first brought you to yoga and how long have you been practicing?

In 2010, low back pain brought me to yoga. After consistently visiting a chiropractor, completing a long course of physical therapy and three lumbar epidural steroid injections (eeek!), with no relief in sight, my dear friend asked me to try one of her yoga classes. She happens to be a RYT 500 with 13 years of teaching experience. Best choice I could’ve ever made for my body (…mind & spirit).

 What is/are your intention(s) for your yoga practice?

My intention for my practice is “me.” Just that simple. Whatever “me” needs for the day. Sometimes calm and quiet. Sometimes patience with myself.  Sometimes honoring my body. Sometimes checking the ego. Sometimes just a little self-love.

What is your favorite pose and why?

Crow is my favorite pose. For a very long time, crow seemed impossible. I finally realized the only thing between “me” and Crow, was fear. Fear of face planting. Fear of not being strong enough. Fear of balance. When I took fear out of the equation, crow became possible. 

What is your favorite class at InsideOut Yoga?

My favorite class is Steady Flow. I enjoy the movement with breath, the challenge of body, and the calm the two create. After class, it’s as though every molecule of my being is smiling. 

How has the practice of yoga influenced your life?

I came to yoga for the physical practice, and found so much more; not realizing at the time how life-changing this journey would become. I recently completed my RYT 200 teacher training.

What advice would you have for a beginning yoga student?

Whatever your fitness level or flexibility, give yourself room and permission to modify. The mat is not a place to compete (with anyone else or even yourself). Use props. Breathe. And enjoy. Isn’t life just one big modification?

What is your occupation?

I’m the Administrative Assistant at the Middlesex Family YMCA.  In addition, I teach 10 classes each week: Group Cycling, Pilates, and Yoga.

What activities do you enjoy?

I enjoy riding my horse, running, road cycling, and hiking / camping with my family.

What is your favorite thing about living in the Northern Neck?

I live in upper Middlesex County on the Middle Peninsula, and have enjoyed living this rural lifestyle all my life. I love seeing the stars at night, listening to tree frogs sing, and raising our four children in a low stress area.

Is there anything you want to add?

We are truly blessed to have a yoga instructor as knowledgeable and talented as Susan in our rural area.