yoga, it's a lifestyle
Back in high school, I struggled to find confidence and acceptance for myself and turned to eating disorders. I worked out far too much and even did yoga, but I did not understand much about the ancient practice. Feeling inadequate for 8 years, I battled bulimia on and off. I was never neglected or abused... Continue Reading →
Being a stay-at-home mom is no easy job. Unless you're a mother, it's hard to comprehend how much of your day is jam packed with preparations, chores, and busyness while staying with the kiddos. My infant boy has never been an "easy-going" child. He is pitta, full of fire and motion. He has lots of... Continue Reading →
I say it regularly, and I'll say it again: I prefer to set intentions instead of goals or resolutions. Intentions come from a place of compassion and positivity, igniting hope for change. Resolutions can stem from a place of judgment or the thought that we are not complete as we are. So my intentions are... Continue Reading →
This morning's class was Kapha. Grounding, acknowledging feelings, and preparing for the upcoming full moon. 🌕 Lately I've been irritable, not towards my baby, but towards everyone else. I've gotten lost in my emotions and annoyed with how I've been mistreated. Then, this morning, I made the connection to LET IT GO. I realized I... Continue Reading →
The summer days are busy with vacations, road trips, camps, family time, swimming, and work! How can we manage to give time to ourselves when the days seem to get away from us? And now school is beginning and activities are picking up. Where does the time go and how do we make time for... Continue Reading →
The Importance of Positive Self Talk. How you talk to yourself and about yourself affects how you act and speak around others. Are you loving towards yourself or do you have a tendency to get down and harsh when you stumble? Do you give yourself room to breathe and compassion or immediately turn to self-pity? ... Continue Reading →
With motherhood in full bloom, I find myself a little sleepier than I prefer. To be honest, I am someone who needs 9 hours of sleep to be rested and ready for the day. That has gone out the window now days, obviously, and it is quite alright. Some days though I am more zombie... Continue Reading →
Nothing could prepare me for motherhood or a postpartum yoga practice. People warned me, but motherhood is something no one really understands until it's experienced on a personal level (like many life phases). I was told numerous times how hard, wonderful, and tiring having a baby would be. I was prepared as much as possible... Continue Reading →
Ther other day I listened to a webinar that really resonated with me. One of the topics was body positivity versus acceptance and reality. What one of the women said spoke directly to me. Here is what I took from the conversation... We don't have to LOVE our flaws, we just have to find PEACE... Continue Reading →
Postpartum Finding time to practice yoga with a 2 month old baby is hard enough. Add in the facts that there are VERY few options in a small town, and I am not willing to leave my baby with anyone other than my husband, yet... There's very little asana these days. Yoga also looks... Continue Reading →
On any given day, I will have breastmilk spilled on me. And a boob out. Maybe both. Sometimes I forget... I may also forget I have to pee because I can't set him down. Or I put him in a wrap, and we go together. There isn't much time to answer texts or have a... Continue Reading →
It seems our society cares so much about artificial beauty, and it becomes difficult to see the beauty within ourselves because of the outward influences. But pregnancy has made me feel beautiful. Really beautiful. After years and years of distorted body image and eating disorders, I never really felt worthy of positive attention or comfortable... Continue Reading →
First of all, HAPPY DUE DATE TO BABY BEAR!!!!!!!!! Even though I have been blogging about my pregnancy for 4 weeks at a time, these last many weeks will be clumped into one post. Many pregnant women say the second trimester is the most enjoyable, the first being difficult because of morning sickness and the... Continue Reading →
Welcome to the THIRD and final trimester! We settled on our OB/GYN, a really kind and supportive woman in the city. Originally I wanted a midwife and doula, but there are not any in are immediate area, the closest being at least 45 minutes away. And there are no birthing centers either. We went to... Continue Reading →
The other night, I let it all come in... The fear, anxiety, uncertainty, nervousness, and lack of control. All I have ever known is that I want to be a mom. I have a natural adoration for little ones, especially babies, and am honestly really good at caring for them. But not knowing when baby... Continue Reading →
One thing I learned in Yoga Teacher Training was that mid-winter (New Year's) is not the most logical time to set demanding Resolutions. During this time of year, we are wanting to relax, stay warm inside, and indulge in yummy holiday treats. While it is important to WANT to improve our lives, it is also... Continue Reading →
Now THIS is pregnancy! There is no more wondering if a little baby is growing in my belly. A few weeks ago, I began to feel the baby moving, and it was simply magic. At 24 weeks, the baby moves all the time, and my husband can finally feel it when he touches baby's home!... Continue Reading →
Coming back to Yoga and Accepting YOUR journey... This week, I had a new woman come to my yoga class. She was very kind and happy to be there, able to practice. However, as soon as I walked in, she started talking about her body in a negative way and complaining of her physical capabilities. ... Continue Reading →
Welcome to the second trimester! Apparently this is the most pleasant trimester, and that makes me very excited. Fatigue My fatigue has lessened, finally! Some days I am FULL of energy and almost forget about my pregnancy. If I do not sleep well at night, though, I will without a doubt need a pretty decent... Continue Reading →
"Letting go" has become a theme in my life the past few years. Whether it is getting rid of old emotions, toxic relationships, harmful habits, stress, or negativity, I have been faced with the realization to surrender. Every week, I offer this as an intention to my yoga students. There are so many things in... Continue Reading →
After we found out that I am pregnant, I told most of my closest friends and family. It is SO DIFFICULT for me to keep a secret like this! My dream in life has always been to be a mommy, and now everything was falling into place. John, my sweet husband, has been taking care... Continue Reading →
In the past few months, I have had more "no-shows" in my classes than I have had in 1.5 years teaching in Nashville. Moving to a much smaller city where people are unsure of yoga has really opened my eyes. I was prepared for fewer people in class and even getting paid less. However, I... Continue Reading →
Ever since I started practicing yoga, I was very aware of this ancient practice being more than just a physical practice. I have seen firsthand in many of my students, and in myself, how we hold emotional hardships and Trauma in our body. Our body and the ability to move is directly affected from our... Continue Reading →
The struggle is real. The cost of activewear, specifically yoga pants, is outrageous! As a yoga instructor and yogi who practices and/or teaches everyday, quality yoga pants are a must. Some days I teach power vinyasa classes, where we sweat a lot and need a change of clothing after. Other days I teach yin and... Continue Reading →
One of the best and most beautiful areas of Gadsden is Noccalula Falls! This 90 foot tall waterfall is surrounded by gardens, majestic trees, a petting zoo, and a full park. It is quite easy to spend a whole day here! Being near to the Falls was one of the biggest draws of our new... Continue Reading →
A few years ago, I was painfully let go from a job. For this position, I was overqualified and underpaid to say the least. Most of the women there were- and still are. Anyway, I loved the children I worked with and most of the co-teachers. The majority of women there were kind and understanding.... Continue Reading →
We had some family in town last week, and afterwards I was completely zoned out. My brother-in-law and his wife came in from across the country with their four little ones. I rarely see them, and each time I do, there is another blonde baby! Anyway, the week was so full and fun and left... Continue Reading →
So many of my mentors and inspirational women in my life have recently stated how writing dreams down helps us to more forward them. I personally love making lists and love dreaming, big and small, so this action seemed to be exactly what I need. Sometimes we become bored, stressed, or lonely without goals, projects... Continue Reading →
July is a busy month for Gadsden, Alabama and in the yoga community!! There are several opportunities to learn the art of yoga and practice in different environments. All classes taught by Sarie are open to ALL levels of yogis, ages, and genders. There is no judgement or comparison, only space for breathing and love.... Continue Reading →
I'm going to be quite honest. This is something that I still struggle with, literally on a daily basis. I feel like I keep getting bigger; some days I am okay with it because I can see the muscle and feel my strength. And some days I hate how soft and full my body is.... Continue Reading →
Human beings are very complex and confusing creatures. As I get older, I realize that there are constantly challenges that face me, and I wonder if I will ever have a grasp on my own being. Finding my identity feels so close, yet not within arms length. I have always been the most emotional person... Continue Reading →
"Karma Yoga is the Yoga of Action. It is the path chosen primarily by those of an outgoing nature. It purifies the heart by teaching you to act selflessly, without thought of gain or reward. By detaching yourself from the fruits of your actions and offering them up to God, you learn to sublimate the... Continue Reading →
Why did I write and publish the electronic book, "Healing Yoga: Volume 1"? Why is this guide for YOU? How does one stay committed to the healing process? There are so many yoga guides, books, teachers, and resources out there! With all this information, it is important that we search for the truth. Why do... Continue Reading →
This is the last yoga practice pose I will be posting for a while, giving you plenty of time to catch up with your postures and possibly improving! Chair Pose Begin in Tadasana, Mountain pose, taking several rounds of breath to settle into your body. Keep the belly hugging into the spine. Imagine pulling... Continue Reading →
Adho Mukha Svanasana Downward-facing dog is one of the most popular poses you'll see in class and for many great reasons! It is considered an "inversion" because the head is lower than the heart and therefore raises the heart rate. You stretch the hamstrings, the back, and even the ankles! To enter Downward Dog: Begin... Continue Reading →
Paschimottanasana or Seated forward fold. This is one of my favorite GO-TO poses! This bend stretches the hamstrings, helps calm the mind, and decreases depression. Begin in Dandasana (Practice 3). Keep the naval pulling into the spine and the legs flexed and engaged. Toes point to the sky. Inhale and push the tailbone back, away... Continue Reading →
Why it is inconsiderate to be chatty in yoga class... Having the opportunities to teach yoga to different groups of people in several environments, I have noticed how talkative some people tend to be. Now I don't mean asking for a modification or asking any question or laughter is not allowed. Even mentioning something to... Continue Reading →
Crescent Lunge (Low Lunge) Begin in Mountain Pose, standing at the top of the mat. Exhale the hands down to the mat, and step the left foot back 3-4 feet to lower the left knee. Inhale and lift the chest up, pulling the belly in. Drop the shoulders and gather the hands at heart center... Continue Reading →
Tadasana -- Mountain Pose Tadasana or Mountain pose is the foundation pose for all of the other yoga postures. Begin by standing, feet under the hip bones, or big toes slightly touching, with the toes pointed straight forward. Send the weight of the body to the balls and the heels of the feet. Think about lengthening... Continue Reading →
My husband and I lost our sweet black lab, Sarah Belle, several days ago. Here are some of my favorite recent moments with our angel, puppy face. . .
Today's pose: Dandasana (staff pose) Begin in a seated position. Extend both legs out straight from the hip bones. Flex the feet and keep the legs activated. Sit tall, reaching the vertebrae up from the tailbone, up the spine, all the way to the crown of the head. Relax the shoulders. Align the ears on... Continue Reading →
This week, we will practice Sukhasana, or easy pose! To enter this pose, come to a seated position. Both legs fold in toward the torso, with one leg in front of the other. The knees fall outward. Press down through the tailbone, and extend the spine upward. Think of lengthening the back. Allow the crown... Continue Reading →
WEEKLY I will be presenting you with a basic yoga pose to help you begin your practice! You have a whole week to play and find your version of this pose. Be safe and patient with your body. Most of all, breathe deeply! Child's pose, or Balasana in Sanskrit, is a pose you will... Continue Reading →
[ Why you shouldn't be afraid to go to your first yoga class ] Fear is a force that either drives and encourages us or destroys us. There are SO many fears and misconceptions about yoga, the practice, the philosophies, and all things in between. When I talk about yoga, which let's face it, is all... Continue Reading →
With all the "cyber sales" and shopping madness, I am feeling in the GIVING spirit! For the month of December, I am offering major discounted prices for private and/or group sessions! The beauty of these "private sessions" is vast, so I will offer a better understanding of what exactly is to be expected. With a private... Continue Reading →
Is everyone happy in the fall?? I feel like almost everyone I run into is excited for the cool weather and festivities. It is very refreshing! The season and the smiling people 😉 My teacher, Leah, reminded me that this season is the time to make changes, to begin cleanses, or set intentions. In other... Continue Reading →
Yoga with Sarie 