Teacher Spotlight: Sara Crosby

My name is Sara Crosby, and I am a wife, mother, and purveyor of wellness. I see it as my purpose, my dharma, to help as many people as possible feel well and whole and alive in their bodies and their lives.

Trained as a dancer from a very young age, I have been teaching mindful movement in some form for almost 25 years. And now, as a 500hr RYT, as well as an Aerial Yoga instructor, doTERRA essential oils Wellness Advocate, and Breathwork guide, I hope to continue doing so for another 25. 

In addition to weekly classes, I lead thematic yoga retreats and mentor new yoga teachers. And in my spare time, I make malas out of rose petals and documentary films on inspiring individuals and ground-breaking scientific discoveries.

My primary teacher is Shiva Rea. My path is Prana Vinyasa, so my classes are a

flow of purposeful movement guided by the breath,

a sensory experience that includes essential oils, a sequenced playlist, and inspiring words all based around an intentional theme. 

In my class, students can expect to be in almost constant movement around their mats. Rarely are poses simply held, but instead approached with mindful actions of the body, bringing awareness to the outer (physical) and inner (energetic) alignment of an asana.

My goal is that every student walks out of class feeling tended to, complete, and revived.

I will often begin my classes by asking what is most needed - physically and emotionally - and then doing my best to deliver exactly that.

I see the asana practice not as a refuge from the hardships and trials of life but rather as an open space to cultivate all the tools we need to face those hardships and difficulties with strength, compassion, and peace.

Life is hard and fraught with struggle and suffering, but it is also beautiful and full of possibility and potential. And Love, above all. 

We have a human tendency to hold onto the hard to identify with the suffering as opposed to love. Mindful movement, guided by the breath towards a directed intention, can help us start to release that suffering, some of which we might have been unknowingly holding onto for a long, long time. And once we become aware of that suffering, what causes it, and where it lives in our physical body, we can decide to start choosing gratitude over grief - even in moments of extreme trial and difficulty. We can choose action over hopelessness, understanding fear, and patience over frustration. 

This practice teaches us to find stillness and breathe - whether in a challenging asana or stressful situation - and in doing, shapes how we show up in our life off the mat. Yoga asana is also the gateway to the more in-depth spiritual work we all need to fight for and usher in a more fair and equitable world. 

Sara Crosby teaches All Levels Flow on Thursdays at 5:30 pm.

Sign up here: yogaheightsdc.com/classes