Sara Jane Otis
What inspired you to start practicing yoga?
As I entered a bold new chapter of life at age 25, yoga attracted me as the next appropriate challenge for personal growth and expansion of my comfort zone. Yoga resonated with my heartfelt desire to progress towards self-actualization, embodiment, and courageous action. Now, almost 20 years later, my study and practice of yoga continue to be an integral wellspring of learning and personal improvement in all areas of my life. There are many reasons why I practice yoga: to regulate my nervous system, to sharpen my mental focus, to manage chronic pain from old injuries. I practice yoga to ensure that I am strong enough to be safe and effective on horseback. I practice yoga to release the physical tension of moving through the world every day as a highly sensitive person. I practice yoga to offset the disembodiment of longstanding trauma. I practice yoga to connect with my love of beauty, skill, and mastery. I practice yoga to get better at life and to remember to thrive. I practice yoga to check in with myself, and to connect with something beyond myself. I practice yoga because I love to learn. I practice yoga to be disciplined. I practice yoga to be free.
More about me...
What can students expect from your classes?
Students can expect to enjoy an intentional progression of lovingly curated yoga sequences in a judgment-free zone where we cultivate self-trust and heart-centeredness via guided pranayama, somatic experiencing, and mindful movement. Expect to leave my classes feeling rejuvenated, regulated, replenished, and able to approach life’s challenges with grace, awareness, and inner strength.
What’s your favorite (or least favorite) yoga pose and why?
Stargazer—a heart opener that embodies awe and joy for the great mystery of life—is one of my favorite poses.
What’s your yoga teaching superpower?
My yoga teaching superpower is a special blend of heart coherence, loving awareness, steadfastness, and true love for the full spectrum of yoga.
What’s one fun or quirky fact about you that most people don’t know?
My spirit animal is a my little pony.
What lights you up outside the studio?
My horse Vivaldi, nature, loving friendships, walking meditations, sunsets, flowers, books, creative solitude, and wellness travel light me up.