Teacher of the Month: Sara Clark

by Rebecca Merritt

Sara Clark teaches with joy, kind words, and a go-with-the-flow attitude.  She has a smile you want to share, and is a teacher who will instantly inspire you to take more classes.  Sara teaches a vibrant vinyasa flow class and creates a space where every student can begin to find awareness on their mat. She is a teacher for all levels, letting students work where they are while encouraging them to try something new.

During the interview Sara mentions falling in love with yoga. This is a love that is easy to note, and one that she passes to anyone taking her classes. Join Sara for some yoga love at the York studio on Thursdays at 9:35am and Sundays at 11:35am, or at the Hot studio on Tuesdays at 8:15pm and Sundays at 2:45pm.

When did you first discover yoga?

In high school my sister took me to my very first vinyasa class and I immediately fell in love with it. It just made sense to me. Tennis was once my first love. Yoga has officially taken over.

How long have you been teaching?

For a year and a half. I got my 200 hour certification through Yoga to the People and I am going to be getting my 500 hour certification at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health.

What makes your classes unique?

Even though my class at times might be challenging, my sequences are meant to encourage and inspire. My classes are about enjoying where you are in the present moment, and setting all judgments aside. If you fall, remember that you are not alone. Get right back into the pose and begin where you left off. We are on our mats to practice. Exploration is encouraged.

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What is your favorite pose to teach?

Headstand – because helping someone conquer their fear of being upside down is priceless. For most adults, the idea of being upside down on their head in no way sounds appealing. However the benefits of headstand are immense! And so is the victory. The first step is believing you can do it.

What is your favorite pose to practice?

At the moment, handstand; it deals with strength, courage, focus, control, and curiosity. Floating right into handstand is a phenomenal feeling but still often fall. However I’m baffled and amazed at my growth. Each time I practice this pose I understand more about my body and its alignment. It has been a humbling journey and my practice has deepened because of it.

Best advice for beginners?

Enjoy the capabilities of your body. Take it step by step. Enjoy exactly where you are and never feel rushed to get it right. Yoga is for all shapes, sizes, colors, and ages. And by no means do you have to be flexible.

Best advice for more advanced yogis?

Don’t let your ego get in the way. Try to still enjoy the nuts and bolts of the poses and continue to approach every pose like it’s your first time doing it.

What is your biggest yoga pet peeve?

I don’t think I have a pet peeve. We all come to our mats for different reasons. Just be mindful of your fellow yogis if you’re in a classroom environment. We all have different sensitivities, I just ask all students to be aware and respectful.

Reader questions…

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution?

This year I wrote down what I wanted to happen in my life during this year. Continued good health is at the top.

Do you have any words of encouragement for those trying to incorporate yoga into their routine this year?

Remember that yoga can be done anywhere. One class a week is better than not moving your body at all. During your lunch break or while the kids are sleeping you can practice one pose. Or maybe put in your planner, “At 1pm I will sit quietly, close my eyes, relax my shoulders, my jaw, my tongue, and breathe deeply for two minutes.”  You can incorporate yoga into your life in many ways. No need to stress!