When I met Shari at Om for the Cure (for breast cancer) she had a distinct and memorable presence. As I got to know Shari, I learned she had been through multiple challenges yet had found the strength and courage to move forward. Shari embraces the healing benefits of yoga for body, mind and spirit. When Shari practices yoga in my studio I feel gratitude–read below and you’ll see why. –Sara Holliday MFT, CPT
1. How old are you? 50
2. How many years have you been practicing yoga? Ten years, two of which have been with Sara.
3. Before you started practicing yoga what did you think it would be like? I thought yoga would be cultish and really challenging physically.
4. What prompted you to try a yoga class with Sara? Once a month, Sara led “Om for the Cure” on the grass overlooking Mission Bay. All of the proceeds went to finding a cure for breast cancer. I went to “Om for the Cure” because I love doing yoga outdoors and I connected with the cause.
5. What made you decide to come back to more classes with Sara? Sara’s classes provide both physical and spiritual renewal. I gain inner peace and physical relief when I do yoga with Sara. Sara gives healing touch during the relaxation portion which is a deeply personal and physical connection that heals and rejuvenates me.
6. What advice do you have for others seeking a yoga instructor? Look for someone who accepts what your body can do each session. Sara teaches that yoga is not about competition but about honoring your body to support your personal journey.
7. How has yoga improved your flexibility and or strength? Yoga has helped me during two especially challenging times. The first time I started doing yoga was after a devastating car accident. I was told I would never be able to run or do cardio again. Yoga gave me relief from the pain I was experiencing.
Later when I was diagnosed with cancer, yoga was the only thing that brought me both peace of mind and pain relief from the side effects of chemo and radiation. Yoga continues to give me pain relief, and in addition I am more flexible and have more strength.
8. What are your favorite yoga pose(s)? When I do “Warrior 1 & 2” and “Triangle” I feel strength and peace of mind. While doing the postures I feel gratitude to the universe that I am alive. My goal in cancer treatment was to thrive and to give my all to my children. When I do these postures it gives me the courage to face each day for my children.
9. How have you changed physically, mentally and spiritually since practicing yoga? Yoga strengthens my character, while helping me feel better physically and emotionally.
10. What do you say when people ask you about how you got your results? Yoga, yoga, and yoga! Yoga has been the key to my results physically, mentally and spiritually.
11. How have you benefited from yoga? Yoga gives me a sense of peace, calm and resolve which helps me be the best person I can be. When I have relief from pain, coupled with a sense of deep calm, resolve and the desire to be the best person I can be, I am the happiest. I am a better mom, wife, speech therapist and manager.
Yoga connects me to my purpose. Sara helps me be successful in obtaining this connection. She is a unique instructor in that I never feel criticized, rather she helps me accept and honor what my body needs and can do. This fosters spiritual growth and personal revelations that are life altering!