Gratitude
I'm deeply thankful for the teachers who guide me on this journey of making inner peace a priority while navigating life's challenges with a calm and steady mind. They are each unique examples of extraordinary self-care that remains in harmony with nature.
I'm also deeply grateful to the many students who continue practice with me. I'm in awe of your dedication. Thank you for this opportunity to serve you.
With Love
Namaste,
Sarita
First and foremost, I'm a proud mother of two incredible grown sons. As a young single mother, I delved headfirst into the captivating worlds of Ayurveda and Yoga, seeking knowledge with an insatiable appetite. However, above all, motherhood remains my most cherished and proudest achievement.
My kids and I surfed the waves of the 80's fitness craze, explored the ever-evolving landscape of yoga studios, and have had countless adventures together. Through it all, I've come to realize that there are no gurus quite like my two sons, and no yoga practice as profound as parenting. Like you, I wear many hats - a wife, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend, juggling the beautiful challenges of life.
My yoga journey began back in 1995 with Bikram Yoga. I continued to explore with Eric Schiffman's Freedom Style Yoga. Fast forward to today, I proudly hold a 700-hour certification as a Svaroopa Yoga Teacher/Therapist, immersing myself consistently in the practice since 1998.
In 1996, I stumbled upon the world of Ayurveda, a discovery that would forever change my path. I had the privilege of personal training under the guidance of Maya Tiwari, a world-renowned spiritual leader, author, and the founder of the Wise Earth School of Ayurveda, a mentorship that spanned from 1996 to 2019. In 2010,
I am blessed with the prestigious title of Sadhaka-Adept for my unwavering dedication to spreading Wise Earth Ayurveda's wisdom throughout my community and beyond.
Today, I remain an active member of the Yogahealer community, led by the remarkable Cate Stillman. I proudly mentor a vibrant global community in Cate's latest venture, "Club Thrive," where we explore new horizons in the world of wellness and self-discovery together. Join me on this colorful journey of life, yoga, and Ayurveda.
In 2008, my transformative journey took an inspiring turn when I crossed paths with Vaidya Rama Kant Mishra, a luminary in the SVA Lineage of Ayurveda. The stars aligned, allowing me to immerse myself in his wisdom and teachings. I cherished the moments spent in his presence, absorbing the profound knowledge from his rich lineage. During this time, I also had the privilege of contributing to his global mission. This incredible journey continued until his passing in 2017, leaving an indelible mark on my path.
That very year, I embarked on a three-year odyssey with none other than Grammy Nominee Silvia Nakkach, an internationally acclaimed teacher of the Yoga of Sound. She opened my eyes to the profound role of sound and vibration in the realm of yoga. In 2009, a grant granted me the opportunity to delve into the world of Mandala/Yantra creation under the expert guidance of Rajita-Judith Cornell. These ancient yogic symbols have since become invaluable tools in my work, supporting and enriching the experiences of my students.
Along the way, I ventured into the challenging realm of entrepreneurship, owning and operating three yoga businesses. Anyone who's treaded this path knows it's no small feat. It demands unwavering dedication, unbridled passion, resilience, and the initiative to weather all storms. In 2015, I made the monumental decision to sell my yoga business, pivoting to become a full-time teacher. I joyfully relinquished the day-to-day rigors of "running the entire yoga business" and now pour 100% of my energy into teaching and writing.
Reflecting on my journey, I'm profoundly grateful for the wisdom bestowed upon me by extraordinary mentors and teachers. Over the past 25 years, I've had the privilege of professionally teaching yoga and Ayurveda, thanks to the guidance and inspiration of luminaries like Maya Tiwari, Vaidya Mishra, Swami Nirmalananda, Satyanatha, Sylvia Nakkach, Judith Cornell, Bikram, and Eric Schiffman. Their wisdom has lit the path of my life's purpose.
The Early Years
My journey into entrepreneurship commenced during the late '80s, coinciding with my fitness career that spanned from 1986 to 1995. As a fervent fitness pioneer, I was driven by a passion for innovation. I delved into research, determined to introduce the concept of body-mind fitness to a burgeoning community. In the late '80s, I had the privilege of working with elite athletes seeking safe and enjoyable ways to reinvigorate their workouts. I've always had a deep appreciation for unconventional approaches to achieving success.
During that transformative era, the late '80s and early '90s, I found immense joy in training aerobics instructors. The fusion of mind and body in fitness addressed the needs of students and athletes who sought more than just a sweat. We embraced new tools like Steps, Strongput (open-handed weights), and Slides to infuse freshness and excitement into our workouts. Incorporating the concept of "meditation in action" allowed fitness enthusiasts to connect with their bodies and be fully present during their athletic endeavors. It was our own version of Crossfit in the '80s, and the bonds formed within that community still endure to this day.
In 1991, I encountered a setback when a fitness-related injury left me with a knee problem. As a single mother with two children and no health insurance at the time, taking a break from work was not an option. I took my healing into my own hands and discovered specific yoga positions renowned for their strengthening and therapeutic properties. With diligent practice, I successfully rehabilitated my knee, and in the process, I fell head over heels in love with yoga. Fast forward 25 years, and my yoga journey has blossomed, encompassing over 3000 hours of training, with certifications in three distinct styles of Yoga and two lineages of Ayurveda. My path has been one of unwavering dedication, transformation, and a deep-seated commitment to the holistic well-being of others.
Creative ventures
Over the years, I've had the pleasure of channeling my innate creativity into a myriad of projects, spanning from video production and product development to crafting workshops and teacher trainings. My ability to conjure innovative solutions to seemingly insurmountable challenges proved invaluable during my tenure as the operator of three yoga studios from 1995 to 2015.
In 1997, a pivotal year in my journey, I conceived and brought to life a revolutionary yoga style known as "Yoga on the Ball®." This groundbreaking system employed a large ball as a yoga prop, aimed at assisting both students and myself in conquering the demanding backbends integral to Bikram Yoga practice. The introduction of the ball yielded remarkable results, prompting me to produce two enduring "YOGA on the BALL" videos, which continue to be cherished resources within the industry. In 1999, my innovation continued with the creation of "The Original Superblock®," an oversized yoga block designed to enhance various aspects of asana practice. To this day, this oversized block remains a cherished companion in my yoga classes. These innovations have found their way into the international market through Yoga Accessories at www.yogaaccessories.com.
From 2008 to 2015, my journey took a profound turn as I embarked on a new role, training practitioners for the Wise Earth School of Ayurveda. Within this role, I imparted teachings on Ayurveda programs encompassing topics such as "Food Breath & Sound," "Women's Health & Spirituality," "Healing Passes," "Japa meditation," and the transformative "Living Ahimsa Mandala for healing." Additionally, I played a pivotal role in assisting a workshop titled "Honoring the Ancestors" with Maya for many years at Kripalu. These ancestral practices held deep personal significance for me, as I grappled with the profound loss of my mother at the tender age of 24. The wisdom and healing gleaned from the ancestral work I imbibed from Maya not only brought solace and resolution to the pain of that loss but also illuminated the profound connection I share with my ancestors and all of humanity. My journey continues to be a tapestry woven with creativity, innovation, and deep personal growth.
Certifications & Specialized Study
1996 Yoga College of India – Bikram Hatha Yoga 750 hour
1997 Yoga College of India -Advanced Bikram Hatha Yoga 500 hour
1998 Eric Schiffman Freedom Style Hatha Yoga/ Vinyasa Flow 200 hour
1999 Master Yoga Teacher Institute Svaroopa® Yoga Teacher 700 Hour
2000 Master Yoga Teacher Institute Svaroopa® Yoga Business
2000 Master Yoga Teacher Institute Embodyment® Practitioner
2003 Master Yoga Teacher Institute Meditation Teacher
2007 Wise Earth School of Ayurveda Advanced Teacher 1000 hour
2008 VOX Mundi School/ Yoga of Sound
2008 Grant Study- Dr Judith Cornell/Mandala/Yantra Group Facilitation
2009 Vibration & Mantras of Ayurveda/SVA Health
2009 Prana/SVA Health
2009 Award Sadhaka-Adept Wise Earth School of Ayurveda
2010 Shaka Vansya Ayurveda Health Practitioner
2010 Wise Earth Ayurveda Master Teacher
2015 Shanka Vansya Ayurveda Pranavidusi/Pulse & Marma
2016 Awake Living with Cate Stillman/Yogahealer
2017 Living Ayurveda Course with Cate Stillman/Yogahealer
2020 Chakra Balancing Course Certification/Annodea Judith
Significant Work/Accomplishments
2017 Mentor in Living Ayurveda (Family Healer Path)
2018 Mentor in Wise Earth Ayurveda Kitchen Sadhana
2018 Awake Living Course with Cate Stillman/Yogahealer
2018 Mentor in Living Ayurveda (Family Healer Path)
2018 Body Thrive Course with Cate Stillman/Yogahealer
2019 Mentor in Living Ayurveda (ProHealer Path)
2020 Mentor in Living Ayurveda (Pro healer Path)
2020 Yoga Alliance approved 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training
2020 Certified Svaroopa Online Therapeutics
2024 YogaBody Classroom Therapeutics
2/20/98 ATT 51 Experiential Anatomy
3/24/98 ATT 50 Embodyment
8/15/98 SUM: YTT Intensive
3/5/99 *TP: Teacher Practicum
5/14/99 ATT 52: Yoga Business Skills
6/22/99 ATT 60: Yoga Therapy 1
6/22/99 ATT 60: Homework
1/24/00 *TP: Teacher Practicum
7/15/01 DTS Mentor Training
1/2/02 *DTS 1 G: DTS Week 1
1/8/02 *DTS 2 R: DTS Week 2 Repeat
1/7/03 DTS 1 R: DTS Week 1 Repeat
1/10/03 *MTT: Meditation Teacher Training
3/15/03 *MMZ: Meditation Made Easy
3/18/03 *TP: Teacher Practicum
1/3/04 DTS 3 G: DTS Week 3
1/4/04 DTS 4 G: DTS Week 4
1/6/04 DTS 2 R: DTS Week 2 Repeat
9/10/04 YTT Level 2
9/26/04 *TF: Teacher Forum
10/8/04 Embodyment Weekend
1/28/05 *MTT: Meditation Teacher Training
1/28/05 *MTT: Homework
7/24/05 *Yogini Conference
10/13/05 *Sutra Studies
11/4/05 SAT Conference
11/16/07 *Conference a la Carte
11/18/07 *Harmonium Course
7/9/08 EYTS: Foundations Review
10/13/08 EYTS: Level 2 Ext: Enliven & Advance
1/28/11 ATT 51: Experiential Anatomy
10/21/11 *Partial Conference a la Carte
5/18/12 DTS Level 4
1/5/13 ATT 201: Teaching Half-Day Workshops
3/19/13 *TS1: Teaching Yoga Sutras 1
5/27/16 Teaching Review
6/24/18 *ATT 402: Lower Spinal Release
12/22/20 Online Svaroopa Therapeutics
4/8/24 YogaBody Classroom Therapeutics