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- Sarah M from Santa Cruz
Sarah M from Santa Cruz
Kundalini and Restorative yoga
Name: Sarah M
Age: 45
Background: Freelance Writer and Mother of Two
Current Location: Santa Cruz, California, USA
Yoga Style: Kundalini and Restorative
It helps me ground myself before diving into the chaos
What inspired you to pursue yoga seriously?
I started yoga casually in my 30s, but it wasn’t until I hit a breaking point in my 40s that it became a lifeline. I was overwhelmed—juggling kids, deadlines, and my own expectations. A friend invited me to a Kundalini yoga class, and something clicked. It wasn’t just the movement; it was the breathing, chanting, and stillness that finally gave me space to think and feel.
Do you incorporate meditation or breathwork into your sessions?
Absolutely—it’s the core of my practice. In the mornings, I start with a short pranayama session, usually alternate nostril breathing or a simple breath retention exercise. On busy days, I focus less on poses and more on just sitting quietly with my breath for 10 minutes. It helps me ground myself before diving into the chaos.
How do you approach days when you don’t feel like practicing?
I remind myself that yoga doesn’t have to look the same every day. Some days, all I can manage is a child’s pose for five minutes, and that’s okay. I’ve learned to be kind to myself and let go of the pressure to “achieve” something on the mat. Just showing up is enough.
What does yoga mean to you today?
Yoga has become my anchor. It’s more than just exercise—it’s a way to reconnect with myself and stay present for my family. I also love sharing it with my kids; sometimes we’ll do little flows together in the backyard. For me, yoga is about creating moments of peace in a life that’s beautifully messy.