Sarah Mermin, LICSW, has been teaching yoga since 1997, with 200 hour certifications from Kripalu Center and Integrative Yoga Therapy. Emphasizing yoga as a tool for cultivating mindfulness of mental and emotional states, Sarah brings her experience as a body-oriented psychotherapist to her teaching.

In her classes, there is an exploration of different yogic themes, integrating theory with physical practice. We practice yoga through asana, pranayama, meditation, and occasionally chanting. Inspirational readings, intention creation, and/or visualization are a part of each class. Students are encouraged to participate exactly as they are, to make the class their own. We leave practice feeling connected to our essential natures, more able to fully experience the richness and wonder of life.

For Sarah, yoga is a tool for cultivating a sense of peaceful vibrancy and contentment in our individual lives and in the world. Through practice on the mat, we can strengthen our ability to pay attention to the details of physical sensations, emotions, and thoughts. As we become more experienced at cultivating awareness through practice on the mat, we become more skillful in being mindful of experiences off the mat. As we notice how things are, rather than how we want them to be, we become more peaceful and content. This isn't always easy. Sometimes, we will notice that we haven't been practicing at all, just spending a lot of time suffering and/or judging. These moments can be challenging to notice, watch, and allow compassion. But if we choose to stick with it, we can improve not only the quality of our own lives, but also contribute to a more compassionate world.

For more on Sarah's work as a psychotherapist, please visit her website: www.in-balancecoaching.com