Name: Sarit
Nickname: I've been called a lot of things, but nothing stuck.
Hometown: Southside SM/Venice
Favorite place: The Darkroom or in a kayak on the ocean
What initially inspired you to become an instructor?
I have been practicing yoga off and on since I was around 7 or so. It was a tumultuous relationship. In 2012, I photographed the cover of 21st Century Yoga, and then began photographing a lot more yoga. I thought, hey, maybe i should learn more about teaching so I can shoot better. But then I became so inspired and was so encouraged during my training, both by my cohort and by the teachers, I leaned into my voice as a teacher.
Why do you continue to teach?
I love seeing the shift in folks when they take that involuntary deep breath as their nervous systems settle. I love being in community. I love holding space and inviting safety and resonance into the room.
How do you define yoga?
There's the literal meaning: union, right? But it's so much more than that to me. It's a pathway to the heart, to our breath, to a means of listening to our bodies. It's connection. It's music in motion. It's an oasis that we have the power to create for ourselves where we don't have to be anyone other than ourselves.
When you aren’t at the studio where can you be found (favorite past time)?
Hm.... I'm everywhere.Usually, I'm working in my role of Somatic Experiencing® Practitioner, seeing clients (adolescent and adult) or I'm photographing someone or something, or I'm snuggling my fur-babies, or managing teen drama.
What is your favorite pose or flow? Why?
To be honest, it's contingent on mood, but i always love a reverse warrior. I have a weird adoration for triangle and chair pose (yes, i realize how weird the latter is) and child's pose is simply magic. I love a good warrior flow. And i love a random dance party.
What is your favorite yogi prop or piece to wear or use?
The block is my best friend. I have short arms..... thank you, Block, for bringing the floor closer! I love props in general. I always use a blanket under my seat, and love a bolster under my knees in savasana or in child's pose.
What is your most embarrassing moment?
Most? eek. Well, there was that one time when was working on a film (used to costume for nearly a decade), and we were dressing Ru Paul. His manager had sent us the wrong measurements -- his fem measurements, so they were particularly unusual, for example, 27 waist, 42 inseam. Um..... So, I'm in Beverly Hills with the designer and see these two extraordinarily tall guys in front of me. I ran up to them and siad, "Excuse me, this might sound really odd, but where do you buy your pants?" They both looked at me like I was completely nuts, but they answered me. As I turned around, I realized it was Vlade Divac.
What is your most empowering moment?
Discovering my truth and finding my feet on my mat, in my life, and in my profession(s). I had a particularly profound experience during my SE training that literally changed my life. SE has been empowering and lifechanging in general, so it's been a culmination of moments. There was a momentum in my life that was propelling me forward, and it happened gradually but summed up to be a true sense of who i am in the world, my worth as an artist, and an almost unapologetic fierce compassion akin to Kali and Guan Yin,
What special causes or non-profits do you hold dear to your heart? Being of service is the most important thing to me. It drives me and gives me great joy. But my all time favorite organizations are Homeboy Industries and Off the Mat, Into the World.
Find Sarit and her passion projects on the Soc-meeds!
All the love!