ODDlight Teacher Feature: Sarit Rogers

ODD before ODD was even a thing and the visionary eyeballs behind much of our photography, Sarit is our resident Renaissance Woman of trauma-aware and inclusive yoga. Although her many talents behind the camera, in front of a class or client in non-traditional settings like schools and prisons, or as an advocate for healing pull her in many directions, we're very fortunate to have a weekly Sarit sighting every Tuesday night at SOMATIC YOGA, wherein Sarit lovingly (and goofily) holds students through slow, gentle movements, long holds, grounding, and meditation to foster a connection with their deepest, internal experiences. You won't be able to catch her on her new electric bike, but you will be able to find out what else Sarit's up to in our Q&A below:

What are your "Big 3?" 

Leo sun ♌ Pisces moon ♓  Leo rising ♌

Five words to describe yourself?

Kind. Talented. Compassionate. Gifted. Tenacious

What's an ODD fact about you?

I’ve been part of ODD since before it opened and did all of the early photography and even put an image of Courtney on the cover of Yoga and Body Image, and many my ODD images over the years including a full feature of Jessica were in in LA Yoga Magazine.

One thing you're working on in your practice right now?

Being softer with myself, tending to the changes that have happened due to aging, injury; and chronic illness

Where are you when you're not on the mat?

I’m seeing clients in my private practice, singing, coordinating SE trainings, photographing someone or something, being of service

What's your fave food or restaurant?

Indian food, hands down.

Something or someone that inspires you?

People that are of service for the sake of being of service and not because it makes them look cool. My husband inspires me every day—he leads with his heart and is of service all day every day. My ancestors and their profound resilience and hunger for knowledge, teaching and justice.

What initially inspired you to become a yoga instructor?

Well funny story, I photographed the cover of a yoga based collection of essays: 21st Century Yoga. I had been photographing people for a long time and my focus was on body image and celebrating unfiltered beauty. I was a long time yoga practitioner (first practices when I was 7!!), but not connected to a studio and inconsistent. I initially became a teacher to be a better yoga photographer: then I realized I really liked teaching and loved teaching in non-studio environments like schools, juvenile hall, jails and prisons.

Where are you inviting play into your practice/day to day?

So I was a very serious kid and young adult. As I’ve gotten older and more embodied, play has become an integral part of my healing. I love to listen to my animal body and allow myself to move intuitively to support a natural unwinding. And love to get into my legs, my agency, my rootedness.

If a student takes home ONE lesson from your class, what do you hope it is?

Listen to the wisdom of your soma—your body. It is so wise and loves for you to slowwww downnnn. Notice how you feel in a pose, it’s more important than how you look.

What song/album/playlist do you have on repeat right now?

SlowSteady and LoveSoma

One affirmation you always come back to?

I am enough and I have a right to be here.

How are you feeling good these days?

Riding my new electric bike all over Culver City with my hubby.

How are you staying cozy this month, whether on or off the mat??

I’m a scarf and hoodie addict and a bookworm so: any chance I get, I’m wrapped in a scarf of hoodie because it feels cozy and containing, tea: bergamot rose rooibos curled up with a book: #swoon

Get to know Sarit more by finding her on the class schedule!