Please meet Sarah Belpedio, our featured Karma Yogi! Sarah recently came on board in June and has blown us away with her kindness, generosity, and team player spirit. She has jumped in to help out our fellow staffers on several occasions, and we are so very grateful to have her as part of the team! Learn more about her below.
What inspires you to practice at Flow?
The first time I stepped foot into P St, I knew Flow was different. I have been to countless studios over the past ten years, but they never felt quite right. The warm, vibrant community of teachers, staff, and Flowgis welcomed me, and I immediately felt at home. The incredible teachers and staff at Flow inspire me each and every day I walk through the doors. It is truly an oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city, and I feel so fortunate to have found this wonderful community.
What was your first yoga experience like?
Yoga was offered as an elective at my school, so I took yoga in 8th grade!
Who are some of your most influential teachers?
Cory! I first met Cory in one of his Asana Tune-ups. I loved that he took the time to help us understand how our anatomy works in the asanas. Since then, I have joined him for Buddha Time and his Fundamentals workshop. You can find me at his Thursday morning class (nearly) every week and any classes he subs! I love how Cory integrates philosophy and the yoga sutras into his classes. He always reminds us that yoga is so much more than a physical practice. I also love Sam's classes. I grew up a dancer and a gymnast, so I love Sam's flow, which at times feels like a dance. No better way to start off the weekend than Sam's Saturday class! I love how every single one of his classes are different, constantly exposing us to new yogic experiences. I also love Mimi's classes! Her ability to adjust you with her words amazes me! Together the three teachers offer different, but complementary styles of yoga. I love it :)
What is your current practice like and how does it fit into your daily routine?
My practice has become much more consistent since joining Flow a little over a year ago. I typically practice at Flow 3-6 times per week, depending on my travel plans. My love for Cory's classes has drawn me to ashtanga and inspired me to join the Mysore program, which I plan to start soon. I love practicing in the morning - the best way to start my day!
What is something the Flow community may not know about you?
I love to travel, and my job sends me around the world! In my current role, I travel to meet with NGOs across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe to train them on how to make their work more gender-sensitive and inclusive. I also conduct trainings on integrating self-care and wellness into the workplace. I am also very interested in holistic and functional medicine.
Thank you for sharing, Sarah, and for being such a bright light in our community!