Today we’d like to introduce you to Sari Velar.
Sari, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Los Angeles but mostly raised in Miami. As a kid, I had dreams of becoming a doctor but halfway through college, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A cancer diagnosis was extremely difficult to process as I was not truly an adult but not really a child. About two years after my first treatment ended, I did a total 180 and began a 20-year career in marketing, the beverage industry and experiential events. I dove headfirst into a work-hard-play-hard lifestyle that at times left me feeling like the 5th “unofficial” member of Mötley Crüe. As a coping mechanism, I began a long and arduous battle with addiction and an eating disorder. During that time, I found yoga and meditation. It was like finding Willy Wonka’s “golden ticket.” It helped me stay above water and allowed me to be quasi-functional despite all of the mental and physical challenges I was experiencing. In 2007 and I decided to take a yoga teacher training and began to teach classes in Miami and New York. I continued my yoga education racking up certification after certification, but I always struggled to find my true calling as a teacher and a population I felt passionate about working with.
Over the years, I experienced more layoffs than existing seasons of Rupaul’s Drag Race (ok maybe not exactly… but pretty close). After my last layoff, I immersed myself into furthering my yoga education and teaching again, but this time with no agenda, no backup plan and a big “ask” of the universe to bring me what I needed the most. I was presented with several opportunities to begin working with patients at local hospitals, rehabilitation facilities and cancer treatment centers. I also became a trauma-informed yoga facilitator with The Warrior Flow Foundation, a non-for-profit that facilitates mindfulness, movement and meditation for underserved communities and groups that experience high levels of stress. We work with first responders, local law enforcement, shelters, hospitals, schools, etc.
I can honestly say I never imagined myself returning to a hospital, clinical setting or working so closely with trauma… but here I am. I have truly found what feels like home and my soul’s calling. Looking at our own fears and traumas straight the face can feel like stepping into a CAT5 hurricane, but it can also be life-changing and healing.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Hell-to-the-no!!! But… I wouldn’t have it any other way. Every time I tried to leave the corporate world and teach on a full-time basis, I was met with financial, emotional and physical setbacks as well as the gift of becoming a mom in 2015.
Cue the hurdle of personal and planetary hurdles… The COVID-19 pandemic has posed much of the wellness community with the unique challenge of not being able to facilitate classes in person. Initially, it was heartbreaking and daunting to not see individuals and groups that I work with on a daily basis, but we are finding our way virtually through the help of technology like most of the world is doing right now. IG Live, Zoom, portals, carrier pigeon’s…you name it, we will try it and find a way! It’s all about holding space, keeping it real and staying connected during these tough times.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
I specialize in teaching therapeutic movement, mindfulness and meditation in mostly clinical settings. My passion is also working with populations that experience high levels of physical and emotional stress. I am most proud of bringing yoga outside of the studio setting and into areas where it’s needed the most. Adding copious amounts of laughter, levity and ninja-like adaptability are the sprinkles on the proverbial cake.
I regularly facilitate classes with individuals in hospital beds, who may be connected to IVs, medical devices or are wheelchair-bound. I also work with doctors, nurses and staff who may only have 15 minutes to connect with their minds and bodies. There is often no throwing a mat on the floor or using props. We have to work around a lot of challenging variables… THIS is where I am in my true element. All in all, the most important factor is human connection. It doesn’t have to look or be perfect; the goal is to help people feel safe, supported and calm in their bodies no matter what challenges they are facing.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
This is a loaded one. I am a longtime fan of Dr. Brene’ Brown and in her most recent Netflix documentary, she dissects one of Theodore Roosevelt’s most widely quoted speeches of his career, “The Man in the Arena”. Here is an abbreviated excerpt: “It’s not the critic who counts, it’s a man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again because there is no effort without error and shortcoming. If he fails, at least fails while daring greatly.” This is what success means to me. Those who dare to be face down in the arena, breaking confines, deconstructing social norms and daring greatly.
Contact Info:
- Email: sariomyoga@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sariomyoga
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SariOmYoga
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