Today we’d like to introduce you to Sara Turk.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sara. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I began my practice of yoga in 1997, as a compliment to my dance training, and came to Ashtanga yoga in 2005. After my first yoga class, I knew I found something special. Yet, it wasn’t until the first Ashtanga class that I uncovered the full potential of what yoga could mean in my life — the depth to what a physical practice could entail and how this practice could translate off the mat. Of course, I had no idea of this at the time, other than I felt something I’d never felt before even if I didn’t fully understand it. This was the moment, I now consider to be the onset of my study of yoga, beyond simply practicing asana.
I’ve had the fortune of in-depth study with great teachers such as Doug Swenson, Tim Miller, Andrew Eppler, and Max Strom. I completed my 500RYT in Sadhana Yoga Chi with Doug Swenson (June 2011) — emphasizing a holistic approach to yoga (Ashtanga, Vinyasa, Power, Yin & Restorative asana, along with meditation, nutrition, and cross-training). I love working with students of all levels, as well as special populations including elite athletes, veterans with PTSD, and most recently, I had the fortune of working with incarcerated individuals.
I’ve been honored to be part of the Hyde Yoga clothing catalog (Spring 2014) and serve as Yoga Ambassador for Lululemon (2010-2011). Over the years, my sister and I have cultivated an award-winning healthy recipe blog, The Innocent Primate Vegan Blog. After leaving the life of a scientist (Neuroendocrine Physiology), I opened Cherry Blossom Yoga (Spring TX) with my sister, Johanna. In addition to regular classes and teacher training at the studio, I teach Ashtanga Yoga at Lone Star College in Tomball. I also travel offering workshops, teacher training, and occasionally assist Doug Swenson in his training and workshops.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There have definitely been some struggles along the way — injuries, life events. Over the span of 20+ years of practice, I would be surprised if someone didn’t experience some difficulty. There’s an element in yoga that we refer to as tapas — to heat, to cook, but also austerity or discipline. Sometimes, there is discomfort in order to build something, to create something. Everything that has happened, while not always obvious at the moment it’s happening, has shaped me into what I am today. I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am without those particular events, injuries, difficulties.
The Ashtanga practice continually teaches me that even when the time is difficult, as long as I can still breathe amidst the struggle, then I’ll survive. It may serve to transform me. It may not always be pleasant, but it may be necessary to bring me to where I need to be.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into Cherry Blossom Yoga story. Tell us more about the business.
I teach Ashtanga yoga as I’ve learned it from my teachers, Doug Swenson and Tim Miller. As a studio owner, I also teach just about every other style out there when needed, but my true passion for teaching is in the Ashtanga Yoga lineage.
I’m told that my teaching style is one of strength and compassion — a sense of fun without frivolity. I’m honored to have achieved such a balance in the eyes of my students. My goal is to teach people where they are, offering what I’ve learned through my own practice and experience, and helping to reduce unnecessary suffering.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
There will always be moments of effort and there will always be moments of ease in any career. Surround yourself with those who support you. When times get tough, as long as you can still remember why you started on your chosen career path and remain enthused, then keep going. We all question why we get into something when times are difficult. If you can’t remember why, but you feel there’s nothing you’d rather do, keep going. The moment you can’t remember why, when there’s absolutely no enthusiasm in the deepest depths of your inspirational wellspring, I recommend taking a moment of pause. Observe how you can evolve your initial vision, ask yourself if it’s still what you want. If there is no option for evolution, and no desire, it’s okay to change paths. I went from a research scientist to a yoga teacher/studio owner, and while it was a scary shift at the time, I’m grateful I grabbed the fear by the hand and said ‘you’re coming with me’ instead of letting it keep me in a career that wasn’t serving me anymore.
Pricing:
- $15 Single Class
- $130 Monthly Unlimited (AutoPay)
- $120 11 Class Pack
- $90 Private Lesson
Contact Info:
- Address: 16650 Champion Forest Dr
- Website: www.cherryblossomyoga.com
- Phone: 281-257-4245
- Email: saraturkyoga@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraturkyoga/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saraturkyoga/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaraTurkYoga
- Other: https://innocentprimate.wordpress.com
Image Credit:
Joaquin Garay Photography, Casablanca Productions
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