Park Record - Business -
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Published on: 10/22/2005
Last Visited: 10/22/2005
Spirit of Yoga teacher Sarah Valentine keeps her basement full of light, in warm tones, with a mirror and a small altar decorated with candles and photographs.The space is large enough for an entire class of students, but one at a time, and two at the most, is her motto.Valentine has taught large classes in the past, and continues to teach at Park City Yoga Studio, but finds that a crowd can't capture the subtleties of yoga as well as a private session can.
"There really is so much more to yoga than what we're exposed to in a classroom," she explained, "and as I began to learn more about yoga, I found that it was really meant to be done one-on-one.It's really about dropping back inside."
A competitive swimmer who ranked No. 5 in the world for the 200 meter free style in 1987, Valentine wasn't always so convinced of she had an affinity for yoga.Originally, she was nearly put off by yoga, she admits, and she wondered if it suited her aggressive style.
Spirit of Yoga owner Sarah Valentine has created a private studio in her basement for one-on-one yoga.Photo: Grayson West/Park Record.
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By letting go and learning a slow-paced yoga practice, Valentine says she began to let go of the tension in other parts of her life and began to feel comfortable and peaceful in her own skin.
"[Yoga is] more than just physical, it's about trying to heal all sorts of issues like insomnia, menstrual cramps, menopause and yoga has powerful ways of dealing with self-esteem.Through yoga, I think, people find out who they are," she reflected.
Valentine, who has been teaching for four years, is trained in several forms of Eastern practices.She has received certification from Yoga Motion in Salt Lake, completed a 200-hour certification with Yoga Alliance and received a degree in integrated yoga therapy.She also practices Reiki, a non-invasive healing system that is performed through touch to heal and relieve stress.
She calls the yoga she teaches "Vini yoga," a practice that concentrates on breathing patterns during practice.She likes to see clients twice a week, but says in the beginning three times a week is best.Valentine provides all mats, blankets and equipment.
"Part of the reason I like to work privately with students is because it's difficult to give special attention to those with disabilities or injuries in a classroom setting," she said.
In some instances, Valentine will visit students in their home if they are unable to leave or have trouble getting around.In the past she has worked with a student with mild multiple sclerosis.
While Valentine enjoys the spiritual aspects of yoga, she integrates them spiritual aspects only at a client's request, she says.Meetings are personal, and she caters to the personality of each of her students.
Valentine continues to stay involved in competitive sports as Park City High School's assistant swim coach.Her daughter Lindsey is on the team.
"I wish I had practiced yoga when I was competing, because it really puts you at ease and focuses you mentally before a race," she laments.
But Valentine's competitive days are over, she says though she continues to appreciate sports and is proud to have been seconds away from participating in the 1988 Summer Olympics.For now, she is happy to let go.
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