The Vibrant Living Institute & Academy

I've found what I'm looking for in an all round mind-body-spirit yoga instructor - thanks to you Sarah! Our mental well-being is just as important as our physical health and your classes provide opportunity to develop both. You provide demonstration, hands-on assistance, guidance and encouragement during your classes. You suggest modifications based on our differences and abilities. I really like that you offer additional techniques such as self-healing reiki and tapping. I found tapping to be a wonderful tool that I took home and was able to use the next day after just learning it! Can't wait for my next class! Shani Blair

Great class Tuesday night! It really helped revive my energy, brought me back from the dead. It provided me with a relaxing tone for the following day, allowing me to conduct business with a calm demeanour. It was just what I needed - Thanks! Elizabeth H. R&D

Thank you so much for your excellent teaching. I used my ujjayi breath and low deep oms (this was key during the hard part of my labour!) throughout the whole birthing process. I was able to get through it without an epidural! Thanks again! I am deeply grateful to you as I learned so much and had such a better labour experience because of attending your class. Namaste, Emily Emily L. Overjoyed Mommy!

I had a NATURAL childbirth as I used yoga breathing throughout my contractions and arrived at the hospital 9cm dilated!!!! Thanks for all the advice, amazing instruction and wonderful tips that I will use in future labours!!! I think my little one has already learned the sign for milk :) Oh, and also I had a tough time breastfeeding because of the pain but I use yoga deep breathing to make me focus on the task at hand and not the uncomfortable feeling. I now am successfully feeding with minimal pain! Thanks again for everything! We look forward to your mom and baby classes. Brianne N. Proud Mommy!

Sarah I just can't say enough. You have been a life saver - truly an angel. Your energy was always there to support and encourage me - your one-on-one nutritional and transitional coaching, breathing and movement exercises and healing hands gave me the drive to keep going through illness and the challenges that I had to face and even with all the changes that this year has brought I am feeling better and better and I have you to thank. I would recommend you to anyone or any family who is caring for their loved one and your knowledge and patience in explaining what was to come with a transition to long term care really made it easy for me to adjust and find my feet in my new surroundings. I am so very grateful. Edith W. days for 104 and still going strong!

We had a boy! I used my yoga mat and ball and had a great labour. Thanks for all of your support, sensitivity and encouragement and for helping me connect with my baby in such an enlightened way. Your class was truly a blessing! Julia S. Over the Moon Mommy!

Although we were hoping for a home birth I did end up going to the hospital for pain and used the laughing gas while waiting for and epidural however it ended up being to late for the epidural and I found out after that the midwife didn't realize she needed to turn the gas on so I ended up doing it naturally! I had a great experience and both baby and I are doing GREAT! I wanted to thank you for being such a great teacher, your classes really helped me make the mental and emotional transition into mommy hood! Best of luck for your move and if you are ever back teaching in Durham region please let me know. Jessica P. Empowered by My Strength!

We had a girl! A tiny 6 pounds 1 ounce, but healthy as can be! Thank you so much for your knowledge, passion and inspiration through the scary pregnancy. Here's to your continued success and keep in touch! Jade B. Thrilled As Can Be!

My little guy weighed in at 8lbs 9oz. Everything could not have gone better. As the contractions grew more intense I used child's pose for a long time because it felt amazing on my hips and back. The breathing from yoga and hypnobirthing was paramount and kept me focused throughout. When I lost focus I was able to use the breathing to re-centre myself and stay on track. I pushed in the Garland position for most of it because it was a great use of gravity and helped to keep my hips open. My little man was a star and had a super strong heartbeat the whole time which the midwives attributed to my staying calm and relaxed (as much as possible). He came out wide eyed and calm; not crying, just happy to be here. In addition to the breathing and poses, the yoga was amazing in terms of being able to stay flexible and strong to maneuver during labour and birth. Sarah, Thanks again for all your guidance and expertise. Danielle C. Proud Warrior Woman!

We welcomed our son into the world Monday, January 31st! The birth experience was extremely positive. As the day progressed, my contractions grew stronger. I focused on my breathing & my hubby was fantastic talking me through the contractions. By the afternoon I was using my birthing ball between contractions & then would lean over a padded foot rest during the contractions to breathe & change the pressure on my back. I also used heat on my lower back & emptied my hot water tank a few times during the day. We arrived at the hospital 8cm dilated. I truly believe that the yoga & breathing techniques allowed me to labour at home for such along period of time. I only used a bit of nitrous oxide to get to 10cm & then pushed for just under an hour (on my back & left side). Our little guy was calm & alert upon his arrival. Thanks again Sarah for welcoming me to yoga & sharing your passion. It helped to make my birth experience so positive! Layla H. Calm & Blissful Mommy!