Hi, I'm sarah hayes
I help people to re-connect back to their body, nature and soul through breathwork, accessible yogic practices, and guided nature immersions.
My mission is to
create a world full of slow-living rested human beings who can once again connect deeply with others and the earth, and feel the freedom and joy of presence in an already-abundant world.
Yoga classes in the remote dry forest of Madagascar...
Growing up in rural South Australia, I always knew of my innate connections to the earth, and had a deep desire to help others reignite their own connections, both to themselves and bodies, but also to the earth and environments around them. This led me to study Ecology and Psychology degrees (BSc Hons Animal Behaviour & BBSc Psychology) and begin a life in science research amongst the forests of Madagascar, Borneo, Paraguay, Panama, and Fiji.
After teaching a group of colleagues and students in the remote North-West Madagascar Dry Forest (while managing a science research field expedition), I realised teaching yoga was something that I wanted to pursue. It may or may not have been due to the fact that a Lemur fell out of a tree and leapt onto my leg while teaching a yoga class...very true story. Fast forward a year, and I was in an advanced yoga class in Canada (before I became a teacher)...where I injured my left shoulder in downward facing dog. That would go on to heavily shape the practitioner and teacher that I am today (cue, accessible, life-practice yoga teacher!) - more below.
Scientist turned yoga teacher...
Eventually (after 6 years of practicing), I trained in vinyasa flow (200hr Vinyasa YTT) and pranayama (yogic breathwork - 100hr YTT). With the mix of western and eastern science, I provide an accessible-to-every-day-life and no-fluff approach to the worlds of yoga and spirituality.
Practicing with me is like a remembrance of your own self-authority, a deep dive into the intricacies of your breath and body, and a nurturing surrender to restoring connections to self and earth.
Read on to learn more about my praxis (values and practices) and my commitments as a privileged white settler facilitating a deeply rich ancient Indian tradition.
Favourite continent so far
africa
fave mid-arvo elixir
cacao
daily non-negotiable
3pm rest practice
human design
3/6 generator
fave food
Pizza
guilty pleasure
reality tv
The important stuff...
Commitment
To acknowledge and honour the traditional custodians of the land that I teach on, and the traditions and teachings of Yoga;
I commit to an annual contribution to a local ‘Pay the Rent’ initiative (rent of indigenous land).
I commit to right-sizing myself within social settings and decolonial practices through acknowledging my unearned privileges.
2021-2022 Financial Year Donations & Contributions went to 'Pay the Rent' in SE Aust. and 'Educate Girls US' in India.
2022-2023 Financial Year Contribution to Pay the Rent is TBA.
Embodied Praxis & Values
The depth and power of foundational (and 'simple') practices is incredibly potent - you do not need complex and physically difficult processes to discover whatever it is that you seek. I believe in the value of practice that empowers the practitioner, not tries to mould them into something they are not, or something their body is not suited for - facilitation of accessible and inclusive practice is essential.
Slow living is a portal to rest, pleasure, presence, and self-autonomy - which are so needed in todays fast-paced society.
I am slowly un-learning the linear ways of thinking and being, and re-learning indigenous and non-linear ways of thinking and living. Maintaining discernment of capitalism and its cuckhold on attention, autonomy and authority, is important to me and what I teach.
Acknowledgment
Sarah Hayes Yoga acknowledges the First Nations people as the Traditional Custodians of the land in which we live, practice, play and work upon - the Barngarla/Nauo People in South Australia. I acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. I pay my respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and elders past, present & emerging.
I also acknowledge the deeply rich ancient traditions of yoga, that we continue to utilise and benefit from even to this present day. I acknowledge that these ancient practices and traditions originate from South Asia and are thousands of years old.
