As dolphins float calmly, eloquently, quietly, peacefully, so does the spirit and light of Sahara Rodriquez. As our Teacher of the Month for April 2020, Sahara’s spiritual, healing energy work, meditation and many resources and paths are where one can find the spirit of Oneness.
When/how did you discover yoga?
I moved to New York in my late teens to pursue acting and was introduced to meditation by my acting teacher. I was troubled at the time and in search of peace and healing. Meditation helped me to heal my heart and mind and I often felt like I could float through that crazy city in peace. Yoga came along a little later when I became pregnant with my daughter and was very uncomfortable in my body. I wanted to do everything I could naturally to stay healthy and calm during my pregnancy. Yoga has helped me stay strong, grounded and present in my body. It has taught me to breathe and stretch more deeply into all the positions life puts me in!
What do you love about teaching yoga?
Although I’ve been more focused as a meditation teacher, I love to watch people transform physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually before my eyes. I taught mostly kids and teens for 8 years and it felt so good to plant those seeds of peace in little minds. My hope is as they grow, they reach for these tools instead of some more unhealthy options to escape stress.
How has yoga and meditation changed your life?
As a wounded and troubled teen, meditation and yoga became some of the best tools in my healing toolbox. Through life’s ups and downs, twists and turns I’ve had them to help me return to center, return to self-love.
Why do you teach at Bella Prana?
I am honored to teach at Bella because of the amazing students, the beauty of the space and the commitment behind the scenes to bring yoga and meditation to the community.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
I love dolphins! I am that weirdo at the beach when one is spotted goes running into the water to squeak and talk to them! Before I realized how bad it was to have them in captivity, I got to swim with them twice. The second time I was in Mexico, a trainer let me sit by the edge of the pool and just watch them for an hour. I felt the love and intelligence looking into their eyes. If I had it to do all over again, I would have become a marine biologist (and still teach meditation and yoga of course!)
Sahara brings her meditation, energy work and Reiki offerings to Bella Prana Yoga & Meditation, Tampa FL. Voted Best of the Bay!