Sage Monteith

RYT 200hr, MFR 25hr, MFR/Anatomy Trains 50hr, AIReal Yoga Certified

WHERE WERE YOU BORN/RAISED?
I was born and raised in sunny Ventura!

TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR PERSONAL PRACTICE
I struggled with feeling comfortable in my body and mind my whole life, so when a friend brought me to heated vinyasa when I was 17 I was not only confused and amazed, but floored by the physical sensations and steadiness it brought to my mind. In my early 20’s I lived in a rural area, and didn’t have access to a studio or internet so I did a lot of home practice, learning what I could from books and classes when I could make the drive out to them. My practice got a lot more consistent and deeply expanded when I moved back to Ventura from Humboldt County and was able to practice at various studios and then excitedly joining GY when it opened in 2018. Being a student of yoga has changed and enhanced my life for the better. 

TELL US A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE
I completed my first 200 hour YTT in 2019 and have since continued my education with focus on myofascial release, anatomy and recovery. I enjoy teaching all different paces of classes, from Yinfusion to Power Flow. Teaching has deepened my own personal practice and keeps me disciplined. I’m am ever grateful to have the honor of passing on the wisdom that has been passed to me.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA POSE?
This is ever changing, but lately Pyramid, Parsvottanasana, has been my favorite. It hits so many parts of the legs and hips and allows for a deep lengthening and extension of the spine. If I went by what pose you’ll find me in the most, Uttanasana, standing forward fold, or Balasana, Child's pose would be it!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA/SPIRITUALITY/SELF HELP BOOK?
The Yoga Sutras offer incredible wisdom. Outside of yoga philosophy texts Brene Brown had helped me understand the importance of opening up and honoring our vulnerability. I also love Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed for understanding humanness.

ANY ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS?
Find and follow your breath. Breath will offer you many gifts on and off the mat. Try not to compare yourself to those around you, everyone is on their own journey that changes every day. Try lots of different teachers and classes. Commitment and consistency is important as well so if a class or instructor resonates with you, commit to taking their class and don’t be afraid to talk to your teacher, we love it! Ask questions externally and internally, allow curiosity to flow. It’s called practice for a reason, we are always learning, changing, shifting, so let yourself enjoy it! Have fun! It’s your practice so make it your own. Your teacher is there to guide you to yourself, not to force you into a box. Find your breath and let yourself be free in mind, body & spirit. 

WHAT DOES “COMMUNITY” MEAN TO YOU?
Having a safe space to coexist, share, uplift and support each other on various levels without judgment.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT VENTURA?
I’m an ocean person so being minutes from the water is unbeatable and the weather permitting going to the beach so often is divine. 

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?
Food Share because everyone deserves access to food and RAKlife of course, because everyone deserves kindness.