Collective Spotlight: Safara Fisher
Safara Fisher is known for leading Chair Yoga classes at Sanctuary, and for her warm and gentle personality. This January, join Safara for her new 4-week series, Finding Your Way: A Yoga Pilgrimage.
Are there any preconceived notions you had about yoga that changed over time?
I had the notion that a large part of an asana practice was about mastery of skill at a high level of physical ability, to obtain a full expression of a “posture.” I am a person in recovery from 20 years of a digestive dis-ease that affects my stamina, agility, and mental health. When I followed this notion of an asana practice, I struggled to take care of myself. After becoming a teacher and exploring accessible, trauma-informed and chair-based yoga, I found my way to a practice. It's been liberating!
How would you describe your teaching style?
My teaching style is as I encourage myself to practice. Compassion, heart-led and inclusive. In my teaching I like to enjoy supporting others as a guide. Students are invited to a gentle practice of listening to their body with curiosity, playfulness and to go at their own pace. Do what is right for them. It’s about choice. Most importantly at all times take care of yourself mentally and physically with what supports you best.
How does yoga inform your activism?
Safara with Lisa Leizman
It is my intention that I may serve to represent the diversity within communities of yogis racially and culturally, and those with invisible disabilities. I am getting such an opportunity to support inclusivity bringing my practice to Sanctuary. I am thrilled! I have provided yoga as a volunteer with the Healthy Living Program at LifePath, whose mission serves older adults and those with disabilities. I am also a trauma-informed senior teacher with Three and A Half Acres Yoga, which provides yoga to underserved populations through community organizations.
