Sarah Ezrin
Author of The Yoga of Parenting
Sarah is the mother of two young boys, residing in Marin County. Born in Toronto, she grew up primarily in California. A yoga practitioner and teacher for 15-20 years, Sarah had always maintained a passion and skill for writing. When she discovered she could merge the two callings, she finally found her path. A writer for numerous health, wellness and parenting sites, Sarah has been published in Yoga Journal, Healthline, Mind Body Green and Motherly.
We discovered Sarah through her relatable, honest and down-to-earth Instagram presence where she shares everything from pregnancy, meditation, post natal body and parenting woes with a sense of humor and comfort.
What brought you to sharing yoga online with the world
I had some classes up online from before the pandemic, but it was really the shut downs that inspired me (forced me?) to start bringing more offerings online. This coincided with my son's earliest days, so writing and teaching online meant I could be home with him, instead of running around teaching, which I had done for many many years. While I miss traveling to teach (I've taught yoga in 8+ countries!), I realized with online offerings that I could still access the amazing global community AND be home with my family.
Tell us about your new book coming out.
The yoga of parenting is a conscious parenting book that guides parents on how to apply the practice of yoga to family dynamics. It came out of desperate search for a parenting book told from the yogic lens. There are a number of mindful parenting books, but most are written from a buddhist perspective. I wanted something that spoke my language and mirrored what I was learning every day on my mat and with my kids.
How has motherhood informed or changed your current career path?
Oh my goodness, motherhood completely rerouted my career path and interestingly, this new path brought me closer to my original dreams. I had always wanted to write a book and help as many people as possible and build communities. After losing my mom in my mid-20's I was terrified to have a family (subtext: suffer that kind of loss again) and focused on my career. I was so entrenched in building my business, I was also scared that starting a family would derail me. I had no idea that my family would be the catalyst to help me fulfill my childhood dream of becoming a published author.
Tell us something bringing you joy as a parent right now.
It's different with the different kids and ages. For my eldest, who just turned 3 years old, I swell with joy when we he can eloquently express his love for me and his family. His comprehension blows my mind and our conversations just get richer and richer each year. As he becomes more verbose, I also really see him developing into his own person. With my littlest who is 8 months old, just lying together in present stillness. Hearing him laugh. Being fully present with him, which is a welcome pause from the movement and chaos that comes with toddlers.
How has yoga brought your family closer?
1000% yoga has changed/saved/improved/nurtured my family. It's funny, because many parents feel guilty for doing their practices (and remember yoga can be anything from meditation, to movement, to rituals). But it is when we take that time for our self to connect within that we are able to parent our best. And, this is scientifically proven stuff! Yoga has so many benefits that in turn, benefit our parenting: reduced stress, increased concentration, leveled mood and increased immunity (which we all need this winter!). I also get to mirror to my sons the importance of wellness and self-care.
How would you describe your own personal parenting style?
I would say a little conscious parenting, gentle parenting, with human-I-mess-up-ing thrown in.
For people who aren't seasoned practitioners of yoga, what tips would you recommend to begin?
I think people have a misconception of what yoga is. Many of us picture handstand or the poses, but the concept of yoga is about uniting and connecting. That's what the word really means. It sounds simple and I recognize that it’s not. If you can find time to take a few deep breaths, you're doing yoga. If you can ground and be present with your kids for a few minutes, that's yoga. Of course, if you have the space and time to do a dedicated sit or movement practice, then keep in mind that every minute counts. It doesn't have to be hours long. A few minutes makes a huge difference. Not to be cheeky, but to begin, you just begin. One step at a time.
Any ways you have managed juggling parenthood and being a business owner?
Well, I started answering these questions at 5:30 am! Now it's 7:00 am and I have a baby on my hip. Not going to lie, it is no joke. We have limited childcare. I'm very blessed that my husband works from home and so we can juggle the baby and I can take meetings, but my work is often woven into my downtime (which is limited as is!). The good news is, I love what I do. So I don't mind editing pieces at 9:00 pm or waking up extra early to hit deadlines. In fact, those early wake-ups are some of my favorite moments of any given day (sorry fam!).
Any suggestions for beginning a yoga practice with children/family?
Our littles learn best by our modeling, they love to do what we do. Just throw out some mats and start moving and you will be surprised at how much they can actually end up teaching us.
What are some current family favorites in your household right now?
For my 8 month old, we're pretty obsessed with his Bebsi teether. He also loves his Itzy Ritzy Teether lovey combo.
For my 3 year old, there's nothing more important to him than his Micro Mini Scooter that have light up wheels. He's super into Melissa and George Puzzles right now too.
Both boys cannot live without their Angel Dear lovies. My baby has a Zebra named Zed and my 3 yr old has a giraffe named Gerald and bulldog named Boris.
How do you manage self-care?
I'm a firm believer that self-care doesn't have to be huge overt experiences. It's tiny choices and commitments we make each day. Having my tea hot, sitting for 10 min to meditate, moving my body in some way, cooking nutritious food, microwaving on the nights I'm tired, seeing friends, staying home. It's a continuum and it's really about honoring what we need now.
How can people pre-order your book or connect with you at this point in time?
My book is available for pre-order!!! Pre-orders are hugely important to authors (especially first timers like me!) so as a huge thank you to all of those who order early, I have THREE FREE gifts for you! A self-forgiveness meditation (for those human moments!), a grounding and connecting AND BRIEF movement practice, and an E-book which features intimate stories and shared wisdom from some of the book's featured parents, called Collective Wisdom: Parenting Stories & Wisdom.
Sarah's debut book The Yoga of Parenting is coming soon! Pre-order HERE
photography by Emilie Bers and Ian Spanier
