Sarah Burnett

MEET CENTRAL FLORIDA’S YOGI INFLUENCERS

THE POWER OF CONNECTION

Sarah Burnett

The IJY Team is pleased to highlight Orlando native, Sarah Burnett, also known as “AcroSarah,” in the Fall/Winter issue of IJY Magazine.

I’m a proud Orlando native, born and raised in the City Beautiful. After graduating high school, I was excited to leave for college and explore other cities. I went to undergrad in Gainesville and then moved to Atlanta for several years. But when I was 27, and at the height of my Saturn’s return (if you know astrology, you know exactly what I mean!), I took off on a 3-year jaunt overseas to backpack through Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and India. I became a free spirit, unattached to items and time. My only destination was to connect within myself and with others. As I approached my 3-year travel mark and my 30th birthday, a craving for meaning and purpose in my life’s work was growing inside of me like a brushfire. I had already completed my masters in mental health counseling while living in Atlanta, and I completed yoga teacher training in Rishikesh, India. With my newly expansive worldview and professional training, I was ready to return to Orlando and develop connection and healing through community.

Well actually, I wasn’t totally ready to return to Orlando! I had been away for more than

a decade, and Orlando was a stranger to me. But I found my tribe in this city full of strangers, and it all began when I co-founded the Orlando Acro Club just over 5 years ago. I found powerful connection through safe, healing touch and community. The beautiful part about AcroYoga is that it can only be done in partnership. You play, you trust, you fail, you succeed; you find courage, you build strength, and you find such loving support. So many of my most meaningful friendships have their roots in this community.

Brené Brown (or Queen B, as I like to call her) says, “We are hardwired to connect with others; it’s what gives purpose and meaning to our lives, and without it there is suffering.” This powerful statement is exactly why we’ve seen my “Yoga Under the Stars” event at Orlando Brewing grow from 10 yogis to 100 in its existence. The class happens the 3rd Friday of every month, and it’s unlike any studio class you’ve taken—we laugh, we flow, we connect, we sip on organic beer mid-flow, and we

Sarah and her mom, Petey Silveira

CHLOE CLIFTON @CHLOECLIFTONPHOTO

almost always take a dance break. But my favorite moment comes right in the middle of class, when I always ask participants to connect their hands with their neighbors in a standing pose. That’s when shift happens. That’s when I see the ways in which people are hardwired for connection. You see some people reach out effortlessly while others connect with a bit of hesitation or discomfort, but afterwards there is this glow of smiles across the sea of people. People shift from solo flowing on their mat, to outwardly connecting with others. I have to say, it’s pretty magical.

Today, five years after moving back home, I see Orlando with such new eyes. Here in the City Beautiful, we support each other. We uplift. We show up. If our city is hurting, we unite together in the spirit of love. Most importantly though, we connect. We’ve all felt that power, that healing force of connection. So, make eye contact with strangers, offer smiles and hugs, and take advantage of new opportunities every day to recharge through deep, authentic connection.

Love & Light, Sarah

Sarah Burnett www.BalanceIsTheKey.com lululemon MAM Ambassador