Sarah Lafortune attended the first Maine YogaFest in 2013 as a yogi practitioner, but after attending a workshop with Jacqui Bonwell, she felt compelled to learn more. “Not only did I love the physical practice, but I was so intrigued by the history of the practice, the energetic and spiritual side,” says Sarah. “Initially, I wanted just to deepen my practice, to learn more.” This desire for deeper knowledge, led her to sign up for yoga teacher training that fall, completing her training in 2014.
When first introduced to yoga, Sarah found the practice as a way to strengthen and lengthen her muscles during arduous triathlon training and weightlifting. A heated vinyasa practice allowed her to feel detoxed. Her personal practice started with a class or two a week, and before long, she was in the studio daily. “Class became less of a workout and more of a work-in,” says Sarah. “Teacher training opened my eyes to this idea. The energetic work, the connection of mind, body, and breath. Now my time on the mat is not about my body, it’s about the work I can do internally.”
Sarah lives in Biddeford with her husband Mike, daughter Marah, 3 years old, and Zoe, almost 1 year old, and their dog Bronco. She stays at home with the kids, and when she is not with the family, she can likely be found running, swimming, or practicing on her yoga mat. “I am busy and have a lot of pent up energy. I’m my best self after I’ve given myself some time to move!” says Sarah.
Sarah came to Samudra as a student when the studio first opened in May 2016. Sarah Spiegel says it was a “no brainer” adding another Sarah to the roster of teachers. She adds, “I love her sweet, caring energy and how easy she is to talk to.” If you join Sarah on Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m., you can expect an accessible flow for all. Her classes are light hearted, but work the whole body to create space and depth.