Hi! I'm Sarah Jane, the woman who runs the Nest.
I want to officially introduce myself .
I've been an avid Yoga student for the past 18 years and a teacher for the past 13. I live on Salt Spring Island, a small island off the west coast of Canada with my Husband, Alex and our dog, Leo
Living on Salt Spring, with limited access to group yoga classes, was my initial incentive for diving into a home practice. It was a lot of trial and error at first but once I found my groove the rewards for getting on the mat (even when I didn't feel like it), continued to show up as increased self-confidence, a deeper trust in my intuition and the freedom to be who I am.
Some days the resistance was (is) overwhelming but, when I permit myself to adapt my practice based on how I am feeling, the rewards surpass the initial resistance.
Knowing there are so many women out there who want to establish a home practice and struggle with how to get started, what to practice and feelings of going it alone, led me to start the Nest online.
Since then, I have helped many clients navigate from 'I don't know where or how to begin' to establishing a practice that they love and that feeds them on the level of mind, body and spirit. When we are deeply nourished on all of these levels, we are able to give from a well resourced place. We can give to ourselves and our community. We are inspired, creative, grounded and curious.
Want to turn your desire to do yoga at home into an inspiring habit that supports your mind, body and spirit? Grab my free guide here
I have a special interest in working with women who are childless not by choice (CNBC). Not being able to have a child, if you would like to, is a devastating experience. Having a solid yoga practice to lean on throughout the rollercoaster ride of infertility was, and still is, my saving grace. I am honored to share the yoga-based tools and practices that helped me with others who are beginning to embrace their childless not by choice lives. Join me over at Embodied Possibility for classes and resources specifically for childless women.
A little more about me
Why do I practice yoga?
I practice as a way to connect with myself on all levels – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. This connection eases anxiety and creates an inner self knowing that translates into being more confident and at home within me. I am curious by nature and like to challenge myself.
Why do I teach yoga?
I teach with the hopes of inspiring people to discover the subtle power available from a consistent yoga practice. A well rounded yoga practice offers opportunities for continual learning, challenge (physically and mentally), time to process emotions, and tools to integrate the discoveries on the mat into life off the mat.
Who have I studied with?
During 2009, I lived at the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga and studied the Classical Ashtanga teachings of Baba Hari Dass. This included karma yoga, asana, yoga philosophy, meditation, pranayama and kirtan. Since then I have completed over 1000 hours of training with the inspirational faculty of Moksha/Modo yoga - Ted Grand, Jessica Robertson, Frank Jude Boccio and Ray Long to name a few - and am certified to teach Moksha levels 1 & 2 plus Moksha Flow. I have also studied Yin Yoga with Joe Barnett, Yoga Philosophy and Advanced Vinyasa with Natalie Rousseau, and Trauma-Informed Yoga with Yoga Outreach. I have over 4000 hours of teaching experience.
What can you expect from my classes?
You can expect variety with purpose, alignment based instruction, opportunities to explore, individualized verbal instruction and modifications, invitations into self awareness and discovery, challenge, breath awareness, seasonally themed intentions and looooong savasanas.
The Nest is a cozy home-based Yoga studio located on beautiful Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada. Students receive high quality personalized instruction and inspiration for yoga practice on and off the mat whether they practice in-studio or online. I offer instruction in Vinyasa, Hatha, Yang Yin, and Yin yoga styles to beginners and experienced practitioners alike. In-studio classes range from room temperature, to warm to hot depending on the style. Taking an online class? You get to decide the temperature!
Whether you're looking to build a solid foundational practice or expand and explore your existing practice, I can help. I love to work with students who enjoy consistent practice and continued learning opportunities. To complement classes and online membership, I offer special themed classes and retreats throughout the year that allow for a more in-depth exploration of a variety of yoga and yoga-related topics.
Individual and small group private sessions are available by appointment for all levels, all ages, all ranges of mobility and strength (please note that sessions do not need to be heated). To inquire about group or individual private lessons please email [email protected] or call 250 537 6638.
I want to officially introduce myself .
I've been an avid Yoga student for the past 18 years and a teacher for the past 13. I live on Salt Spring Island, a small island off the west coast of Canada with my Husband, Alex and our dog, Leo
Living on Salt Spring, with limited access to group yoga classes, was my initial incentive for diving into a home practice. It was a lot of trial and error at first but once I found my groove the rewards for getting on the mat (even when I didn't feel like it), continued to show up as increased self-confidence, a deeper trust in my intuition and the freedom to be who I am.
Some days the resistance was (is) overwhelming but, when I permit myself to adapt my practice based on how I am feeling, the rewards surpass the initial resistance.
Knowing there are so many women out there who want to establish a home practice and struggle with how to get started, what to practice and feelings of going it alone, led me to start the Nest online.
Since then, I have helped many clients navigate from 'I don't know where or how to begin' to establishing a practice that they love and that feeds them on the level of mind, body and spirit. When we are deeply nourished on all of these levels, we are able to give from a well resourced place. We can give to ourselves and our community. We are inspired, creative, grounded and curious.
Want to turn your desire to do yoga at home into an inspiring habit that supports your mind, body and spirit? Grab my free guide here
I have a special interest in working with women who are childless not by choice (CNBC). Not being able to have a child, if you would like to, is a devastating experience. Having a solid yoga practice to lean on throughout the rollercoaster ride of infertility was, and still is, my saving grace. I am honored to share the yoga-based tools and practices that helped me with others who are beginning to embrace their childless not by choice lives. Join me over at Embodied Possibility for classes and resources specifically for childless women.
A little more about me
Why do I practice yoga?
I practice as a way to connect with myself on all levels – physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. This connection eases anxiety and creates an inner self knowing that translates into being more confident and at home within me. I am curious by nature and like to challenge myself.
Why do I teach yoga?
I teach with the hopes of inspiring people to discover the subtle power available from a consistent yoga practice. A well rounded yoga practice offers opportunities for continual learning, challenge (physically and mentally), time to process emotions, and tools to integrate the discoveries on the mat into life off the mat.
Who have I studied with?
During 2009, I lived at the Salt Spring Centre of Yoga and studied the Classical Ashtanga teachings of Baba Hari Dass. This included karma yoga, asana, yoga philosophy, meditation, pranayama and kirtan. Since then I have completed over 1000 hours of training with the inspirational faculty of Moksha/Modo yoga - Ted Grand, Jessica Robertson, Frank Jude Boccio and Ray Long to name a few - and am certified to teach Moksha levels 1 & 2 plus Moksha Flow. I have also studied Yin Yoga with Joe Barnett, Yoga Philosophy and Advanced Vinyasa with Natalie Rousseau, and Trauma-Informed Yoga with Yoga Outreach. I have over 4000 hours of teaching experience.
What can you expect from my classes?
You can expect variety with purpose, alignment based instruction, opportunities to explore, individualized verbal instruction and modifications, invitations into self awareness and discovery, challenge, breath awareness, seasonally themed intentions and looooong savasanas.
The Nest is a cozy home-based Yoga studio located on beautiful Salt Spring Island, British Columbia, Canada. Students receive high quality personalized instruction and inspiration for yoga practice on and off the mat whether they practice in-studio or online. I offer instruction in Vinyasa, Hatha, Yang Yin, and Yin yoga styles to beginners and experienced practitioners alike. In-studio classes range from room temperature, to warm to hot depending on the style. Taking an online class? You get to decide the temperature!
Whether you're looking to build a solid foundational practice or expand and explore your existing practice, I can help. I love to work with students who enjoy consistent practice and continued learning opportunities. To complement classes and online membership, I offer special themed classes and retreats throughout the year that allow for a more in-depth exploration of a variety of yoga and yoga-related topics.
Individual and small group private sessions are available by appointment for all levels, all ages, all ranges of mobility and strength (please note that sessions do not need to be heated). To inquire about group or individual private lessons please email [email protected] or call 250 537 6638.
Kind Words
"It is such a pleasure to learn from and practice yoga with Sarah-Jane. Taking private yoga lessons with her happened at exactly the time when I needed to reinvigorate my home yoga practice. She is a great listener and observer, and really understood my goals. Her teaching style is a great combination of instruction, offering, encouragement and challenge. I leaned so much after just a few sessions, and feel completely re-inspired in my practice. What an enjoyable and nourishing way to invest in my personal wellness!"
- Elizabeth, Private yoga client
Sarah Jane ran a beautiful yoga session for my sister’s bachelorette party. Not only did we hold poses that fit our varying levels of abilities and practice mindfulness, Sarah Jane understood our group and was fun as she took photos of us and let us break out in group giggles. It was the perfect practice for our special weekend!
- Kaeli Sollitt
"While initially I missed ‘group yoga’ at the studio, I now am really enjoying the live stream sessions. The large number and diversity of sessions/resources available to use at any time was unexpected when I signed up for the Nest online. I also am impressed with all the technical and social processes Sarah Jane has initiated make me/us feel welcome and comfortable while practising. Being a member of the Nest online has added joy & peace to my life during this unusual time.
- Barb, the Nest online member
"I enjoyed everything about your classes and your development of on-line content was exceptional. I really appreciated the connection and your calm and caring approach."
- Christina, the Nest online member
"I like Sarah Jane's easy-to-understand and precise instructions. Just follow her instructions and you will find yourself placing your hands slightly different from how you would place them normally, shifting your attention to a certain area of your body, and slightly shifting your weight a certain way, and you are doing a pose that you haven't been able to do before, you are doing a pose in a way that actually makes your weak muscles work and stretches that part of your body that's been tight. That's why I like Sarah Jane. There are millions of yoga teachers offering classes online these days, but this exactly why I choose her online classes"
- Anonymous, the Nest online member
"Sarah-Jane has created a beautiful community with the Nest online, where students can learn and feel empowered in their yoga practice. Sarah-Jane is a compassionate teacher who provides caring support to all her yoga students, whether in person or via live-stream online classes. Whatever I might bring into class that day, with Sarah-Jane’s gentle guidance, I always feel transformed on the mat."
- Claire Sicherman, Writer
I’m really enjoying the Nest online membership yoga class offerings, as they are diverse, plentiful and easy to access. Sarah Jane is a knowledgeable, skillful and thoughtful teacher. Her classes, and their themes, are well considered and easy to follow. I like the ability to choose a yoga or meditation style practice that suits my needs and time constraints. It helps my home practice, by being consistent, so I can reap the many benefits.
- Rachelle, teacher at Mantra Meditation with Rachelle
"I really enjoyed Sarah Jane's online Yang Yin Class. It was so nice to be able to put the video on when it worked during my day. Looking forward to more home yoga practices with Sarah Jane"
- Britney, the Nest online member
"I really love the Nest online. You've created such a beautiful space for people to continue their yoga practice and I'm grateful for that. Thank you!"
- Anonymous, the Nest online member
"Excited to finally ignite a sustainable practice."
- Karin Beviere DCH Homeopathic Medicine www.KarinBeviere.com
"I’m very glad to have the nest online available to support my home yoga practice."
- Anonymous, the Nest online member
"The Nest is my favourite yoga studio on Salt Spring Island. Sarah Jane is an exceptional, highly intuitive teacher who can help you expand your practice no matter what level you are at. The studio is intimate and inviting, with a lovely view and warmed by wood stove and ceramic panels for the perfect yoga experience. I highly recommend it!" - Dominica Sweet, owner of Dom's Deodorant,
"This is a wonderful little studio with a wonderful view. The teachers are fantastic and I've really enjoyed all the classes I've taken here."
- Brandon Lenters - yoga student
"Cozy, fireside yoga studio overlooking forest and mountains. Loving, personal and intimate classes with a community vibe and lots of variety. If you have never tried hot yoga, this is the space to start. If hot yoga is your jam, it's worth the trip to Salt Spring just for the unique experience. Sweet spot to get your stretch on!" - Andrea Palframan, Yoga teacher and creative genius at Talk Beauty With Me,
"Have taken group classes and private classes and never been disappointed. Clean, beautiful space, warm along with an amazing owner and instructors. Definitely a hidden diamond on Salt Spring Island." - Samantha Harron, Owner and Eco-Stylist at the Hemp House Hair Salon
"Great classes, fantastic instruction and very kind people. Sarah-Jane is obviously very passionate about anatomy, psychology and has a real flair for making everyone feel welcome and supported in their yoga experience." - Ted Grand, Founder of Modo Yoga
“SJ’s love and knowledge of yoga shine through whenever she teaches . Her classes are grounded and inspiring. She is extremely skilled at creating a class that has balance between information of the body in the pose, as well as weaving in beautiful themes that takes my practice to the next level."
- Kate Beddows, Yoga teacher at Modo Yoga Nanaimo
"Yogassage is so tremendous! I feel absolutely rejuvenated and at ease after.The providers are so attuned to your needs and careful to stay in your comfort zone. I have been multiple times and will continue to go to this body, mind and soul feeding class. It is a great experience for friends or couples to relax and re-centre together. Anyone can do this class and should. "- Jazzi Griffiths, Paramedic
"Sarah-Jane's yoga studio, 'The Nest', feels like just that: a sweet, intimate space nestled in the woods up a winding road on one of Canada's most beautiful islands. She teaches solid, slow-flowing sequences, interspersed with instructions that calm, center and focus.
I never enjoyed 'hot' yoga until taking Sarah-Jane's classes, and I appreciated that her studio is smaller. It allows for both individual attention from the instructor, as well as a sense that you can just stay very focused on your own experience during the practice.
I look forward to more classes when we return to Salt Spring Island, and can very much recommend this studio to those who like to practice yoga postures in a heated environment." - Liza keogh, yoga student
"Yogassage was incredibly nurturing for my body and mind. After childbirth and carrying a baby over the last year and a half, my body and adrenals are beyond taxed. This was by far the best thing I've done for myself in a long time, helping me reach levels of deep relaxation and opening I haven't felt in years! I'll be back, thank you Sarah-Jane and Mardon!" - Suzanne Gay - Musician & Teacher
- Elizabeth, Private yoga client
Sarah Jane ran a beautiful yoga session for my sister’s bachelorette party. Not only did we hold poses that fit our varying levels of abilities and practice mindfulness, Sarah Jane understood our group and was fun as she took photos of us and let us break out in group giggles. It was the perfect practice for our special weekend!
- Kaeli Sollitt
"While initially I missed ‘group yoga’ at the studio, I now am really enjoying the live stream sessions. The large number and diversity of sessions/resources available to use at any time was unexpected when I signed up for the Nest online. I also am impressed with all the technical and social processes Sarah Jane has initiated make me/us feel welcome and comfortable while practising. Being a member of the Nest online has added joy & peace to my life during this unusual time.
- Barb, the Nest online member
"I enjoyed everything about your classes and your development of on-line content was exceptional. I really appreciated the connection and your calm and caring approach."
- Christina, the Nest online member
"I like Sarah Jane's easy-to-understand and precise instructions. Just follow her instructions and you will find yourself placing your hands slightly different from how you would place them normally, shifting your attention to a certain area of your body, and slightly shifting your weight a certain way, and you are doing a pose that you haven't been able to do before, you are doing a pose in a way that actually makes your weak muscles work and stretches that part of your body that's been tight. That's why I like Sarah Jane. There are millions of yoga teachers offering classes online these days, but this exactly why I choose her online classes"
- Anonymous, the Nest online member
"Sarah-Jane has created a beautiful community with the Nest online, where students can learn and feel empowered in their yoga practice. Sarah-Jane is a compassionate teacher who provides caring support to all her yoga students, whether in person or via live-stream online classes. Whatever I might bring into class that day, with Sarah-Jane’s gentle guidance, I always feel transformed on the mat."
- Claire Sicherman, Writer
I’m really enjoying the Nest online membership yoga class offerings, as they are diverse, plentiful and easy to access. Sarah Jane is a knowledgeable, skillful and thoughtful teacher. Her classes, and their themes, are well considered and easy to follow. I like the ability to choose a yoga or meditation style practice that suits my needs and time constraints. It helps my home practice, by being consistent, so I can reap the many benefits.
- Rachelle, teacher at Mantra Meditation with Rachelle
"I really enjoyed Sarah Jane's online Yang Yin Class. It was so nice to be able to put the video on when it worked during my day. Looking forward to more home yoga practices with Sarah Jane"
- Britney, the Nest online member
"I really love the Nest online. You've created such a beautiful space for people to continue their yoga practice and I'm grateful for that. Thank you!"
- Anonymous, the Nest online member
"Excited to finally ignite a sustainable practice."
- Karin Beviere DCH Homeopathic Medicine www.KarinBeviere.com
"I’m very glad to have the nest online available to support my home yoga practice."
- Anonymous, the Nest online member
"The Nest is my favourite yoga studio on Salt Spring Island. Sarah Jane is an exceptional, highly intuitive teacher who can help you expand your practice no matter what level you are at. The studio is intimate and inviting, with a lovely view and warmed by wood stove and ceramic panels for the perfect yoga experience. I highly recommend it!" - Dominica Sweet, owner of Dom's Deodorant,
"This is a wonderful little studio with a wonderful view. The teachers are fantastic and I've really enjoyed all the classes I've taken here."
- Brandon Lenters - yoga student
"Cozy, fireside yoga studio overlooking forest and mountains. Loving, personal and intimate classes with a community vibe and lots of variety. If you have never tried hot yoga, this is the space to start. If hot yoga is your jam, it's worth the trip to Salt Spring just for the unique experience. Sweet spot to get your stretch on!" - Andrea Palframan, Yoga teacher and creative genius at Talk Beauty With Me,
"Have taken group classes and private classes and never been disappointed. Clean, beautiful space, warm along with an amazing owner and instructors. Definitely a hidden diamond on Salt Spring Island." - Samantha Harron, Owner and Eco-Stylist at the Hemp House Hair Salon
"Great classes, fantastic instruction and very kind people. Sarah-Jane is obviously very passionate about anatomy, psychology and has a real flair for making everyone feel welcome and supported in their yoga experience." - Ted Grand, Founder of Modo Yoga
“SJ’s love and knowledge of yoga shine through whenever she teaches . Her classes are grounded and inspiring. She is extremely skilled at creating a class that has balance between information of the body in the pose, as well as weaving in beautiful themes that takes my practice to the next level."
- Kate Beddows, Yoga teacher at Modo Yoga Nanaimo
"Yogassage is so tremendous! I feel absolutely rejuvenated and at ease after.The providers are so attuned to your needs and careful to stay in your comfort zone. I have been multiple times and will continue to go to this body, mind and soul feeding class. It is a great experience for friends or couples to relax and re-centre together. Anyone can do this class and should. "- Jazzi Griffiths, Paramedic
"Sarah-Jane's yoga studio, 'The Nest', feels like just that: a sweet, intimate space nestled in the woods up a winding road on one of Canada's most beautiful islands. She teaches solid, slow-flowing sequences, interspersed with instructions that calm, center and focus.
I never enjoyed 'hot' yoga until taking Sarah-Jane's classes, and I appreciated that her studio is smaller. It allows for both individual attention from the instructor, as well as a sense that you can just stay very focused on your own experience during the practice.
I look forward to more classes when we return to Salt Spring Island, and can very much recommend this studio to those who like to practice yoga postures in a heated environment." - Liza keogh, yoga student
"Yogassage was incredibly nurturing for my body and mind. After childbirth and carrying a baby over the last year and a half, my body and adrenals are beyond taxed. This was by far the best thing I've done for myself in a long time, helping me reach levels of deep relaxation and opening I haven't felt in years! I'll be back, thank you Sarah-Jane and Mardon!" - Suzanne Gay - Musician & Teacher