We had the good fortune of connecting with Sarah Dobosiewicz and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sarah, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
The word “risk” usually has some kind of negative connotation implying fear and danger, so instead I prefer to think of my past and future “risks” as adventures. I would not be where I am today without intuitively taking, what some would consider, a few “big risks” in my life and career; one being when I moved from a small town in Pennsylvania to San Diego where I knew no one and had only been once before. I believe that we are lucky enough to be gifted with one life (that we know of) and even more lucky to be able to choose how we live our life and what we stand for. You weren’t given a heart beat so you could sit back and idly watch your time slip away while “playing it safe”. I believe that to create change in your life, and ultimately in the world, one must be willing to dream big, take risks and accept the potential of failing big. I try to be mindful of the fact that my time on this earth is expiring minute by minute so that I am reminded not to waste a second more, that this moment is everything. It is inevitable that one day we will all run out of time. In pondering this, ask yourself: If your time were to come to an end tomorrow could you say you lived every moment fully? Looking back, was your life what you always dreamed of? I feel that it is better to make a mistake or take a risk with the full force of your being rather than timidly avoid the potential for mistakes/risks with a trembling spirit. I believe that we become who we are by practicing the things we know to be true, and by being open to an evolving truth. Understand that the life you imagine for yourself will not just fall into your lap one day, you must go out and fight relentlessly for it. Understand that sometimes you have to let go of something and take a leap in order to grab a hold of something else and move forward. Understand that sometimes it’s not what is easy or convenient and is instead what is challenging and necessary. One of my teachers once asked something along the lines of: How many words, ideas, etc have died in your throat because fear got to you before your heart did. Would you be buried in ashes? Rise up and feel empowered. Know that you have the same power as any other human. The difference is in how you apply your power and what you create with your power. Sit with the risks versus the rewards. Ask yourself the following questions: what would happen if you dropped all of the excuses and fully showed up and took a risk? What’s holding you back? What will you do to change your story? If it helps, imagine all of the possible scenarios that might come from taking a risk. Try not to get hung up on whether a decision is “right “because, what is “right”?. Understand that there is no “right”. It’s simply one path to another. With risk there is usually reward. It might not be what you were expecting but if you tune in you’ll find the reward buried deep. We all make mistakes and maybe at one point or another you take a risk that is not worth the reward. But you would not have known if you didn’t take the risk in the first place. And even if you “fail” you only have to pay for the mistake or that failure once because hopefully you learn something from it. Making yourself pay for your mistakes over and over, or not taking risks in the first place because of fear, is an injustice to yourself. Know that your story will continue even through dark times but you have to choose to continue to build your story. Be strong, humble, and honest in who you are. Stop doubting yourself and break that which has been stacked against you. Know that in your heart you are a beautiful, capable, wild human. Choose to show up bigger today than yesterday. Live your life fully engaged, courageous, and immensely loving. Find the courage to spark an adventure and explore your inner and outer being. Figure out what fuels your passions and what crushes your soul. Keep it simple. Do more of what sparks your inner flame. Trust me it’s worth the “risk” and hard work to get to a healthy, happy place.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Currently, I continue to work full time as an occupational therapist at a children’s hospital where I specialize in feeding and swallowing disorders and provide yoga and mindfulness to adolescents and teens with varying levels of chronic pain syndromes. Additionally, I teach at a few yoga studios in the San Diego area: Hapa Yoga in Mission Valley and Nature’s Whisper Yoga/The Unconventional Yogini in University Heights, as well as virtually @peaceloveandlittleyogis. I enjoy teaching a variety of classes including varying levels of vinyasa, prenatal, kids and family classes. I also provide private in home sessions and enjoy hosting community events. I love teaching outdoors and partnering with others to create fun workshops and events. I am looking forward to growing my business and creating partnerships to create summer camps, educational workshops and retreat events. I am also excited to incorporate more of my background in nutrition and the healing properties of essential oils and herbs into the mission of my business. I believe that my vast training and experience, in addition to my creativity and self awareness, is what sets me apart from others on this journey. I use my training and knowledge but also see it’s limitations, understanding that no amount of knowledge or training will nourish your spirit fully. Life requires more than knowledge; it requires intense feelings and constant energy. Bringing yoga and mindfulness to others is something I do out of pure love and joy, not as a job or for money, because it fuels this constant exchange of energy. I’ve learned that my roles and who I am do not necessarily have to be one in the same. I strive to make my life decisions and take risks based on what makes me happy, not for the purpose of others. I’ve learned that having your name recognized does not necessarily measure your worth, and how much money you make doesn’t represent your value. In holding space and providing yoga and mindfulness services I find peace and love, happiness and contentment. This journey has been, and continues to, fuel my passion and spark my inner flame. That’s not to say there have not been challenges along the way but, by following my intuition and not being afraid to take some risks, I have been able to creatively link together a few of my passions to better serve myself and others. I am proud of my self awareness and openness to understand and accept that there is much more to learn and to be unveiled. Pause for a moment and breathe. Life is an amazing teacher, offering many experiences. Don’t be afraid to dive in. Remember sometimes the lessons of experience are often hidden. Try to learn from your experiences so that you can see the world more clearly and show up with more purpose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Living in San Diego has many perks, some of my favorites being the wide variety of outdoor activities that are accessible all year round. I feel the most alive and grounded when I’m outdoors, soaking in the sun with wild hair and bare feet. So if you’re visiting me in San Diego you will most likely spend most of your visit outdoors doing some of the following activities: yoga at Sunset Cliffs during sunset, acro yoga jams at Ocean Beach and Law Street in Pacific Beach, hanging out in a hammock and reading in a park, walking around Balboa Park, having picnics, sailing on the Pacific Ocean, paddleboarding/wakeboarding on Mission Bay, bike riding, hanging out on one of the many beaches and chasing sunsets, hiking a variety of different trails throughout the area, and gardening. Of course we would also check out a few yoga classes during your visit and, if you are visiting during a full moon, I would recommend attending one of Trilogy’s full moon parties on the sky deck. If time permits, I would also recommend camping and rock climbing in Joshua Tree  and taking a road trip to Sequoia to camp among nature. In regards to dining, I have a few diet restrictions and enjoy cooking and baking so most of my meals are crafted at home but if i do venture out to eat here are some of my favorite places: Cafe Gratitude, Trilogy Cafe, Paraquette Cafe, Tribute Pizza (they have the best vegan and gluten free pizza), Bangkok Spices, The Mad Beet, LIV Juice Bar, and Jyoti Bihanga. Additionally, San Diego also has some of the best farmer’s markets offering a variety of whole foods and goods. I frequent the Hillcrest Farmers Market so if you’re visiting on a Sunday that’s where you’ll find me; stocking up on seasonal whole foods, and occasionally grabbing a quick bite to eat as they also have a variety of food vendors.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
One of my teachers once said something that has really stuck with me over the years and it reads something like this: If I asked you to name everyone that you love and everyone that you are grateful for, how long would it take to name yourself? The first time I heard this, tears stung my eyes. I never even thought to put myself on that list, not even at the very bottom, and I feel that many people can relate. Therefore, I would like to start off first by dedicating a shoutout to myself and my self practice. Because without passion, dedication, self reflection, and some “risk” taking I would not be where I am today. Secondly I would like to take a moment to express gratitude for all of my past and future traveling adventures. These experiences always allow the opportunity for my mind to expand and my heart to break wide open. They allow me the opportunity to explore the depths of vulnerability, challenge what I believe to be true, and create space for growth and awareness. Third, I would like to extend gratitude to my family and friends for continuously supporting me on this journey; for always believing in me and loving me with abundance. I would also like to thank a few of my teachers: Jolie Cash (Nature’s Whisper Yoga/The Unconventional Yogini) and Shawnne Thornton Hardy (Asana’s for Autism and Special Needs). They continuously provide me with education and support my mission by providing me the opportunity to flourish. Additionally, I would like to honor all of my previous and future teachers, students, and families for showing up and being part of something bigger, and for providing endless opportunities for growth and expansion. Blessings and much love. Lastly, I would like to dedicate a shout out to the following book resources which provide me with abundant insight and self reflection: Anatomy of the Spirit by Caroline Myss, The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, The Female Brain by Louann Brizendine (Also wrote the Male Brain), and The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle.

Instagram: @peaceloveandlittleyogis
Facebook: Peace Love and Little Yogi’s
Other: Email: peaceloveandlittleyogis@gmail.com

Image Credits
Bryan Bartolowits, Andoni Diaz, Mike Dobosiewicz, Jack Poochigian, Brad Smith, Aubry Marie Wiltcher