MEET SARA

Sara Phelan is a meditation and yoga teacher with emphasis on Psychology and Mindfulness.

She holds a Master’s Degree from the University of Hawaiʻi Mānoa, in Indian Philosophy and Religion, and a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of West Florida, in Art Therapy.

Sara’s certifications include: A Deepak Chopra Primordial Sound Meditation Teacher, a 500-hour Ayurveda Consultant with the American Institute of Vedic Studies, a 500-hour Akhanda India and Open Space Yoga Hawai'i yoga teacher, and a Yin Yoga teacher through Sarah Powers Insight Yoga.

She is also the founder of The Arjuna Institute, a 501(c) (3) non-profit that teaches mindfulness and self-regulation techniques to K-12 school children and at-risk youth, particularly sex-trafficked teens on the island of O’ahu. 

Sara leads and facilitates yoga teacher trainings and workshops, as well as one-on-one private classes, or large group settings.

Her classes focus on going within and exploring self limiting beliefs and thought systems, as well as creating a healthy and strong mind/body.

Sara’s love for yoga began as a small child while living in a Poona Indian Ashram. 

In her own words…

"It's deep within my roots, and the seeds were sown… is what I like to say about living in India as a little girl, and since then, I have been on a yoga mat ever since. Yoga is all about connection.”

Sara lives in the mountains, near the ocean on the North Shore of O'ahu with her husband, two daughters, and family of pets. 

  • NOTES FROM STUDENTS

    I express my sincerest gratitude for having experienced chair yoga with you. I found it healing. It was a highlight of the retreat for me - a fantastic way to begin the day and integrate the day's activities at the end of the day. Thank you so much for sharing of yourself and knowledge in facilitating the exercise.

    — Mitos

  • NOTES FROM STUDENTS

    I want to let you know what happened yesterday morning after I walked out of your 7am class. A few months ago I was diagnosed w/a rare autoimmune disorder that is chronic and the diagnosis was daunting. A bit too much to handle or accept. During your class, I felt sooo awkward and remarkably uncomfortable. The movements seemed foreign but familiar at the same time and I was taken aback at how unresponsive my body was, but I tried any way w/ your soothing voice, prodding me aIong. By the end, I wanted another class bc I felt a shift. Then I walked out the door and as I was putting my shoes on, I noticed that my breath was coming differently-easier. So I simply noted it and was grateful. Then I began my trip back to my room and at my first step forward, I paused bc I felt differently. It was as if, synapses, long dormant began firing. My body slowly, almost imperceptibly began to awaken. I had a long forgotten familiar feeling arise and I was overcome with/a feeling of . . . I think I can begin to believe that I can and will get better. So, thank you. I am so grateful to your session even though you had no idea what it did for me.

    — MaryAnne

  • NOTES FROM STUDENTS

    Some of my sweetest practices were with Sara when she & her family lived in Santa Rosa Beach, FL. It was through her compassionate instruction that I learned that yin yoga made my other practices in life, including other forms of yoga, more effective, efficient, & honoring to myself & others.

    If you have the opportunity to experience yin yoga with Sara at Wanderlust O'ahu or otherwise, breathe gratitude for the instruction & treat yourself!

    — Jenny

  • NOTES FROM STUDENTS

    I was invited to attend an online zoom meditation class with my friend, but I was reluctant as I was having a bad migraine and was going through the throws… lights, sounds etc. I am not a meditator, but I have been hearing the benefits of meditation.

    Finally, I was convinced to participate, and Sara slowly made us relax by doing some breathwork and visualization. As the class progressed, I found the intensity of migraine lessen and lessen. After the class I felt a lovely lightness and shared with Sara how I felt. Since then, I have since been adding breathwork whenever I feel a migraine come on, and I can feel that it definitely helps.

    — Alison

  • NOTES FROM STUDENTS

    I look forward to every class I have with Sara! Sara’s intelligence shines, and she does the best job of relating her knowledge in a digestible way. She uses easy-to-understand language and smart sequencing that speaks to everyone. She helps you to increase your awareness with little mindfulness techniques throughout class that you can take through the rest of your day to stay present. After her Yin classes, I feel so good in my body and mind and have so much excitement to deepen my yoga practice and self-awareness with her.

    — Gina

  • NOTES FROM STUDENTS

    Sara teaches with authenticity and presence. With every class, be prepared to expand into a new depth of inner knowing of your body and soul.

    — Julie

  • NOTES FROM STUDENTS

    I have always enjoyed Sara’s classes. She has a deep connection to Spirit, and that comes through in her classes. Her poses are never rushed allowing each student the opportunity to connect with their bodies and relax into Being. I come away feeling open and whole.

    — Sandra

  • NOTES FROM STUDENTS

    The highlight for me was sharing about limiting beliefs and finding meaning in life. I enjoyed the chair yoga and especially meeting you.

    — Bob

  • NOTES FROM STUDENTS

    It was an absolute joy practicing yoga with you at the Deepak Chopra Seduction of Spirit retreat. You somehow facilitate your students to access the realm beyond the physical body and experience the silence within which is only accessible when you let go of the need to achieve something in your asana practice. Coming from India and practicing yoga for years in my own country, I always missed this aspect of yoga in the U.S. Practicing with you was truly an experience of Coming HOME. So, thank you for that.

    — Preety