about Sarah Stirling
meet Sarah
personal background
As a child Sarah recognized there was a way of living that contributed to the wellbeing of the individual, thus the world. Although not able to articulate this at a young age, she keenly observed those that demonstrated this way of Being and recognized that education, personal drive, and attentive support from others were necessary.
Although early life did not gift her easy access to these three components, she unconsciously adopted them as worthy values that she cultivates.
holistic lifestyle
“When the student is ready the teacher will appear.”
– Tao Te Ching
During Sarah’s 28 year Nursing career she had the privilege to work in almost every department in Lions Gate Hospital (LGH), from labour and delivery, pediatrics, ICU, emergency, psychiatry, rehabilitation and more.
After retiring from LGH Sarah then worked part time for North Shore Home Care (NSHC) supporting families with special needs children in the school and home settings.
While nursing, in 1975 Sarah embarked on a self-discovery healing journey that began after reading Adult Children of Alcoholics by Janet B Woititz. This book ignited an inner passion that lead her into a lifelong healing exploration.
complementary exercises for holistic fitness
Along with delving into a soul healing exploration, Sarah began running as a means to strengthen her physical body, and soon joined a group fitness class. She recognized the calming effects aerobic exercise had on her emotional wellness, the results of endorphins released from the brain. Complementary to these aerobic activities she participated in weekly Yoga and Yamuna Body Rolling classes.
In the mid-80s Sarah entered into a 10 year study of metaphysics, earning certifications in Energy Healing and Teaching.
During this time Sarah trained and worked as a Biofeedback Nurse Technician with the Thorson Pain Rehabilitation Clinic where, with the use of biofeedback, she guided clients challenged with chronic pain through mindfulness practices using breath and visualization.
“Mindful meditation, running, and group fitness were revolutionary in the seventies and eighties. These modalities created what I refer to as a Holistic Lifestyle.”
dynamic fitness program
Little did Sarah know then that the culmination of these practices, meditation and running, where the underpinnings of The STIRLING METHOD.
“These healing modalities were separate entities in the 80s. Although I knew in reality they were not separate because they both contributed to my wellbeing. At the time I could not imagine the two coming together in one practice, but here they are in one dynamic fitness program The STIRLING METHOD.”
education practice and learning
With her two children now grown Sarah returned to school, maintaining one of her childhood values, education. While earning her certificate in the Vancouver Community College (VCC) Counselling Skills program Sarah embarked on a 10 year position with Parent Support Services Society of BC where she facilitated weekly parent support groups. Sarah also worked with the Vancouver Crisis Centre where she guided high school students through mindful meditations to reduce symptoms of anxiety.
In 2012, after obtaining an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies with a focus on diversity in public education, Sarah began Instructing in the VCC Counselling Skills program where her true passion blossomed, teaching.
“Because of my 10 year study in metaphysics, my life long dedication to healing my inner child, and my desire to respond to everyone with an open compassionate heart, I was able to connect easily with my students. Many of my students were in active recovery, struggling with PTSD, or new immigrants trying to get their footing, most, if not all of them marginalized. I grew so much working with my students as I was forced to give up understanding, and instead, learned to approach with a listening ear so that I could respond to them in a way that supported them rather than instructed them.”
mental wellbeing – meditation – exercise
After retiring from VCC Sarah earned a BCRPA Fitness Leader certificate, and now instructs group fitness classes at the West Vancouver Community Centre. She also participated in a program through the John W. Brick Foundation earning the Mental Wellbeing Certification for Fitness Professionals through the Mental Wellbeing Association.
“It was this course that launched the idea of combining Energy Body work, with Physical Body work. I related to the information that often those struggling with anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health challenges are not able to sit in meditation. And some people simply don’t like meditating. In the first year of my meditation practice I also struggled to sit quietly and turn inward, I wanted to run around the room.
This is why I’m so excited to be instructing The STIRLING METHOD. Those folks that do not want to, or cannot, or should not meditate, now have an opportunity to learn, experience, and heal their Energy Body. All the benefits of meditating, while physically moving.”
