Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Bayliff.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Sarah’s journey has always been fueled by a passion for movement, psychology, and exploration, with a deep appreciation for community and personal growth. From her early years engaged in various sports to finding her love for volleyball and rowing, Sarah discovered that beyond the thrill of competition, it was the camaraderie that truly resonated with her.

High school marked a pivotal moment when Sarah took a psychology class with Mr. Grove, setting her on a transformative path. Pursuing her academic interests, she earned a dual degree in Biological Sciences and Psychology with a focus on Neuroscience, along with a minor in Sociology from Virginia Tech. A defining chapter unfolded during the Summer of 2011 when Sarah studied abroad with Semester at Sea, immersing herself in the cultures of Trinidad, Panama, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, and Belize while exploring the realm of Global Health.

During her time at Virginia Tech, Sarah delved into research, hiking, and event planning for her sorority, Chi Omega. The allure of yoga entered her life during breaks when she practiced Bikram Yoga with her mom. Post-graduation, Sarah embarked on a consulting career in Northern Virginia, leading cross-functional teams with a focus on people, process, and technology. Always eager to explore, she maximized her paid time off, globe-trotting and on the weekends discovering the surrounding area.

Sarah started practicing at Epic Yoga in DC and wondering when she would ever touch her toes, she continued practicing because of the profound post-class satisfaction. A move to a new place and job led her to Journey Yoga, deepening her yoga practice and understanding of the mind-body connection. In 2017, a challenging period began when her mother fell ill, prompting a pause in her yoga journey. The spark reignited in 2018, as she coped with grief, recommitted to daily practice, and dove into the lineages of Ashtanga and Dharma and enjoys the yoga styles of Vinyasa, Power, Rocket, Myofascial Release, Yin and Yoga Nidra. In 2020, Sarah attained Reiki Master Level One to deepen her understanding of energetics, followed by her RYT200 certification with the Yoga Alliance and graduation from Flow Yoga Center’s Teacher Training in 2022. Sarah obtained a 30 Hour Rocket Vinyasa Teacher Training with Progressive Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga School and 30 Hour Myofascial Release training with Yoga Medicine. Currently Sarah is in a 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training with Dr. Marie Belle Pérez Rivera at Roots Love Yoga.

Notably, 2018 marked a turning point, where Sarah resumed her global adventures and ventured into Agile methodologies, completing a Certified Scrum Master training. Recognizing the psychological underpinnings of both yoga and Agile, she delved into Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner and Advanced Certified Scrum Master courses in 2021, ultimately embracing the role of an Agile Coach—a harmonious fusion of her diverse studies.

Outside her professional pursuits, Sarah dedicates her time to volunteering with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, advocating for mental health awareness. Sarah has traveled to 38 countries across five continents, Sarah continues to explore and build communities worldwide. Join her on this extraordinary journey as she invites you to explore the world, delve into the complexities of the mind, and discover the essence of yoga both on and off the mat.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

Haha, no. I don’t think anyone’s road is ever truly smooth. It may appear to be on the outside, but we all face our own struggles. These range from managing work-life balance—there are only so many hours in a day!—to navigating loss in a culture that doesn’t fully understand grief, and dealing with feelings of imposter syndrome, just to name a few.

We all have a plan, and life often laughs at it. Through trials and tribulations, it’s crucial to come back to yourself. Whether that means taking time off, shutting the door and having an ideation session, or learning the power of saying no, you need to nourish yourself to pursue your dreams. It’s hard, and sometimes you may regress, but it’s essential to keep returning to your center.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m known for my work in traveling, yoga, and well-being, which led me to create Mind Travel Yoga, LLC. This venture combines all of my interests and passions. When I describe what I do, I say, “I create safe spaces for people to break free mentally and overcome obstacles to become the best versions of themselves.”

Whether I’m acting as an agile coach—helping organizations, teams, and individuals transform products and services—or on the yoga mat, challenging my students through practice and breath to find balance on a mind, body, and soul level, my goal is the same. Additionally, I create experiences for people to explore new places, enriching themselves in new cultures and surroundings.

I’m most proud of the positive impact I’ve had on people’s lives, helping them achieve personal and professional growth. What sets me apart is my holistic approach, blending agile coaching with yoga and travel to provide a unique and transformative experience.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
You have to take risks and push your boundaries; otherwise, you’ll stay the same or remain in the situations you find yourself complaining about. Growth is hard, and trying something that makes your stomach tighten can reveal a lot about yourself. No judgment if you’re risk-averse, but I challenge you to try something outside your comfort zone. It could be as simple as going out to dinner by yourself. Doing something that seems weird or hard might empower you in ways you didn’t think possible.

Contact Info:

• Website: mindtravelyoga.com
• Instagram: sbayliff