Our Founders’ Story: The Heart Behind Sacred Paths Yoga

At Sacred Paths Yoga, we honor the profound journey that led us—Darin and Lacey—to this present moment, sharing the sacred practice of yoga with a global community. Our story is one of curiosity, connection, and transformation, woven into the timeless threads of yoga’s ancient wisdom.

The practice of yoga offers a sacred pause—a moment to reflect and realign. Within this stillness, clarity emerges, illuminating the path that brought us here and the purpose that guides Sacred Paths Yoga.

Yoga Finds Us: A Journey of Discovery

How does one discover a practice that has been part of human history for millennia? Perhaps it is yoga that finds the student when the time is right. For each of us, this journey began in unique and serendipitous ways.

Lacey was first introduced to yoga in high school at her local YMCA in a small town in northeast Florida. During college, her practice deepened, offering her an anchor amidst the busy-ness of university life.

Darin’s introduction to yoga came during a surf trip in Ecuador when he was 16, where his brother shared with him the Sivananda Sun Salutations. Practicing on the beach before surfing became a daily ritual, sparking a lifelong connection to yoga.

Yoga, for both of us, became more than a practice—it was a mirror reflecting our inner worlds and a guide leading us toward self-discovery.

Deepening the Practice Together

In 2008, as we built our life together in San Francisco, our relationship with yoga deepened. The city’s vibrant yoga community offered us opportunities to study with renowned teachers who honored yoga’s roots. Immersing ourselves in diverse practices, we began to explore the spiritual aspects of yoga, integrating its teachings into our lives and relationship.

In 2010, a bold decision transformed our path: we enrolled in a 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training in Nicaragua. This journey was not about becoming teachers but about learning, growing, and understanding how yoga had such a profound impact on our lives. What began as a quest for personal growth planted a seed of inspiration—a calling to share this transformative practice with others.

Planting the Seed: Teaching and Growth

Returning to San Francisco, we embraced opportunities to teach, practice, and refine our skills. Early morning classes at the Hyde Street Wellness Center became a cornerstone of our growth, as did collaborating with the center’s community.

In 2013, we co-founded Zazen, a wellness center with 2 location in San Francisco in the Cow Hollow district and the Marina District, where we built a yoga program rooted in intention, integrity, and community. Through organizing workshops, retreats, and teacher trainings, we deepened our understanding of how to blend the philosophy of yoga with practical application.

A Year at the Ashram

In 2014, we took another transformative step, moving into the Yoga Society of San Francisco Ashram as resident managers and directors of the yoga program. This immersive experience connected us deeply with the roots of yoga, including Sanskrit, Vedic philosophy, meditation, and communal living. The Ashram was a sacred space for learning and integrating the teachings of yoga into every aspect of life.

Our time there instilled in us an enduring respect for yoga’s lineage and the importance of carrying these teachings forward with humility and authenticity.

The Birth of Sacred Paths Yoga

From these rich experiences, Sacred Paths Yoga was born in January 2017. Rooted in tradition yet adaptable to modern life, our programs blend ancient practices with relevant, everyday tools to help students live their most authentic lives.

What makes Sacred Paths Yoga unique is our hands-on, heart-centered approach. We honor the wisdom of yoga’s origins while addressing the needs of today’s world. Our thoughtfully crafted curriculum integrates yoga with Earth Medicine, weaving the elements of Earth, Water, Fire, and Air into a powerful framework for transformation.

As lifelong students of yoga, we are deeply committed to sharing these teachings with integrity, passion, and love.

Join the Sacred Path

Sacred Paths Yoga is more than a school; it is a community, a journey, and an invitation to deepen your practice, find your voice, and connect with the sacredness within and around you.

We are humbled and honored to guide this path and welcome you to join us in the sacred pause—to discover the clarity, growth, and transformation that yoga offers.