Ten years after the 1996 Young Adult program, Sarah Johnston owns an integral healing centre in Toronto. The centre includes a Naturopath, Psychologist, Massage Therapist, Siatsu practitioner, and her own Chiropractic practice. Sarah offers traditional chiropractry as well as 'network' and 'cranial-sacral' chiropractic treatments, both involving the gentle stimulation of the nervous system, releasing deep emotional tension in the body and providing the same physical pain relief as traditional Western chiropractry.

Q: What was it like at the Ashram in 1996?

A: It was the summer after Swami Radha died, and I was an anthropology student writing a thesis on intentional communities - models of communes started in B.C. in the 70's, lasting 25 years or more with a 'spiritual bent.' It was a little wild at the first commune I lived with, and so it was refreshing to arrive at the Ashram. It was similar to the background I was raised in - yogic beliefs, etc., though it was difficult to enter into it from a research perspective because it was so personally... I guess I'll say 'growth-full.' As an anthropology student, it was neat to watch the 'heads' of the community and how everyone related to them. And, it was... spiritually enlightening. It was deep. I spiritually benefited from my research project.

Q: Have you been back since?

A: No. I have a brother who I visit in Nelson, and I subscribe to ascent. It's part of something I like to support. I became caught up in school and then my business. (Swami) Gopalananda saw my dad in Nelson when my dad was visiting my brother a couple months ago. Gopalananda's such a mentor for me. Swami Durgananda and Swami Radhananda. All three of them.

Q: Why?

A: I admire their essence. Their integrity. Integrity's a high priority for me, in how I run my life and my business. It's how they go about things, there's a glow about them, I respect their integrity...

I should tell you I was married in December, and I'm having a baby in September, so I'm in the process of selling my business. I'll have a smaller practice in the future so I can be present as my child grows up.

Q: Is there a yogic influence in your beliefs?

A: I think integrity and intention are the strongest values in how I conduct myself. It's how I run my business: it's a community of equal footing. My practitioners aren't my employees: they rent space from me. It's like raising a child, I 'raised' my practitioners to participate in the philosophy of my practice.

Q: How do you bring your values into raising your child?

A: Integrity's a strong factor in raising my child - staying consistent. I live and conduct myself at a certain standard to create a specific experience with my life. When living from a place of intentionality I'm a 'constant creative individual:' it's the creative instinct to create a beautiful life. I want to raise my child with the idea that life is a canvas on which you paint your life.