YOGA with SEBASTIAN


Sebastian’s yoga classes are alignment focused, rooted in yoga philosophy, social justice oriented, and trauma informed. All levels welcome.

Sebastian (E-RYT 200) has been teaching alignment-based yoga with care and skill since 2018.

Sebastian first studied yoga in India in 2010 and holds a degree in South Asian Studies from Wellesley College. He received his 200 hour yoga teacher certification in 2018 from Adhikara Yoga School & Teacher Training, where he studied under Molly Kitchen and Jacoby Ballard. In 2024 he received his 40 hour Accessible Yoga Teacher certification from Accessible Yoga School, where he studied under Jivana Heyman. He teaches weekly classes at Amherst College and at Sanctuary in Northampton, MA.

Class Description

Yoga with Sebastian provides a space to breathe and to move in community.

You can expect a full body physical asana practice along with space for breathing, meditation, and relaxation.

My offerings are optional and adaptable. I’ll highlight some possibilities, but you are always welcome to choose what is right for you.

Weekly Classes

Form and Flow
Tuesdays from 9:15-10:30 a.m.
online at Sanctuary

Form and Flow
Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
in-studio and online at Sanctuary

Yoga Flow
Wednesdays from 12-1 p.m.
in-studio at Amherst College
(limited to Amherst College community)

Queer and Trans Yoga
Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m.
6 week series starts May 2
in-studio at Sanctuary

Form and Flow
Fridays from 9:15-10:30 a.m.
in-studio and online at Sanctuary

Student Testimonals

  • “Every time I attend one of Sebastian’s classes, I know that I will be given the opportunity to explore my yoga practice with kindness, curiosity, and a new lens of feeling into my mind and my body. His classes draw on yoga philosophy and he incorporates threads of self reflection into physical body movement. If you are looking for a well rounded class that meets you with welcoming arms, highly suggest taking his class.”

    — Cara

  • “Sebastian’s yoga classes are a kind, generous, and restorative time for me. He’s got such a warm and comforting presence that has allowed me to really be present in class and start a yoga practice. If you are looking for a supportive and understanding instructor, Sebastian is it!”

    — Nikki

  • “Sebastian teaches with so much care and respect for students’ autonomy – care for the various needs and lives we all carry into the room on any given day by offering many invitations and options to adjust poses to where we’re at; care for the larger practice of yoga beyond just the physical, and its roots and history; and care for the time we spend together. I always leave Sebastian's classes feeling more connected and alive.”

    — Emily

  • “Sebastian teaches with intelligence, skill, and heart – most especially heart. His classes are always beautifully prepared and meaningfully focused. I appreciate his commitment to creating a safe and comfortable space for everyone, whether in virtual or in-person classes.”

    — Anne-Marie

  • “Sebastian creates a warm, fun environment where it’s ok to be yourself. All bodies and abilities are welcome as he offers adaptive options for most poses. A great learning and practice environment.”

    — Anonymous

  • “Sebastian creates an incredibly affirming space to build community, explore our yoga practice, and show up as our full, authentic selves!”

    — Lauren

  • “I had a fantastic time taking Sebastian’s Queer & Yoga class series. There was so much intention put into the space and classes he created. Would highly suggest to anyone who is looking to engage with their body in a way that provides options and self agency. Not to mention, space to have fun, reflect, and share conversation with others!”

    — Cara

  • “Sebastian’s classes are a lovely mix of appreciation for our practice and ourselves. He introduces each week’s themed focus with references to their ancient lineage, and how we can apply those asanas for our personal physical and spiritual benefit. Classes are conducted at a moderate pace with care and a playful spirit. And we just love Sebastian’s infectious laughter!!!”

    — Lizzy

  • “Sebastian teaches yoga the way I learned fifty years ago from an Indian teacher.”

    — Anonymous

  • “I so appreciate your sense of humor and your playfulness. I appreciate that you offer alternatives for poses and are very welcoming. Love your non-judgmental attitude. I like that you strive to develop community by asking us a question at the start of class which we are free to answer or not. Poses seem varied, too, so it’s a great workout. Thank you, Sebastian!”

    — Julia

Special Offerings

  • Yoga for Creativity + Poetry Reading

    Saturday, April 27: 2-4:30 p.m.
    in-person at The Ivy Bookshop in Baltimore, Maryland

    A special 2-part event in The Ivy’s gardens in celebration of Independent Bookstore Day, yoga, and debut poetry!

    At 2pm, join award-winning poet and yoga instructor Sebastian Merrill for a donation-based yoga practice designed to help cultivate creativity. This hour-long sequence will inspire you to tune into your own sense of wonder. We’ll move, we’ll breathe, we’ll build some heat, and then we’ll slow it down, incorporating pranayama (breath work) and meditation to get a little closer to our intuition. Sebastian’s teaching is gender affirming, body positive, and consent oriented. All bodies, sizes, and abilities are welcome and celebrated.
    For yoga class, please bring a mat and wear clothes you feel comfortable moving in.

    Then, stay after class for a reading and conversation at 3:30, featuring Sebastian Merrill alongside Morgan LaRocca, the publicist at Milkweed Editions!

    Pay-what-you-can, by donation

    Sign up for Yoga for Creativity + Poetry Reading

  • Queer & Trans Yoga Series

    Six Week Series
    Thursdays from 7-8:30 p.m.
    May 2 - June 6

    in-studio at Sanctuary in Northampton

    This 6-week series is designed especially for members of the LGBTQ+ community who are looking to connect with their bodies and their breath in a supportive, community oriented environment. This space aims to create a container where queer and trans community members can cultivate joy, a deeper relationship with their bodies, and a sense of connectedness to their yoga practice. Each class will feature time for community and connection and an alignment-focused physical asana practice, ending with gentle restorative movement.

    For this series our asana and meditation will be inspired by a chapter from queer and trans yoga teacher Jacoby Ballard's book A Queer Dharma. Topics will include themes such as working with anger, generating self-compassion, and fostering lovingkindness. You don't need to read the book to participate, but I do recommend picking up a copy if you don't have it already because the book is awesome!

    Sebastian’s teaching is gender-affirming, body-positive, and consent-oriented. All bodies, sizes, and abilities are welcome and celebrated.

    Sliding-scale series pricing: $120-180. Drop-in pass: $20-30
    Scholarships available!

    Sign up for QT Yoga

  • Radical Rest: Queer & Trans Restorative Yoga

    Saturday, May 25: 12-2 p.m.

    in-studio at Sanctuary in Northampton

    Relieve deep-set tension with yoga instructor Sebastian Merrill (he/him) and licensed massage therapist el nyberg (they/them). Sebastian will guide the class through a meditative sequence of gentle, floor-based, prop-supported restorative postures with long holds (5-12 minutes per shape). While we breathe and settle into rest, Sebastian and el will offer optional hands-on support and bodywork.

    This workshop is designed specifically for the LGBTQ+ community to provide a supportive space to slow down, receive healing touch, and practice self-care in service of our own well-being and the well-being of our relationships and communities. This workshop is appropriate for many levels of experience and ability, including beginners and those who struggle to access stillness and relaxation. All bodies, sizes, and abilities are welcome and celebrated.

    Please note: Masks are required for this workshop.

    Sliding-scale workshop pricing: $30-50.
    Scholarships available!

    Sign up for Radical Rest

CONTACT ME

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