Yoga

Yoga with Emma

I am a yoga teacher and use yoga therapeutically for the mind, body and spirituality for individuals and groups. In Yoga we say it is “a practice of the self to the self”, and whilst I am a teacher now, I will always be a lifelong student.

In the West, we think of yoga as a set of movements. However, it is much more than this. Yoga is a way of life. It is a practice where you leave your ego behind (at least, you try). You connect in with your true self and allow your grace, divinity, love and compassion to drive your life. There is ancient philosophy involved in yoga. This is why I decided to do my training in the source, so came to my second home to Nepal, where I studied with masters and gurus (teachers) who led me on an exploration of the mind, body and soul. This philosophical element also introduces the spiritual aspect of yoga. For me, I view being spiritual as interconnection and acknowledging something that is bigger than myself. Yoga allows me the space and expanse to get out of my head, and into my body and the environment which ultimately helps me connect with other people, appreciate the beauty of the world around me, be happy and grounded in myself, and celebrate the interconnectedness of all humans.

Yoga is therefore a full rich discipline which embodies many aspects. Usually, I will teach:

• Asana (movements/ postures)

• Pranayama (breath work)

• Meditation

However, I weave ancient philosophy into my classes and workshops, as much to learn about other cultures and engage with different practices, as for our own learning benefit.

Mostly I teach Hatha yoga or restorative yoga sessions. When combined with other experiences, I find this approach balances well with the more active adventure sports/ expedition life, as well as taking a break from intense mental work.

I get into flow with my yoga practice. I love practicing in the evenings when my body, mind and environment start to slow down, or early in the morning to wake up my body and greet the sun with an open heart. I find a quiet space and move mindfully and meditatively, observing my body and mind, and give myself the time and self-love that I need to thrive.

If you are working with me in a multidimensional wellbeing programme, yoga is a really effective way of working on calming and focusing your mind as well as conditioning your body and using it as a meditative spiritual practice.

I also run yoga in my workshops and for groups and events, as well as for corporate teams and in the workplace.

Standard class times are between 1 - 1.5 hours.

Qualification: I have a 200 hour YTTC (yoga teacher training course) qualification through Rishikul Yogashala; certified by Yoga Alliance.

See below for photos of me teaching. These include an informal ‘closing ceremony’ after a retreat. We created a shared space, spoke about what we had learnt and what we were grateful for and put a token of ours to soak in all the positive loving energy. It was beautiful and full of heart and connection!