Emily began teaching in 2006 and received her 200 hour teacher training from Rolf Gates, author of Meditations from the Mat. Drawn to the athleticism of vinyasa yoga, she believes in balancing any vigorous practice with patience and rest. Emily’s enthusiasm and personality allow a lightness in the classroom that invites laughter and self-study. Her goal is to provide inclusive and non-competitive classes that are challenging, welcoming, and fun.
Get to Know Emily Better…
What is your favorite place in the world?
My favorite place in the world is on the front porch of a 200 hundred year old farm house in northwest Connecticut. It belongs to a dear friend, so not only am I enjoying the beauty and peace of the place, I’m enjoying good company. Add a good cup of coffee in the morning and I’m in heaven.
Who is a teacher who inspires you?
Every time I practice or do a training with Rolf Gates I’m energized and inspired. Reading his book, Meditations from the Mat, was the first time I started to make the connection between the Yoga Sutras and my everyday life. I was lucky enough to do my 200 hour teacher training with him in Puerto Rico and do an advanced teacher training with him last year.
When do you practice, and what do you practice?
I practice Asana in the mornings or early afternoons. Radiance has gifted teachers, so you’ll be just as likely to see me next to you in the studio as in front of the room. My “off the mat” practice is happening anytime I’m aligning my values to my actions. To me, this is what yoga is all about. Skillful living.
What book would you’d recommend, that has impacted your life?
I know I already mentioned Meditations from the Mat, by Rolf Gates. It’s on the top of my list. Reading Deepak Chopra’s 7 Laws of Spiritual Success will be an hour well spent.
Which yoga pose challenges you?
All outer hip openers. They are so incredibly humbling for me. They’ve also taught me how to
appreciate what my hips can do, rather than what they cannot.
Tell us something that your students might not know about you?
My favorite pose is 3-legged dog. Every time I do it or cue it I smile. Here is why…This is my sweet girl, Stevie. She’s a rescue that came to us after being hit by a car. This dog is so happy and could care less that she is missing a leg. She has all she needs to make her happy. She’s a nice reminder that I do, too.
Emily’s Schedule in Her Own Words…
Flow Yoga on Wednesdays at 9:30pm
My goal is to offer a practice that can be accessible to everyone but still challenges each individual. Offering modifications and alternative poses are a cornerstone of my class. It’s a great moment when I look to the class and everyone is content doing their thing in the way that best works for them.
Secondly, I aim to include the lessons of the Yoga Sutras in a way that is relative to everyday life. I don’t want it to be intimidating, because I think that yoga really starts to transform your life when you know how to use it outside of the studio.
And most importantly we breathe together. I’ve had students with casts on come in and say they just need to come breathe with the group. I think that is fantastic.
Emily will also be leading 2016’s first Yoga at the Farmers’ Market on Saturday, May 7 at 8:15am.
