Meet Emily Redfield, RYT 200

Tell us about the evolution of your Yoga practice:

“My Yoga journey began in 2014 when I was an undergraduate student at UC Santa Cruz. At the time I did not fully understand how, but Yoga helped me heal deep wounds and patterns from the past. I started to connect with Yoga in spiritual and philosophical aspects. Through this connection I felt closer to a truer self with an objective awareness. Also during that time I began to study Buddhism and created a meditation practice. With these tools I began to realize an undeniable connection between the mind and body and that by relaxing the mind you can relax the body and vice versa.”

What’s one piece of advice you would share with a student new to Yoga?:

“Just show up. Simply showing up is an accomplishment. To let go of the ego. Yoga encompasses so much more than a physical practice if you allow it to; there can also be the spiritual, community, and other supportive aspects. Yoga can create many meaningful benefits for our body, mind, and soul - simply by showing up.”

Why do you teach Yoga?

“I consider myself a spiritual and mindful person with the core intention to be a support for those in need. Yoga has become a beautiful tool that allows me to stay in tune with this aspect of myself, therefore by teaching others I am also teaching and relearning aspects of Yoga to myself.

I have always been inspired to teach and guide people along unknown paths. Knowledge is so empowering and can provide transformation and invaluable awareness. Also, from experience and education, I believe there is an undeniable association between healing that can happen from taking a Yoga class and that of seeing a therapist in a clinical setting. The ancient practice and Philosophy of Yoga and clinical psychology have undeniable similarities. I am honored to have the ability to guide individuals through a physically healing practice of Yoga and to be able to include aspects of the practice into my identity as a mental health therapist.”

Emily’s favorite inspirational quote:

“This being human is a guest house. Every morning a new arrival. A joy, a depression, a meanness, some momentary awareness comes as an unexpected visitor. Welcome and entertain them all! Even if they’re a crowd of sorrows, who violently sweep your house empty of its furniture, still treat each guest honorably. He may be clearing you out for some new delight. The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing and invite them in. Be grateful for whoever comes, because each has been sent as a guide from beyond.”
- Ram Dass