Interview: Emily Downs

An Interview with Emily Downs

Tell me about your yoga background.

I found yoga when I felt very lost in everything else. I had just moved to London, UK right after graduating Uni and knew no one. I remember signing up for yoga and being in the change room listening to conversations and sometimes saying hi to people. At that time I felt so isolated that even saying hello or feeling the silent community in class was enough to make me feel connected. My practice was mostly every day for the entire 2 years I lived there.

What are you working on right now in your practice and/or in your life?

In my life I’m always working to be a stronger, kinder and gentler version of me. Being on my mat gives me a different perspective and lets me reconnect in which is so difficult in the world, especially in Toronto with all the challenges that come with living in a big city.

What are you most proud of in your life?

I’m most proud of my friends and family. I am so happy to have these people in my life who constantly are there to lift me up.

What is the most important thing that you want students to learn in your classes?

In my classes I want students to feel the amazingness (not a word? or is it? haha) of their bodies. Movement is a form of therapy to me and being able to flow, to create shapes, and to move energy and breath is so beautiful. I want students to feel their breath guiding their movements, even if it means they are creating their own little dance flow on their mat =). Just to be able to connect into our own body and breath is such an amazing feeling.

What one word would you use to describe yourself?

Crazy.

If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

Oooooooh! Me. I would totally eat with me. I’m really curious to know what I would have for dessert!!!