Spend 5 minutes getting to know our yoga expert Emma Garland
The Walled Garden
Can you tell me a little bit about your background and how you got into the craft you’re demonstrating today?
I'm a Senior Yoga Teacher and Approved Coach, working full-time running my wellness brand, The Good Food Yogi. I'm 11 years in now and enjoying the journey so far. I first joined a Yoga class when I was 12 years old and just found the benefits lasted for days after. I dipped in and out of yoga over the years, and at University fell in love with Ashtanga. I went on to build a career in Corporate Communications in London and Cambridge, continuing my practice as and when I could fit it in! I qualified as a Teacher in 2013, when I was 6 months pregnant, which actually taught me a lot about my body's capabilities and that yoga really is for everyone.
What is it that you love about doing workshops and sharing your craft?
I definitely love meeting new people, as well as seeing familiar faces too! Love to see people enjoy and feel the benefits of moving and exploring their bodies. I love seeing people learn something new or just having fun. Joy and positivity comes from learning or discovering something new. We have to stay curious in life and I find that yoga workshops are a great way to spark curiosity.
What is the most important thing you would like people who attend your workshop to take away with them?
Joy! And social connection. We might all turn up as strangers, but usually leave knowing a little more about the person next to us. I try to encourage people to open up a little at the start of a workshop - just share something they might not usually. We all say we're fine and good at 'How are you?' But there's always usually more going on. I love the space that we hold has that feeling of being able to share something a little deeper. People really connect to that deeper level.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Wake and drink hot water and lemon with a smidge of cayenne! Throw some yoga clothes on (usually off the floor in the dark!) Say good morning online on Zoom to all the 7am Club members. We do 30 minutes of Yoga every weekday morning and it really sets you up for the day. I have a banana and make breakfast for the family and then do 15 minutes of Core Drills back on Zoom with more of our Membership. Then it's a well earnt breakfast and a coffee and a little peace and quiet. I sometimes go for a run or shower, get changed and get onto marketing my Membership and answering any questions people have. I like to prep lunch/dinner as a bit of a break and then get back on my laptop. I really enjoy cooking plant-diverse, wholefoods. It's a passion! I sometimes teach in the evening which always boosts my energy for the evening. Then a bit of Yellowstone (so traumatic), some reading (usually about nutrition!) and then early (ish) to bed about 10pm.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to move in your field of expertise?
Find a style you love and learn as much as you can. Stay curious and follow what you love. Have fun with it and create your own style. My business really changed and took a big turn for the better when I started to align what I love and how I wanted to spend my time, day to day. Your style won't be for everyone but you'll find your people. I have Members that practice with me daily and have done for the last 6-7 years. Some of them live down the road and some live thousands of miles away, on the other side of the world! My community, my people are my biggest asset and I've made some incredible friends along the way.
What album do you reach for when you’re working?
'In Rainbows' by Raidohead - I love that the music mirrors the chaos of my brain and the 75 browser windows I have open at any one time!
