Yoga teacher, Thai massage therapist and founder of Mudra Yoga London, Emily-Clare Hill really is the definition of a wellness enthusiast. We caught up with her to find out more about her teaching and what makes her smile…
What is your style of yoga practice?
I love all styles of yoga. I believe variety is the key to a healthy, balanced body and calm, spacious mind. I teach Vinyasa flow which enables me to be creative, to offer variety to be playful yet balanced. I have a strong focus on alignment and teaching to the bodies in the room – adjusting to fit those in front of me. I love being able to give a balanced class leaving my students feeling reset.
What makes you smile?
Most things…I smile a lot. Living in London, I love to step out and be in nature. This makes my smile grow. I have a silly sense of humour and the littlest things make me laugh – sarcasm and funny dog videos.
But what makes me smile the most is tea in bed…it makes my heart happy!
What is your favourite tea?
English breakfast. I love all tea but if I’m honest, a good old Yorkshire brew is number one.
Which yoga pose do you find the most difficult to master?
Do we ever really master them? Or do the poses master us? I have a love/hate relationship with deep twists. I love the reset they give me but I battle with the balanced rotation. My lower body always tries to get too involved.
What would you say to someone who has never tried yoga?
It’s not just breathing and sitting…don’t knock it until you’ve tried it…but mostly let go of expectation…just show up and see what happens.
What keeps bringing you back to the mat?
No one ever went to yoga and came out feeling worse. Yoga has my heart. When I need a strong fiery sweat, it’s got my back. When I need to slow down and restore, it’s got me. When I need to stop completely, it’s there.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to get to the advanced poses you share on your social media feeds?
It’s all about the foundation and practice. It’s not something that just comes. You have to put in the work and learn. The basic practice is your foundation for the bigger fancy-looking asana. Such as a well performed plank pose will build the awareness and integration to flying postures. So often we bypass the vinyasa without integration or too much thought. If we really work each posture, then inversions and other postures will come much easier and quicker.
What is the role of a yoga teacher?
To teach, to share, to hold space, to make people feel good. I believe it’s mainly to encourage others to be empowered by themselves.
What do you expect from your students?
I expect nothing from my students. Yoga asks nothing of us other than to show up, put in the effort and just be ourselves.
How do you think the perception of yoga is changing in the UK?
Wellbeing in general is something that is on the rise here in the UK and I think it’s great. We are all becoming more aware of what we need to keep healthy and happy which I think is the key to what we’re all searching for – balance and happiness, right? Yoga is a great part of this rising culture. It’s a way in for most people. The perception of yoga is hopefully becoming more accessible for everyone. It’s no longer perceived as something that your mum does. With the variety now available, it’s becoming something that your grandad can do just as much as a young child. It’s an exciting time. We are now choosing to grow with more awareness and compassion
In what ways do you carry your yoga practice into the rest of your life?
Yoga is definitely not just physical practice that happens when on the mat. It’s something that becomes integrated into your life. Those who practise regular yoga become more aware of the subtleties of life. Opening up a broader mindset that can be more mindful and aware of others, the planet and our surroundings. This is something that I definitely have experienced along my journey. I’m much more patient, much more aware and awake to the vibrations of others, meaning I am less judgemental and more understanding.
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