Photo: Vegetation surveys in Point Pelee National Park, 2011
Emily Gonzales, PhD, RYT-500
I embrace my inner geek. Actually, there's nothing inner about it. I'm pretty geeky on the outside too. I have a PhD in ecology and teach university courses.
As a scientist, I love to experiment and offer yoga and spin classes rooted in exploration, discovery and a love for life.
How did I get here?
In the 1980s I was a nerdy aerobics instructor. Although I now cringe at the thought of those leotards and leg warmers, I still love a good workout (and being a nerd). I read up on kinesiology, watch videos, and constantly update my knowledge with workshops and continuing education because I am fascinated with the physiology, anatomy, and psychology of being our best selves and feeling strong, mobile, and capable.
In 2003, I took up yoga with Eoin Finn. It got me thinking and feeling in ways that were so different from my "day job". Inspired by the beauty and intelligence of physical forms that developed muscular length and strength, I began incorporating asana into fusion fitness classes in 2005.
In 2012, my life became a bad country song...maybe you've heard it...my cat got sick and I lost my job all while my husband was dying of cancer. Ugh. Never was there a better time to turn to yoga and practice its embodied teachings off the mat. No longer just words in a yoga class, I had to actively practice calm and compassion so that I could be fully present with Isaac - every moment counted.
"To let the circumstances dictate one's state of mind is human; to let the mind dictate the circumstances is sage."
- Master Sheng Yen
The here and now
From those ashes came the ignition to formalize my yoga training. I took the 200-hour YTT program with Semperviva and the 300-hour advanced YTT program led by Christine Price Clark at the Vancouver School of Yoga.
I teach at YYoga, the YWCA, and private group classes throughout Vancouver.
The transformation from 2012 to now has been nothing short of miraculous. I have the job of my dreams and married the love of my life in 2016.
Why practice with me?
I deeply believe in the transformative power of yoga and meditation. Whether it is rocking out to your favourite song in a vinyasa flow, sitting softly with your breath, or tackling tough moments on and off the mat, let's dance together to the rhythm of life.
Honouring my Teachers
2013-2016
The Yamas on the Mat (Janet Stone)
Untying the Knots of the Heart - Healing Yoga and Meditation (Saul David Raye)
Earth Prayer and Soul Path Reb-Earth of the Light (Saul David Raye)
Anatomy for Yoga (Kreg Weiss)
Kids Yoga (Jacqueline Maloney)
Nourishing Great Togetherness Mindfulness Week long Retreat (Thich Nhat Hanh)
Life Surfing: Blissology, Yoga and Life’s Ultimate Question (Eoin Finn)
Being Still with Skill: The Power of Meditation (Rolf Gates)
Stability + Freedom Vinyasa Workshop Sessions (Rolf Gates)
History and Philosophy of Yoga (Natalie Rousseau)
Pranayama, Mudra, Meditation and Philosophy (Stephen Thomas)
Chakras and the Subtle Body (Shivani Wells)
Embodied Mindfulness (Shivani Wells)
Trauma sensitive Yoga (Nicole Marcia)
2005-2012
Vinyasa Specialist (Linda-Christy Weiler)
Tragically Hips (Eoin Finn)
Refining and Energizing Alignment (Linda-Christy Weiler)
Breathe, Stretch, Relax, and Meditate – Mind-Body Methods for Life Fitness (Linda-Christy Weiler)
Easter Retreat (Sivananda Ashram)
I embrace my inner geek. Actually, there's nothing inner about it. I'm pretty geeky on the outside too. I have a PhD in ecology and teach university courses.
As a scientist, I love to experiment and offer yoga and spin classes rooted in exploration, discovery and a love for life.
How did I get here?
In the 1980s I was a nerdy aerobics instructor. Although I now cringe at the thought of those leotards and leg warmers, I still love a good workout (and being a nerd). I read up on kinesiology, watch videos, and constantly update my knowledge with workshops and continuing education because I am fascinated with the physiology, anatomy, and psychology of being our best selves and feeling strong, mobile, and capable.
In 2003, I took up yoga with Eoin Finn. It got me thinking and feeling in ways that were so different from my "day job". Inspired by the beauty and intelligence of physical forms that developed muscular length and strength, I began incorporating asana into fusion fitness classes in 2005.
In 2012, my life became a bad country song...maybe you've heard it...my cat got sick and I lost my job all while my husband was dying of cancer. Ugh. Never was there a better time to turn to yoga and practice its embodied teachings off the mat. No longer just words in a yoga class, I had to actively practice calm and compassion so that I could be fully present with Isaac - every moment counted.
"To let the circumstances dictate one's state of mind is human; to let the mind dictate the circumstances is sage."
- Master Sheng Yen
The here and now
From those ashes came the ignition to formalize my yoga training. I took the 200-hour YTT program with Semperviva and the 300-hour advanced YTT program led by Christine Price Clark at the Vancouver School of Yoga.
I teach at YYoga, the YWCA, and private group classes throughout Vancouver.
The transformation from 2012 to now has been nothing short of miraculous. I have the job of my dreams and married the love of my life in 2016.
Why practice with me?
I deeply believe in the transformative power of yoga and meditation. Whether it is rocking out to your favourite song in a vinyasa flow, sitting softly with your breath, or tackling tough moments on and off the mat, let's dance together to the rhythm of life.
Honouring my Teachers
2013-2016
The Yamas on the Mat (Janet Stone)
Untying the Knots of the Heart - Healing Yoga and Meditation (Saul David Raye)
Earth Prayer and Soul Path Reb-Earth of the Light (Saul David Raye)
Anatomy for Yoga (Kreg Weiss)
Kids Yoga (Jacqueline Maloney)
Nourishing Great Togetherness Mindfulness Week long Retreat (Thich Nhat Hanh)
Life Surfing: Blissology, Yoga and Life’s Ultimate Question (Eoin Finn)
Being Still with Skill: The Power of Meditation (Rolf Gates)
Stability + Freedom Vinyasa Workshop Sessions (Rolf Gates)
History and Philosophy of Yoga (Natalie Rousseau)
Pranayama, Mudra, Meditation and Philosophy (Stephen Thomas)
Chakras and the Subtle Body (Shivani Wells)
Embodied Mindfulness (Shivani Wells)
Trauma sensitive Yoga (Nicole Marcia)
2005-2012
Vinyasa Specialist (Linda-Christy Weiler)
Tragically Hips (Eoin Finn)
Refining and Energizing Alignment (Linda-Christy Weiler)
Breathe, Stretch, Relax, and Meditate – Mind-Body Methods for Life Fitness (Linda-Christy Weiler)
Easter Retreat (Sivananda Ashram)