Emily Rex is one of the most prominent members of the Revolution Hot Yoga (RHY) community. She is the manager of our Work-Study program, a teacher for us in the summer, and our most consistent and regular member of class. On November 3, she attended her 300th class at RHY, completing 300 classes in just 393 days. Additionally, November marked the 15th anniversary of her yoga practice. To celebrate both of these achievements, and to share some of her insights and experience with the community, Rebecca and Emily sat down and shared some questions and answers.
Part 1 of 2
Rebecca:
How did you get started doing yoga? Did you start with the intention of creating such an extensive, lifelong practice?
Emily:
My mom introduced me to yoga in the fall of 1999 at what was then a tiny studio in metro Detroit, and we practiced there every Sunday morning. I enjoyed the mind-body connectedness I felt from practicing and was intrigued by the Buddhist spirituality and sitting meditations that my teacher incorporated into his classes. I knew that yoga would be a lifelong practice for me.
Although my practice is almost daily now, it wasn’t always this way. I began by practicing just once a week, and when I was in college, I only practiced during school breaks and over the summer. But I carried aspects of my practice with me through that time. As a music performance major, I learned how to use my breath effectively through the practice of yoga and meditation. I also practiced meditation and visualization exercises before concerts and auditions. I’ve had a more regular practice for the last few years, and I take class or practice on my own 5-7 times per week. Yoga hasn’t always had a structured presence in my life, but it’s always been there to some degree.
Rebecca:
What compels you to keep coming back? Starting is easy -- anybody can do a first class or a first week or a first month or even a first year -- how do you maintain a consistent, almost daily practice for 15 years?
Emily:
I love the practice of yoga, and I do what I can. Right now, I feel incredibly fortunate to have the time to practice almost daily, but it hasn’t always been this way. I feel grateful for the ability to practice, my past and present teachers, and the community at RHY. Love and gratitude can go a long way.
Rebecca:
How do you manage the days when you don't want to practice? What is your strategy for getting to yoga when you really don't want to, and once you're on your mat, does your practice reflect your mood?
Emily:
There are certainly days when I don’t want to practice. During the week, I practice in the evening, so reminding myself that I need a “release” after work is a good strategy. When I know I’m going to have a busy day, I put my yoga clothes and mat in the car so I don’t give myself the choice of going home and making an excuse. And sometimes I simply tell myself, “you’re going to class, and that’s that.” Sometimes my practice reflects that mood, but I’m almost always glad to have practiced.
Rebecca:
How do you motivate yourself? Do you need a gold star or proof of your efforts? Did you need different motivators 5, 10, 15 years ago? How have your motivation needs and strategies changed over the years?
Emily:
I’ve had different motivations at different times. When I started yoga, I remember my mom dragging me out of bed to go to class with her. I’m glad she did. There have been times when my yoga practice has been mostly physical therapy, to heal an injury, for example. Other times, I’ve needed the practice for spiritual or emotional reasons. Overall, yoga has helped me become a better person for myself and for others, and reminding myself of that keeps me motivated. Yoga has taught me humility, so I wouldn’t say I need any gold stars. As a special education teacher, I’ll save all of those for my students!
Rebecca:
Do you get bored? If yes, how do you handle the boredom?
Emily:
Of course, I get bored! I have spent plenty of classes fantasizing about what I’m going to eat for dinner when I get home or what I have to do at work the next day. I think the best way to handle boredom is to welcome it, bring the focus back inward, and keep practicing. It’s important not to judge yourself for being bored or “wasting” your practice. Sometimes I try to bring some humor to the situation: isn’t it funny that my body is on the mat, but my mind is not? That’s when I try to reel it back in and get centered again.
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| Emily Rex in action. |
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| Go to RHY website |
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