Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Emelia Justine. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Emelia , thank you for being such a positive, uplifting person. We’ve noticed that so many of the successful folks we’ve had the good fortune of connecting with have high levels of optimism and so we’d love to hear about your optimism and where you think it comes from.
Yoga. The more I learn, the more I love and believe in yoga’s innate ability to unite people: to themselves, to community, to Spirit.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’ve had the privilege of working in my role at the helm of Denver’s longest-running yoga studio community, Samadhi Yoga for 8 years. We offer a wide variety of weekly classes, workshops and events, teacher trainings and retreats – Come to Maui with me next April for Sacred Reset! Personally, professionally, I’m a current student of Yoga Therapy, affirming how these teachings can be applied to any condition at any stage of life.
Samadhi (profound meditative state) was founded by Annie Freedom in 2001, and since inception has been a sanctuary for spiritual depth, without strings or pushiness. One of our recent reviews said, simply, “I have never left a building that calm.” It’s hard to articulate, you have to walk in to feel it!
Ownership changed during the pandemic, allowing us to restart anew, at a time of so much loss, as Samadhi Yoga Sangha (Sangha = community) We share a sacred space for people interested in yoga, with its many facets with very inclusive, friendly energy. Our highly renowned and experienced instructors walk the talk; some have been with us since the beginning.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. The willingness to listen to myself and respond.
The term “self care” has almost become cliché in the wellness industry.
And this can look really different from person to person.
As a younger mother/daughter/wife/granddaughter, there were times I was totally unresponsive to my own needs and desires; at those times, tension grew, and this was not good for anyone!
Ultimately, we can’t fill other people’s cups and forget to fill our own. And, we can’t hear direction from our higher self when we allow too much noise and distraction. From this place grows self-compassion which extends outward.
2. An extension of #1 is learning to be in my own flow, regardless of external circumstances.
Not always easy, again, with schedules, responsibilities and commitments to keep. But…
Serendipity, creativity, coincidences, miracles… in my experience, are much more common when I’m attuned with my own internal compass. This doesn’t mean wandering aimlessly, but regularly checking in with aspects of Self and realigning as needed, through movement, stillness, whatever it takes at the moment.
3. There is always time. This is so hard to live by in our busy society, not to mention with the “life is short” reminders we frequently see and feel. I also understand, in many professions, time is of the essence. For me, I’ve come to realize that there is always time for a breath. Most things are actually not urgent, and will play out regardless of our perception or impatience. It is such a relief in those moments, when we start to feel anxious about what to finish or start…There is always time.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
They are gone now, so the gifts they bestowed have become clearer than ever.
Speaking of, my grandma, Betty took the first public yoga class offered in Denver in the 60’s!
She maintained a simple morning home practice for many years.
My parents were musicians, two of the most open-minded, well-read, accepting people I can think of.
Tolerance and equality were non-negotiable. Ahead of their times, I think.
Openness to ways of thinking and being, vs. shock and judgement about our many different human perspectives
makes the tapestry of life so much more brilliant.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://samadhiyoga.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/samadhiyogadenver/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samadhiyogadenver
Image Credits
Lisa Foot
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
