Welcome BACK Emily Smith

We're so happy to welcome Emily Smith back to the VPUY family. Emily taught SUP Yoga for us a few years back and has spent the past two years working on her career. As she finds balance in her worlds she's excited to dive back into the leading the practice of yoga... on land with us this time.

Follow here on Instagram: @emilypaigeyoga

Name: Emily Smith

B-day: May 22

Hometown: Westport, CT

Tell us about the evolution of your yoga practice:

I feel like my individual practice has been reflected in my teaching - going from small classes at a family run boxing studio, to preschool yoga, to large (40-100) person classes that ended with a mimosa, to goat yoga, to prenatal private classes, to yoga on paddleboards, to festivals, back to small classes. They all were a reflection of what I needed physically and mentally at the time, and I’m so grateful and can identify how each one has impacted me as a student and a teacher.

What’s one thing you wish you could tell yourself when you began your yoga practice:

Listen to what you need mentally/emotionally just as well as you listen to what your body needs in practice.

Why do you teach yoga:

I love teaching yoga to help people find the fun in the mindful movement - nothing brings you more to the present than true enjoyment.

How long have you taught:

7 years

If you could have lunch with any inspiration individual (dead or alive) who and why:

My great grandma. She’s one of my biggest inspirations in life, and I would love to get to hear her stories of resilience directly from her

Favorite Treat: Ice cream!

Favorite Book: oh gosh so hard - I could go cliche and say Harry Potter (which is still so true), but Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle is a childhood classic that immediately comes to mind. Any Kurt Vonnegut I’ll devour in a day and think about it for a week. Neil Gaiman is brilliant too. I just love books!

How many countries have you been to: 18 - lived in London for a year and had amazing experiences to travel with that opportunity

Spirit Animal: A mermaid

One thing we don’t know about you:

I have a puppy named Mando and a kitty named Moana who are the best of friends!

Emily will be sharing Monday evening Sunset Flow with us at Marina Park each week. Find her on the schedule here: Sunset Flow