Meet Emily Jonas
Emily is a teacher, teacher-trainer and mentor in the Boston area. She has been involved in the yoga community for over 20 years, opened and co-ran Boston Yoga Union, which was named Best of Boston, has taught across the city. The teachers she has mentored now teach across Boston and far beyond. When teaching Emily weaves together her deep understanding of practice, her joy of theory, and love of community to create a space for folks to explore, expand and connect in community.
When you’re not practicing or teaching, what do you enjoy doing?
I have been a full time teacher, leader of teacher trainings & studio owner in Boston for years now. I recently stepped away from studio ownership to make more time for my family, trainings and retreats. In my personal life I have 3 lovely children who are now between middle school and high school. I spend a lot of time working in my garden, growing vegetables, studying herbalism, cooking/baking with my partner. A good playlist and an excellent cup of coffee/warm beverage bring me great pleasure.
What drew you to Katonah Yoga?
After studying vinyasa and Iyengar yoga extensively, practicing for over 20 years, teaching & opening a yoga studio in Boston, I discovered Katonah yoga and was drawn to the spherical nature of the theory and the practice. I resonated with the invitation that Katonah Yoga provides to explore your practice more dynamically, to step away from the linearity of thinking with right vs. wrong in a pose (or in life) and to move towards the cultivation of techniques both on and off your mat.
Is there a piece of theory that has resonated with you?
So many pieces! When the poses are sound in structure, with the overlay of a map, your practice shifts from shape making to organizing yourself for the present moment, finding the center and opening up the space to access the more esoteric implicit. Your practice becomes very much a cultivation of your own intelligence and awareness which is ultimately incredibly soothing and joyful!
How have you brought the theory of Katonah Yoga into your daily life? Any specific scenarios you want to share?
In so many ways! In general my exploration of Katonah Yoga has helped me cultivate my thinking across the board in my life and that is no small statement. I moved through some very significant changes in both my personal and professional life. With Katonah Yoga and the community that I gained through the practice, I was able to sharpen the lens of my vision for what I wanted for myself both personally and professionally and reorganize in so many areas so as to head in a more true direction. It takes great efforts to be graceful!
Join the next Katonah Master Series w/ Emily Jonas
Saturday, April 20th | 10:00-11:15am