Emily Dixon

RYT 200hr, AIReal Yoga Certified, Children's Yoga Certified

WHERE WERE YOU BORN/RAISED?
I was born and raised in Ventura, CA.

TELL A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR PERSONAL PRACTICE
I began practicing yoga in high school around 2010. I had taken a few classes at Mavericks and fell in love immediately but did not develop a consistent practice until 2015 when Sarah began Grassroots Yoga in the parks. Grassroots and Ventura Pop Up Yoga gave me a sense of community and purpose and I have been totally addicted to this practice ever since.

TELL A BRIEF HISTORY OF YOUR TEACHING EXPERIENCE
I began teaching yoga in May of 2019 shortly after beginning my 200 hour teacher training. The first organization to hire me was Ventura Pop Up Yoga—who years prior owned the first studio space I ever practiced in. Since then I have been blessed to teach in studios, public parks, and even climbing and CrossFit gyms. I finally completed my training with the incomparable April Geary and Carmen Curtis on my 26th birthday in November 2019. * RYT 200 and AIReal yoga certified

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA POSE AND WHY?
My favorite yoga pose is Anahatasana or “puppy pose.” It feels great in my body and it illustrates how yoga unites our minds, bodies, and souls. On a physical, emotional, and spiritual level it opens our hearts! It gives us a moment to rest and turn inward, and allows us to give and receive love more freely.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE YOGA/SELF HELP/SPIRITUALITY BOOK AND WHY?
My favorite yoga and spirituality book is “How Can I Help?” by Ram Dass. Teaching yoga is an act of service above all else. This book gave me tools to help me show up for other people in the best way I can.

WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE FOR BEGINNERS?
You don’t need ANYTHING to begin a yoga practice; just come as you are and dive right in! You don’t need money; there are free classes online or in the parks. You don’t need flexibility or any level of athleticism; this is a non-judgmental environment and you’ll develop strength in class. You don’t even need a mat; just borrow one or feel the earth beneath your feet! If you can take a breath, you can practice yoga!

WHAT DOES COMMUNITY MEAN TO YOU?
Community is just a group of people who care about each other and have each other’s backs! It’s everything!

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT VENTURA?
My favorite thing about Ventura is the reverence for nature that we all share.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION?
My favorite non-profit is Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles.