Emma Burgess,
Hari-om Yoga Teacher

Most of my profession has been spent as a seafarer on sailing vessels, taking me to places around the world. Giving opportunities to people from all walks of life to step outside their comfort zones, learn practical skills, live harmoniously alongside one another, face new challenges in an unfamiliar and at times unforgiving environment where the weather and tides have the final say. And in awe inspiring places where nature brings people to be truly present in a moment.

Whilst based in Hong Kong I explored yoga workshops and classes around Asia finding a deeper connection to yoga in a need to find more strength and resilience to support and embrace the challenges of life at sea. 

In 2018 I discovered HariOm taking part in a teacher training in Costa Rica with a view to deepen my understanding and personal practice. The diversity of what yoga could offer and humble attitude offered by HariOm resonated with me. Later I returned to HariOm, this time in Italy with a view to teaching. Since then, returning to various workshops to reconnect with this ever vibrant, inspiring community where I never cease to be challenged and my growth flourishes. 

Yoga has become a way of life that I take joy in interweaving through all that I do, from playful practice on the mat, to finding balance, resilience and strength in my everyday. I see the value in exploring a diversity of styles, to prepare for the complexities of what life has to offer, from meditation, pranayama, the movement of vinyasa flow, to the freedom of ecstatic dance, and the recovery and calm offered by restorative yoga. Every breath holds opportunity to be present in our lives. I shift my focus now from sailing to also teaching yoga, based on my wild remote home island on the west coast of Scotland where I live in a yurt. Constantly inspired by our natural surroundings it is a joy to hold space for others to feel connection, within and outwith.