Born in Bradford, I grew up in a close-knit working class family environment where everybody lived nearby. I experienced my first major loss in 2012 of my beloved grandma who was like a second mum to me. This led to me retraining in yoga (I'd been a lecturer in English Literature) and evaluating how I chose to live my life. The death of my mother in 2018 had a devastating effect on me but I buried it and tried to run away from the pain. I didn't actually face the impact of this loss until two years later during the pandemic. This led to much writing, therapy and a period of personal growth. Most recently, my father died suddenly and unexpectedly in 2023. I am now navigating the loss of both parents through my work and throughout my life.
Lodged In My Throat
Please See Me is an online literary journal which seeks to elevate the voices of vulnerable members of society and those who care for them.
This poem was written about Emma's initial experiences of Inner Child work during therapy sessions and raises the importance of talking therapies for good mental health.
It is published in Issue 9, Winter edition of the journal alongside other poetry, writing, art and photography.
Reading
Project Conversation
Kasia Borowczak @project.conversation hosts global conversations translated into multiple languages about death, dying, losing loved ones, and about the emotions and loneliness that accompany this process. In this transcript Kasia asked Emma @emmaliveyoga about her grief journey, how yoga is helped in the grieving process and about the significance of her cultural and religious background in this process.
To Read the Interview
National Cancer Survivors Month
Thank you so much to Heather and the team @carolslightorg for sharing my story @emmaliveyoga as part of National Cancer Survivors Month.
To Read My Story
Grief Through the Matrix of Yoga
This article @a.little.insight considers the eight limbs of yoga holistically in relation to bereavement, coping strategies and an exploration of how grief is a non-linear process.
To Read the Article
Motherlove Project
Here is my latest @emmaliveyoga collaboration with @motherloveproject who share the grief stories of people from around the world who have lost their mothers.
To Read My Story
'Breathing Healed My Heart'
UK Number 1 selling spiritual Spirit and Destiny Magazine (April 2021)
This article details my journey into grief after the death of my mum in 2018 and how the 8 limb path of Yoga has helped my grieving process.
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You Can’t Hug a Butterfly: Loss, Love, Grief and Yoga
Published in BWY Yoga Now (September 2020)
This online magazine features an extract from my book which has the working title:
You Can’t Hug a Butterfly: Loss, Love, Grief and Yoga
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This article begins with evocations of the natural world and the healing balm the natural world provides.
Emma candidly describes her Type A personality which struggles with slowing down and any notions of rest. Her devastating loss inevitable led to the the need to reflect and rest; Yin Yoga became a natural counterbalance to her Ashtanga daily practice.
There is a creative and detailed illustrated lesson plan of quieting Yin moves which Emma shares with the readers of Spectrum Magazine.
Preview
