[#2] Emily Artalejo: Private Yoga Coach, Teacher Trainer & Reiki Practitioner
Emily Artalejo
Private Yoga Coach & Teacher Trainer
Emily is a yoga teacher of the air, land, and sea with an academic background in peace-building. She believes that her journey as a yoga student and teacher has taught her about letting go of attachment and enjoying the journey. Emily offers private and small group sessions around San Diego, weekly aerial barre classes at Pier to Point Wellness, specialized aerial yoga teacher trainings & will soon be releasing mindful mobility video courses.
emily, i’m so happy to welcome you to this space.
Let’s start with How you first got involved with yoga…
I took my first yoga class as a college student during a summer internship in a new city! I was expecting the fast-paced vinyasa I had seen in movies and TV, but to my surprise I walked into a Kundalini class filled with intense Breath of Fire and chanting! I am so grateful that my first class challenged my misconceptions about yoga, and showed me that there is so much more to yoga than the physical asana practice.
What were you doing before teaching yoga?
After graduating with my Master’s in International Peace and Conflict Resolution, I felt unfulfilled by work that was based in theory instead of practice. I realized that I loved building community a lot more than writing analyses about it! That’s when Elevated Elements Yoga was born - I wanted to create a community in which people could release their self-doubt and elevate their yoga practice.
I am doing my best to honor my body’s needs and letting go of the idea that there is a particular time, space, or attire necessary to practice yoga.
What was your yoga journey, from student to teacher?
In January 2019, I was days away from starting my 200-Hour Mat Yoga Teacher Training with Faith Hunter (@spirituallyfly) in Washington, D.C., when my then-fiance, now-husband, found out he was selected for a job across the country in San Diego! It was tough for me to let go of the plan I had for myself, but I was so excited about this new adventure.
Once we made the move to San Diego I went to TMac Vogt’s (@aerial_yoga) aerial yoga class at Pier to Point Wellness and fell in love with the practice. Within a matter of months I was fully a part of the amazing aerial yoga community as a teacher.
During the summer of 2020, I discovered stand-up paddleboard (SUP) yoga, became a certified instructor, and began offering twice weekly SUP yoga classes. It was important for me to be able to quickly pivot to an activity that naturally lends itself to safe gathering practices (outdoors, separate equipment, social distancing) at a time when doing aerial yoga in person wasn’t accessible or comfortable for many clients.
In 2021, I finally received my 200-Hour Mat Yoga Teacher certification, and this accomplishment was even more gratifying after the winding journey I took to get there.
I believe this was the path I was meant to take, and it taught me so much about letting go of attachment and enjoying the journey.
Where do you currently teach? How can people connect with you and your teachings?
I teach private and small groups classes on a beautiful outdoor deck at a private residence in Point Loma. Plus, I can meet clients anywhere in the San Diego area, so if it’s your dream to experience a yoga class at your favorite beach, overlook, or community hangout spot, reach out to me using the communication methods below for a free consultation.
For folks outside of the San Diego area I will be releasing Mindful Yoga for Mobility video courses soon! Mindful Mobility is a wonderful complement to any workout regimen. I help clients prevent injury and increase ease of movement so that they are able to enjoy their favorite physical activities for many years to come!
Additionally, I am partnering with Amy Thai (@happieyoga) to deliver specialized Aerial Yoga Teacher Training to San Diego and beyond. Amy and I will continue cultivating this special, one-of-a-kind aerial community- stay tuned for some exciting announcements!
On Fridays, you can find me in Point Loma at Pier to Point Wellness teaching Aerial Booty Barre
I use ballet-inspired moves to improve balance, strengthen the core, and tone the lower body.
What aspects of wellness do you bring to your classes?
I am a reiki practitioner and I bring elements of reiki, meditation, and aromatherapy to all of my classes.
What is your personal yoga practice like these days?
My personal practice involves a deeper study of the yamas and niyamas, and pockets of spontaneous asana throughout the day. I have been known to randomly bust into Vrksasana (tree pose) or engage in ecstatic dance! I am doing my best to honor my body’s needs and letting go of the idea that there is a particular time, space, or attire necessary to practice yoga.
Aside from yoga, what fills your cup?
Beach days. My sweet pup Lola. Reading.
Is there any particular resource or practice that has been especially instrumental in your personal or professional growth?
Susanna Barkataki’s (@susannabarkataki) work, especially her book, Embrace Yoga’s Roots: Courageous Ways to Deepen Your Yoga Practice, has illuminated how I can integrate a more ethical and honorable practice in my life. Susanna’s work lovingly and empathetically challenges me to do the self-reflection and self-exploration I need to honor yoga’s roots and deepen into a unifying, inclusive practice.
We love featuring local businesses! Do you have a favorite shop, restaurant, or business that comes to mind?
My favorite local shop is Monroe & Grey (@monroeandgreyvintage). Nikisha, the owner, curates unique vintage furniture and decor pieces to help people create a one-of-a-kind style in their spaces! They have two locations: one at Seahive Station and one at Kurtz Street Vintage Marketplace.
Connect with Emily:
Email: elevatedelementsyoga@gmail.com | Instagram: @elevatedelementsyoga | Phone: 619-432-2347