Emily Ridout was born and raised outside of Louisville, Kentucky, and since then have lived in California, India, and Oregon. Emily Ridout study of yoga has been practical and theoretical studying yoga and yoga philosophy as a part of her formal education as well as her personal study.
How long have you been practicing yoga?
I’ve been practicing yoga regularly for about sixteen years.
How did you get started?
I got started with yoga because I was interested in an article I read about its physical benefits. I began to self-teach various poses before I found a teacher about two years later. The next several years I simply went to classes and learned various breathing techniques. Eventually, I took my first yoga teacher training program, and that’s when things began to open up for me. Since then I've embarked on deeper and deeper courses of study and practice.
What type of yoga do you teach? (Please Explain)
Mainly, I teach AstroYoga. This type of yoga is based on the incorporation of yoga’s sister science (astrology) into the practice. AstroYoga uses the timing of planetary transits to grant depth to group practices, and to ensure that yoga practices are in harmony with nature and the larger cosmos.
What do you prefer/enjoy about this particular form of yoga?
I love that AstroYoga harmonizes with nature. At a time when more and more people are feeling divorced from their natural surroundings, AstroYoga reminds us that we as humans have a deep connection to the natural world. I also love that AstroYoga can be personalized to any individual, whether they’re in need of effort or ease.
Do you feel anyone can enjoy and gain from yoga?
I do feel that anyone can gain benefit from yoga. I always tell people who ask about beginning a practice: If you want to try it—it’s for you! If you don’t like it, don’t worry, you don’t have to do it!
What has yoga done for you as person?
Yoga has given me a set of tools to keep my body, mind, and soul in healthful relationship. Yoga has also given me greater health, wonderful friends, and a whole lot of joy.
Do you feel yoga is more mental or physical?
I believe the mind is a part of the body, so I suppose it’s both things for me.
Do you believe it is an alternative form of healing and medicine?
I do think yoga offers healing. I would never tell someone to come to me for a personalized AstroYoga practice in lieu of medical treatment, but I would suggest that yoga can be used to support healing and spark health in a deeper way than western medicine alone.
A couple years ago I took a fall and broke a vertebra in my back. I used yoga as a way to support myself as it healed and to build myself back up and support the new structure of my spine. Yoga took me to health greater than simply visiting a spine doctor alone.
Do you associate yoga with Hinduism? If yes, in what ways?
My master’s degree focused a lot on the relationship among Hinduism, yoga, and yoga philosophy, so I could talk about this one for a long time. I think it’s safe to say that they are distinct but that they share some common texts, backgrounds, practices, and sometimes lineages.
Is yoga a way of life or a way to exercise or meditate?
Yoga can be all those things! Every yoga practitioner gets to choose. For me it’s all three.
What is your dharma, your life mission?
As an astrologer, I read dharma in charts all the time. As a yogini, I know that dharma is not so much a single purpose, but the daily tasks you do to live your existence. For me, my dharma is showing up and sharing AstroYoga and yoga philosophy; spending time with my community; and the constant, imperfect practice of staying present.
Where can our readers find you? (Instagram, Website, etc)
They can find me online at emilyridout.com
We can connect through the Weekly AstroYoga Forecast I send out.
I’m on Instagram @emily_ridout_astroyoga
I’m on Facebook at Emily Ridout Yoga and Astrology
When and where do you currently teach?
Presently, I teach online private lessons (in person in Oregon). I also teach at Mudra Yoga in Eugene, Oregon, Sundays 9:15, Tuesdays 5:30p, Wednesdays 5:30. And also at Balanced Hot Yoga in Eugene, Oregon (heated), Sundays 4p, Tuesdays 9a
Anything else you want to share?
You are capable of creating ease, love, beauty, and abundance simply by reaching within. Together, we build each other up.
