Teacher Spotlight: Emily Ford

Sep 16

Emily Ford, certified yoga teacher and certified Ayurveda practitioner

At Prana Yoga Center, we are honored to shine the spotlight on our teacher, Emily Ford, whose approach to yoga blends grounded wisdom, deep presence, and the gentle art of self-trust. Emily brings a unique and thoughtful perspective to every class she leads, integrating the ancient practices of yoga and Ayurveda with the real, everyday needs of modern life. Through her steady presence and intentional teaching, Emily holds space for students to explore, soften, and strengthen in more ways than one.

From Awareness to Alignment: Emily’s Yoga Journey

Emily began practicing yoga in 2017—an experience she describes as the beginning of a powerful transformation. “I wasn’t even the same person back then,” she shares. “Yoga taught me the awareness of simply being in my own body and mind. That might sound like a basic answer, but I truly wasn’t in that space when I first started.”

For Emily, the lessons of yoga continue to ripple far beyond the mat. “Yoga reminds me that the most important relationship I’ll ever have is the one I have with myself. When that relationship is rooted in trust, everything else begins to align.” It’s this steady trust in the inner self that guides Emily both in her personal practice and in the way she holds space for her students.

Creating Meaningful Rituals in Every Class

If you’ve taken Emily’s class, you know that she begins and ends each session with intention. She starts by inviting students to observe how they’re feeling—physically, mentally, and energetically. This moment of reflection, she believes, helps highlight the transformative power of the practice.

“I always open and close with a community breath,” she adds. “Inhale through the nose, exhale through the mouth. It brings us into our shared space with presence and helps everyone land, together.”

And the pose that always feels like “home” for Emily? “Anything grounding,” she says. “I love a wide-leg fold (Prasarita Padottanasana) with a block under the head, or a soft Baddha Konasana (butterfly pose). Those shapes give me a sense of rootedness, like I can truly settle in.”

Ayurveda in Action: Daily Rhythms & Seasonal Ease

As an Ayurvedic practitioner, Emily integrates ancient wellness wisdom into her life in simple, practical ways. “Rising before the sun and having a slow-moving morning routine has made a huge difference,” she shares. “Also, avoiding cold or iced drinks—just switching to warm or room-temperature water is surprisingly powerful.”

In the heat of summer, Emily encourages a slower pace, reminding students that summer’s fire (Pitta dosha) is best balanced with softness and coolness. “Gentle movement like walking or soft asana, cooling breathwork like Sheetali, and herbal teas with calming qualities can all make a big difference. And don’t underestimate the power of aromatherapy—oils like jasmine, sandalwood, lavender, or mint can really help pacify Pitta.” Emily would love to share a special herbal tea that will also help soothe that Pitta dosha this summer: https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/blogs/wellness/pitta-soothing-tea

She also urges students to listen to their bodies: “If you feel like you need a midday rest, take it. It’s okay to slow down. That’s not weakness—it’s wisdom.”

Expect the Unexpected: Slowing Down to Tune In

While some students might come to Emily’s classes expecting a fast-paced power flow, they’re often pleasantly surprised. “I like to slow things down and really pay attention to what’s happening in the body and mind during each posture,” she says. “That’s where the real work—and healing—happens.”

She crafts every class around a meaningful intention and invites students to show up just as they are. No pressure. No pretense. Just a safe space to explore.

Saturdays & Small Joys

Off the mat, Emily keeps things delightfully simple. “After class, you’ll probably find me at Limestone Coffee in Batavia with a cup in hand, and if it’s summer, I’ll be wandering a Farmers’ Market somewhere.” It’s clear that even in her downtime, she’s drawn to community, nature, and the simple pleasures of everyday life.

Finding Home at Prana Yoga Center

Emily’s love for Prana Yoga Center runs deep. “After graduating from Prairie Yoga’s YTT, Prana was my dream studio to teach at,” she says. “The space is beautiful, the students are deeply dedicated, and the teachers genuinely care for the community. I’m lucky to call it my yoga home.”

At Prana, Emily weaves her Ayurvedic knowledge into classes with intention—through sequencing that honors seasonal rhythms, and even through little touches like essential oils in savasana. “These practices help students feel grounded and nurtured. Ayurveda reminds us that we’re a part of nature, and the more we align with it, the more we thrive.”

Come Practice with Emily

Whether you’re seeking a deeper sense of self-trust, a softer approach to movement, or tools to balance your energy through the seasons, Emily’s classes offer a welcoming space to explore all of it—and more.

Her teaching isn’t just about the poses. It’s about cultivating awareness, compassion, and connection—with yourself, with the community, and with the rhythm of life around you.

Come join her at Prana Yoga Center. You might just find what home feels like.

You can find Emily weekly on: