an ancient tradition to make sense of a modern world

Discover yoga philosophy with me

I will guide you through this rich and beautiful tradition, breaking down subtle and nuanced concepts in a digestible way so you can benefit from yoga’s powerful wisdom teachings in your yoga practice, and in your everyday life.

Yoga Philosophy Courses, Live online and On Demand

Monthly discussion club, in-person at MCY and online

atha tattva-darśanābhyupāyo yogaḥ -
Yoga is the direct means to perceive reality

COURSES

ON DEMAND (available now)

Yoga Philosophy Course (AGY YTT 2023-2025)
Yoga Philosophy Course (AGY YTT 2023-2025)
£75.00

8hr pre-recorded course on yoga philosophy and history, covering topics including:

- yoga philosophy concepts and viewpoints
-context and teachings of Yoga Sūtra of Patañjali
-context and teachings of Bhagavad Gītā
- Body Alchemy through the ages (From Tantra to Modern Postural Yoga)

..and much more.

Originally offered as part of Alice Gray Yoga’s 200hr YTT (Dubai and Glasgow)

watch now

LIVE

LIVE

FOUNDATIONS AND FACETS
The course will clarify yogic concepts that are key to understanding deeper philosophical questions of the tradition,
as well as looking at the different ‘yogas’ of the Sūtras, Bhagavad Gītā, and other traditions.

A course intended to clarify and deepen our knowledge of the yoga tradition, and how things all fit together.

LIVE ON ZOOM, an 8hr course over 4 weeks,
Wednesdays, 4th-25th March 2026
6.30 - 8.30pm

REGISTER NOW

Coming summer 2026 -
YOGA FOR LIFE - a 4-week course exploring how yoga philosophical concepts apply to our finding more harmony and ease in our daily lives.
We’ll explore four themes -

  • relationship

  • work

  • mind/self

  • ‘life’

Register your interest for this course by completing the form below:

Philosophy Club

a down-to-earth, playful space for bringing the yoga teachings to life through questioning, sharing, and coming together - either in person, or online.

Philosophy Club at MCY

I believe yoga philosophy should be as accessible as physical āsana classes. That’s why I hold a monthly Philosophy Club in person at Merchant City Yoga where we meet to discuss and explore themes of yoga philosophy in a down to earth way. Learn more below.

The next meeting of Philo Club will be Sunday 18th January,
3-4.30pm.

BOOK HERE

Philosophy Club ONLINE

An accessible and global space to gather, discuss, and share, to make sense of our daily lives through the lens of ancient wisdom.

The next meeting of Philo Club ONLINE will be Tuesday 20th January, 7.30 - 8.45pm (British Summer Time)

BOOK HERE

what people have to say about Philo Club

  • “The philosophy club is a really unique idea and such an enjoyable way to grasp a better understanding of the yoga teachings in a practical way. ”

    — Emma

  • “I attended Ema’s philosophy club regularly last year and loved every session. Ema is an excellent speaker so I’m always hooked from start to finish . They are skilled in making yoga philosophy easy to understand and relevant to modern living. I always leave the sessions feeling lighter and as though I can take on the world”

    — Carol

  • “The Philosophy Club has been an invitation to explore the yoga tradition beyond what my body can or can't do on a mat.  It is an opportunity to pause and reflect, and meaningfully discuss this wonderful and difficult human experience.  The philosophy aspect provides the lens, and language, to do this and has never felt in any way inaccessible, in fact, just the opposite.  It is unassuming, engaging and generally a really fun and relaxed way to spend a few hours on a Sunday afternoon!”

    — Dairíne

Teacher Trainings

I have been teaching yoga philosophy on teacher trainings in person in Scotland and online in Dubai, since 2021. If you’re looking for modern, rigorously researched, human explorations of yoga philosophy for modern practitioners and teachers, get in touch if you’d like to learn more about what I can offer your course.

what people are saying about YTT philosophy modules

  • “I loved the philosophy aspect of YTT.
    Ema is an inspiring and passionate teacher who will lead you through the complicated landscape of yoga philosophy with ease. They’re a bundle of infectious energy and so much fun.
    Ema’s sessions brought key concepts of yoga philosophy to life by making them relatable to our own lives, and teaching us how to share yoga philosophy practically in classes in a way that worked for us individually.
    They won’t just teach but will help you think, question, and open your mind.”

    — Alice, AGY YTT 2022

  • “The yoga philosophy modules uncovered a whole other world of yoga for me and massively enhanced my understanding of the practice and the understanding of myself as a person, student and teacher. I now feel I can understand others and this world better and therefore, ‘respond’, act and share more appropriately.”

    — Anastasia, AGY YTT 2024

  • “I've really enjoyed learning about all the concepts we've covered and as the course progressed could see how important this is for yoga teaching. Through the course I've been able to engage with concepts which resonate most and learned how to apply these in my life and therefore also through my teaching. The course has brought me to core values and principles which will help to shape and give greater meaning to my teachings.”

    — Gemma, AGY YTT 2024