India; A journey back to my Guru, Self & God

Emily Hughes Start Date: Mar 9, 2020 - End Date: May 17, 2020
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
  • Vadakkencherry, Kerala, India
  • Kochi, Kerala, India
  • Mysore, Karnataka, India

My Travel Story

by: Emily Hughes Start Date: Mar 9, 2020 - End Date: May 17, 2020
  • Educational/Research Trip
  • Leadership/Training Program
  • Vacation/Personal Trip
A number of years back, I began practicing yoga in a studio in Kalamazoo, Michigan. I was recovering from a pretty serious spinal injury, my position in sales being made redundant, the breakup of an abusive 10 year relationship and struggling as a single parent. The practice brought me face to face with who I thought I was, what I thought I wanted, what I stood for. I wasn’t who, what or where I truly wanted to be! So, I continued coming to the mat. Day after day. Facing all the ugly in my life that I brushed aside to fit societal norms. I jumped in! I dove deep! Deep into the heartbreak of childhood abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, my grandparents passings, a history of teenage depression and suicide attempts, the stories I told myself about being placed in foster homes, the when did I become so good at hiding in plain sight, my dad’s suicide, my mom’s suicide, my inability to care for one of my grandfathers as he began his journey to the great unknown, the alienation of my father’s family because I was the daughter of their gay son, the why I’d chosen an alcoholic to be the father of my daughter; and over and over again the stories played out on that yoga mat.

Slowly and eventually, I began to forgive all the hurt, confusion and misguided ways of the people who I was told were supposed to love and support me no matter what. And in that forgiveness, I forgave myself. It’s then that I found love. Real love. Love of self.

So, I decided I needed to know more about the practices and teachings that held such strong but gracious space for me to unfold. I NEVER had the intention of teaching. But, I signed up for a 6 month Yoga Teacher Training anyway. I knew I’d HAVE TO teach in order to complete the course but what I didn’t know is that though I’d given thousands of presentations in front of many groups while in my career, this was something entirely different. THIS was the thing that saved my life. And, I’d have to honor it by teaching it. That sent me into such an anxious state. Literally, I would hide so that I wouldn’t be called on and when I was called last, I’d panic about being last. Oh, if I could talk to that version of me now.

Fast forward, I completed my 200 hour training at Intentional Yoga in Kalamazoo, Michigan. And, my severance pay was ending. I needed to make some serious lifestyle changes.

The studio offered a position teaching and though I was so very aware of how little I knew, I stepped into the role of teacher. I didn’t teach the popular classes. Instead, I chose to teach basic postural classes and classes that focused on ayurveda. It’s said, if you really want to learn something, teach it. So, I did.

I then started selling off what I owned. My sailboat, all of my jewelry, clothes that didn’t support the life I wanted to live; my family china, piano, the modest house I worked so hard for and ultimately everything I owned.

It was at this time that my daughter was heading off on her own journey.

So, I moved in with a friend I met in training, spent the summer calculating my next move and the opportunity to train in Standup Paddleboard Yoga presented itself in Traverse City, Michigan. I thought, I love the lakes, ocean, water in general and had taken a few trips to the Florida Keys over the years; where I first tried SUP Yoga. I remembered it being the most beautiful feeling, none of the crying and battling I’d done those first years... just beauty, breath, water and more breath. So, I signed up for the weekend course, airbnb’d a little camper and worked hard on and in the waters of East Grand Traverse Bay. I added my certification in First Aid/CPR/AED then, as well.

Shortly after, I launched a little SUP Yoga business. A little mobile SUP Yoga offering with the help of so many friends. It was super labor intensive. I didn’t have a truck, trailer or any paddleboards so I recruited friends with trucks and trailers and rented paddleboards. Sometimes, I’d have to drive hours to rent the boards and keep them overnight then be at the lake before dawn setting up. Occasionally, the weather would turn or people who signed up to come wouldn’t show and wouldn’t pay for the boards or the labor. And they weren’t coming for the reasons I had I kept coming to the mat, or board. So, I scrapped that idea.

I still had a little money tucked away from the sale of my house. And by teaching, I realized how little I knew.

So, I got my passport and visa ready and headed to India! I knew I couldn’t really continue to teach without spending time in the land that birthed this sweet healing knowledge.

I found a tiny rural ayurvedic ashram who offered yoga immersions, 200 & 300 hour trainings. It’s run by a former monk, his now wife, Swamiji, Saji from a nearby village and the most authentic, peaceful, fun, funny, generous & kind teachers I’ve ever encountered.

It’d been a while since I’d cried or worked through anger on my mat. Probably because I thought I had to appear together for my students. Within moments of opening my eyes after those first mantras in postural practice, I knew something BIG was about to happen. And, did it ever!

These offerings are truly incredible. I spent my entire time in India either in ashram or temples or seeking sadhus or the beach (Goa was necessary after so much practice!) The emotional & spiritual work that one does in India is really difficult to put into words. That country, those people, that place, that time, those teachers... it changed the essence of my existence. One teacher, in particular, really helped me through and to it. Vinod.

It was really hard to leave when my time was done. Before leaving, Vinod asked me “Emily, why do you live where it is so cold”? I’d never really thought about it. Hmmm... so I went looking for a place I’d like to live and teach that also desperately needed what the teachings provide. We found it! The Florida Keys! Did you know that Monroe County is one of the highest ranking counties in the US for death by suicide? It’s not all paradise. So, I set my sights on the Middle Keys. I came back from India, packed what I owned into my car and headed south.

Shortly after landing in The Keys, I found a furnished room to rent in a house on an island in the middle of no where. Big Torch Key. But it was close enough to where I needed to be. I started a little yoga group in the community park in Marathon, Florida. It was at Boot Key Harbor, next to the jail, near the AA meetings and free to use. I created Marathon Karma Yoga and held public donation classes, 3 times a week. But no donation was ever required. I gave a portion of what was donated to differing non profits throughout The Keys. I began teaching at studios and picked up a little serving job. Doing exactly what I set out to do. And really seeing the massive impact these teachings had on the lives of those who came, especially at the park. It’s important to make this magic accessible to those that might not ever go to or afford a yoga studio.

Then, Hurricane Irma happened. I lost everything. Including the lives of many of my students. Sure, I left for evacuation. And FEMA granted $500 to me. But that is all. My yogi family across the globe came together in a fundraiser to help me get back on my feet and since there was no (paid) work, don’t worry; I continued to drive to Marathon until just recently 3 times a week to make the Karma offerings, I ended up in Key West. There are loads of yoga studios here. I teach at 3 of them, plus privates, soundbaths, tiny 200 hour offerings and work in a wellness center. But offering this much without having time or space to do my own practice, not having access to senior teachers, living in a tiny room that is as expensive as an apartment in Manhattan and going without meals during off season; has this teacher facing massive burnout and near existential crisis.

I am here to ask for your help to get back to India. My teacher, Vinod, is willing to take me in to study directly with him. He’s built a few small & modest rooms on his house and a small covered practice space for students of the ancient sciences to come, practice, pray, study, meditate, walk amongst the trees and alongside the lake, to rest.

Without your help, I cannot get there. And without respite, reset & renewal; I will not be able to continue holding healing space for those in need.

Please see the link to my YogaTrail page for my current schedule, events and reviews. I’m working really hard to get back to my teacher, who always leads me back to God.
Will you help?
  • Vadakkencherry, Kerala, India
  • Kochi, Kerala, India
  • Mysore, Karnataka, India

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