Ann Arbor Yoga & Meditation

While I was visiting Ann Arbor last month, I had the chance to join Ema for 4 classes (both inside a studio and outside at a park) and they were beautiful experiences.To be honest, I'm mostly a YouTube yoga person, which I have to admit is my main reference point for yoga...but her classes deliver a more holistic perspective and fuller experience. Classes are much more open and free flowing; she's generous with the amount of attention she pays to each person in providing specific adjustments and direction for you to improve; in addition to the physical practice, there's also exposure to the inner/broader yoga perspective.She clearly has a deep expertise of yoga, which you can sense (if that makes sense). It's the type of experience that comes from practicing, constant study, and living a certain type of way for decades. There is a natural, open quality to the classes, which was new to me, in a very good way.

Ema is exactly what I needed for both yoga / body and mind .

When one has certain difficulties in life, or perhaps, feels lost, it can be really hard to take advice from people who have not gone through what you have gone through.I am choosing to be very candid in my review, in hope that it might help or encourage someone else who is in the place that I once occupied.I came to Ema a little over 12 years ago. Only 19 at the time I wanted to learn more about yoga, one of the only things that made me "feel better". I had a very high score of "Adverse Childhood Effects". This manifests itself in many ways in those who have suffered trauma, but in me it manifested itself in: depression, anxiety, insomnia, emotional, physical and other types of imbalances in my mind and body. Simply put I had never seen what it was like to have a good, happy, balanced life. Many things about society had me questioning. Why were my instincts so different than what society told me they had to be? Couldn't I just be myself? First I had to meet my "self" and that is where Ema came in.At the time I was studying the 500hr Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training, but now as an adult I realize I was really receiving a sophisticated form of Yoga Therapy. Learning the techniques that Ema taught me, helped to save me what would likely have been thousands of hours in talk therapy and even more money in medication. I am so grateful I found a natural way to bring about harmony and balance in my life. Not to mention grateful that I was exposed to "real yoga" which encompasses a wide scope of topics well beyond just physical postures. I notice friends and acquaintances who have completed yoga teacher trainings elsewhere often have no clue of certain topics I bring up to them that are integral to my personal practice.During that period I was able to enjoy around 3 yoga retreats with her in amazing locations around Michigan. The Lake Michigan retreat really stands out to me and I look forward to returning this summer.Now at 32 years old I have begun studying with Ema again. I was going through another transition period in my life and wanted to learn deeper forms of meditation. Ema was right there for me as if no time had even passed. Since I live on the East Coast now she was willing to do private virtual lessons with me. I felt like that experience would not be the same as in person classes. To my surprise, even over the internet, Ema is able to transmit a special energy. It is hard to describe but with some simple instructions, meditation feels easy and natural with her.Without her guidance and the acquisition of a yogic lifestyle I would have never been able to be at the point I am at now. I have a good full time job, many fulfilling artistic hobbies, as well as meaningful friendships and relationships. When I started studying yoga with Ema over 12 years ago I never could have even conceived of viewing life in the way I do now. The world is no longer a horrible place where everyone was out to hurt me. I am able to be happy, but without the manic ups and downs. Younger me still cannot believe what I have been able to accomplish.Ema showed me how to be a "balanced" creative person and follow my natural intuition. This has given me unspeakable opportunities and experiences.Thank you Ema! I am eternally grateful for you and for the grace of yoga! I look forward to doing Continuing Education courses towards my Teaching Certification with her.

Awesome teacher with really deep knowledge who have transformed my life in less than 5 sessions.

Thanks Fay! You are such a wonderful person to work.

Ema is really knowledgeable at her craft. Her training is admirable.

I attended a 3 day retreat back in April of 2021. The instruction was genuine, thorough and positive overall. I look forward to my next encounter with Ema Stefanova!

Ema is a great instructor. I have known her for more than 22 years and really enjoy her classes.

Ema guided me through very specific yogic exercises that brought me consciousness-based experiences of a singular, universal insight. This insight in their moments gave me a novel sense of clarity and purpose and love, the power of which I’d never before experienced. Before we departed, Ema gave me the resources I’d need to continue down the path.

Hello! I went to the Retreat at SW Lake Michigan, last weekend (July 29-31/2022) and I have to say it was one of the most touching experiences I have had in my life, the place is so peaceful, special, it's magic!! However that was nothing compare to Ema, she is such an amazing woman, she has a lot of knowledge and his energy is very special. Words can't describe very well what I experienced. But if you made it to this comment, just go!! You won't regret it!Thank you Ema!!