Returning to Presence: Emma Riley of The Slow Down
The Wild Stone Muse Series honours the people whose way of living reflects the values we hold close — intention, connection, and a deeper relationship with what truly matters.
For this Muse, we sit down with Emma Riley, meditation teacher and transformative coach, and founder of the soon-to-launch The Slow Down. A Byron girl at heart now living in London, Emma is passionate about helping others step out of mental overwhelm and reconnect with presence and purpose. Her work centres on cultivating a more harmonious relationship with the mind and creating a life aligned with our dreams and highest potential.
What’s something beautiful you’ve experienced lately — big or small?
My elderly neighbour recently invited me in for tea. Between a perfectly poured pot from her vintage tea cosy and her tiny china cups, to stories of her life — Oxford in the 1950s, love, loss and lifelong passions — I was reminded how much beauty lives in simple human connection, and in old age.
Is there a piece of jewellery you wear often? What does it mean to you?
Yes — my Wild Stone Darsha cuff. Years of wear have left it a little bent and beautifully imperfect. It reminds me of home and of the special friends who wear theirs too — a small circle of connection I carry with me.
How do you create space for slowness in a fast world?
In a fast-paced city like London, I’ve had to become very intentional about creating space for slowness. Seeing how many people around me were constantly rushing, stressed and overwhelmed is what inspired the birth of The Slow Down.
For me, daily meditation is non-negotiable — whether it’s ten minutes or an hour, it’s the first thing I do every morning. And on the busiest days, simply taking three long conscious breaths instantly helps reset my nervous system and bring me back to presence.
What inspires you right now?
Right now, I’m inspired by people who follow their hearts and passions, regardless of the fears and blocks the world holds up. My husband is a master at this — always exploring what’s possible, always challenging the norms and always creating.
My teenage daughters inspire me too. Moving to London was challenging, and it’s been heartwarming to watch them connect deeply with their own purpose, trust their intuition and walk bravely toward both the excitement and fear of the unknown. I love seeing people take the road less travelled and live aligned with what matters most.
Is there a mantra or phrase you return to when you need to recalibrate?
“Don’t take life so seriously.”
My old meditation teacher used to say this often, and it’s stayed with me. Life is such a gift — a wild but beautiful game filled with quirky humans just trying to do their best. We can get swept up in thinking it’s all so important. This phrase reminds me we’re only here for a blink in time — to loosen up, laugh and make the most of the ride.
Discover more about Emma and her work at
www.emma-riley.com
