Yoga with Julie

 I recently stumbled upon a question on a website dedicated to questions to ponder and the first one caught my eye. " How old would you be if you didn't know how old you are?"  It spoke to me because I celebrated my 30th birthday on sunday, which is usually a year that people recognize as a move into serious adulthood.  Your 20's incorporate some milestone years and experiences, such as turning 21, graduating college, getting a job, perhaps marriage, etc.  It's funny how more people asked me this year than any other year, "How do you feel now that you are 30?"  As if the day you turn 30, you all of a sudden should miraculously feel your bones start to ache, the gray hairs, that one step closer to 40, and other negative characteristics.  This is why the question of "How old would you be if you didnt know how old you are" intrigued me so much... Well to answer the question, just a few days days after I turned 30, I still feel the sam...

Happy day after the summer solstice!!!  June 20th was the official solstice, marking the longest day of light for the year.  We welcome in the summer season by not only honoring the sun light, but also the sun light that exists within us.   During personal sadhana (practice) this week and classes that I taught, the focus was on the third chakra, our center of personal empowerment.  With its symbolic color of yellow, element of fire, and solar rhythms, the third chakra represents our strength, focus, conviction, discipline, and empowerment.  Lots of core work, arm balances, and affirmations are utilized when practicing to intensify the third chakra's qualities, all of which enliven our inner sun.  Remember to have "fun in the sun" when doing a third chakra focused practice.  When the sun comes out kids love to play, so allow your inner child to play in the sun too!  The written word can serve of great inspiration when practicing, so I'd li...

As I was teaching this morning and describing to my students how we approach the feeling of discomfort during a pose or situation, the words confronting compassionately arose.  Our limitations within our bodies are not negatively limiting...it is only negative if we label it that way in the mind.  However, a limitation is positive in that it shows you a place where you will need to work with and tend to, like a yogic gardener.  It may be frustrating at times when your hips may not feel open, or your shoulders may not feel strong enough, or your mind tells you that you just cant hold chair pose one more breath.  When frustration arises we are then faced with a choice with how we will react.  You can grunt, scrunch your face, let your self-critic create a handful of reasons why the pose sucks (for lack of a better word), or you can confront compassionately.   When you find yourself in one of your difficult poses start by honoring that the pose may not...

For all who know me, you know that I love quotes that inspire.  You never know when you will read something that will touch you.  Quotes are great for advice seeking, they let us know that others feel the same way we feel, they let us connect with how we are feeling and/or who we can choose to change the wish we feel.   On that note, here is a quote that inspired me today.   Hope it inspires you as well.... ‎”I offer you peace. I offer you love. I offer you friendship. I see your beauty. I hear your need. I feel your feelings. My wisdom flows from the Highest Source. I salute that Source in you. Let us work together for unity and love.” ~ Gandhi Namaste!  Please feel free to share some of your favorite quotes anytime you wish :o)

First official video to be posted on the Yoga with Julie blog.  Enjoy this sweet simplicity meditation, as you honor the present moment!  Please share some feedback :o)  Namaste my friends! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJnhMROhDCY

Whether I am planning a practice for a class or practicing on my own, I usually find myself searching for the perfect quote that will inspire a theme or intention for the practice.  Sometimes this leaves me a bit frustrated because I find myself on a search for inspiration from another source besides what innate wisdom already lies within.  There is definitely something said to lead a class through inspiration from a sage, guru, fellow teacher, favorite author.  Always wonderful to look to others experiences and knowledge for a spark.  However, today I took my seat on my mat and decided to lead practice from what I already know... We are born with a great amount of innate intelligence that does not have to be taught to us.  Our heart did not need to learn how to pump, our stomach did not need to learn how to digest food.  When we were babies we did not need to be told when to cry if something didn't feel right or upset us.  This exists within the ent...

Current Favorite Playlist: You all know how much I love creating Yoga Playlists!  Here is one of my most recent creations.  Check out the songs on Itunes and download the ones that inspire you to groove with your asanas :o) 1. Nectar Drop by DJ Drez 2.  Windtalker by DJ Drez 3.  Best Days by Eric Hutchinson 4. He Shiva Shankara by C.C. White 5.  Hope by Shaggy 6.  Hari Om Shiva Om by Deva Premal 7.  Days to Come by Bonobo 8.  For What It's Worth (India Dub) by DJ Drez 9.  The Freedom Song by Jason Mraz 10.  Spirit I am by Steve Gold 11. Flow by Sade 12.  Ganesha by Sistashree 13.  Dream by Priscilla Ahn 14.  Mul Mantra by Snatum Kaur 15.  Prayer to Kuan Yin by Donna Delory