As students, we come to our mats for a myriad of reasons, some of us seeking simply a few moments of true relaxation and others of us hoping to return to a place of alignment and mindful awareness. While we are fully capable of rolling out a yoga mat and returning to our breath within the confines of our home, many of us venture to yoga classes to feel inspired and in connection with a wise someone who can serve as the catalyst for the changes we hope to achieve. It is a rare gift to be in the presence of someone who embodies the wholeness that we so often hear spoken of in yoga.
This summer season we celebrate Julia Randall, also known as Jiya Julia Randall. Her compassionate and creative approach to teaching inspire students to broaden not only their physical practice, but also their perspectives on the world. Her wealth of experience as a yoga teacher and wellness expert enliven the energy of each class she teaches, as Julia reminds us all to listen to the wise being within and to cultivate awareness physically, emotionally and spiritually. Jiya inspires her students to make changes in their lives on both a physical and emotional level. Through the various modalities of yoga, nutrition, herbal healing, massage, meditation and energy work, Jiya serves as a compassionate, wise facilitator for those who seek holistic wellness in their lives. She does this both locally as a community yoga teacher and Training Facilitator at HYS, as well as internationally through her pioneered organization – Kula Collective.
With a kind heart, Jiya shares that her greatest joy in teaching yoga is found in her ability to connect at the soul level with her students. In her various roles, she has been blessed with multiple opportunities to not only serve as a catalyst for her student’s transformation, but to support them along the journey. In a similar vein, Jiya celebrates the ability of yoga to draw us closer to our true natures – to the real emotions, conversations and experiences that define our lives. She shares that “Yoga is the release of everything we have ever thought of as ourselves, a letting go of all the things that keep us separate and alone. . . It is a surrender to something much bigger than we can imagine: a unity that we can sense behind all things” (Jiya). Our lives are a beautiful journey and we are connected with every aspect of nature and of ourselves and yoga is a way to step into the ebb and flow with ease. Through our yoga practice, we become attune to our breath and step into the seat of the wise watcher that is always near us. This belief is experienced and felt in each of her classes.
With gentle adjustments and words of wisdom, Julia inspires her students to seek a deeper connection with and understanding of the ways in which we can approach life – both on and off our mats – with awareness. Through her teachings of asana, meditation and yoga philosophy, Julia reminds us also, of the many ways in which we can nourish ourselves with healthy foods, compassionate thoughts and unwavering trust in the universe. In her classes, Julia also infuses traditional yogic teachings with tales of her own travels, triumphs and life lessons, fostering an authentic space in which her students can grow.
Julia is teaching a variety of courses at HYS this summer, in addition to serving as Training Facilitator for the teacher training program. Her presence is a joyous gift to the studio and to each students she greets, in her warm and thoughtful way. She will be with the studio until July 30th and invites you to join in one of her community classes. Perhaps you will reconnect with the wise being that is always within.
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