Meet our June YogaDownload Teacher of the Month, Julie Peláez! Julie is an author and nutrition coach, as well as an inspiring hot yoga instructor. Julie has a passion for personal transformation with the intention to inspire people to a purpose driven life. Read on for some words of wisdom from this vibrant instructor!
When did you start practicing yoga?
I took my first yoga class in high school (1994) to a VHS tape by Lilias. My daily practice started years later in 1999 after I took my first Bikram yoga class in San Rafael, CA. After that first class my entire body tingled and buzzed like I’d never experienced before. From that moment forward, I was hooked.
What has yoga brought to your life?
Everything. It has been through yoga that I have been able to get on (and stay on) the path of vibrant health. Through yoga I’ve quit smoking cigarettes, changed careers, fell in love, had two amazing pregnancies and home birth babies, discovered my passions for healthy food, learned to accept and love myself, reconnected with the Divine.
Why did you become a yoga instructor?
I wanted yoga to be in my life forever and I thought the way to ensure that would be to make it part of my career. I love teaching–it holds me accountable to being the person that I know I can be. It calls me to show up as my higher self. For that I’m eternally grateful to call myself a yoga teacher.
What impact can a regular yoga practice have on a person's life?
It can completely change your life if you let it. At first you may start practicing yoga for the physical benefits or to learn how to relax. Yoga is so much more than building strength and flexibility. It’s about learning to breathe–something so simple yet so profound that comes in handy off the mat everyday of my life! It is learning to be witness to your thoughts, most of which are never true. Yoga can show you your higher self and call you forth again and again and again.
What advice would you give to someone that is just starting yoga?
Practice even when you don’t feel like it. Those are usually the best classes and you’ll always be glad you did it when it’s done.
What is special about the style of yoga you teach?
I love hot yoga, which is inspired by Bikram’s 26-posture series, because it’s the same sequence of postures every time, generally done twice each. I remember in the early days of my practice making up excuses in my head that said “I’m bored” or “I’m sick of these same postures.” But what I realized was that was just my monkey mind, my ego, trying to get in my way. Now, when I practice I find deep peace in the series and get into a rhythm where my mind is quiet and delightfully focused. It’s truly divine.
What is your favorite yoga posture to teach, and why?
I love to teach toe stand. Lately I’ve joked in my classes and say, “if I don’t teach toe stand it might become extinct.” So many students are afraid of toe stand that they avoid it all together. I hope to make it accessible to everyone.
Please share some words of wisdom or advice for your yogadownload.com yoga students.
You have all the answers you seek inside of you. Practicing yoga will help you to quiet your mind and clear out the cobwebs so you can “hear” your inner wisdom.
Do you have a favorite quote you'd like to share?
"Every blade of grass has an angel bending over it saying Grow, grow.” ~ The Talmud
What do you like to do "off the mat"?
When I’m not in yoga, you’ll find me guiding the Conscious Cleanse, hanging with my two boys (ages 3 and 5) or in the produce section of the grocery store shopping for fresh produce. I love to “un-cook” and experiment with healthy new raw recipes whenever possible. I love to hike with my dog, Chica, play in the mountains, and rock out in the living room to bluegrass or Michael Franti.
Julie Peláez (pronounced like Golliath with a P), known simply as “Jules” to family and friends, has an insatiable thirst for life and all of its magnificent offerings. Her deepest desire is to give back to the world and play some role in making it a place where we all can thrive. Years of personal development, study, learning and daily yoga – not to mention plenty of blunders – have led Jules to where is she today. She is grateful to bring her passion for vibrant health, raw food, and personal transformation to the work she does with the Conscious Cleanse.
Download Julie's class on YogaDownload today. More classes from Julie coming soon!
Hot Yoga Detox Class - Julie Peláez
