Julia’s journey to becoming a yoga teacher took an unexpected turn. Just a few years ago, if someone had mentioned yoga to her, she would have shrugged it off. As an avid runner, sitting still and contorting her body didn’t seem appealing.
However, a series of running injuries led her to search for a new sport. Seeking solace in solo activities, she took up cycling. But the yearning for a deeper connection between her body and mind persisted. Intrigued, Julia stepped into a local yoga studio, and little did she know that this decision would change her life forever.
Please tell us more about yourself
My name is Julia and I was born in Germany but live in Denmark. I work as a yoga teacher for my own yoga school Warrior Princess Yoga.
My veggie journey started over 20 years ago
Julia | vegan | yoga | breath |
When I was 15 I got a rabbit as a pet. Henry the rabbit. I looked at him and wondered how people can eat rabbits. These creatures are so sweet and cute. Then it dawned on me. Why do I worry about the rabbit but not about other animals? That makes absolutely no sense. They all deserve to live. Pretty much from one day to the other I became a vegetarian at the age of 15. Back in the days in Germany, this was a pretty exotic choice to make. My mother with whom I lived alone joined in as well.
It took around 15 more years before I understood that veganism was really the way to go for me. I still remember it. I was in my Bremen apartment and watched a documentary about milk production. This was the last day I had milk. It was so terrifying what I saw and I knew instantly that I did not want to contribute to this suffering anymore. So for about 8 years I have been vegan now. And as most vegans say, it was one of the best decisions of my life. Just as powerful as starting with yoga.
When I become one with nature and I know that I cannot live without her
Julia | vegan | yoga | breath |
In my yoga studies I also realized that a big part of finding inner peace is to not do any harm. Where I live, I have an abundance of plants and do not need to kill for my survival. Yoga promotes to only take what we need, to not harm any other beings as well speaking up to reduce suffering. Transferring the ancient teachings on to modern life veganism became one of my key teachings in my yoga teacher trainings. Yoga is vegan.
I have always been a traveller and I must say, it can be challenging especially at airports, but I usually come prepared, with some nuts, and fruits in my hand luggage. I am very humbled and understanding and I know how ingrained it can be in some cultures/minds that it is OK to kill for our pleasure (of taste) so I usually approach new places without any expectations.
Not being picky about being served and content with what is given to me (another important teaching from yoga). I often get surprised by how carrying most people are and trying to find solutions for me. A big issue I see with airlines though. They want us to pay CO2 contributions but serve meat and dairy on their flights.
If they go vegan, a lot of CO2 can be saved. An important thing I started doing is to actively ask for vegan options. Not only when flying but in restaurants, because this shows a demand. So I highly recommend my fellow vegans to join in, and ask for vegan options. Write it in the feedback forms after your flights. Let us unite and speak up together. Together we can drive faster change.
What I noticed when going vegan (from vegetarianism) is that my skin cleared up, that my recovery time after workouts got much shorter and I needed less sleep. I feel great in my skin and great in my consciousness and the more I study yoga and manifestation the more I get confirmed in my choice.
I try to live by example.
So when choosing places I chose vegan places (which I love to support) or places with vegan options (because we also need to support and celebrate these things on the menu). I try to pick yummy places, so meat eaters get inspired or curious to try out my choice. In general I love to cook and my kitchen is vegan so I can inspire my friends with my food too. For 38 years, I am pretty well in shape and my skin is glowing and when someone asks what my secret is, I usually answer it is yoga and vegan food. This is how I want to spread the word, as an inspiration and with spiritual teachings.
Let me share a story with you. I was training for a bike race through Norway. At that time I had two non-vegan chef housemates, one Spanish and the other from Argentina. I was in training and cycled 200km one day and had an electrolyte drink in the kitchen afterwards.
My Argentinian housemate saw that I just posted my route (200km) on Facebook and he looked at me in disbelief. „Did you just cycle 200km?“ „Yes,“ I replied with a smile. „But you do not eat any meat!“ he answered, still in disbelief. I just replied confidently. „I can do this BECAUSE I do not eat any meat.“ That day they changed their outlook on vegans and this is how I want to inspire people. With my actions, not trying to convince them with my words.
If you want to get started eating less meat and diary, take it one step at a time. I went pretty much cold turkey, but I knew my Why. It was very strong, so it was not a problem.
With time I educated myself on nutrition (which is also a great idea for non-vegans). But if you are new to this, take one step at a time. Choose the veggie option in the restaurant, swap the cow milk to plant milk or take the vegan ice cream.
The more you can take cruelty from your plate the better. One meal at a time. And each meal counts. So believe that you do not have to go 100% vegan to make a difference. Start making educated choices and inform yourself about the effects of the food you consume on your body, the animals and the environment. Enjoying peace of mind and feeling better and better about yourself.
Julia | vegan | yoga | breath |
Yoga Studio
🌱 E-RYT500 Yoga Teacher
✨Breathwork Facilitator
🧘🏽♀️Yoga Teacher Trainer
📿 Online Yoga & Workshops
🎓 Coming soon: Warrior Princess Yoga Academy
all images courtesy of Julia | vegan | yoga | breath |