"From preparing porridge to hanging up and ironing laundry, for me, YOGA encompasses everything. Yoga is not just asanas - yoga is our whole life."

Did you know that Julia has a passion for nutrition in addition to yoga? In this interview, Julia reveals why she founded @jogawelt and what her true intention is.

Dear Julia, how did you get into yoga?

I first heard about yoga about six years ago and tried Hatha yoga as my first attempt. I was truly captivated by it in 2017 while in the USA, and since then, yoga has had a hold on me. Following the stereotype of not wanting to gain weight in the USA, I joined a gym. After a few days, I realized that the weight room wasn't for me at all. Quite by chance, I then discovered the yoga classes offered at the studio and have been attending them almost daily ever since.

Do you participate in any other sports or hobbies?

Yes, of course. In winter, I absolutely love skiing and I'm passionate about ski touring. But I also really enjoy running and cycling. I'm also really looking forward to the climbing/bouldering/hiking season. I especially miss hanging on the rock and testing my limits in winter. In short, I love anything that involves being outdoors and in nature. :)

Cooking and baking are also among my favorite hobbies. I love creating new, exciting, and healthy recipes, paying attention to regional and seasonal ingredients.

How often do you practice yoga? In which moments does it feel particularly good to you and why?

I practice "On and Off the Mat" yoga daily.

For me, the term "mindful living" perfectly embodies yoga. I find it incredibly important that my followers and my yogis know that yoga encompasses so much more than just physical exertion or lying around. :) Completely mundane things, like preparing my morning porridge, are a kind of meditation for me. I can perform my routine unconsciously and simply look forward to my breakfast. Hanging up laundry or ironing are also everyday tasks that I deliberately use to give my mind a break – all of this, for me, is yoga.

Yoga is also a wonderful practice that allows me to feel truly comfortable in my body and to keep me physically fit. Nevertheless, in my view, yoga can never be completely separated from its spiritual practice. I notice this time and again when I lose my balance in everyday life and am no longer in harmony with my mind because I'm too intensely focused on the physical aspects of yoga – something is simply missing.

Has yoga changed your outlook on life?

I can answer that with a resounding YES. In short, yoga has given me a completely new perspective on our existence. I've also improved my body awareness and learned to listen to my body. Through yoga, I've found the balance I've been missing. Yoga isn't just asanas – yoga is our whole life.

What motivated you to create J'oga?

My passion is to share our well-being, mindful movement and nutrition with my fellow human beings and to ignite this fire.

Originally, I completed my yoga teacher training just for myself. I wanted to delve deeper into the subject and expand my own practice. After finishing the training, my friends often asked me for yoga classes, and we started practicing garden yoga regularly in the summer. Word spread quickly. The groups grew larger and the demand increased. I enjoyed it immensely, and the feedback was fantastic. This led me to found "Julia + Yoga = J'oga" a year later.

What motivated you to start your own blog? What topics do you primarily want to cover in your blog?

My greatest wish is for a shift in our society's thinking. With my blog, I want to offer food for thought and address everything that's currently on my mind. From current yoga classes and yoga asanas to recipes and travel destinations, it's all there. We need to shake each other up and finally understand that our lifestyle is far too wasteful and, in some cases, unhealthy. We're destroying ourselves… and that's my intention. I want to remind us of the good and beautiful things right under our noses, be it regional or seasonal foods, or (once the pandemic is over) beautiful regional travel destinations. Another large and important aspect is health, both physical and mental. That's all for now… but stay tuned – exciting posts will be coming regularly.

What are you currently studying (what does the degree primarily involve) and what would you like to do after your studies?

I am studying dietetics and learning how to use nutrition as part of medical therapy. I believe that healthy eating and the application of nutritional therapies are becoming increasingly important in modern healthcare, and I want to share and impart knowledge in the field of prevention and nutritional therapy.

In connection with your dietetics studies, why do you see nutrition as a large and important part of our existence and our health?

In short: self-healing through proper nutrition.

The key to healing lies in the gut. Just as an unhealthy diet can make you sick, a conscious diet boosts your self-healing powers.

You are what you eat. Everyone's heard that saying, and it's true. A healthy diet helps you do something good for your body and therefore for yourself. Not only will your figure thank you, but your mood and overall well-being will also be positively affected. Blood pressure remains stable and your heart healthy. Hair, skin, and nails are strengthened, and your mood is positively influenced.

Is there a motto you live by that you'd like to share with us?

Happiness is an inside job. (By William Arthur Ward). I think that speaks for itself.

What do you wish for in the future, in the next 10 years?

HEALTH!

We often forget that we are healthy and doing well. And that is truly my greatest wish.

My tip for beginners and those interested: That's why I recommend you start with yoga too…

Yoga is a wonderful way to get to know your body better and to connect with yourself (that might sound too spiritual to some, but it really isn't). I think it's important to take time for yourself and truly stay present with your thoughts. Sure, climbing, running, or reading are also forms of "me time," but yoga is different. It's hard to describe, but why not give it a try?

What are your favorite LUVIYO mat designs/products?

Definitely the Studio Line mat in all colors. The grip with the PU surface is unique and withstands any use. Highly recommended!