Interviews

Conscious People: Yoga, Self-Care and the Environment with Persia Juliet

Karla Layton July 09, 2020
Conscious People: Yoga, Self-Care and the Environment with Persia Juliet

Meet Persia Juliet. A yoga teacher whose combination of music, story-telling and deeply expressed emotions oozes through her classes. She embodies a certain kind of inspiration that cannot be fully experienced until you meet her in person, but I’m sure this interview will have you wanting to. She is devoted to her students, her kindness is infectious and her softness in the room makes you feel at ease. We got chatting to Persia about how to incorporate more self-care into our yoga practise, and connecting with the environment in the process.

Interview with Persia Juliet

1. It's so easy to brush aside self-care because we are 'too busy'. In your experience as a yoga teacher, how can we start to make simple changes and integrate it into our day to make self-care habitual?

Often when people are "too busy" the first thing to go is the asana practice at studio's as it's a greater time commitment. The best simple change you can implement is meditation. There are wonderful free apps for your phone and you can feel a benefit even from 15mins of sitting per day. With meditation being priority, I find all other self-care habits develop naturally and with more ease. 1 Giant Mind is one of my favorite informative and user friendly apps to download.

2. What does the practise of yoga as a form of self-care mean to you?

Personally the practice of yoga brings my attention into my body. It's a wonderful barometer to check in and feel how I'm honestly doing. On days of high stress or emotion I find the asanas are a wonderful physical release and settling of the mind chatter which is sometimes necessary before meditating. Quite simply when practicing yoga I'm in reverence, awe and respect to the wonders of my body. Therefore I treat myself kinder mentally, softer emotionally and care to nourish physically.

Crow Pose, Persia Juliet, Yoga Teacher

3. Sometimes we can mistake a yoga session in striving for perfectionism especially with our postures, how do you quieten the ego when it get's like this?

If I'm honest I'm personally on the other end of the spectrum. A "take it easy" practitioner rather than a striver. I do see it allot in the yoga rooms though and I would say ask yourself this question. " What's my greater intention practicing yoga?” Any seeking or desire of a spiritual realm will support in the journey of softening ego's drive and rather cultivating a sweetness within the discipline. Seeking the gifts from awareness rather than impatiently contorting your body and potentially hurting yourself because you're trying so hard to get somewhere other than where you are right now.

4. Over a period of time, what noticeable changes have you seen in your students when it comes to practising yoga consistently - no matter if it's a bad day or good day?

The physical benefits are obvious from physical strength, to a more mobile and free moving body. I'm more interested in people's awareness though. Through self study and personal reflection. I feel like people become more honest, accountable and therefore a sense of empowerment is birthed. People start waking up to the concept of what's possible now?

5. Sometimes yoga can be confronting with the emotions that come up, but in terms of self-care, how can we embrace this more?

Yoga isn't always easy and through the practice things we'd rather not look at tend to show up. Cultivate some like minded people in your life that you can share honestly with. Be reflective but also balance that with being social. Trade having wines with a friend at night to taking a ocean walks with a Chai. Go to a teacher's class you really resonate with and then connect with the teacher after class. It's great to share a little and sometimes just a teacher reflecting your experience is common or normal can be of comfort.

6. For the eco-conscious person, how can we use our yoga practise as a way for caring for the environment too?

Well I feel if you practice in a dedicated manner for a period of time you naturally become eco-conscious. The journey often begins with awareness of self, then extends to relationship with others, which then extends to relationship with our environment or nature. Basic tips are look at what mat you are using, is it biodegradable? What clothes are you buying, are you wearing brands produced in sweatshops? Do you buy a plastic water bottle every yoga class or do you come prepare with stainless steel bottle? Even a few questions can start to expand our awareness and when we love and care for ourselves authentically. We surely care about our life, it's quality and our home - The Earth.

You may also like

An Open Letter on Mother’s Day

Interviews

An Open Letter on Mother’s Day

A letter to the women who gave me life and the daughters I birthed into this world. All having an impact and shaping me into the woman I am right now; the mother, the daughter and the granddaughter. My daughters Millie bobby & Lakey Boh, words can't describe the way I feel about you both and the unconditional love that fills my heart knowing you are mine. One of my biggest dreams growing up was to be a mum; to fall in love, have a family and live a happy, healthy, well balanced life. I feel so blessed that my dream is now a reality. Falling pregnant with you both brought me so much joy and excitement.To experience life dancing inside my womb was magic and birthing you was one of the most amazing moments of my life. I thank my lucky stars you girls chose me to be your mum. I promise to be there for you and help guide you through life, but allow you to find your own path.  I will teach you and encourage you both to live life to its fullest, dream big, stand strong for your beliefs, show kindness and love. Love life, love hard and love yourself. As girls who will grow into women, you may come across challenges, you may have your heart broken, you may question yourself, you may find yourself lost. Just know that I am here and you are capable of anything. My girls, I want you to know that You are beautiful You are smart You are worthy You are kind You are loved You are like no other  You are you And that's truly all you need to be. My world lies with you. Forever your biggest cheerleader. I love you with every part of me. Love your mummy My mum,Thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you've done and continue to do for me. Only now as a mum myself I truely understand. All the sleepless nights, the cooking to ensure we ate well, the cleaning and never ending laundry, personal taxi driver, unconditional love and the worrying that comes with the role. I feel so blessed to have you and our family. You worked so hard to give myself and my brother so much growing up and continue to give as I have my own family. I appreciate you, your giving nature and willingness to help when needed. From minding my girls, picking up groceries, cooking for us or giving a helping hand around the house. Now a Nonna to my girls, I thank you for your guidance. Millie adores you and enjoys her days with you. Nonna being one of her first words it was evident you had a big impression on her early on. Millie and Lakey are so lucky to have you and I'm so happy I get to watch your relationship with them.  You areMy inspiration. My mentor.My friend . I love you To my grandma and Ma to my daughters,We have always just clicked; our love for arts and crafts, our love for a good chat, our love for outdoors and the ocean and our love for family. I've always felt special being your first grandchild and Pa's princess. I have so many good memories growing up at your house, outside playing with Ben (dog) or swimming in the pool. It was my second home and I loved it. You inspire me in many ways, You yourself, a mum of 6, it blows my mind. What a super woman you are. And now a grandma to 15 and a Ma to 2, such a big achievement. You should be so proud. You are a woman of routine, rain hail or shine. In the early hours of the morning you swim in the rock pool with your community of friends and fellow locals. I love this so much and enjoy telling others what a routine to have. What a way to feel alive within the ocean. Pure bliss. I'm so proud of you this last year after the passing of your loving husband, my pa.  You are so loved by everyone around you and know I'm always here for you. I love you deeply  Mother Nature,It seemed fit to include you in this letter as I have so much to thank you for. I am so blessed to have grown up and currently still live in a beautiful area called the Sutherland Shire. It is such an amazing area to live, grow up and watch my girls grow up in. After becoming a mother for the very first time, I was introduced to a natural way of living. Choosing plants over chemicals, choosing to become aware of ingredients and do research into the products my family use. Choosing safer natural alternatives where possible. Choosing health, wellness and happiness. Choosing to share my journey and build my community. Choosing to make a difference. The last 2.5yrs I have empowered myself and given my daughters a better start to life knowing I'm reducing their toxic exposure. I am connecting with like minded people and small businesses. It has been an eye opener and I am forever grateful.  LoveLara Lara wears our Shaper Crop Bra and Classic Bikini. Shop now Follow Lara at @theessentialcoPhotos by @tashwhittyphotography  

An interview with Marlee Silva, Tiddas 4 Tiddas Founder

Interviews

An interview with Marlee Silva, Tiddas 4 Tiddas Founder

Marlee Silva, also known as the ultimate multi-tasker is the force behind Tiddas 4 Tiddas, a writer, a podcast host, and a published author. Marlee launched the Instagram platform Tiddas 4 Tiddas ('tidda' is an Aboriginal word for sister) in November of 2018 with her sister, Keely. 

International Women's Day | With Phoebe Ghorayeb

Interviews

International Women's Day | With Phoebe Ghorayeb

To mark International Women’s Day this year, we asked women who are part of our community, how the official IWD 2020 theme #ChooseToChallenge speaks to them. Meet Phoebe Ghorayeb, a mum, a wife, a model, a presenter and a blogger at [MODEL] Appetite.