Meet Trailblazer Julia Clarke

Today we’d like to introduce you to Julia Clarke.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Julia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’ve been teaching yoga since 2009 after spending eight years as a radio DJ. I opened Mountain Soul Yoga in Edwards, Co with my partner Georgina Baker in 2016, and I’m on faculty for the Colorado School of Yoga. I suppose you could say I got started back in Scotland when I was introduced to yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda as a child. I came to America for a semester in 2001 on a university exchange program. Instead of going home at the end of the semester, I was offered a job as a radio DJ and ended up finishing my journalism degree here and working in that field. That took me to New York City where I finally pursued a long-time dream to start teaching yoga. I initially trained at the Integral Yoga Institute of New York. Since moving to Vail, I’ve done advanced trainings with many teachers including my primary teacher, Shiva Rea, earned a Master’s degree in Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine, and just finished writing a book on Restorative Yoga coming out next winter on Althea Press! In January, I became a US citizen almost exactly 18 years to the day of my original arrival.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve been gifted with a clear vision and several guardian angels over the past 15 years of my professional life, but it definitely hasn’t always been a cakewalk. Being a woman and an immigrant carries its own set of challenges, from being 4400 miles away from my family to witnessing the strange deconstruction of women’s rights going on in this country. On top of that, I’ve chosen a career in a field that’s wildly popular but strangely undervalued. I’d say the biggest challenge in yoga today is maintaining the integrity of the ancient wisdom while supporting its evolution and somehow persuading people to think that it all matters and it’s not just a workout routine. My strategy has always been to know my values and stick to them, to value education and direct experience above all else (including social media following and image) and be willing to stay the course when it counts. That said, don’t push the river, as the proverb goes. It flows by itself…

Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I teach Vinyasa, Restorative and Yin yoga, I’m Ayurvedic Practitioner, I write, and I’m known for my general stoke level about my areas of expertise. There are undoubtedly many other teachers who know more about yoga than me, but my passion for teaching and learning about yoga is hard to beat and it hasn’t faded one iota over the years. I love using nature and the five elements as a tool for teaching and exploring different energy patterns on the mat and in our daily lives. I’m adventurous, from setting sail to distant shores as a 19-year-old and continuing to world travel to conquering Colorado’s 14ers and riding bikes up mountains, and I hope that shows through in my teaching. I want to use my position to encourage my students, and particularly women, to learn how to summon the strength, passion, curiosity, and dedication that a life well-lived requires of you. It isn’t always easy but it’s so worth it.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Most studio owners and yoga teachers are women, yet women in yoga encounter the same barriers as in any industry. We’re not as revered or respected as our male counterparts (or subordinates), we’re the prey of choice for Multi-Level Marketing Schemes if we act assertive we’re called “bitchy,” and ours is another industry sadly fraught with abuse by prominent male teachers. But I also have to believe now is the time of women rising. We’re no longer waiting for our turn but taking responsibility for assuming the role, identity, and necessary skills required for leadership. Just look at the congress! I believe we need to stand together as women, explore our differences, walk the line between humility and power, and value knowledge and experience over image and popularity. And always say no to mansplaining! It’s going to be difficult and uncomfortable but anything worth having always is.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.juliaclarkeyoga.com
• Phone: 9703065828
• Email: julia@juliaclarkeyoga.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/juliaclarkeyoga
• Facebook: facebook.com/juliaclarkeyoga

Image Credit:
Jack Affleck

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