Namita Nayyar:
Weaving yoga philosophy into modern classes is a hallmark of your work. How do you make ancient texts like the Yoga Sutras or Bhagavad Gita relatable and relevant to a 21st-century student in, say, a 60-minute vinyasa flow?
Juliana Larochelle:
I first read the Bhagavad Gita in college and was immediately hooked by the characters, stories, and life lessons I was absorbing. When I was given the chance to travel to India with my professor for two weeks, I knew I had to go. I lived in an ashram for two weeks, and my eyes were opened to a whole new part of yoga that didn’t deal with pretty poses but rather deep meditation and philosophical work. I left after those two weeks, certain it wouldn’t be my last time there, and thankfully, it wasn’t.
I returned to India shortly after, while my professor was on sabbatical there, teaching about the Yoga Sutras from an insider perspective. I lived in the ashram for four months that time, studying Vedic psychology and healing wounds I didn’t even know I had. I even returned again this past March with my own group and was reminded once again how important it is to teach yoga beyond the asanas.
I poured all of that knowledge and more into my 300 Hour Yoga Teacher Training, where I help teachers write their own dharma talks that reference yogic principles. I believe we can change the world this way, by sharing little nuggets of wisdom. In a class setting, that often means offering a simple story or reflection from these texts and connecting it to something students are experiencing in their everyday lives. Most of us have probably had a yoga teacher say something in class that hit us hard, in the best way. While it can feel intimidating at first, trust me, I started doing this while teaching at a gym in New Jersey during the Jersey Shore era, it really resonates with people.
To this day, one of my favorite feelings is hearing a student say they felt I was telling them exactly what they needed to hear in my talk that day. I also sell my dharma talks and have a digital book for teachers who want to borrow them or use them as a jumping-off point for their own classes.
Namita Nayyar:
Many teachers struggle with confidence. Beyond your done-for-you class plans, what is one fundamental piece of advice you give to teachers to help them build authentic confidence in their own voice and style?
Juliana Larochelle:
I am a big believer in having a plan. While I adapt to the students in front of me, of course, I am unashamed to say that even after teaching for more than 12 years, I always have notes at the top of my mat. I’m not reading off the paper cue by cue, but having a general outline gives me a solid base to fall back on if I forget a transition or get flustered.
The other thing I often remind my students is that while there are many yoga teachers, we all have our own individual styles. Every single yoga teacher has a unique and important perspective to offer, and there is room for everyone. The more you lean into your own magic, the greater impact you will have on your students.
Namita Nayyar:
The online yoga education space is vast. What gap did you see that Creative Sequencing Studio uniquely fills, and how do you ensure your online 300-hour training fosters genuine community and connection?
Juliana Larochelle:
My Creative Sequencing Studio is unique in that it supports teachers at every stage of their careers. As I said when we began, I built it to support two very different teachers: the beginner who doesn’t yet know how to sequence and the seasoned instructor who is short on time. It offers every part of the class you need, from creative and accessible poses to a dharma talk so your yoga philosophy is present, too. The class plans also give teachers time to fill their own cup, which can be difficult when you’re spending hours planning classes.
My 300-hour training has quickly become one of my favorite offerings. Teaching online can be tricky, but I strive to create a space that still feels intimate and supportive through the screen. We meet for hours at a time, which naturally brings everyone closer together. I also offer an in-person session at the end, which has been really special. Last year, I even co-led a class at a yoga festival with my graduates, and it was one of my career highlights.
Namita Nayyar:
Your professional life revolves around movement. What does your personal movement and fitness regime look like? Does it include practices outside of yoga (e.g., strength training, hiking, dance) to complement your asana practice?
Juliana Larochelle:
My personal movement and fitness routine includes a mix of different practices that support my yoga. I do strength training at the gym at least twice a week, focusing on heavier weights. I also love practicing acro yoga with my husband.
In terms of my own asana practice, I tend to gravitate toward slower flows and restorative classes, which help me, slow down and balance everything else I’m doing.
Outside of yoga, especially in the summer around the D.C. area, I love getting outside to hike. My husband and I also have a tandem bike, which is something we really enjoy doing together.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
