The Wyld Thing
Sep 10, 2020
Julia, since when do you do yoga and how did you get into it?
When I tried it for the first time, I don't remember, but it's been really intense for 6 years. I was unhappy in my job and needed a break from my stressful everyday life. On the mat I found this and little by little I found myself. Because through the yoga practice I got to know myself better and found out what is really important to me in life.
What do you find particularly fascinating about yoga and how do you practice it in everyday life?
It's hard to say what fascinates me most, maybe the variety. There is a suitable yoga for every situation in life and every situation. Sometimes it can be more intensive and physical and sometimes it can only consist of pranayama and meditation. I find it wonderful that it can accompany you through your whole life and with time it simply becomes an attitude to life. You can find answers to all questions in Yoga. My practice in everyday life varies. There are times when I roll out the mat every day, then there are also times when I can only manage 10 minutes of meditation and try to live the Yamas and Niyamas in everyday life. Yoga is so much more than asana.
Has yoga changed your attitude to life, your appearance or your well-being?
Yes, yes and yes! Yoga has made me the person I am today. Before, I didn't really know who I was or where I was going. I didn't know how to connect with myself. Yoga has helped me to look inside and to feel inside myself. No matter how bad I feel when I have done yoga, I feel better. And I think yoga has also made me shine from within.
When did you open your own yoga studio "THE WYLD THING" in Vienna?
In January 2020, after 3.5 years of Pop Up Yoga, Outdoor Yoga & Retreats I was at the point where I knew, okay I want to stay in Austria and live here. It was clear to me that the next step was to have my own yoga studio. Finding a name was one of the most difficult parts before the opening. I wanted a creative, new and unprecedented name. A lot of brooding followed and one day I went through all the asanas with names to see if there was something suitable and got stuck with Wild Thing. I also liked the meaning. "the ecstatic unfolding of the enraptured heart" - because that's exactly what this studio is for me - the expression of my love for Yoga, Modern Spirituality & Community.
On your website we have seen that you offer very different yoga classes and yoga retreats. How did you come up with these ideas and places?
I love to be creative and to create things that might not have existed in this way before. I do a lot of research, travel a lot and try to walk through life with open eyes. Inspiration can be found everywhere.
Last year you published the book "Yoga & Juliet". What can you expect from the book?
One of my wishes is that more people do what they are burning for from the bottom of their hearts and find their way, because yoga has helped me to do that and that is what I want to pass on and that is what my book is about. The book is divided into two chapters: how to find your way, how to reconnect better with your heart, your belly and your intuition and how to follow it in the end, how to find the necessary courage, how to overcome fears, how to make decisions, how to keep energy and how to stay mindful. All this with the help of Yoga Flows, meditations, insights into my life and small thought-provoking impulses.
What made you start the Instagram account "yogaandjuliet"?
Instagram was first a hobby, then I had a short phase where I wanted to be a travel blogger and then finally 4 years ago I decided to take it seriously and start my yoga blog and at the same time make my Instagram appearance more professional.
What did you work or study before you completed your training as a yoga teacher?
I am a lawyer, so I studied law and then worked in the profession for 3 years. Long story short: I was not happy, found my way to yoga, quit my job, packed my seven things, travelled to Asia alone, did my training in Bali, among other things, came back and started teaching yoga.
Is there a life motto which accompanies you and you want to betray us?
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them. Walt Disney. I'm convinced that all our dreams can come true if we believe firmly in them and work hard for them.
What do you wish for the next 10 years?
This is a nice question and not so easy to answer. So much can happen in 10 years! If someone had told me at 22 that I would have a yoga studio at 32, I would have laughed at them. So my primary wish is to be satisfied, connected with me and happy with what I do.