Julie Martin: Embracing Embodied Yoga from the Inside Out

Julie Martin's journey with yoga began in her twenties when, raised as a Vedantist, she first turned to asana to heal from an injury that left her searching for more than mere exercise. After teaching for almost 30 years, that initial spark of curiosity has grown into a conviction. "The resulting discovery is that yoga is evolving and always has been, so we have permission to explore these practices, challenge the myths, and move forward with knowledge and awareness," she said.

For Julie, yoga has never been about achieving perfect shapes. "We're not doing yoga to make shapes," she says with calm certainty. "We practice to become more in tune with sensations and feelings, to really listen to what the body is saying and then, off the mat, we are able to hear what our inner voice is saying about our choices and connections. "

"For me, yoga has always been about sharing, not just teaching," Julie says with a smile. Since 2003, she has dedicated herself to training teachers — whether face-to-face, through on-demand courses, or in 1:1 mentorships. "Yoga needs empowered teachers who can empower others," she explains.

Over the past two decades, more than 500 teachers have passed through her programs, leaving with renewed confidence, a willingness to question old dogmas, and a creative spark to help their students find their own practice.

Her passion for teaching has also taken her far from home: "I was raised in California, lived in England, India, and Hawaii, and now I'm based in Europe, but I still spend about six months a year traveling to lead retreats and workshops."

Many students return year after year — some for over 17 years — drawn to her vibrant energy and the sense of community she creates. This year, she is especially excited about hosting a week-long Cultivating Joy Transformative Yoga Retreat at Itha108 in Greece, where movement, breath, and self-inquiry become a gateway to joy.

For Julie, yoga doesn't end when she steps off the mat. "Yoga is a way of life," she says. "It's about who I am in each moment, how I show up for myself and for others, and trusting that I’m being guided towards my highest good."

Away from the studio, she finds joy in simple things: horseback riding, immersing herself in culture and museums, watching the seasons shift, and connecting with people wherever she lives. Whether in California, India, Hawaii, or now Europe, Julie seeks inspiration in the rhythm of life itself.

Her personal motto — The practice is not in the asana, it's in the awareness — comes from years of watching students push to perfect shapes rather than truly listen to their bodies. "The real practice happens when you observe how you feel in any situation and allow that inner voice to guide you instead of judgment or expectation," she explains.

That same awareness extends to daily habits. Julie swears by two simple but powerful health practices: dancing every chance you get — "It's good for your body and brain!" — and keeping electronics out of the bedroom to protect sleep quality.

In every breath, every movement, and every quiet moment of awareness, Julie Martin reminds us that yoga isn't about performance — it's about presence. Her journey is one of fluidity, freedom, and awareness, lived both on and off the mat. At VIVAIA, we believe in this same harmony between comfort and intention — designing shoes that support the way you move through life. As Julie continues to guide others toward deeper self-connection, we're honored to walk alongside her — step by mindful step.