You guys, this is a very special Woman Crush Wednesday. It’s a woman that I crushed on from the moment we met on the yoga mat. A couple of years ago, I was in a total yoga, workout, life, everything rut. Like not a full meltdown or anything, just a rut. I was feeling a little uninspired, if you will. Anyway, I walked into a little studio near my office and was introduced to Justine Duran.
She was new in town – a yoga instructor from New York – and it was a 6 am class on a Monday – no takers. What could have been awkward private yoga session ended up being the start of an amazing friendship and a lot of laughs, upside down craziness and so much more…
So without further adieu, I’m going to introduce you to a very special lady in my life, Justine. And just so you know, I sort of feel like she is my yoga instructor (I almost cannot share her) – and just the most adorable, wonderful person on the planet….not to mention, an amazing friend.
1. First tell everyone who you are, where you live and where you do your thing online?
My name is Justine, I live in San Francisco. My drug of choice is Instagram.
Editor’s note: if you’re not following her already, she’s @yikesyoga and her account is BADASS. Seriously, she’s awesome. Go follow her right meow.
2. We first met on our yoga mats – it was a private yoga class – do you remember what we talked about?
When we first met… I have no idea what we talked about haha BUT I do know we skipped any awkward part of conversation and started getting wild on the mat. I saw your practice and was like…”yea, this is going to be rad.”
Editor’s note: Justine is always this adorable. Always. And always extra rad with a cherry on top.
3. Be honest, what did you first think of me? I’ll share if you share….:
I thought you were the sweetest most smiley person. It was at 6am, and I was convinced you were a crazy person for being SO damn smiley so early. I wondered how you do it… I still do!
Editor’s note: she’s right, I’m a crazy person!
4. I remember telling you that I was in a weird place, a rut even. I was overworked, stressed out and feeling, well, blah. Do you remember what we did in class that day? [hint: arm balance].
SIDE CROW. So many side crows, one forearm side crow and Koundinyasana!
Editor’s note: spot on!
5. I ended up professing my love to you after that hour and came back for more and more yoga. And more yoga. And some more yoga. And then we had coffee. Well, I had coffee and you had chai (you amazing, yogi, you). We talked about careers, life, yoga and everything in between. What has happened since that conversation? Where are you now?
Where am I now after that first time we met, you ask? Let me just preface it this way before I start: You, Jamie have been my fairy godmother in San Francisco. I met you less than a month after I moved to San Francisco from NYC and starting out in studios can always be a strange thing.
Since then, I have settled comfortably in the yoga community teaching for OMpower 4 days a week, seeing private clients and high-fiving people in every neighborhood because somehow we know each other from yoga.
In all reality, I am in a funk as I am seeing the yoga industry change and shift to a very western way. I miss tradition, I miss a lot of my teachers in New York. I am bummed about a teacher’s income. It pains me to see so many people in our industry including myself struggle but have so much love and passion for what we do. (downer over) 🙂
Editor’s note: Justine and I have so much to catch up on! 😉 So much love for you little lady, keep your chin up (or in a chin stand, maybe..).
6. How has yoga changed you?
Yoga has changed me in every way possible. The practice has taught me how to work hard, be gentle and kind to myself, I have learned how to test boundaries and to walk fine lines with so much focus and patience. If you can learn how to be gentle and kind to yourself, and really figure yourself out in a space on a mat, eventually you can figure out what and who you are in the world.
It has changed my inner, deepest dialogue which is not the most pleasant thing and I now have a better grasp of how to love and be present. Everything that I have learned has been through the practice of yoga and my students. I truly believe that creating consciousness and compassion helps shift my views of the world, things and people around me. There is a lightness to my approach now.
Editor’s note: preach sister.
7. And how do you think you’re changing others through yoga?
Sometimes I get lost in the thought of how many classes I have taught over the last 6 years and try to count all the amazing human beings I have come in contact with. I think that I am a guide for people to get comfortable in a space with themselves. To know where your feet are in Tadasana really sticks with you when you fall on your ass metaphorically in the real world.
I really hope that my students are learning from themselves under my weird humor/tough love guidance. I want them to be the change that they need deep down, and I hope that I stir that up a bit enough for them to see it, feel it and do something about it.
Editor’s note: you inspired me and took my practice to new heights. You are doing exactly what you have hoped to do. Keep kicking serious ass. You’re amazing! And I see big, big things.
8. What’s the one thing you wish you could have told 15 year old Justine?
15 year old Justine, always break the rules.
Editor’s note: rad 😉
9. And what’s the one thing 15 year old Justine would be surprised to know about you now?
15 year old Justine would be pretty surprised to know that 27 year old Justine teaches yoga and gets bendy for a LIVING. She would be stoked to know that she isn’t a smoker in her late 20’s anymore.
And now for the blitz question round….ready, set go!
10. What’s your favorite workout currently?
Favorite workout, cycling around the city. Quitting yoga studios and using YogaGlo!
11. Favorite food?
CHEESE. NACHOS. ugh can’t stop, won’t stop.
Editor’s note: yes, please.
12. Favorite workout song?
VHS Sex by Com Truise
13. Spirit animal?
Ilana Glazer from Broad City (she is such a shit show!)
14. Fitness crush?
Patrick Beach (handstands, and hair) but I haven’t met him so Phillip Askew and Matt Gioradano are talented dudes and charming as hell. This list could go on for days so I should stop now.
If you don’t already follow this amazing woman online, you should, she’s on Instagram (duh) @yikesyoga and teaches at OMPower and Sweat Republic in San Francisco.
THANK YOU to my good friend and forever teacher, girl crush and get upside down and funky co-conspirator, Justine. So much love for you girl! XOXOXO
Stay Sweaty friends!
XOXO,
Jamie
Alyse says
August 14, 2015 at 12:39 pm<3 <3 Justine you are rad. I love you. Come visit Austin! 🙂
Alyse recently posted…Busting out of my clothes
Melissa Burton says
January 10, 2016 at 1:47 amYou have an amazing yoga friend named Justine DURAN and didn’t tip me off to her existence?!! Well, Justine must be awesome with a name like Duran. I’m off to check out your Insta.
Thanks for introducing cool fitness chicks to the world, Jamie!
Jamie says
January 11, 2016 at 1:55 pmomg, yes, Melissa she is my person. 🙂 Much love!