25 Years of Teaching Yoga—And Still in Love with It

After 25 years of teaching yoga, you might think the spark would fade. But if anything, my love for this path—this calling—has only grown deeper. There’s something eternally fresh and rewarding about sharing yoga, especially through retreats and teacher trainings around the world - www.juliestephensyoga.co.nz for details on up and coming retreats.

Each retreat I lead feels like a new adventure. It’s not just about the places—though practicing yoga in Buddhist Temples in Japan, mystic lands of India, or tropical Bali is certainly magical—it’s about the people. There’s a special kind of alchemy that happens when a group gathers with open hearts and a shared intention to slow down, reconnect, and dive deep. Watching students transform over the course of a week, seeing the light return to their eyes, and witnessing their bodies soften and open—that never gets old.

And then there’s the teacher training. These are a true labor of love. Guiding students not just in deepening their practice, but in stepping into their own voice as teachers—it’s humbling and awe-inspiring. Some arrive unsure, even afraid. By the end, they’re standing strong, speaking with clarity, moving with purpose. It's one of the most profound journeys I’ve had the privilege to witness, again and again.

Even after all these years, I still get butterflies before the first class of a retreat or the opening circle of a training. It reminds me that this work matters. That yoga, in its essence, is timeless—and that being part of someone’s path, even briefly, is a gift.

So yes, 25 years on, I still love it. The travel, the teachings, the growth, the stillness, the sweat, the laughter, the tears. Every retreat and training is a reminder of why I started—and why I’ll keep going.

To everyone who’s ever practiced with me, learned with me, or taught beside me: thank you. The journey continues, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

With love and gratitude,
Julie Stephens