Dr Seuss famously quoted “When things start to happen, don’t worry, don’t stew, just go right along and you’ll start happening too….”. This approach to ‘letting go’ is key in Yoga, and is also one of the lessons Yoga has taught Urban Yogis UK team member, Giuliana Fierro.
Born and raised in Peru and now living in London, Giuliana was first introduced to yoga in 2010 when she lived in Lisbon, Portugal. After six years of daily practice, she started teaching in 2016 – first in her native country of Peru, then Portugal and now London. Even though Giuliana comes from an Ashtanga Yoga background, she firmly believes that any physical activity or movement can tremendously impact one’s mental health.
Urban Yogis UK Team Member Giuliana Fierro | image by Mark Edet
Giuliana is also a physiotherapy student at St. George’s University of London, where she is currently developing her understanding of anatomy and biomechanics at a deeper level. These skills allow her to concentrate on students’ particular needs, creating a safe and inclusive space.
While the celebrations of this year’s Summer Community Day began kicking off at the GNG HQ (Croydon Boxing Club), we took some time to get to know the lovely Giuliana a little better. Read on as she breaks down a common misconception that yoga is about flexibility, tells us some of the many lessons yoga has taught her, and gives a shout-out to a very special human in her life.
Tell us a little about what the asana (postural) practice means to you?
The asana practice initiates each student into a path of self-discovery and personal development.
When yoga is practised with awareness and respect for oneself, it becomes a precious tool for daily life, which with time, will increase overall endurance into a steady/strong body and mind.
Giuliana in Downward Facing Dog | image by Mark Edet
What’s are some of the things martial arts/yoga has taught you about yourself?
Yoga has taught me to be patient, and to be kind to myself.
I have learned that things are going to happen with time, and sometimes things won’t happen and that’s totally fine – you just have to let it go.
Giuliana at this year’s Community Day in Croydon | image by Grace Watson
What is the one of biggest misconception people have about yoga?
I think people have this idea that yoga is about flexibility and that it’s very physical, but it’s much more than that! Yoga can connect your body with your mind. Slowly, with time, you give it a try and things gradually start to make sense.
Just give it a try.
A love for Ashtanga… Giuliana in Ardha Baddha Padmottanasana | image by Mark Edet
Who is your role model?
My role model is my grandmother. Even though she has never practiced yoga in her life, she is a very patient person. She is always kind and never speaks bad to other people, and she is in a place of stillness the whole time.
Stay posted for our video interview with Giuliana, and in the meantime Follow us on Insta and check out more Q&A interviews on our Blog page, here.
Featured image by Grace Watson, black and white images by Mark Edet @markedetphoto
