We had the good fortune of connecting with Justine Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Justine, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I’ve always been one to make sure I do the things that scare me. From writing for my college newspaper, to moving to Iowa for an AmeriCorps program, to trying out for the wildland firefighting team, operating a chainsaw, sharing my struggles with strangers, swimming in the Pacific Ocean, ending a relationship, opening up to a new relationship, and moving across the country. Each time I’ve done something considered risky, I’ve been rewarded with a deeper sense of self, courage, and the reminder that I can always change my mind and start again. As risk relates to my work, as an entrepreneur, I’ve had to bet on myself more. It sometimes feels like the greatest practice, working for myself. I’m accountable to myself and that can expose some of my shadow work on worthiness: Am I worthy of the success I desire? Will I ever be able to organize my to-do list? Can I show up for myself day after day? Can I take a break? Again and again I am reminded the inner work is what allows me greater success in my life and career, and it requires taking a deep breath and diving in head first.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I decided to name the umbrella of my work the Rhythm of Simplicity. I remember my very first introduction to Ayurveda during my 200hr yoga teacher training. I was experiencing some digestive issues that were new to me, and the presenter offered me one suggestion: avoid eating hot and cold foods together and see what happens. So, I did. I only had a cold meal or a hot meal and noticed a big difference. As I continued my Ayurvedic studies, I learned of more Ayurvedic medicine like making lunch my biggest meal, drinking hot water and putting oil on my body. I asked myself countless times, can the medicine really be this simple? Answer: it can. Ayurveda offers us the wisdom to return to basics, to the rhythm of nature and simplicity for greater healing, and this excites me. Ayurveda is the oldest and continuously practiced healing system in the world and stems from India from about 5,000 years ago. As a science, the language from self studying can seem dense and difficult to obtain. Part of my gift in this lifetime is communication, and I’m most proud of my ability to relay this ancient wisdom in an easy to digest manner. I began teaching yoga in 2013 and integrating Ayurveda more soon after. I offer a program Ayurveda for Yoga Teachers to learn how to teach dosha balancing yoga, Mentorship for business owners wanting to incorporate Ayurveda into their own work, and seasonal transition workshops. 

I think it’s easy for us to see the arrival of working for ourselves without remembering all it took it to get to that position. It hasn’t been easy or glamorous. In fact, I’ve spent many days crying on the floor wondering what I’m doing with my life and if this will ever pan out the way I want it to. This feeling can still creep up these days though it’s not as debilitating, and it’s because I made sure to ask for help: from getting a restaurant job in order to hire a coach and pay my bills, to talking to friends and family to reflect back to me what I could not see, and leaning into something greater than myself, the universe, trusting all is unfolding for the highest good along with my active participation.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I just moved to Venice in August, so I am still discovering all that Los Angeles has to offer myself, however I’ve been lucky to have been guided by friends and found some of my favorite spots: Hiking: Temescal, Los Liones & Topanga State Park Eating: Cafe Gratitude, Erewhon, Chulita, Gjusta, any restaurant by Matthew Kenney Hang out: The beach toward the Mar Vista end, bike riding around Santa Monica and Culver City

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shoutout my teacher and friend Katie Brauer. She is the creator of the Yoga Professional Incubator program that was my launch pad to understanding the nuts and bolts of working for myself, from the inner work to the outside work and beyond. My mom, Sharon, has never doubted my abilities and has always encouraged me to pursue what makes me happiest, and I am so thankful for that support. Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health is my home away from home. It’s where I’ve done the most growth and where I’ve completed all of my yoga and Ayurveda training. The staff, teachers, and community prepared me to be the best teacher I can be, and I am a proud Kripalu graduate and student.

Website: www.rhythmofsimplicity.com
Instagram: @ayurvedagirl_

Image Credits
Brenda De Los Santos

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