Meet Urban Lotus Project: Justin

Jenn Olsen/Board of Directors: Thank you so much for teaching with ULP. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Justin Hesselbart/ULP Teacher: I just moved to Reno a few months ago.  When I got here I decided I was going to make teaching yoga my full time profession.  I’m really enjoying it and it keeps working out so I keep doing it.

Jenn: How did you hear about Urban Lotus Project?
Justin: Honestly, Google, I literally came across the website Googling “yoga in Reno” and I’m so glad that I did.  I knew immediately when I read about the organization that I had to be a part of it.  Luckily, I had Hannah’s mother as a student in a yoga class at a studio and it fast tracked the whole process.

Jenn: What about ULP made you want to get involved?
Justin: It’s just such a wonderfully altruistic idea, it provides something that I immediately thought was necessary as soon as I started teaching yoga, which is expanding the access of yoga to communities that otherwise wouldn’t have it.

Jenn: What is your favorite part about teaching for ULP?
Justin: I enjoy when I see my students get something out of having a yoga practice.  I feel like they wouldn’t normally have started a practice but have because of ULP and it’s making their lives better.  The level of participation that I get is far higher than I ever would have imagined.  Teaching anywhere is great but I just really feel like I’m making a multi-layered impact here, one for people who can really benefit from yoga and otherwise would never have found it.

Jenn: How do you see yoga effecting the students? 
Justin: I mean they tell me they feel great, physically and mentally.  It’s the physical benefits that prepares them and allows them to find the mental benefits.

Jenn: What is the biggest gift that you share with your students?
Justin: I just let them know that yoga doesn’t have to be their religion or a means of spirituality or something mystic and the benefits unachievable, that they can get all kinds of real benefits for body and mind just by having a simple yoga practice.

Jenn: Thanks, Justin!
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Urban Lotus Project is thankful to have teachers like Justin who so openly share the practice of yoga to our young community in a way that is accessible and inviting. We are grateful for our local community in showing up for us as we continue to share the practice that has such a positive and direct impact. If you are interested in teaching or in supporting our mission please contact us at urbanlotusproject@yahoo.com. 

By Jenn Olsen/Board of Directors