Juli Stratton

(she/her pronouns)

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I was born and raised in Illinois, spending time in rural spaces and living in the city of Chicago for 10 years.   After a successful collegiate basketball career and graduating from Illinois State University with a B.S. in Physical Education, I went on to pursue a master's degree in Counseling and Community Services from the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS) where I also founded the women's basketball program.  Sports, teams and movement have been apart of my life as far back as I can remember. 

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After college, and a hiatus from health and wellness, I started to find myself needing to connect to my body and my spirit again.  After spending many years doing triathlons, running, cycling and lifting weights, I came to another crossroads.  My body just didn't like being pounded anymore.  So I went in search of something new and creative.  I became a certified personal trainer (specializing in senior wellness) with the American Council on Exercise.  My intention is to to work with people who were also struggling to find their new "normal" as they age and their bodies and spirits needed something different.    

 

My biggest health discovery (so far) however, came in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.  I was desperate to find a sense of balance, harmony of mind, body and spirit AND to stay healthy.  I had always wondered about Tai Chi but couldn't let go of my harder, faster stronger mentally to feel the benefits. However, after consistently practicing I began to see and feel the tremendous benefits that Tai Chi gave my mind, body and spirit.   Tai Chi has been a missing puzzle piece to the mosaic that is my life.  With a desire to help others find their missing piece, I became a Tai Chi instructor. 

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I have been given the tremendous gift of experiencing careers through a variety of ways: athletics, social work, counseling, corporate law and LGBTQ advocacy.  All of those experiences has led me to finding my center and my life work - living the most authentic life possible and shining my light wherever I can. (See my 01.11.20 TEDx talk below to learn more about my journey).

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Since moving to the beautiful village of Manzanita, Oregon new opportunities and doors have been opened.  I have fallen in love with performing in our local community theater, I have connected with others who share my love of Tai Chi and with those who share the zest for the fullness of life!    My idea of health and wellness is expanding beyond numbers on a page and my physical being.  I am learning balance of mind, body and spirit.  

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Seeking balance, harmony and overall wellness can still be a challenge for me.  Somedays I don't eat so healthy, or get the number of steps in I wanted to but each day I get up and set a new intention to be healthy and balanced.  

 

I am passionate about uncovering the gifts within myself and I have been described as a "seeker".  Always looking deeper to more connection to myself and those around me.  I am passionate about living my best life and helping others do the same.

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