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Listen "#98 - Allison Ulan: How Vulnerability Fosters True Connection & Healing Through Awareness"
Episode Synopsis
Allison Ulan is an inspiring figure whose journey has traversed the realms of dance, mindfulness, and healing. Born and raised in Edmonton within a lively arts and science community, Allison was drawn to the world of contemporary dance at an early age. This passion led her to an illustrious career, with professional experiences in major cities such as New York, London, Toronto, and Montreal. However, Allison's path was not without its challenges; through injury and adversity, she came to deeply value the physical and mental well-being that practices like yoga and mindfulness offer. This insight prompted her to dedicate herself to studying these disciplines everywhere her career took her.
In 2000, Allison's dedication culminated in the founding of Ashtanga Yoga Montreal, a studio she directed for nearly two decades. The studio became a beacon of holistic health, drawing in students seeking a transformative approach to their physical and mental wellness. However, in 2018, Allison felt called to expand her impact. She sold the studio and began working more closely with schools and addiction recovery centers, including Andy's House in Montreal. Through this work, Allison embraced the transformative potential of mindfulness in addiction recovery, advocating for personal agency and providing individuals the space to regain control of their lives.
Allison’s journey took another pivotal turn in 2022 when she returned to Edmonton to support her family and embark on a new chapter. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational Psychology, a field that resonates deeply with her commitment to mental health and education. Alongside her studies, Allison continues teaching yoga, movement, and mindfulness for organizations like The City of Edmonton, RGC, and Artem, as well as in private settings. Her current work reflects her mission to foster resilience, self-awareness, and community in individuals from all walks of life.
Throughout her life, Allison has been an advocate for authenticity, emphasizing that healing is a journey and that true connection with oneself and others is achieved through self-acceptance and openness. Her personal experiences, including healing from a car accident and navigating the complexities of family life, have taught her the importance of slowing down to process life’s challenges fully. Allison believes that modern life often pulls us away from mindfulness and self-connection, and through her teaching, she offers a way back to presence and self-compassion.
In our conversation today, we’ll explore Allison’s insights into dance, mindfulness, and the power of authentic connection. She believes in creating safe spaces where people can explore their creativity and identities without fear of judgment or competition. For Allison, a meaningful life isn’t defined by financial success or status but by the richness of one’s relationships, self-discovery, and contributions to the community. Her dream for Edmonton is to create such a space—one that inspires people to pursue their unique paths, regardless of where they are in life.
KEEP IT LONG TERM!
In 2000, Allison's dedication culminated in the founding of Ashtanga Yoga Montreal, a studio she directed for nearly two decades. The studio became a beacon of holistic health, drawing in students seeking a transformative approach to their physical and mental wellness. However, in 2018, Allison felt called to expand her impact. She sold the studio and began working more closely with schools and addiction recovery centers, including Andy's House in Montreal. Through this work, Allison embraced the transformative potential of mindfulness in addiction recovery, advocating for personal agency and providing individuals the space to regain control of their lives.
Allison’s journey took another pivotal turn in 2022 when she returned to Edmonton to support her family and embark on a new chapter. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Educational Psychology, a field that resonates deeply with her commitment to mental health and education. Alongside her studies, Allison continues teaching yoga, movement, and mindfulness for organizations like The City of Edmonton, RGC, and Artem, as well as in private settings. Her current work reflects her mission to foster resilience, self-awareness, and community in individuals from all walks of life.
Throughout her life, Allison has been an advocate for authenticity, emphasizing that healing is a journey and that true connection with oneself and others is achieved through self-acceptance and openness. Her personal experiences, including healing from a car accident and navigating the complexities of family life, have taught her the importance of slowing down to process life’s challenges fully. Allison believes that modern life often pulls us away from mindfulness and self-connection, and through her teaching, she offers a way back to presence and self-compassion.
In our conversation today, we’ll explore Allison’s insights into dance, mindfulness, and the power of authentic connection. She believes in creating safe spaces where people can explore their creativity and identities without fear of judgment or competition. For Allison, a meaningful life isn’t defined by financial success or status but by the richness of one’s relationships, self-discovery, and contributions to the community. Her dream for Edmonton is to create such a space—one that inspires people to pursue their unique paths, regardless of where they are in life.
KEEP IT LONG TERM!
In God we trust