One Thousand Gurus Podcast
Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a software project manager, self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, dancer, stand-up comedian, and serial hobbyist with a passion for learning. He interviews unique guests from various fields to distill the strategies, habits, and mindsets we can use in our own lives. Each “guru” has a chance to give the audience a peek into a new world.
One Thousand Gurus Podcast
#9: Yuki Noda - Moving from Japan, Mindfulness Meditation, and Healing Through Self-Love
What if moving to a new country meant redefining your entire artistic identity? This week, we're thrilled to sit down with Yuki Noda, an extraordinary talent whose journey from Osaka, Japan to the United States is nothing short of inspiring. Yuki shares how she began dancing at the tender age of three and built an impressive repertoire that spans ballet, hip-hop, jazz, and modern dance. From performing at major events like the Electric Daisy Carnival to starring in commercials and music videos, Yuki's story is a testament to perseverance, adaptability, and boundless creativity.
But the episode doesn't just stop at professional achievements. Yuki discusses the profound benefits of meditation, self-care, and mindfulness. She offers practical tips for emotional control and self-reflection, emphasizing how mental well-being is deeply connected to physical health. From her meditation routines to her philosophies on self-love, Yuki's insights are both eye-opening and actionable. Whether you're an artist, a wellness enthusiast, or someone interested in personal growth, this episode is packed with wisdom and inspiration that you won't want to miss.
Guest Bio:
Yuki is a passionate dancer, model, and certified yoga instructor. With performances for Insomniac Events like, Electric Daisy Carnival, Beyond Wonderland, and Escape, she brings an electrifying energy to every stage. Alongside her dance career, Yuki has worked with various brands on commercials/prints and music videos, showcasing her versatility in the industry. With a deep commitment to both physical expression and wellness, she inspires others to embrace movement and mindfulness in their lives.
Socials/Links:
IG: @yuukingram
TikTok: @yuukingram
YouTube: @odoru_yogini
Episode Links / Resources:
- Untitled at KFactor 2022 (dance performance)
- Project KND 1st Place set at KFactor 2023 (dance performance)
- Omaeno Tame Ni Ikite Nai Kara Daijobu Desu / “I’m Fine Because I’m Not Living My Life For You” (book - affiliate link)
- I Love You the Most in the World (book)
One Thousand Gurus Podcast:
Everyone has a compelling story to tell with insights we can all be inspired by. J.R. Yonocruz is a self-improvement blogger, relationship coach, and serial hobbyist with a passion for learning. He interviews unique guests from various fields to distill the strategies, habits, and mindsets we can use in our own lives. Each “guru” has a chance to give the audience a peek into a new world.
www.onethousandgurus.com
Instagram: @OneThousandGurus
TikTok: @onethousandgurus
YouTube: One Thousand Gurus Podcast
Email: onethousandgurus@gmail.com
Hello everyone and welcome to another episode of 1000 Gurus. My name is Jerry Onukrus and I am your host for the show, so today's episode features my friend, yuki Noda. Yuki is a passionate dancer, model and certified yoga instructor. With performances for insomniac events like Electric Daisy, carnival Beyond Wonderland and Escape, she brings an electrifying energy to every stage. Alongside her dance career, yuki has worked with various brands on commercials, prints and music videos, showcasing her versatility in the industry. With a deep commitment to both physical expression and wellness, she inspires others to embrace movement and mindfulness in their lives.
J.R.:So in this episode we talk about a lot of things like her growing up in Japan and eventually getting used to the culture shock of moving to the US. We also touch upon her philosophies of how to navigate a working environment by separating the professional from the personal. And then, finally, we touch upon meditation, self-love and improving your mental health as a way to improve your physical health. And another thing to note English is not Yuki's first language, so you might notice that there are some points in time where she kind of struggles a bit to find the right words to say.
J.R.:But you know, I really commend her for trying her best and also doing a fantastic job in passing along her insights, despite it being a bit challenging, and eventually we kind of get around to it and sync up on on the main ideas. So I think it's still a very good conversation. I think it was a great episode overall, really fantastic, and I hope you guys enjoy as much as we did recording it. So, without further ado, please enjoy my conversation with the wonderful Yuki Noda. All right, welcome to the show, yuki.
Yuki:Hi, thank you for having me yeah thank you for being here.
J.R.:I really appreciate it. I definitely wanted you on for season one of my show because I think you have a very interesting story, career path and you're also one of, like my favorite dancers, really talented. I'm sure people will check out in the links and like videos and whatnot. If you check out Yugi's Instagram, she's an amazing dancer and she teaches, but she does a lot more than that, so I'll go into like, how we know each other. I believe we met in 2022, right For K-Factor.
J.R.:I guess, yeah, we were both in Untitled, which is a dance project team, cover team in SoCal, and we were the first people at practice, I remember, because, okay, there's a girl standing outside the studio, we're either early or on time and I was like, hi, I'm JR. And then we met and then we danced. And then I found out later on that you were also on Couple Modern, which was the team I was on in college. So we danced same team but different times. And then I knew that I noticed that you weren't just a K-pop dancer. I think most people in the K-pop community, mostly they start from K-pop, right, but you have other dance background.
Yuki:I had, yeah, a lot of like dance background. I started dancing when I was three years, like three years old. Yes, I started with ballet and then after that I did like for nine years pretty long, but I guess it was not for me. So I was like, oh, I'm gonna change it. And I changed it to hip-hop and after the jazz, modern and house lock, I did kind of everything and I'm into like vogue and walking now and also k-pop. So I really love dancing, moving my body and yeah, I think it's just I don't know, I just like to move a lot but not practicing a lot.
J.R.:Yeah yeah, I don't know you, you don't know this, but our audience knows this that all of my season one guests are people who I've either danced with, know through dancing or are my students dancers. But we're all talking about different topics, obviously. And then Yuki is one of my favorite dancers because, as you can tell, she's very versed in a lot of different things and you can kind of tell when she dances, so more into your background. So, aside from what you've listed, I know that you've worked different jobs, but then I remember when we first met you were like oh, I'm like a model or like actress and stuff and I was like I thought that was interesting.
J.R.:And then you're from Japan. If you don't know. If you're just listening to this, you probably can't tell. If you're watching this, maybe you can guess. And then you also are a yoga instructor, right, yes? And then now we dance on the same project, team knd, and so we'll see each other often, or like for different projects, things like that.
Yuki:So yeah, so I know you've done a lot of things. Any anything else you want to add into that?
J.R.:everything you said is right, sounds right yeah, we'll get into like specific jobs like in a bit, but so I wanted to start with your origin story, right? So I know that you were born and raised in japan. Yes, so could you walk us through like where you grew up, what was it like, and then walk us through like how you came over here?
Yuki:okay, I was born in like osaka, if you know. You know right west side. I really I really loved there. I went to, I was living there until graduate high school. Until then I was like thinking like oh, maybe I was just living in japan forever. I just wanted to dance, maybe act, and I really love being on stage. So I was just doing that whole my life. But my sister and also she's also a dancer, you know I have a wanted to go to her name is infamous in our friend group but wanted to go to america.
Yuki:And then the timing was perfect because my dad also was offered to come to us. So they decided to go to come to america, but I didn't want to so like when you graduated high school and then so you weren't going to.
J.R.:So like when you graduated high school. And then so you weren't going to college or anything, but you were kind of figuring out what you wanted to do.
Yuki:Yeah, I decided to come to US while high school. I'm in high school.
J.R.:Oh, okay.
Yuki:Yeah, they went to America when I was in high school.
J.R.:Oh, okay.
Yuki:Like the second year or something. Okay, meaning like your parents or your dad or my parents my sister and dad first, okay, and after that they went, like everyone went to america. But I just didn't want to go and I wanted to wait for graduating high school, because I love japan, I wanted to learn at the time. But you know we have to decide, like which college you're going, which university you're going. But I didn't have anything, like I could have just studied and stayed in Japan. But I wanted to do something different, like I wanted to challenge for myself. And then you know, like dancing, and I really love musical theater. So that's why I was like, okay, maybe I should go to.
Yuki:America, because you know they're there. And then I came here.
J.R.:Yeah, okay, in terms of school. You like theater and things like that.
Yuki:So then, when you decided to come over, what was the plan at that point? At that point, I was going to take the musical theater major because I was like I really love to dance, I really love to sing and I actually was in drama major in high school, yeah, so it kind of makes sense. I wanted to try something new and yeah, that's what I was thinking. I don't know how to say yeah, I don't know what to say.
J.R.:So also you're the oldest of three, right, so you have a younger sister and then your younger brother. Yes, what is that dynamic? Like I, I also have an older sister and two younger brothers, actually, so I can imagine, oh well, I mean, I mean, I know you and I know sake, yes, so I'm curious, what is your dynamic, your sibling dynamic like?
Yuki:you mean like how we are different, or like how we so okay I'm basing this question off of stories that I heard from saki.
J.R.:It's like, yeah, yuki will just tell us what to do and then we'll just do it because she's bossy. Yeah, I don't want to say it. I was also thinking fuller myself. No, I don't know, that's what she said um, yeah, I was like that.
Yuki:Yeah, I think I was like the one you're like the star. Yeah, I was like okay, I want to do this and let's do it, but now it's… I think it's kind of shifting to Saki. She is the one who says like let's do it, and she's the one like… who, just, you know… Say everything to me and my brother.
Yuki:But I think at the time I was… I guess I was telling I don't know, because I feel like I didn't. I was really close with them, brother and sister, as a friend, I think, I feel like, but I really didn't do anything as a sister I. I don't think I was like acting oh, I'm your sister oh, like nurturing sort of yeah, more just like friends yeah more, more like friends.
Yuki:I feel like, because I feel like… I don't know, I don't know. Yeah, I feel like we're just like friends, or you know, we're just like really having fun. I really love to talk with them. So I think at the moment, I feel like I was thinking like they were best friends or something.
J.R.:So yeah, I haven't met your brother, but I know… Obviously I know Saki. So the vibe I get is like… You're like the older sister slash like the star, and then like they kind of follow you. And then Saki is this ball of energy who's like super loud and also, like you know, a lot of fun, but also I'm sure she looks up to you in some sense, but then I think she get some of those qualities from you.
Yuki:Or maybe it's like a family thing where it's like you guys are both kind of stars, you know, like you guys both do dancing and saki does some modeling or has done like some modeling stuff.
J.R.:Yeah, so I feel like it's. It almost feels like a thing in your family where you guys are like right, at least you two, but I just thought that was interesting yeah, that's true.
Yuki:I think she's following me, right? Yeah?
J.R.:so then, after you moved here, so then what was? So you were a drama major, mm-hmm. And then so what happened after that and what school were you at?
Yuki:What do you mean? Like after graduate high school?
J.R.:Oh yeah, after high school.
Yuki:Yes, oh, okay, after I came here, I took the musical theater major right At the community college and I immediately went to the audition, the tryout, for the musical theater show. Yeah, because I was like, okay, I can make it. And I did it, which, yeah, you know, but at the time I didn't actually learn english properly. I mean, I did, I did, actually, I did learn properly, but and you know, we have a English class in Japan, like at school. Six years I learned grammar everything during high school yes, during high school, everything, but I hated it.
Yuki:English class was the worst class for me and I didn't do anything until I come here. I mean I learned a little bit, I prepared, but For me I didn't do anything until I come here. I mean I learned a little bit, I prepared, but at the time I couldn't even like listen.
Yuki:I mean I could hear it, I could understand it, but I couldn't talk, yeah, so it was really hard Because, especially being in a musical theater, we have to sing, we have to say a line. But yeah, I was doing different things. But yeah, my goal was like to be able to have a conversation in english and also learn, like a dance skill and singing skill, like in the musical theater.
J.R.:that was the goal so how did you so you could understand english? But, you couldn't really speak or and even just talking. So then, how did you? What was the process of overcoming that, so that you can be more comfortable on stage? What did you do?
Yuki:I was recording um my classes like rehearsals, voice wise um, and whenever I go to um class or hangout I always like record and sometimes never listen to it because it's like hours. But sometimes I go back and I listen to it and kind of manipulate I don't know, mimic people.
J.R.:Oh, okay, like how they're talking, the talking like the conversations and trying to copy that.
Yuki:Yeah, yeah, yeah. So like I try not to go to like parties or try not go to like hangout because they were like you know, do you want to go? And I'd be like yeah, and every time I go there I won't be like talking that much and be like like yeah, yeah, you know. You know what I mean. But I try to listen more, more than speaking. And I practiced at home and then being on stage like I didn't talk that much because like I was ensemble so, but you know, singing is different, so I just had to listen a lot, the same as like the talking, I had to listen the song and then I sing along with the you know song and then record myself if the you know know the accent was accurate or something like that. And I tried practice and yeah, I think I did. I was not that nervous on being on stage, so I just had kind of have to like practice okay.
J.R.:So it's kind of like trying to speak like the tone and accent of english, but you already had an understanding, like understanding what english is and like kind of to say the words, but it was just practicing it, like doing it.
Yuki:Yeah, yeah, yeah, I always recorded myself yeah my talking, my like lines, like the speaking voice and singing as well okay, yeah, it's funny because it's like I can sing in japanese.
J.R.:Obviously I don't speak japanese, but because I just listen to songs like I went to karaoke before right. I'll sing tvxq or toshiki songs, japanese, and I'm like I think my accent is fine. Yeah, I just, I just sing it just like it sounds right, but I'm like I don't know what it's saying, but it sounds great.
Yuki:I mean, you have to kind of understand like what they're saying, right, like when it comes to acting, and I was like that too, like I was like just kind of remember everything. But then also, I don't know, musical theater there's like a choreo and it's like same thing as choreo. Like I had to like break it down the words and we have to sing together.
J.R.:So it has yeah, so it's more more dynamic than just like talking or something like that so I want to go back to.
J.R.:So you moved to the us and you're learning english, or you're learning how to speak it. What is? Oh, yeah, I think you know this, but so I went to japan recently just for vacation and it was great.
J.R.:Yeah, and it was super fun. I highly recommend. It was my third time there, so the people I was with they're like oh, what are you gonna do? I'm like, well, I did a lot of stuff that I wanted to before, so this time I'm just gonna chill and follow everyone. So it was super fun. I actually got this shirt too.
Yuki:Oh, the one piece, one right. I should have wore, you should have told me.
J.R.:Yeah, it's okay Next time. So, yeah, anyways. So, culture shock. I wanted to ask what was it like moving from obviously Japan your whole life and then moving to the US. Obviously the cultures are very different, right, but I'm sure that you were like exposed to American media when they come to the US, I've seen movies or TV shows, but how was it like moving over? What was that transition? I actually cannot think of examples right now because I'm Americanized already she's an American girl Valley, girl guys.
Yuki:But I had a lot of culture shock Really, even just like a supermarket, because I also was a cashier in Japan Actually. But you… you shouldn't work as a high schooler. In my school. Yeah, oh, you're not supposed to work.
J.R.:You're not supposed to work.
Yuki:yeah, but I did.
J.R.:She broke the rule.
Yuki:She's a rebel A little bit before graduating, but I was doing a Japanese supermarket, supermarket, supermarket cashier. I does it, I do it really quick, so it's like really fast and like really neat, and then that's how it works in Japan, if you know. I don't know if you recognize, but people are really quick and really you know like nice. But in America it was really slow and I had to wait in a line. There's so many people there but then you know like one like cashier is open and I was like you know what's going on. I was like I couldn't like really wait the long, like for cashing. I was like what are they doing, you know?
J.R.:it was like you know it was like really are they doing?
Yuki:you know, it was like. You know, it was like really, really culture shock for me, but now I get it and also, like you're used to, it yeah. I'm I'm kinda used to it and I feel like it's cool that you know you don't need to rush it. So I was like, yeah, but it was like a huge thing and I that was really, really a culture shock. The in real life everything was different.
J.R.:Yeah, definitely, I know as an american going to japan, you notice that the way everything operates is a lot faster, more efficient and it makes a lot of sense. Obviously you're like, wow, this is cool. I remember going from japan and then the subways, and it's efficient, it's fast, you can get swept away right. And I go to korea and it's definitely not as efficient. And I was like, ah. And then you go to the US. I'm like, wow, everything is, like you said, very slow, very inefficient, not organized. Even Tokyo DisneySea so organized compared to Disneyland here, oh my gosh, it was like night and day. So if you like convenience and efficiency, you'll love it over there, yeah for sure, there's a lot of I don't know there's just a lot of things that it's like, wow, someone thought of this and it makes sense.
Yuki:Why don't we do this Right?
J.R.:It's so good I imagine coming here and you're like why do people do this? We're going backwards here.
Yuki:That's so true, but also I understand. People want to have their time. Also, I love the Japanese style too, but yeah, I'm okay with it now.
J.R.:You're a Cali girl now um, cool, so then. So let's pivot to, so you move to us and then like you're, learning english and then culture shock. So then you mentioned that you've had various jobs over the years. I was curious if you had any came to mind that were like the most interesting or some that you learned the most, like you gained a lot of experience from that people can learn from I actually.
Yuki:Oh, I really love performing and I did, I don't know, like some interesting work like a performance work performance work, oh okay, yeah. I one thing I really liked about uh being in performer as the insomnia, the company oh, insomnia yeah, the edc, everything. They were like, okay, don't post. I don't know if I can say it, but yeah, you shouldn't post, like anything like that. You shouldn't post that process of being character oh, so you cannot post like with the, you know, you know, like wigs off, yeah, yeah yeah or maybe just like one part came off.
Yuki:Oh, I see. Or maybe just…. You know what I mean. You cannot post the background of the process and I actually… and everyone… the insomniac entertainers, the boss, she is really good. She said that don't break the character, because that means you're gonna break someone's dream. So I was like, you know, listen to it. And I'm like, yeah, that's so true, you know, because you know you don't want to break someone's dream for sure. And then I'm yeah yeah, I'm.
Yuki:It's really tough work actually being in character, because we have to walk around like hours in the hills, like high hills, and you have to still be in like character and then walking a lot, dancing, and it's really fun but also tough. But sometimes you know you want to be like you know I'm so tired.
J.R.:You want to be like… Just relax and break your….
Yuki:Yeah, but if you do that, then be like, oh, you know, I don't know, so tired, you want to be like relax and break. Yeah, but if you do that, then be like, oh, you know, I don't know, I don't want to break that. And then that was kind of interesting work and also I really loved it, because I feel like people forget that you know you were making someone's moment or you're making someone's dream. You don't know, you never know who is your follower. Oh, I see, yeah, yeah, who's watching you?
Yuki:Yeah yeah, yeah, I really like that. Words made me think oh yeah, I'm just I shouldn't be like doing whatever I want. I should be thinking of what people are thinking, or what people are like, you know, like expecting.
J.R.:Yeah, like their experience. Yeah, so it's not about you, but it's about performing for the experience of others.
Yuki:Yeah, so I…. That was good experience for me. Yes, do you think that translates?
J.R.:into, like how you dance, too, and like how you do other things. It's not just like yourself, but also like how. What is the experience I'm creating as a performer, as a whatever I'm doing?
Yuki:Wait, I didn't get the question so I was like thinking about it so like.
J.R.:So you said it was like a very good experience and you learned that it's like you don't want to break someone's dream or like that experience.
Yuki:Right right right. Do you think you like take that into everything else that you do? Yeah, I think so. I really want to do like something people likes. I mean, so of course I. I want to do something I like too, but also I don't want to just be like, oh, I want to do this, so I don't want to do this for you or something you know, I want to create something for people.
Yuki:I want to create like I want to help people, also, like I want to create something people wanting from me. Yeah, so I think that words made me think like something people forget, so I feel like I want to, you know yeah, I like that because art that performers is like artists we're creating something and it could inspire someone, and it could be just for you, but also, typically, art is shared with other people, so we have to consider how it's being received.
J.R.:And then also putting our best into it like you're saying it's more than just okay, I'm just doing this thing. More than that.
Yuki:Yeah.
J.R.:Any other, like jobs or like experiences that you feel like really shaped you or that you learned a lot from.
Yuki:It's not a work. When I was…. Middle school is like a 6th…, 7th, 8th, 9th grade Middle school.
J.R.:Something like that.
Yuki:Yeah, it changes sometimes 6th, 7th, 7th, 8th, 6th, 7th, 9th, it's like middle school, right, okay, just making sure, when I was… I was in a like… Dance… In a… Dance… Musical… Like class… In Japan, and… there was… showcase.
Yuki:Every year, like every winter, they do a musical, like a type of show with dance, like hip hop dance, but no, no singing though, but instead of singing they do a dance like like a song, and then they had a showcase every year. I was, you know, I tried out and I auditioned and I made it and it was good, and I was actually chosen to be a lead and I was like, okay, yeah, you know, I'm going to do my best. And I was like working hard, working hard, and then going to practice rehearsals. And then, at the time, I lived far from the dance studio, so I had to like leave early the school club every day and then go to the studio, like for our hour to go there. And I was practicing, but a month before the show happening, they decided to drop me off oh, man, as a supporting role, right like oh, you know what was the reason?
Yuki:you know, I don't know, I was like what was the reason? Yeah. And then you know also, I was like middle school, oh my God, why? Yeah.
J.R.:Rejected yeah.
Yuki:And then they told me that, oh, you were like yawning at the practice and then it was like a not big studio. But then you had to be like a little bit like you know, side way, because you know, when you are off stage you don't want to be shown, right, you don't want to be seen. So I was trying to be like really like skinny, like this, but then some people thought like I'm like leaning to the wall or you know, putting on the table, to be like this. So they didn't like my attitude, I see, and also they said that you know, they are taking money too, so you have to be more professional of acting. Maybe I was bad actor, I'm not sure but maybe I was terrible.
Yuki:Maybe, yeah, maybe. But then I was, you know, one time they chose me as the lead, so I was like you're at least good enough to get chosen, yeah, so that's why I was like thinking that actually made me really sad.
Yuki:That's why I feel like I'm still doing dance, because I was like… At the time I was thinking I worked so hard but I don't know why they made it like this. I mean, I did it, I did learn new parts, everything and I redo everything, and you know, I tried and then the show was really great. But, um, that makes me think, oh, I have to work more, work, work hard, more than I think I feel like, because people sometimes cannot see what I'm doing, or maybe I work hard but then I'm doing something wrong, you know. So, like I, that experience made me think, oh, I have to sometimes think what I'm doing, if it's right or not, or, you know, I have to step back to see what I'm doing. That's what I learned.
Yuki:One thing, and also one thing I learned was like if you want to be… I don't know If you want to be like actually… I don't know how to say it you have to have like power and also like skills and an attitude to be really like in a good position. I don't know how to say it. If you want to be chosen by some people, I don't know how to say it.
Yuki:Power, attitude skills just be amazing yeah, basically you have to be perfect, you know, um, I mean you don't have to be, but if you were, yeah, if you, if you want to, if you want to accomplish something sometime, you really have to be really picky. And then you have to really dedicate your work and you cannot be like, oh, I'm working hard, so I'm good, you know you cannot be like complacent, but always have high standards.
J.R.:Yeah, do everything with excellence, right right.
Yuki:So that's what I learned from the experience.
J.R.:So I was like, yeah, yeah, since middle school you're like never again.
Yuki:Yeah, I was like yeah, never again High standards yeah, I was like no.
J.R.:Oh, I see, I see.
Yuki:So, that was really bad and good experience from my life. The anger was kind of made me motivated. The anger motivated me to be like perfect or maybe like a good performer. So I feel like that's why I still like I'm doing this, but I mean, I'm not mad at it anymore, you know. I'm like not. I'm over it? Yeah, for sure. I think of that. I feel like when I think of… Because I was thinking about the topic we were talking about and then that topic came up really quick. The experience and when.
Yuki:I look back, I felt a little bit different way Because I was like oh, maybe that's why I'm still doing this, or maybe I was too bossy at the time, or maybe I don't know I'm still doing this, or maybe I was like Too like Bossy at the time, or maybe I don't know. I actually don't know, because I feel like I haven't changed, yeah, but yeah that when I think about that experience, I feel like, yeah, I have to be more In taking care about myself.
J.R.:Yeah, Skill wise, have to be more in taking care about myself, skill-wise, attitude-wise, right. So it was definitely like a turning point, yes, I think so changing point for you makes sense. Let's see. I wanted to ask. You talked about the leading role in the dancing thing. There's a prompt that you put into the form which was like separating work and private mode when you have something to do with good friends or bad friends. So I don't know if you want to clarify what that means oh yeah, sure, Okay.
Yuki:So I think it's really hard to work with friends. You know, as a KND, like we sometimes fight, Not fight but… yeah, like normal friends do, like they have disagreements.
Yuki:Right, we talk a lot. Right, we discuss what needs to be done, right? Some people can't do that like separate things. I feel like I feel like I learned this one from like high school experience. But you have to. I'm just talking about work side. But if you want to work with your friends, you cannot be thinking like, oh, she's talking about me like in, like personal. I don't know if I say something like oh, blah, blah, blah, like maybe if I talk about you like badly or like some sort of feedback, or yeah feedback or something personally like yeah, she hates me, right, right right, yeah.
Yuki:So I don't want to be like that, right, like you don't want to break a friendship, and you know, but also you don't want. Oh, you don't want to break a friendship, and you know, but also you don't want, oh, you don't want to break friendship, but also you want to work with them, right. So I feel like it's really really important to separate the feeling or maybe the way you were talking, because sometimes people get really confused, right, and take it to the point being like oh, where it affects the relationship yeah, because it's.
J.R.:There's a professional mode that we're like co-workers yeah and then some people might make that yeah oh, we're friends. And if you say something negative to me now, like you don't like me, yeah, we don't like each other, right, but it's just like it's just a work yeah, yeah, yeah.
Yuki:So you know if you are working together. The goal is like to make a project looking good right yeah, and not as not being a friend at that time.
Yuki:So I think it's really important to separate those stuff. And then I think, um, I think I meant, even though you don't like the person, sometimes you have to work with them. Right, that makes sense. Also, I don't want to be thinking like, oh, I don't like this person, so I don't want to work, I don't want to do anything for them, I don't want to be like that. So, even though if there's some parts that I don't like of the people, if I have to work, I will just put my feeling aside and I'll work as a co-worker, like really nicely and I really want people to think about that too, because some people might hate me or something and then people be like oh, I don't want to work with you. You know, I don't want people to be like that. So I feel like, if it's work, let's work together. You know we can do this. And if it's friends, you know, just be nice friends yeah, I like that a lot.
J.R.:That's a really good takeaway. I think it's also because you obviously come from a professional performance background, so you know how to separate that, Whereas you know a lot of people we dance with are people in our dance community. It usually starts with a bunch of friends and then it's hard to detach the friendship from the work relationship. So it makes sense. So it's try to when you figure out what you're doing together and try to keep it professional, because obviously no one wants to ruin their friendship.
J.R.:Yeah, don't want to be and the same. In the same token, you're saying like okay, even if you don't like someone, you can still do work together. Right, and I think that's also one thing that I admire about you. We talked about this before where it's like you can compartmentalize things about people in a good way, meaning I think we talked about this where it's not everyone is all good or all bad. Obviously, we all everyone has their shortcomings, everyone has their shortcomings and we can't just judge people like, oh, this person did something bad, it's another all bad, I can't talk to them because we all mess up and we all do bad things, but it doesn't mean you can't work with them. Yeah, you can still work with people and be a good person, be respectful and put on a good show or a set or work, do really good work together. So I think that makes you more, you more versatile and a more valuable person to have on a team if you can have that mindset or don't take things personally and be able to separate that.
Yuki:Yeah, I think it's really important. Yeah, definitely, I like that a lot.
J.R.:Cool, so let's transition out of that. So now our third topic, which is self-love, spiritual affirmations and health and well-being. This is one of the things you said you wanted to talk about. Yeah. So I guess, aside from the topic itself, like what are some of the main philosophies or affirmations that you live by, like what are your main philosophies or affirmations that you use?
Yuki:Oh, okay, I think I mean I do meditate. Recently, Not long time ago, I started again. I feel like talking to yourself is most important things to do, you know, in daily life.
J.R.:Really quick. So what is your meditation like, and is it a talking to yourself sort of meditation, or is it separate.
Yuki:I meditate two ways. I feel like you know, like basic, basic meditate. You sit there in a quiet place or maybe like comfortable place and I close my eyes and just be like focusing on my breathing and you know, whatever comes up comes up and I accept, think, whatever thinking, or what I'm, what I'm feeding or everything, a feeling, feeling, whatever things I'm worried about, like everything. Whatever comes up, I take it and let it go with the breathing. It's like calming down, like calming.
J.R.:Like calming down your thoughts. Yes, yes, yes, I know what you're saying because I've okay, well, so for the audience, right, I think what you're trying to say is and I've learned this too where some people think meditation is like trying not to think. But actually meditation is accepting those thoughts and then letting it go like a river. Or letting it okay, my mind's wandering or there's like a monkey and it's just jumping around. Okay, I accept the thought and let it go.
J.R.:So it's the practice, or the exercise, or like the flexing of the muscle of the letting go right, right, so it's always like going back to that center, and then I do the same thing too, which is like the breath, because you're just focusing on, like the in and out, but other people have mantras or they say something or stuff like that. Right yeah.
Yuki:I used to do mantra when I was in the yoga training, but not anymore because I kind of forget, but I think it's really good. Whatever fits you, I think it's really important. I think to me the meditate could be just like five minutes, or maybe 10 minutes, like short one, just to see what you were thinking, how you were actually like feeling, wanting, or something like to see you know what's up, you you know like to talk into my body.
Yuki:Yes, and then I feel like because, like I said you know long time ago, like the anger motivates me, blah, blah, blah, right, but you don't want to be controlled by your emotion, right? So that's why I feel like it's really important to know what you're thinking and then accepting all this stuff. So that's why I feel like….
J.R.:So meditation is like a way for you to get in touch with yourself and also not let your emotions control you, but be more aware. Right, yeah, yeah, yeah. I was going to ask what do you get out of meditation? I know it's the emotional thing, but how do you feel like it's changed you, or what are the benefits? How do you feel?
Yuki:I feel like I'm not… as angry.
J.R.:Yes, I feel like I'm not.
Yuki:As angry. Yes, I think so, I really think so. Just letting go of the middle. I'm still being like, I don't know how to say it. In English Say it in Japanese Kireru oh yeah, Kireru kireru, easy to get mad. Okay yeah, that kind of person I was like that, like a trigger emotion, like very yeah, like quickly, I mean you know, something like that. I was like yeah, when I'm mad.
Yuki:It's really quick. And then my attitude and like everything is what kind of changed. But then right after, like I said everything and I'll be like calm down. But I was like that long down, but I was like that a long time ago. But I feel like after doing the meditate, or like talking to myself, I feel like I'm not mad, like being mad as before.
J.R.:So it's kind of like controlling your emotions, yes, like calming yourself down.
Yuki:There's a reason why you are angry all the time, I feel, because it might be because of the person Like something you were said, or maybe worse, or I don't know, but most of the time I feel like the problem was in myself or something. Because maybe some people say, oh, you're like ugly or something and I'd be like I mean. I mean, everyone will get offended for sure, but be like I know. The reason, I know that I'm ugly, but hearing from people makes me mad is if you know the truth of yourself. But then if you are denying that thing and if people are talking about it or like to fix it in your heart, you know that they were saying it right, but then you are denying it oh okay, so it's like denying the truth or denying yourself denying yourself makes it more like matter, or like frustrating, I don't know.
Yuki:I don't know how to say it. I'm sorry.
J.R.:I think I kind of I think it's a universal thing, right where it's like someone says something but then you deny it and it's frustrating. Yeah, also because what angers us is when expectation is not the same as reality, or like what we thought was true and it's not true, and that makes us mad.
Yuki:Yeah and also like you are not accepting yourself. So that's like you're getting mad right. So I feel like that's true. Yeah, that's why I feel like you have to think before you're gonna be like mad about it. You have to think if it's their problem or my problem right, yeah, I feel like that's why I take time to think daily life.
J.R.:I try yeah yeah, I mean taking time to think sounds like good advice yeah, yeah, you should think more often guys right. So then I guess I'm assuming you got that from your yoga practice. But, what were the main influences for you to focus on your own mindfulness or like your mental health or mental state, or controlling your emotions. What influenced you to want to do that?
Yuki:I think I really like myself. I think everyone knows about it.
J.R.:Inside joke Everyone knows that Yuki loves herself.
Yuki:It's just because I don't think I'm a cute girl or I don't think I'm like you know the best or something, but I just like myself.
J.R.:Respect. Everyone should like themselves.
Yuki:Yeah, because you know know it's a different topic now, but if you don't like yourself, I feel like nobody's gonna like you, you know. So that's why I feel like I try to like, you know, love myself, and I forgot the topic what was it?
J.R.:no, it's fine.
Yuki:We're talking about like self love and affirmations and mindfulness and stuff yes, I got into that emotion because I'm learning essential oil, aloe vera therapy and then I was really into the health care, health care and then I realized that every emotion, whatever is stuck in your mind, makes… it causes the problem. The body issue Like a sickness. So, like it starts with the mind, the body issue Like a sickness.
J.R.:So like it starts with the mind, yeah. Emotional state yeah, makes you physically sick, right.
Yuki:Because, like I… Talked to some people who had mentally sick or physically sick I think both are… I think you've seen, like many people, but when I actually like search and also look up the you know the sickness I don't know. Symptoms.
Yuki:Yeah, symptoms, the problem is actually being in your mind, and also I mean your lifestyle too. But then, like in Japanese, there's a like. The words meaning is your sickness is from your emotions. Yeah so there's a word like that. So I was like it was kind of clicking. I was like, oh, because your mind is not health, that's why everyone's going to be sick.
Yuki:So that's why I was focusing on yourself before you doing the medical like like treatment therapy yeah, yeah, before you doing that, I think you should take care of yourself, the mind, because I think it's true, because everyone, because sometimes, like you, you see the people who is like being sick but you don't know why, and sometimes it's not food, sometimes it's not whatever, like. Dna things External or genetic but if you really look at it, you couldn't say whatever you wanted to say in behind.
J.R.:It's like something that they're holding in or repressing.
Yuki:Yeah, because there's like the examples out there. If you really couldn't say how you feel, or like how you're thinking….
J.R.:Expressing yourself.
Yuki:Yeah, if you couldn't do it, this one…. What's it called Stomach? When you breathe, it's not….
J.R.:Your lungs diaphragm breath, diaphragm.
Yuki:Diaphragm Will be like not moving because you're not saying anything, you cannot, and that makes you like feel like, oh, I can't breathe or something, and that makes cause more like problems, like more issues. So that makes sense, yeah I read that so I was like oh, emotions first right yeah, that's why, yeah, I'm into more like self-care.
J.R.:Yeah, I love that. I think it makes a lot of sense Like I'm a believer in everything external that we are. It starts from our mind. Right.
J.R.:I see, if you know, you see someone aesthetically, like just on the outside, like how they dress, how they look, how healthy they are and how much energy they have. That's all a reflection of their mindsets, of how they respect themselves, their own bodies, how they prioritize their own well-being and health right so if you see someone who, like, looks like that, I mean maybe it's not a it's not always a fair general assumption, but it's like you can tell what someone's mental state is based on how they look right and if someone like looks like you know they have everything together, I can assume that they probably have good mental health.
J.R.:Right, and I like that too. It's obviously we're not doctors but, I agree that there I definitely think there's some truth to that where it's your mind can create problems in your body. So definitely at least start with the mind and not like medications yeah, I don't like medication yeah I don't think most people do or they shouldn't yeah. So any tips for people that who want to get into, like self-care or mindfulness, or like working from the inside out? Say someone wants to do that, like okay, where do I start?
Yuki:I think maybe starting meditation is actually hard because, oh my god, sitting and then closing my eyes it's actually really hard. I think it's so hard guys so hard try.
Yuki:If you're 20 minutes, five minutes, it's hard what I was doing was like I um have the paper, like a white paper, whatever, nothing like just paper with the pencil and I'm just gonna write. Maybe you pick a topic. What I was doing was like what I want to do for my life? Or maybe you can be like how am I feeling? Am I good or something? I just pick one topic and then just write it down and then whatever comes up, just write down everything and then circle it and then connecting to like other stuff. So for me it's like organizing your brain. So you just have to let everything go and and visibly like whatever you're thinking, like feeling, whatever you want to do, everything just write it down. And that also inspired me that moment. And then that goes back and forth, back and forth, and I feel like that process will help you to think and then know about yourself, because you don't know yourself.
J.R.:I mean, you don't know yourself.
Yuki:That's a good start that's okay, I know you don't know yourself, but it's I know what you're trying to say getting to know yourself is important yes, like self-awareness
Yuki:and knowing your thoughts and then trying to reflect, yes, and think about, because I feel like everyone knows me more than me. Yeah, that's what I was trying to say, because I know myself, I feel like. But sometimes what people see and what I see is different, and I think people knows about me more than me because everyone see the different faces of me. So you have to also check.
J.R.:but yeah, yeah, yeah yeah feedback also.
Yuki:Yes, but they also like when you want to focus on yourself, you're just gonna. You just really have to be in a moment, think about yourself, what you really have to do or what you really want to do, write it down, organize it, and then that helps. It's like a meditation. I think it's the same thing as a meditation. Feel like, so that's what I was doing when I didn't do like meditation. That makes me actually like really calm and also oh, okay, I know myself.
J.R.:I feel like so it's like a journaling sort of exercise but like a sort of brain mapping and writing down your problems Right. It's interesting because that's also the number one thing I recommend people when you know when we're thinking about something and we have a problem and we want to talk about it and that's good because it helps you organize your thoughts.
J.R.:To talk, I always recommend you should start journaling. I've been journaling for the last, I don't know, 15, 20 years, nice, and it's almost like a form of therapy or, like you said, kind of like meditation, because one the ultimate goal, I think, purpose is to understand ourselves and to know ourselves, because once you know yourself, your compass is oriented and you know which way to go.
J.R.:But also it's a lifelong process, so it takes a lot of intentional work to start to know yourself. So you have to start journaling or meditating or whatever, to know yourself. Right, but once you know yourself, like you said, you'll probably be more at peace, happier, and you can tell like when someone is saying something is not true and it doesn't affect you as much because you're like I know the truth, I know who I am right there's a lot more peace and calmness in knowing yourself right, I think.
J.R.:So I really think so yeah, I like that. So, journal guys, I recommend guys, I recommend a journal. Do some brain mapping, meditate. It's a really it is a small step. Like you said, I say the same thing, like literally just write whatever you're thinking and the act of putting it on the paper takes it off your brain and it organizes it, and for me that helps out a lot, right, I guess. Yeah, it gets to the point where some, how did that thing go that you were worried about?
Yuki:I'm like oh yeah, I'm totally over it.
Yuki:I journaled three times about it and now I can talk about it, um, but yeah, I like that. Anything else on mindfulness, before we change topics, just get away from social network. I mean, I do that, yes, I mean I post tiktok, youtube and instagram, everything I do that. But I think it's bad because I I think it's taking my time and also like I'm looking at my people's like posts and it'd be like everyone's like having fun and not me, or like maybe, oh, everyone's doing great things, but not me, but you're like everyone's, of course, looking good because they're capturing the best part, they're curating it.
J.R.:There's the highlights.
Yuki:Yeah, it's good to have it because you know you want to make more social business, wise whatever.
J.R.:I don't know. You can use it. Network connections, yeah, platform to put artistry Right.
Yuki:Stuff like that. Yeah, right, but also.
J.R.:There's a dark side to it.
Yuki:I'm kind of addicted right now, but I feel like it's that's why I feel like I'm like sometimes like depressed, so I that's why I feel like trying to get away from there and try to focusing on my like journaling, or maybe meditation, or maybe workout or whatever anything else, yeah, anything else, yeah yeah, like being in a moment is really important I agree with that.
J.R.:I think for my own life, if there's one thing I can change, it's never having to be on social media so many times. I want to delete instagram. I'm not on tiktok anymore but unfortunately, a lot, of a lot of our friends, we use instagram as messaging, so it's to connect, so it's like now I have it and even if I delete, I have to re-up, re-like, download it because I need to talk to people, right?
J.R.:but yeah, I agree, I wish I could just disconnect from it, but it is a platform for creators like us putting out good work and to inspire people and whatnot, and to do positive things, but there's a dark side to that.
J.R.:Yeah, cool, ready for rapid fire questions. Wrap it up, all right. So this is the billboard question. It is if you could put up a sign for millions of people to see, what would it say be in the moment. Yeah, love yourself right on theme, if you could give your younger self advice, what would it be now, any age?
Yuki:do journaling every day. Do journaling every day, yes I would.
J.R.:I probably would do this. Yeah, if you start early and do often, you'll be so much happier. I was like I should have. Yeah, it's okay, start now. Right, any habits or routines that are key to getting the results that you have?
Yuki:one more time like any habits or routines that you love doing that make you happy oh I think I'm I really love teaching yoga and I love using essential oil, so I really love the morning yoga classes. You know like daily.
J.R.:What do you like about teaching yoga? Is it just like being in that space, or is it the actual act of teaching someone else?
Yuki:Being in that place too. But after I teach yoga, I feel really good. Like you can't imagine it's actually really good, like you can imagine it's actually… it's really different, like how you're feeling and everyone's connected, I feel like in that moment. So that's why I feel like I love that in a habit. Yeah.
J.R.:It's like a very like spiritual experience. And it feels really good and it feels like right, like it's not like you need drugs or anything have a good time yeah. It's like a nice thing. Yeah. That's one of the things for me personally that I want to do, like the habits it's you know, working out and journaling. Yes, so yoga is the thing that is like on my list of, like my top seven things I want to do forever. But yeah, I think this person is successful. And then, how do you define success?
Yuki:It's actually hard because I've been thinking about it. Actually, you know, every time I see numbers, I used to be like watching numbers million followers. But I feel if you like what you're doing, if you feel happiness from your work, I think it's a success.
J.R.:I feel like so feeling happy from what you do and enjoying the work process, yeah Cool. Is there anyone who comes to mind that you know personally, or maybe someone you don't know that might be famous, or something that you think might be successful that we can point to as an example?
Yuki:I'm actually not sure. I'm the person who doesn't have thighs.
J.R.:Anyone that you know personally, that you feel like oh, I think this person is successful, like my friend or family member or something like that.
Yuki:No, maybe it's you. I feel like you, oh, not me. You love yourself. I mean, I love myself. I feel like I don't have a goal Because I didn't set a goal for this year, and I feel like I'm burned out. And I actually was really doing my journaling recently more Because I kind of lost myself. So that's why I was like… it was hard to think about topic too, because I was like, oh my god, you know, it's not my like perfect time, it's like worst time.
J.R.:Like in a life…. You're like, I'm not in a good space right now. Yeah, I don't know what it is.
Yuki:But yeah, I feel like everyone who's having fun… Right.
J.R.:Yeah, Wait. So do you think I'm having fun? Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Yuki:Okay really cool, because I really want to do something new and do that, but I'm being too lazy recently so I think you're doing great.
J.R.:Oh, thank you appreciate it. Yeah, it's like the.
J.R.:I think, like you said, people should try new things and do things that they want to do or they're interested in so I try to be like okay, well, why don't I just be an example, do what I want to do, but it's. I'm also just as lazy and I'm just on social media just as much, if not more. Like I said, I want to delete it. So bad, but I can't. You too, but thank you. If time and money weren't an obstacle, what would you be doing now? So if you had unlimited time and money, what would you be oh traveling oh, of course, where would you travel?
Yuki:don't say japan. I know I haven't been japan, so I would say machu picchu machu picchu why? I love machu picchu, I don't know. Oh yeah, it's more like you've been there before.
J.R.:No, no, oh okay, so you just like oh, it looks really pretty yeah I really like the look.
Yuki:I I wanted to go there. I've been wanting to go there since, like middle school. I saw the photo and it looked, I don't know, unreal or something surreal.
J.R.:I don't know. You wanna like ride in alpaca or something like. Is that what they do? They ride. I feel like they ride something. They ride up the hill. If not, they carry themselves yeah, I really wanna go.
Yuki:I feel like I wanna go to more closer to nature, not the city. I feel like the crowd makes me a little bit sick. I mean, I like theme park, so I I would go to theme park theme park and then nature, and nature nice or theme park in nature yes yeah, I like it.
J.R.:I think I'm the same. How do you spend most of your time?
Yuki:when I'm off, I feel like I'm reading manga oh, what manga are manga?
J.R.:are you reading?
Yuki:I'm reading One Piece, yes, the Shonen Jump app. They have a lot of manga. I really like Chainsaw man, dan Da Dan, which is new one, and then Oshinoko.
J.R.:Oshinoko. That's my list I really love it I think you're Japanese.
Yuki:Yeah, I think I'm Japanese.
J.R.:Yeah, shout out One Piece. Oh my yeah, I think I'm japanese. Yeah, shout out one piece. Oh my god, I love that so much. So how quick, tangent. So sometimes we make fun of saki because she doesn't watch one piece. I'm like saki, you're not japanese, I'm japano. She's half filipino, half japanese because she dances, right, yeah, but anyways, so on that note, favorite favorite books, movies, videos or articles that you share or recommend the most, so like media, or anything I like… I don't know the title in English actually.
Yuki:Oh yeah, yeah, because I only read Japanese, because I don't like reading.
J.R.:It's a manga.
Yuki:No, it's actually like a book. I don't know what it's called. It's not novel. I don't know what's the category.
J.R.:Okay.
Yuki:But it's a Japanese letter. Yeah, yeah, reading it, and it's called… Can I?
J.R.:look up. No, you can send it to me later, okay, yeah, I'll put it in the notes. Yeah, yeah, yeah, the book that Yuki is referring to.
Yuki:It's this book Because, yeah, I think you would like it.
J.R.:I'll put that in the notes okay, alright, so we're at the end, so any questions. I always like to end with gratitude. So, yuki, what are you grateful for?
Yuki:sorry, I was not being a teacher.
J.R.:What are you grateful for?
Yuki:Yuki gratitude having a relationship with everyone, like being in good friends, and I'm happy that you know I have you as a friend as well and I really appreciate it for whatever happens in my life. Okay, yeah, yeah, I was thinking of words, I don't know if it's, if it sounds right just for the things that are happening in your life.
J.R.:Yeah, yes, whatever he said, yes what he said no, that's good, you're pretty much everything. Do you have any final ask for the audience? So asking them for something or any final takeaways or lessons you want them to have from our conversation Love yourself.
Yuki:I feel like….
J.R.:Love yourself as much as you love yourself. It's not the thing like being like shy about I feel like you can love yourself yeah yeah, definitely, we make fun of her about it, but honestly, that's the right thing to do, right? You should love yourself, um, all right. So where can we find you, like social media websites, email, anything like if people want to see what you're up to or reach out?
Yuki:you can dm me the instagram, you can gram I think it's the easiest way to connect. And if you want to check out my insta, tiktok, that's gonna be same thing. And for the youtube, I have it as a odoro yogini, which is, which means dancing yogini so yeah if you come to Instagram, you can know everything about me, nice.
J.R.:Yeah, and we have. All of our socials will be linked in the show notes, all right, well, that is it. Thank you so much, yuki.
Yuki:Thank you so much.
J.R.:Thank you for being here. I really appreciate it.
Yuki:Thank you so much.
J.R.:And then so yeah, so for the audience. Thank you guys for tuning in. I really appreciate it. Just a reminder to always be kind to other people, and especially yourself, and remember that you can always learn something from someone. You just have to take the time to listen. So thank you guys for tuning in.
