Julia Gehlen’s journey deeply resonated with us at The Better Normal. Her story of leaving behind a life that didn’t align with her heart and embarking on a path of self-discovery is a powerful reminder of the strength it takes to trust your intuition. From vision quests in the jungle to studying ancient wisdom, Julia found her way back to her true self by embracing nature, spirituality, and the lessons life had to offer.
Now, as the founder of the Online Initiatory University of the Sacred, she’s helping others reconnect with their essence and live authentically. Julia’s journey is full of wisdom, courage, and powerful lessons about healing from the inside out. Get ready to feel inspired and connected as we dive into her incredible story!
The Journey Within
TBN: Julia, tell us a bit about your healing journey. Can you share the defining moment when you decided to embrace your “true heart self” and leave behind the life you once knew?
JG: 10 years ago, I made the best decision of my life, very uncertain of what to do but I knew there was something more for me! I got offered a very high position to be the secretary of my birth town, which would mean a lot of security and a high social standard. This proposal nevertheless created very unpleasant emotions and a kind of anxiety and panic, so I knew something was off. Because normally I would accept this offer! I chose to listen to my body and literally told the town secretary that I really appreciated their high job opportunity but my HEART wasn’t feeling it and I needed to see for myself something different! I would have never acted that way before! And I knew that I needed something different, but I was completely lost and didn’t know what to do next.
Nevertheless, after declining the offer I went to walk in nature, looked up into the blue sky, and said out loud “Universe this can’t be it! Show me, what more is possible for me“. And just like that, I left the country of my birth, ended a seven-year toxic relationship and so I embarked on a path of self-discovery of finding myself traveling the world and its cultures and most ancient traditions!
TBN: Living in the jungle must have been transformative. What was the most surprising lesson you learned from that experience?
JG: The most surprising lesson was definitely doing the Vision Quest! This is a sacred practice, where you are in the huge jungle on your own with just a few necessary objects for 4 days without food and water! A dry fasting alone in the jungle! The studies with a Mexican grandmother (it is not my birth grandmother but in the tradition people with high wisdom are called grandmothers/fathers) were of intense daily training to become very deep in touch with all my clear senses and knowing exactly how to work with the energetic world and the astral world. In a few words, what it taught me was being resilient, grateful for everything in my life and life itself, and that there is more here in this world than material/physical appearance!
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TBN: What an incredible experience! How did studying ancient cultures and ancestral wisdom shape your perspective on life and spirituality, Julia?
JG: One important lesson here is that everything is spiritual and to be in touch with your true self you need to be coherent! If you are not connected with your physical body you can’t be in touch with your spiritual body. If you want to be in touch and deeper bond with your spirituality you need to incorporate all the teachings and wisdom within your physical body and the human psyche!
As well, being in contact with ancient cultures reminds us of the true importance of why we are here. The origin of life itself and how we relate with nature. In the 11 ancient cultures, Taoism, the Hopi, the Maya, the Alchemists, the New Testament, the Old Testament, the I Ching, the Aztecs, Hinduism, the Incas, and the Kabbalah, from which all traditions originate, we find that while their expressions and terminologies may differ, they all converge on the same universal truths. Reminding us of the interconnectedness of humanity, despite the diversity in language, geography, and expression. This unity suggests that despite the vast distances separating continents and the apparent barriers of language and culture, a common thread of wisdom runs through ancient scriptures. By studying their teachings, we see how deeply they valued harmony with nature, the cosmos, and the inner self.
I’ve learned to honor traditions while seeking ways to adapt them to contemporary life, creating a bridge between the old and the new. It’s a perspective that not only enriches my understanding of life but also deepens my sense of purpose, inspiring me to live with greater mindfulness, coherence, alignment with the rhythms of the natural world and so incorporating true sacredness!
Core Values & Practices
TBN: How do honesty and true listening play a role in guiding others on their healing journeys?
JG: To be a heart-coherent facilitator of alternative medicines, it is crucial to be a true listener. What I mean by that is that listening without any kind of criticism is crucial to establishing a coherent, ethical, and truthful therapy session. Inspiring those who I support to embrace their own truth and navigate their healing journey with courage and grace.
Honesty and true listening are essential pillars in guiding others on their healing journeys, as they foster trust, understanding, and meaningful connection. When someone seeks healing, they often feel vulnerable, and go through different degrees of trauma, carrying emotional, physical, or mental burdens. It is within this sacred space of vulnerability that honesty and listening become transformative tools where true long-term healing takes place.
TBN: What daily practices do you recommend for someone looking to reconnect with their inner self and develop their intuitive abilities?
JG: Here are some of them:
- A healthy and fun morning and night routine
- Body movements
- Healthy diet
- Daily 20 min Meditation before starting the day
- Connecting with nature and the 4 elements daily
- Shadow work
- Parts work
- The bridging process for an emotional wake-up call and so the language of your soul
The Online Initiatory University of the Sacred
TBN: What inspired you to create the Online Initiatory University of the Sacred?
JG: The Online Initiatory University of the Sacred was born from a deep calling to create a space where ancient wisdom and modern understanding converge. The inspiration came from the realization that in today’s fast-paced, fragmented world, many seek something profound that touches the core of their being and reconnects them with their sacred essence.
So, the O.I.U.S. serves as a bridge between spiritual traditions, personal growth, and collective evolution. It stems from a heartfelt desire to offer an accessible platform for learning, healing, and transformation that honors the sacredness of every individual’s journey. One very important aspect of why I created the O.I.U.S. is that of healing from the origin, the root cause of mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering. Only going to the root cause of the suffering will generate true long-term health. In the O.I.U.S. I teach the tools that are giving the apprentices exactly the foundation to do that.
Education is not just about acquiring knowledge but about awakening to our true nature and living by it on a continuous daily basis. The O.I.U.S. seeks to inspire individuals to live authentically, aligned with their higher purpose, and to contribute positively to the world around them.
TBN: Why do you believe it’s important to share your knowledge and experiences with others? How has teaching enriched your own journey?
JG: Sharing knowledge and experiences is one of the most profound ways to contribute to the growth and betterment of others and the collective consciousness. When we share what we’ve learned, we create ripples of impact that can inspire, educate, and empower others to navigate their own paths.
Knowledge is not meant to be hoarded, it flourishes when exchanged.
Teaching has enriched my own journey by deepening my understanding of the very things I share. When I teach, I’m challenged to view my knowledge through fresh eyes, which allows me to better understand and appreciate what I naturally do. It gives me the permission to recognize deeper aspects of myself and share these strengths, knowing that they’ve been instrumental in my own growth and expansion. This process sharpens my insights and often leads to revelations that wouldn’t have surfaced otherwise.
Moreover, teaching cultivates humility, deep empathy, and coherence. It reminds me that we are all learners at different stages and that everyone’s journey holds unique value. By sharing, I’m not just giving, I’m receiving. I gain new perspectives, forge meaningful relationships, and find renewed purpose in the act of service.
The Importance Of Connecting With Others
TBN: As someone who has traveled extensively and connected with diverse cultures, how do you encourage others to embrace global wisdom in their own lives?
JG: Traveling has profoundly expanded my perspective, opening my mind and spirit to a richer, more inclusive understanding of life. Every journey has been a lesson, teaching me the beauty of diversity and the shared humanity that unites us all. It has also opened my heart to a deeper sense of gratitude—not just for the experiences and connections I’ve made, but for the simple yet extraordinary aspects of life we often overlook.
I believe that the most transformative practice one can embrace is daily gratitude. By being thankful for what we have and for all the people, traditions, and stories that coexist with us, we begin to see life through a more compassionate and interconnected lens. I encourage others to embrace global wisdom by remaining curious and open, whether through travel, reading, or engaging in meaningful conversations with people from different walks of life. Small, mindful actions—like connecting with the elements is for me the most sacred thing we can do. Talking with the fire, observing the waters, feeling the softness of the wind on our skin and feeling with our bare feet the earth underneath us— bridges and fosters a spirit of unity and wholeness within.
Ultimately, embracing global wisdom is about recognizing that every culture has something valuable to teach us and weaving those lessons into our lives with gratitude and respect. By doing so, we not only grow individually but also contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate world.
TBN: What is the one message or lesson you hope to pass on to your apprentices and the broader community?
JG: My greatest aspiration is to inspire my apprentices and the broader community to recognize the boundless potential that life offers. It is essential for each of us to reconnect with the truth of our origin—the understanding that we are the creators of our own reality. Everything we perceive in the external world is a reflection of our inner state. When we feel triggered or unsettled by external circumstances, it is a call to turn inward and explore what is happening within ourselves.
This inner work is the key to liberation from the cycles of suffering that humanity often endures. True peace must be cultivated and lived from within. I cannot stress enough the profound importance of embarking on this inner journey to rediscover and embrace our authentic selves. Only by doing so can we heal, grow, and contribute to a more harmonious world. This is the path to true freedom, and I hope to illuminate this truth for all who are willing to listen and explore.
Click here to check all the interviews from our “Empowered Women Empower Women” series.
