Meet Ciara Martin

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ciara Martin. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ciara below.

Ciara, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

Yoga has been part of my life for over 25 years, but it wasn’t until seven years ago that it truly became transformational. During that time, I went through repeated early-term miscarriages, including an ectopic pregnancy, and I was grappling with the physical and emotional toll. Years of living entirely in my head—whether it was in grad school earning my PhD in toxicology or in the corporate world—had left me disconnected from my body. That disconnection showed up in my health: autoimmune and thyroid issues, chronic migraines, anxiety, and depression. I was overachieving in all the “right” ways but felt completely stuck and lost.

When I deepened my yoga practice, everything started to shift. Yoga became a bridge for me—not just between body and mind, but also between science and the sacred. Along the way, I got certified as a yoga instructor and started incorporating other tools like meditation, breathwork, journaling, nutrition, and spending more time outside (which has always been where I feel most alive). These practices helped me heal in ways I didn’t think were possible—and I even learned to laugh at myself and not take everything so seriously.

That was the real turning point: giving myself permission to play again, to not have it all figured out, and to enjoy life. Now, my purpose is to help others do the same. Through my yoga and wellness work, I support people in reconnecting with themselves and rediscovering joy. Whether it’s finding balance through movement, meditation, or just laughing and letting go, I want people to know it’s okay to have fun again. Life doesn’t have to feel so heavy all the time.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Ciara Martin, a yoga instructor, wellness advocate, and PhD toxicologist. My work bridges science and the sacred to help people reconnect with themselves, find balance, and rediscover joy. Through my yoga business, The Planted Yogi, I guide burned-out professionals—especially working women and moms—toward a life that feels more aligned, vibrant, and playful.

What makes my approach special is that it’s holistic and accessible. Yoga is just one piece of the puzzle—I also integrate meditation, breathwork, journaling, nutrition, and time outdoors into my offerings. I’ve found that these tools work best when they’re woven into everyday life in ways that feel natural and sustainable. My goal is to create spaces where people can take a deep breath, let go of the pressure to have it all figured out, and give themselves permission to play again.

This year, I’m especially excited about the wellness adventures I’m hosting. We’ll be relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Crete, hiking through the stunning landscapes of Australia’s Sunshine Coast, and offering local weekend digital detox retreats designed to help people unplug and reconnect in community. These adventures combine movement, mindfulness, and time in nature to create transformative experiences for those looking to step away from the grind and rediscover a sense of balance and joy.

Whether I’m hosting a retreat, leading a yoga hike, or connecting with someone one-on-one, what excites me most is seeing people come back to life—watching them realize they don’t have to keep reinventing the wheel and that they already have the tools they need to thrive. My hope is to keep expanding my offerings, reaching more people, and helping them find the same sense of joy, connection, and balance that I’ve been lucky enough to rediscover.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, three qualities and skills that have been most impactful on my journey are resilience, curiosity, and the ability to bridge science and intuition. Each has played a key role in shaping my path and my work.

1. Resilience: Life has thrown me plenty of curveballs—personal losses, health challenges, and navigating demanding career paths in both science and wellness. Resilience isn’t about never falling; it’s about learning to get back up and move forward, even if it’s just a small step. For anyone early in their journey, I recommend cultivating resilience by building a support system, practicing self-compassion, and staying connected to your “why” during tough times. Remember, challenges can be powerful teachers.

2. Curiosity: Whether it was diving deep into the science of toxicology during my PhD or exploring the mind-body connection through yoga and wellness, curiosity has kept me growing and evolving. My advice is to stay open to learning, ask questions, and seek out opportunities to explore new ideas. You don’t have to have all the answers right away—being curious can guide you toward unexpected solutions and opportunities.

3. Bridging Science and Intuition: One of the most exciting parts of my work is combining evidence-based practices with the intuitive, sacred aspects of wellness. This balance allows me to guide others in a way that feels grounded and authentic. For those early on, I suggest embracing both sides of yourself—your analytical mind and your inner wisdom. Explore research and training in your field, but don’t dismiss the power of trusting your gut and listening to what feels right.

Ultimately, the journey is as much about the process as it is about the destination. Be patient with yourself, stay curious, and lean into what excites you—you might be surprised where it takes you.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

One book that has played a significant role in my development is The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer. It came into my life at a time when I was feeling completely overwhelmed—grappling with personal loss, health challenges, and a demanding career. The book helped me shift my perspective on inner peace and taught me the value of letting go.

One of the most impactful nuggets of wisdom was the concept of seeing ourselves as the observer of our thoughts, rather than being consumed by them. That practice of stepping back and noticing has been transformational for me. It reminded me that we can choose not to carry every thought or emotion as a burden and instead find freedom in releasing what no longer serves us.

This philosophy directly influences my work today. Whether it’s through yoga, meditation, or time spent outdoors, I encourage others to reconnect with their own inner stillness and create space for joy and balance in their lives. For anyone on their own journey, I highly recommend this book as a starting point for exploring the art of letting go.

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