Jessica Miller

After 20 years of owning my own businesses, raising two beautiful daughters and helping to raise two stepsons, I considered myself retired and began doing a lot of charitable work in my community and at a global level. I was busier than ever and my yoga practice was always a place I could turn to for centering and grounding. My daughters surprised me with a weekend away for Mother's Day. It was a yoga retreat in Palm Springs and we had so much fun. My youngest daughter suddenly said, "You should be a yoga teacher Mom!" My older daughter agreed, but I had my doubts, because I felt I might be too old to be a teacher that others wanted to learn from. Some time passed, but the seed was planted and everywhere I turned Yoga was right there. I talked to many people, but the one person that made me feel the most confident to move forward was Dani Ibarra. She told me that I had a lot to offer and my students would find me! Wise words from an amazing teacher and friend.

Ashley Rideaux. She was my teacher for all 500 hours of training through Yogaworks and I just adore her. She taught me to always incorporate a philosophical thread throughout each lesson plan, along with focusing on a Chakra, etc...She also inspired me to sing my students out of Savasana because that's what she always does with her gorgeous voice. I also learned so very much about yoga philosophy from Jeanne Heileman and because she was Ashley's teacher, I call her my grand teacher. Casey Coda was my main teacher for another almost 500 hours of Urban Zen Integrative Therapy (UZIT) training and not only is she unbelievably caring and in tune with people, but her smile can truly warm the entire room. Other fave teachers are Mia Togo, Kia Miller, Sara Ivanhoe, Dani Ibarra , Risa Ross-Albertson and Jennifer Elliott.

I always try to create a space where my students can really feel not only safe and welcome but also where they experience something different every time. This is the same for a Vinyasa Flow class, and a deeply restorative class. I love music and always try to curate a wonderful playlist that matches the vibe of the class.
In my Urban Zen Integrative Therapy (UZIT) classes, my students can expect to show up in their coziest clothes and completely relax into yummy restorative poses, with gentle stretches and movements designed to help with a deeper relaxation. I also incorporate essential oils, Reiki, breathwork and meditation into each UZIT practice, often focusing of relieving a different symptom of stress to the body, such as pain, anxiety, sleep issues, stomach problems, exhaustion, sadness....just to name a few!

I feel retreats are transformational because you are gifting yourself several days to several weeks of stepping away from your every day life and TRULY allowing yourself to unplug and dive in without the usual distractions that often pop up for us daily. Retreats give us permission to relax and just focus on our own health and well being. I highly recommend them for everyone, including us yoga teachers!

My favorite pose to teach is very often considered the most difficult pose and that is Savasana. It is very difficult for us to really turn off all thoughts and movement and just be still. Our tricky little brain wants us to just move that one finger, or it might send us a signal that we have an itch to scratch suddenly, and then there's the "To Do List" that keeps running through our minds. It's a struggle, but it can be done!! Promise.

I love Utthita Parsvakonasana/Side Angle Pose! Not only is it an amazing stretch for me, but depending on which way I am working on it, can also be very strengthening for my legs, core and back. There are so many options for this pose and I love that.

I love to travel to Europe! I grew up in Germany & Italy, but I adore so many other countries within Europe. I love Hawaii and anywhere tropical really, and I also love discovering different States here at home, and meeting people from everywhere!