Meet Jessica Miller | Yoga Instructor, Urban Zen Integrative Therapist (UZIT)

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jessica Miller and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jessica, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I have always been adventurous. My mom used to call me “The Gypsy” because, not only would I trust peoe we just met, but be perfectly fine going on a trip with anyone! As long as I was traveling and experiencing new friends and places, I was always on Cloud 9.

As I aged, I realized that if there was a risk involved when making a decision about something, I either got this little, tickle of anticipation or I immediately felt dread. I found that my risk taking instincts were very well honed, and I could trust myself.

This has always served me well and has made me somewhat fearless, because I have found that the feelings of dread that I might sense when making a choice, are far and few between and if I sense something, I had better listen! Because of this, I often jump into things without overthinking and have had some wonderful journeys, some spectacular jobs and I’ve met some awesome human beings.

When I was 17, I decided to go to Europe to visit family by myself. I had so many mishaps & was even in some precarious situations, but I was still very confident and learned survival skills along the way. I became fiercely self sufficient because of all my adventures in traveling. The first time I was asked to camp, I jumped right in…even though I had NEVER camped before. The first time I was asked to go skiing, off I went and was taken straight to the top without one day of experience. I made it down, mostly on my bottom, but guess what, I still had a blast and became an avid skier after that. I also adore camping and all these experiences that enrich my life today, might never have come to fruition, had I not taken risks.

My decision to go into yoga teacher training at the age of 45 took a huge leap of faith and it felt like a big risk. Although I was not afraid and my Spidey senses were not warning me of danger, I felt unsure. I was worried because I was much older than most of the yoga instructors I knew and I thought I wouldn’t be taken seriously and I might make a fool out of myself.

I asked several yoga teachers what they thought about my idea of joining their ranks and I received nothing but encouragement. I was still unsure. This went on for a few months, until one day I sat quietly in meditation and I also happened to have the whole day to myself at home, (a rare occurrence with a husband, 4 children and 2 dogs). I gave myself the time to remember my past risk taking and how everything turned out. I relived the wonderful experiences I have had throughout my life because of my willingness to just jump in, and I decided to trust that I had something to teach to others and if I just do it, without looking back, it will all be OK.

Almost 15 years later, I have been able to teach many students, my practice has morphed into something more gentle and healing. I have become an Urban Zen Integrative Therapist (UZIT) and I am now training other potential teachers and therapists. I have lead 8 yoga retreats around California and am working on one this year in Mexico. I work at a UCLA run facility for Seniors and I get to see 16 of the residents each time I work, bringing them restorative yoga, meditation, breathwork and Reiki. I have private clients and taught for Yogaworks and several other yoga studios and I continue to learn and take risks when something new presents itself.

Yes, I would definitely say that risk taking has served me well, and I plan to continue and live my life fearlessly.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Currently, I am almost exclusively teaching Restorative, Therapeutic and UZIT yoga to others. I can teach all the other styles, like Hatha & Vinyasa Flow, but I’ve settled into my love of the quieter, healing practices.

What sets me apart from others is, because of my age I have experienced injuries, rehab and many other things that come along with being an older Yogi. Particularly, I relate to other women who have Empty Nests, have started their journeys to menopause or are already there. This group of students who always seem to magically find their way to me, has been life changing because, I am always learning from them and they continue to challenge me to learn more & delve deeper. It’s a beautiful synergistic relationship I have with all my students and I consider myself very fortunate.

I feel very confident that I can help people find their quiet & stillness within. I know I can help them to breathe, to listen and to allow rest and self care to enter their lives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Well, if we’re staying in California I would begin in the Central Coast. We would start in Paso Robles and go straight to Adelaida Winery & Brecon Winery. We would pack a lunch from Red Scooter Deli for these afternoon wine tastings and take our time enjoying our beautiful surroundings and delicious wines. For dinner, we would eat at Fish Gaucho and stay at the stunning Allegretto Hotel.

The next day, we would travel South to San Luis Obispo and walk around the charming college town. We would pick up sandwiches at High Street Deli and then head out to Chamisal Winery in Edna Valley. We would sit out on their beautiful patio overlooking the vineyard and again find peace in just enjoying the food, wines and surroundings. I would stay at The Cliffs Resort and enjoy a lovely/healthy breakfast at The Honeymoon Cafe after a yoga class at Harmony House Yoga, both in Pismo beach. After that we would take a long and lovely beach walk on the magnificent beaches the Central Coast has to offer.

After that, we’d head to So Cal and stay on the coast. Malibu and Santa Monica beaches are beautiful and there are wonderful hiking trails as well, all over these areas. I would go to the Santa Monica Pier, and eat in a restaurant with an ocean view…always an ocean view. I would visit The Center for Self Realization Meditation Gardens, a sanctuary right off Sunset Blvd and go up to Griffith Observatory and the Hollywood sign.
Universal Studios is super fun, so that’s an option or maybe see a play at The Pantages Theater in Hollywood.

The next day, we would have to go to Disneyland and stay there overnight at the Grand Californian. We would go to both parks and just let loose and be kids again!

I would end our trip in beautiful La Jolla & San Diego and enjoy all the beaches and beauty that these 2 cities have to offer. The Old Town area of San Diego has some delicious Mexican Food & Margaritas, so that’s a must in California.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have to give the biggest shout-out to my daughters Brittnie & Shelby for putting the seed of becoming a yoga instructor in my mind and then being the best cheerleaders any Mom could ask for. I also give a huge shout-out to my husband for putting up with my neverending list of training classes & workshops I have attended and encouraging me through them.
I want to give a shout-out to Dani Ibarra for telling me I could do this, no matter what my age.
Finally my 2 greatest teachers Ashley Rideaux & Jeanne Heileman. They both taught me to teach on a much deeper level and to always seek, read & learn more!

Website: www.jessicamilleryoga.com

Instagram: @jessicamilleryoga

Facebook: Jessica Miller Yoga

Other: https://linktr.ee/Jessicamilleryoga

Image Credits
Pena Photography, Josh Premako Photography