Teacher Spotlight with Jessica Oldfield

FLOW 🙏 + ALIGNMENT 🤸🏿‍♀️+ STRENGTH 💪

Based in Australia, Jessica is well-known for her playful, strong, and empowering classes. Lover of Arm Balances, Jessica loves to help students feel good in their bodies while encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone.

Q: After many years of Yoga, why do you still do it?

A: My practice is different from when I first started, and it will be different in 10 years, and this is the beauty of Yoga. I love how poses constantly show up differently in my body depending on what else is happening in my life. Yoga has and will continue to teach me discipline, dedication, and compassion. I also continue to show up for the community of like-minded people gathering together to connect, move, and breathe. After the pandemic, I cannot think of anything more important. If you enjoy my classes on Pracytce, please message me on Instagram, as I love connecting with students worldwide!

Q: What brings you back on your mat even on days you do not feel like it?

A: This is such an important question because we all have days where we don’t feel like practicing or rolling out the mat seems impossible. However, you learn the most in THESE exact days and practices. Allow yourself to be humbled on the mat, and give yourself permission to take it easy or slow. Once I start moving and breathing, all I want to do is stay longer and longer. Yoga is not a race but a lifelong practice on the good and bad days.

Q: Do you have a pose or poses that you avoid or hate? 

A: That is another excellent question. Students seem to assume that I love every pose because I am a teacher. That is not true at all. Parivritta Ardha Chandrasana, or Revolved Half Moon, is exceptionally challenging for my open hips. Also, Mayurasana, or Peacock Pose, is just uncomfortable – sticking your elbows into your belly is not super fun. Even though these poses are challenging, I try to incorporate them into my practice and find things to love about them!

Q: What is your favorite pose to teach and why? 

A: I love to teach strength-based postures and inversions. These poses are intimidating for many people, but they are also highly empowering. Once students have the tools and knowledge to work on these poses, they will likely achieve them with time and dedication. Having goals in your yoga practice is not bad, but you just don’t want them to become your reason for practicing.

Q: What do you love about being a yoga teacher?

A: The best part of being a teacher is meeting people from all walks of life. I have had the immense privilege of teaching in many different cities and countries, and I still have friends from each studio!! What I teach during class is important, but how I relate to or treat students before and after class is even more impactful.

Q: How do you handle stress and pressure?

A: I do handstands. That may sound odd, but you cannot afford to lose your concentration while balancing on your hands. When I’m upside down, everything else disappears for that time, and I’m focused on my breath and my body.

Q: After many years of Yoga, why do you still do it?

A: My practice is different from when I first started, and it will be different in 10 years, and this is the beauty of Yoga. I love how poses constantly show up differently in my body depending on what else is happening in my life. Yoga has and will continue to teach me discipline, dedication, and compassion. I also continue to show up for the community of like-minded people gathering together to connect, move, and breathe. After the pandemic, I cannot think of anything more important. If you enjoy my classes on Pracytce, please message me @jessicaoldfieldyoga on Instagram, as I love connecting with students worldwide!

March 7, 2023