James Oakes

I began practicing Hatha yoga in 2010 to find balance amidst work stress and over-training, and soon after incorporated Yoga Nidra into my practice. I was immediately impressed by the sense of balance, awareness, and joy this practice brought to my life. Drawing upon my love of coaching (rowing), I started teaching Hatha yoga in 2013 after completing the 200-hour RYT Teacher Training Program at Rancho Bernardo Yoga. I started iRest© Teacher Training with Level I training in October 2015 and completed my certification in February 2020. I have been teaching iRest and asana at Rancho Bernardo Yoga, BE Yoga and Wellness, and in private settings since November 2015, and prior to COVID am grateful to have led yoga classes at the San Marcos, CA Veteran Center through Connected Warriors. Practicing and teaching Yoga and iRest helps me continually re-commit to my life’s purpose – to live with love, integrity, and joy, continuously learning, listening, and teaching. I am grateful to guide iRest practices and co-meditation dyads, and have witnessed first-hand how these practices bring increased ease, understanding, joy and gratitude to those who practice, including my family and friends. I am blessed to be married to my best friend, Lisa, since 1989, and am the proud father of our adult children - daughter Gabriel and our son Will. When not at work or on the mat, you may find me at the beach surfing and bodysurfing in San Diego, and playing with my family.